KWAZULU-NATAL

CONSUMER PROTECTION

U K U V I K E L W A   K W A B A T H E N G I   B A K W A Z U L U - N A T A L

Office of the Consumer Protector – KZN 

The main objectives of the Office of the Consumer Protector is to receive and investigate consumer complaints, facilitate mediation or conciliation disputes arising in terms of the Consumer Protection Act and further referring consumer disputes to the KZN Consumer Tribunal. 


  ​ABOUT CONS​​UMER PROTECTOR  

Services Offered by the Offices of the Consumer Protector – KZN

COMPLAINTS HANDLING

 To investigate consumer complaints within the Province of KwaZulu-Natal against unfair business practices such as the purchase of defective goods by enforcing your consumer rights enshrined in the CPA.

ENFORCEMENT AND

 COMPLIANCE

The Unit is responsible for conducting inspections at business premises, to ensure that businesses within the Province of KwaZulu-Natal are compliant with the Consumer Protection Act. 

CONSUMER TRIBUNAL / COURT

The KwaZulu-Natal Consumer Tribunal was created in terms of Section 8 of the Kwazulu-Natal Consumer Protection Act, Act 04 of 2013, to receive, hear and decide on any consumer matter.

CONSUMER 

EDUCATION

The Consumer Education Unit hosts workshops throughout the Province of KZN, to inform consumers of their consumer rights. Consumer Education Officers are available in all 11 EDTEA Districts.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Yes, All the services offered by the Office of the Consumer Protector is free from all charges.

No, you must submit your complaint directly using the EDTEA website. (https://kznconsumeraffairs.gov.za)

You may submit any complaint related to a transaction for the purchase of goods and services required against any business, retailer or service provider.

No, In terms of the Consumer Protection Act, any transaction between individuals is not protected in terms of the act.

A business may only lodge a complaint when their assets value or annual turnover, at the time of the transaction equals or exceeds the threshold value determined by the Minister in Sec 6 of the Regulations. 

All supporting documents that relates to your compliant must be uploaded.  This will include quotations, proof of purchase, contracts, invoices, copy of you ID, etc

  • An acknowledgement of receipt of your complaint will be sent to you within the first five days with the details of the person who will be dealing with you case;
  • The service provider/business against whom you lodged the complaint will be contacted for their response to your complaint. 
  • A Complaints Handler will commence with the investigation of the complaint
  • Regular updates will be sent to you advising you of the progress.
  • Yes, you may contact the complaint handler directly as their details will be provided to you.

If, the company contacts you after you have lodged the complaint with the consumer protector, you must refer them to the complaint’s handler. 

How can I contact the Complaints Unit?

Please click here to access contact details.

Free to the public

The services of the Office of Consumer Protection is free and there are no charges for 

submitting a complaint through the KwaZulu-Natal Consumer Protection Portal

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS   

Steps for Lodging your Complaint

YOUR

 DETAILS

As the complainant (consumer), your details are required.

RESPONDENT

DETAILS

Provide all the necessary information and contact details of the business you are lodging the complaint against. 

COMPLAINT 

DETAILS

Supply all the necessary factual and detailed information regarding your complaint.

UPLOAD 

ATTACHMENTS

 Upload all relevant documents related to the complaint, such as quotations, invoices, contracts, proof of purchase, agreements, etc.   

REVIEW

DETAILS

Review all submitted information to ensure correctness.                                                                                   

SUBMIT

 

By clicking on 'submit' the process of lodging your complaint is complete.