Tut Law Clinic partners with Consumer Ombud to empower students on their rights

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has partnered with the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO) to improve consumer awareness and equip students with knowledge about their rights when purchasing goods and services.

Martha Mokoena, Lecturer in the Faculty of Humanities. The engagement brought together university representatives, consumer protection officials and students to discuss the importance of consumer education, particularly as online shopping continues to become a major part of everyday life.

Martha Mokoena, Lecturer in the Department of Law, Safety and Security Management, in the Faculty of Humanities, directed the programme, while Katlego Mashego, TUT Law Clinic Manager, delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for the engagement.

Advocate Tshilidzi Khangala, Acting Head of the Department of Law, Safety and Security Management, said a lack of knowledge remained one of the biggest challenges facing young consumers. He warned that consumers who were unfamiliar with their rights were more vulnerable to exploitation when transactions went wrong.

The issue was particularly relevant to students, many of whom used online platforms to purchase clothing, electronic devices and other goods. While online shopping offered convenience and greater access to products, consumers could face difficulties when goods were not delivered as advertised or when sellers failed to honour their obligations.

Katlego Mashego, TUT Law Clinic Manager. Dr Jack Malatji, Senior Manager for Stakeholder Communication and Advocacy at the CGSO, said the partnership between TUT and the Ombud was driven by the need to make consumer protection services more accessible, particularly to vulnerable consumers. He added that consumers in townships, urban areas and rural communities often lacked both knowledge and access to information about their consumer rights.

“We saw that most consumers in townships, other urban areas and rural areas lack knowledge and accessibility. They also do not understand their rights. So, we approached TUT so that we could partner with them to increase accessibility to the office,” said Dr Malatji.

He added that many people were still unaware of the CGSO and the assistance it provides when consumers encountered problems with goods and services.

Ouma Ramaru, Consumer Education and Public Relations Manager at the CGSO, said consumer education was essential to ensuring that people could recognise and challenge violations of their rights.

“When you are knowledgeable, you can speak out. What kind of protection can you have if you do not know your rights?” Ramaru quipped.

Advocate Tshilidzi Khangala, Acting Head of the Department of Law, Safety and Security Management. For students in attendance, the event offered an opportunity to gain practical knowledge applicable beyond the university environment. Bella Hlongwane, a third-year Diploma in Law student, said the event had taught her the importance of knowing her rights as a consumer, particularly when making purchases online.

“What I learnt from this event is that I need to know my rights as a consumer because sometimes we buy things without knowing what we are entitled to. I am going to keep this in mind whenever I purchase something, especially online, and I will make sure that I understand my rights before making any transaction,” she said.

Ouma Ramaru, Consumer Education and Public Relations Manager at the CGSO.

Dr Jack Malatji, Senior Manager for Stakeholder Communication and Advocacy at the CGSO.