KWAZULU-NATAL
CONSUMER PROTECTION
UKUVIKELWA KWABATHENGI BAKWAZULU-NATAL
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 CONSUMER 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 conducts business inspections throughout KwaZulu-Natal, including the ports of entry and investigates businesses suspected of having practices that do not align with Consumer Protection Act. These activities are aimed at safeguarding consumer rights, promoting fair and ethical business practices, and fostering a marketplace that is transparent, accountable, and compliant with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (Act 68 of 2008).
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 the public 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.
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 QUESTIONSSteps 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.