Know your rights

TODAY is World Consumer Rights day.

Everywhere in the world, March 15 is observed as a day to celebrate consumers' rights.

It has been extended in South Africa to become Human Rights Month - a time when consumer and human rights are highlighted.

Credit ombud Manie van Schalkwyk urges South African consumers to do everything possible to educate themselves about their rights and responsibilities.

Van Schalkwyk believes that through information and education consumers can be empowered to make their lives better, especially when making financial decisions.

The office of the credit ombud has partnered with the Gauteng office of Consumer Affairs, the National Credit Regulator, Department of Trade and Industry, Financial Services Board and the Council for Medical Scheme. They will host a joint road show to celebrate this day.

They will be at the Alexandra Plaza in Alexandra today to educate consumers about their rights.

There are eight consumer rights recognised internationally.

1. The right to satisfaction of basic needs. Consumers should have access to basic services and goods such as adequate food, housing, clothing, healthcare, education, clean water and sanitation.
2. The right to safe products and services. Consumers should be protected against products, services and production processes that are dangerous to health or life.
3. The right to information. Consumers must be provided with the facts needed to make informed choices and be protected against dishonest or misleading advertising and labelling.
4. The right to choose. Consumers should be able to choose from a range of products and services offered at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality.
5. The right to be heard. Consumers should be listened to and assisted when they want to complain or ask for information.
6. The right to redress. Consumers must receive a fair settlement of just claims, including compensation for misrepresentation and or shabby goods or services.
7. The right to consumer education. Consumers need to acquire knowledge and skills needed to make informed and confident choices about goods and services, while being aware of basic consumer rights and responsibilities and how to act on them.
8. The right to a healthy environment. Consumers should live and work in an environment that is not threatening to the wellbeing of present and future generations.

The credit ombud's office is one of the organisations that stands for the right to redress and is available to consumers at no cost.

The credit ombud acts as an independent and impartial body to assist consumers and businesses, who feel they have been treated unlawfully or unfairly in the credit process.

This office helps if you are adversely, incorrectly and unfairly listed at the credit bureau.

The ombud can also intervene if you feel that you have been negatively affected by a credit provider's conduct during the course of a non-bank credit agreement.

The ombud, can also help if you feel you have been unfairly treated or that your rights provided for in the National Credit Act, have been disregarded.

Complaints can be lodged by contacting the office on 0861 66 2837 or go to www.creditombud.org.za.