Mbabane – The Eswatini Consumers Association is lobbying for the tabling of legislation to combat false advertising in Parliament and the subsequent passing of the law.
The chairman, Bongani Mdluli, said the association is fully behind the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade’s tabling of the bill, which he said he hoped would come soon in Parliament. He revealed that the association has contributed to the bill’s drafting.
Mdluli said the legislation must prohibit tendencies of advertising services or goods of low standards and protect consumers so that the goods and services they buy are as good as advertised.
Mdluli said their primary objective is consumer protection, adding that their contributions to the proposed law are an extension of the Consumer Protection Act as well as the Eswatini Standards Authority, which also receives the association’s backing on combating unfair trade practices.
According to Mdluli, they have been inundated with reports by consumers of purchasing faulty products. Consumers are often met with hostility when demanding refunds, making an exchange or seeking compensation.
He said their pushback has led to more consumer protection laws.
On the customer service front, Mdluli said this week is important as it celebrates all people who work hard to service consumers. He said the customer service week also serves as an appreciation week for the mutual relationship between the consumer and the service provider, as the service provider needs the consumer to have a thriving business, and the consumer needs the service provider to get the service they need.
He went on to encourage service providers to prioritise consumers at all times and serve them with love and respect and, most importantly, show a smile at all times.
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