Consumer Protection Act proving to be toothless
Leading SA consumer journalist Wendy Knowler says that the Consumer Protection Act, is proving to be largely toothless. Knowler writes: “Thanks to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), South Africans are among the most protected consumers in the world. That’s wonderful – in theory. “Of course, for legislation to have any real meaning, for it to […]
SARS tightens up on property transfers
SARS has introduced a new system from October 2012 whereby the transfer of any property will be delayed unless all the parties involved – the buyer, seller and the estate agency – have their tax affairs in order. SARS now requires the transferring attorney to provide the tax numbers of the property buyer and seller […]
Dangers of getting the cheapest quote
It often amazes me how property owners go about repairs, maintenance and renovations. In almost all cases it’s a case of: “Let’s get the cheapest quote”. And so the bakkie builder brigade are called in and very often grief follows. People who have spent at least one million (and often a lot more) on their […]
Here’s another happy client
Thanks John Just sent payment confirmation. Thanks to Gerrie for the chat earlier – look forward to reading the report but your services are 100% worth every cent – saved us from a potential financial disaster not to mention a whole lot of hassle in this house. So debating our next move but think the […]
Let the home buyer beware
It is probably a good thing that most aggrieved South African home buyers who think that they have been cheated by a seller, simply don’t have the money to take the seller to court, says John Graham, CEO of home inspection company HouseCheck. Graham says that the voetstoots clause provides such effective and unfair legal […]
Home inspection can empower home buyers
The CEO of a leading home inspection company, John Graham, says angry home buyers contact him every week with stories about how their dream home has turned into a nightmare. “People make the biggest purchase of their lives – a new house – and then discover that the house has serious problems which will cost […]
Consumer Champion inspires HouseCheck
I have just spent a very inspiring hour with South African retail legend Raymond Ackerman discussing HouseCheck and its campaign to champion the rights of the consumer/home buyer. Mr Ackerman told me how, many years ago, he had been rescued from making a bad buying decision with his first home in Johannesburg by a bank […]
The Consumer Protector fights for her job – Saturday Star
. A FIGHTER: National Consumer Commissioner Mamodupi Mohlala-Mulaudzi. Noni Mokati Some regard her as a “problem child” – an overly litigious woman who uses any opportunity to run to the courts at first provocation by her employer. But national consumer commissioner Mamodupi Mohlala-Mulaudzi believes she is nothing but a woman and worker hell-bent on fighting […]
Property Buyers Rights are stated in Part H of the Consumer Protection Act
Right to fair value, good quality and safety Definitions applicable to this Part of the Act 53. (1) In this Part, when used with respect to any goods, component of any goods, or services : (a) ‘‘defect’’ means: (i) any material imperfection in the manufacture of the goods or components, or in performance of the […]
Holding companies to account when they breach the Consumer Protection Act
Suing suppliers in court at great personal risk and expense is no longer your only option. The Consumer Protection Act aims to give you as a consumer a range of new rights and protections against dishonesty or negligence on the part of the companies from which you buy goods and services.