Consumer stories that made headlines in 2019
A rundown of some of the year’s mixed good and bad news stories that featured
Is the price you see, the price you pay, cash or card?
Service providers may not charge customers more if they choose to pay cash. But that does not preclude them from offering a discount
If you want to drive, it's pot luck
There?s nothing stopping anyone from opening a driving school; all you need is an instructor?s certificate
#ConsumerWatch: Beware of fraudulent driving schools taking clients for a ride
There?s nothing stopping anyone from opening a driving school; all you need is an instructor?s certificate, which means little in an industry that?s unregulated ...
The customer is always right. Until they’re wrong
After a Durban reader complained about his new Hyundai, the easy option would have been to lash the corporate bully
When unruly neighbours get too close for comfort
Residential complex trustees need to put clear rules in place to prevent discord between neighbours
#ConsumerWatch: When unruly neighbours' children cause chaos in a residential complex
Residential complex trustees need to put clear rules in place to prevent discord between neighbours, warns Georgina Crouth.
#ConsumerWatch: ‘Relaxing holiday’ was hardly that on MSC Musica
But the responsibility cuts both ways: if you?re unhappy, speak up, the sooner the better.
Rental tribunal issues warning for landlords
Both landlords and tenants have rights and responsibilities: landlords cannot resort to dubious, illegal methods to drive out tenants
More problems for Ford motors
Certain models of Focus, Kuga, Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect have been flagged as possible fire hazards
OPINION: Lessons from a tough year
The Rolling Stones sang about getting no satisfaction, and 2018 certainly left most of us dissatisfied.
#ConsumerWatch: Standard Bank flags massive debit order scam
400000 people fell victim to a R99 con, which was swiftly dealt with, says the Payments Association of South Africa.
Consumer: Power surges can 'fry' your electrical equipment and cause fires
Surge arrester plugs are advisable - but don?t skimp on quality because these are safety critical. Power surges can ?fry? your equipment and cause electrical fires. ...
Timeshare probe report released by Consumer Commission
The NCC resorted to the inquiry after exploring other options, as provided for by the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), but without success
Advertising Regulatory Board rules 'Rama is a spread and not a margarine'
Many consumers viewed the ASA with reverence, as the one body willing - and able - to take on the big guys.
Artificial Intelligence, leapfrogging Africa’s development
AI expert Dr Jacques Ludik is a smart technology entrepreneur, on a mission to help companies thrive, not survive.
Momentum's about-turn: What industry experts say
Momentum?s about-turn throws the ball back in the court of the other major insurance houses, who will now be expected to follow suit.
Consumer: Cancelling a contract? Know your rights
Telkom comes under a lot of flak for its poor service.
#ConsumerWatch: Marathon champion's 4-year fight for his Soweto property
Four years ago, Two Oceans Marathon winner and legend in the running community Thulani Sibisi bought a house, but a squatter is keeping him out of his home.
#ConsumerWatch: Think before you click when buying online
The online marketplace is booming, but consumers should exercise caution, because it can be a minefield
Pick n Pay Smart Shopper members to earn points at petrol stations
Pick n Pay Smart Shopper members will soon be able to earn points when they refuel at BP service stations.
#AskGeorgie: Tiger Brands to reopen its Germiston branch following #Listeriosis outbreak
Tiger Brands has reopened its Germiston branch and is reassuring consumers its products are safe. Is it time to move on?
#ConsumerWatch: How to get rid of those unwanted tenants - legally
Tenants have rights - even illegal ones - which is why landlords shouldn?t try to take the law into their own hands when evicting
Roundup: are we poisoning our kids?
After the weedkiller?s manufacturer was slapped with a R4229m fine for causing cancer, traces of glyphosate were found in cereals. Time to panic?
Comment sought after provisional HMI report is released
The competition Commission released its provisional report on the Health Market Inquiry, giving stakeholders until Friday, September 7 to comment.