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Beware of product liability under the new Consumer Protection Act |
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 Section 61 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (the Act) introduces drastic remedies for consumers who suffer death, injury or illness, or the loss of, or physical damage to, movable or immovable property as a result of having been supplied unsafe or defective goods, or if they are given inadequate warnings or instructions regarding hazards which may arise from using the goods supplied. Although the Act is only expected to come into full operation on 24 October 2010, once it comes into effect, a consumer will be entitled to claim compensation for harm suffered in respect of any defective goods supplied to that consumer since 24 April 2010. The inadequate protection offered by current consumer protection legislation will be repealed and replaced by the Act, which contains a plethora of consumer rights aimed at protecting consumers from having to agree to unfair contract terms when purchasing goods or services. This article deals only with the product liability provisions contained in section 61 of the Act. |
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The National Business Initiative (NBI) feedback |
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 RuthTroskie, programme manager at the NBI says that business cannot succeed in a failing society and business thrives when society thrives. In the Eastern Cape, the NBI has a project orientated partnership with the Provincial Government in which the NBI has created platforms for non threatening engagements. One of the successful areas where the NBI has mobilised business leadership and resources to make a difference is in a mentorship programme which runs in a few provincial government departments. Giving feedback on this mentorship programme at a recent NBI feedback forum was one of the mentors Lee Foulis who had this to say about the programme. “We all have our own style and we acknowledge that no one size fits all. I have found this programme to be a very satisfying experience and I must say that knowledge passes both ways”. Lee used the analogy of flying a kite to describe the experience. She likened the relationship of the mentor and protege to that of the kite flyer and kite itself and the string representing the relationship. “It is a fantastic experience to let the string go and watch the individual take off. It’s satisfying and humbling at the same time”. |
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