The National Consumer Commission invites members of the public and interested stakeholders to submit written comments on the application by the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB) for accreditation as a Consumer Production Group in terms of Section 78 of the Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008 (See Below).
PIRB’s application outlines its role in protecting consumers by promoting safe, ethical and compliant plumbing work, products and services. The application further outlines PIRB’s intention to identify and address systemic non-compliance that may pose risks to consumer safety, public health and water conservation.
The board has more than nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-five (9995) registered plumbers, including nine thousand and seventeen (9017) licensed qualified plumbers, and proposes proactive compliance inspections and monitoring across all nine provinces.
Written comments must be submitted within 45 days from the date of publication of the Gazette. Interested parties can access both the application and the Gazette can be accessed here: Consumer Groups – The National Consumer Commission.
Section 78 of the Consumer Protection Act (Act No. 68 of 2008) deals with the Disputes and Accreditation of Consumer Protection Groups.
Summary of Key Provisions:
Purpose & Role of Consumer Protection Groups: Section 78 establishes the framework allowing non-profit, non-governmental consumer protection groups or associations to register and receive official recognition from the National Consumer Commission (NCC).
Accreditation Requirements: The NCC may accredit an entity or organisation as a Consumer Protection Group if it meets prescribed standards of transparency, non-profit governance, capability, and public benefit. Accredited groups must act independently and in the interest of promoting and protecting consumer rights.
Powers and Rights of Accredited Groups:
Once accredited under Section 78, consumer protection groups are empowered to:
Initiate Complaints: Formally lodge complaints with the National Consumer Commission on behalf of individual consumers, groups of consumers, or in the general public interest.
Represent Consumers: Act as consumer advocates in dispute resolution proceedings, tribunal hearings, or informal negotiations.
Promote Consumer Awareness: Conduct education campaigns, research, and monitor market practices to ensure compliance with the CPA.
Lobby & Advise: Make submissions on proposed legislation, industry codes of conduct, or policies affecting consumer welfare.
Monitoring and Revocation
The NCC reserves the right to monitor accredited consumer protection groups to ensure they adhere to mandatory standards.
If a group fails to comply with statutory requirements, acts dishonestly, or ceases to operate in the public interest, the Commission may suspend or revoke its accreditation.
Section 78 plays a vital role in consumer advocacy by ensuring that civil society organizations, industry bodies, and consumer watchdogs have formal legal standing (locus standi) to represent consumers and tackle systemic market abuses on their behalf.
