Community Project Assignment
It is now the middle of the semester and we are halfway through Consumer Protection
and Credit Law as you would know that we are done with theme one of the
module, having covered a range of topics, case law and provisions of the National Credit
Law 34 of 2005 related to this module. At this juncture, it is thus with the reasonable and
fair expectation that you have an adequate understanding of the key concepts and
underlying principles of this area of law, such as the application and scope of the NCA,
the key institutions such as the National Credit Regulator, Credit Breau and National
Consumer Commission. It is also with great expectation that you have sound legal
knowledge of consumer rights enshrined in the National Credit Act. In overemphasising
the importance of consumer protection, the renowned Professor of Consumer Protection
submits as follows:
LCPC2623
“Now the marketing of goods and services is highly sophisticated and untrained
consumers cannot hope to compete with entrepreneurs who are able to
persuade them to buy goods or services on terms and conditions which are
designed to protect the interests of suppliers. Even educated consumers
face difficulties in today’s sophisticated modern world where goods come in
sealed packages or consist of complicated electronic devices. In some instances
consumers do not even know that they are being affected adversely by the
products that they buy, for example food additives and drugs. Consumers must
rely on the information which they receive from suppliers. Added to this is the
problem that business and consumers tend to be in an unequal bargaining
position, so consumers who confront businesses with problems find that they are
simply ignored. Consumers do not have the financial resources to fight for their
rights. Litigation is notoriously expensive and because of the relatively small
sums that are often involved, it does not make financial sense for consumers
to take the matter to court.”
1
In light of the above, identify Top 3 credit law transgression in Mankweng community, based in Capricorn district,
in Limpopo province, South Africa that resonates with one of the consumer rights
covered in Section 60-66 of National Credit Act 34 of 205. Having done that, Make a list of the important things you are going to include when designing a poster on an A4 page, which creates consumer awareness based on the transgressions you have noted.
Indicate the best option because there will be two panels of judges, and students of the best five will be awarded
prizes.
Based on the information provided, I cannot identify specific credit law transgressions in the Mankweng community without further information about the community and its credit practices. However, I can provide a list of important things to include when designing a consumer awareness poster on an A4 page:
1. Clear and attention-grabbing title: Create a title that immediately captures the reader's attention and communicates the purpose of the poster, such as "Know Your Credit Rights" or "Protect Yourself from Credit Law Violations."
2. Engaging visuals: Include relevant images or graphics that visually represent the concept of consumer rights and credit law. This can include pictures of consumers, credit cards, money, or symbols of protection and justice.
3. Key consumer rights: Clearly highlight the consumer rights covered in Sections 60-66 of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005. These rights may include the right to access credit information, the right to dispute incorrect information, the right to fair and non-discriminatory credit terms, the right to responsible lending practices, etc.
4. Examples of credit law transgressions: Provide specific examples of credit law violations that are relevant to the Mankweng community. For example, predatory lending practices, unfair interest rates, hidden fees, or failure to provide accurate and comprehensive information to consumers.
5. Simple and easy-to-understand language: Use straightforward language that is accessible to a wide range of readers. Avoid using complex legal terminology and explain concepts in plain language.
6. Contact information: Include contact information for relevant consumer protection organizations or resources, such as the National Credit Regulator or local consumer advocacy groups. Provide phone numbers or websites where individuals can seek help or report credit law transgressions.
7. Call to action: Encourage readers to take action by informing them of their rights and urging them to be vigilant consumers. Include a call to action such as "Protect Yourself Today" or "Know Your Rights, Demand Fair Treatment."
8. Design elements: Make sure the poster is visually appealing and easy to read. Use colors that are eye-catching but not distracting, and choose fonts that are clear and legible. Divide the poster into sections with headings and bullet points to organize the information.
9. Logo or branding: Include the logo or branding of the organizing entity, such as the college or institution running the community project. This helps build credibility and makes the poster's source clear.
10. Compliance with size requirements: Ensure that the poster fits within the specified A4 page dimensions. Double-check the dimensions before finalizing the design to avoid any formatting issues.
To determine the best option for the competition, it would be helpful to consult with judges or organizers who can provide specific judging criteria or preferences.
To identify the top 3 credit law transgressions in the Mankweng community, based in the Capricorn district, in Limpopo province, South Africa, you will need to research and gather information about consumer issues in the area. Here are the steps you can take:
1. Research: Conduct comprehensive research on consumer issues and credit law transgressions in the Mankweng community. Look for local news sources, community forums, and government reports to gather information on specific incidents or ongoing problems.
2. Analyze the National Credit Act: Review Sections 60-66 of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 to understand the consumer rights covered in those sections. These sections provide protection to consumers against unfair credit practices, including issues related to credit agreements, interest rates, fees, debt collection, and disclosure of information.
3. Identify transgressions: Based on your research and understanding of the Act, identify three credit law transgressions in the Mankweng community that resonate with one of the consumer rights covered in Sections 60-66 of the National Credit Act. Examples could include:
a) High-interest rates charged by local lenders, exceeding the limits set by the Act.
b) Unfair debt collection practices by debt collectors in the community.
c) Lack of proper disclosure of terms and conditions in credit agreements by local retailers.
4. Designing a consumer awareness poster: When designing a poster on an A4 page to create consumer awareness based on the identified transgressions, consider the following key elements:
a) Catchy headline: Start with a concise and attention-grabbing headline that highlights the issue and encourages people to take notice.
b) Visuals: Include relevant images or symbols that depict the transgressions or consumer rights being violated. These visuals should be easily understandable and relatable to the target audience.
c) Key information: Provide a brief description of the transgressions, explaining the consumer rights being violated and the impact on individuals. Use simple language that is easily understandable to the community members.
d) Contact information: Include contact details of relevant organizations or authorities that community members can reach out to for support or to report any issues they have experienced.
e) Slogans or call-to-action: Add a powerful slogan or call-to-action to inspire community members to take action, such as "Know Your Rights, Protect Your Future" or "Report Credit Law Violations, Be a Consumer Champion."
5. Presentation: Ensure that your poster is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to read. Use clear fonts, appropriate colors, and a balanced layout to make the information stand out. Consider utilizing bullet points or numbering to make the key points more prominent.
Remember to present your findings and designed poster in a concise and coherent manner to the judges. Good luck with your assignment!