MPUMALANGA CONSUMER COURT MEMBERS GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

The newly established consumer court will ensure a speedy and reliable process of handling consumer complaints in the province, said the head of consumer protection services, Mr Nirvard Lubisi
Addressing the introductory meeting of the newly appointed members of the consumer court and the consumer complaints investigators, Mr. Lubisi said the court is vital to ensure speedy resolution of consumer complaints in the province.

“The establishment of the consumer court is great news for the province because the consumers would now have a court that looks at their interests.

“It means that instead of having to go through a costly civil court, consumers will now be able to approach a court which is dedicated to protect the rights of consumers”, said Lubisi.
The meeting was the first for the members and investigators since the former’s appointments were confirmed over a month ago.

Welcoming the responsibility bestowed on the members to protect the interests of consumers, the chairperson of the consumer court, Mr Sinky Nkosi said the team “is delighted to bring their services to the people and to ensure fair and equitable decision making” that address and protect the rights of the consumers.

“We want to be an asset to the government and the people alike”, said Mr. Sinky Nkosi Chairperson of the consumer court, acknowledging the huge responsibility of the court given the current economic environment which has had serious consequences on the consumers.
The members of the newly founded Consumer Court members are Mr. Sinky Nkosi (chairperson), Prof. Joseph Maseko, Mr. Bongani Matsane, Ms Mariette van Niekerk, Mr. Macbeth Nkongurane and Ms. Raehael Shabangu, all who have strong legal background.

The court will sit twice per month in Nkangala, Gert Sibande or Ehlanzeni regions, depending on the cases that are brought to the attention of the court.