Community Project Assignment
It is now the middle of the semester and we are halfway through Consumer Protection
and Credit Law ( LCPC2623) 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 Consumer
Protection Act 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
CPA, 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 CPA. 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.”
In light of the above, identify one CPA transgression in your community, district,
province, or South Africa in general that resonates with one of the consumer rights
covered in class. Having done that, design a poster on an A4 page, which creates
consumer awareness based on the transgression you have noted.
NB;The poster should be easily readable.
list the things i should include with examples
To design an effective and informative poster on a consumer protection transgression, you should include the following elements:
1. Eye-catching headline: Grab the viewer's attention with a bold and attention-grabbing headline related to the transgression. For example, "Beware of Unfair Pricing Tactics!" or "Don't Fall Victim to False Advertising!"
2. Visual representation: Include relevant images or illustrations that visually depict the transgression. For example, if the transgression is related to false advertising, include an image of a product with exaggerated claims.
3. Clear message: Clearly state the consumer right that has been violated. For example, if the transgression is related to misleading advertising, state "The Right to Accurate Information" or "Don't be Misled!"
4. Brief description: Provide a concise and easy-to-understand explanation of the transgression and how it violates consumer rights. Use simple language and bullet points if necessary. For example, if the transgression is related to unfair pricing, you could write, "Some stores inflate prices and then offer discounts to mislead consumers."
5. The impact on consumers: Highlight the negative consequences or risks that consumers may face as a result of the transgression. For example, if the transgression is related to unsafe products, you could write, "Buying unsafe products can lead to health risks or financial losses."
6. Call to action: Encourage viewers to take action or seek support if they have experienced a similar transgression. This could include providing contact information for relevant consumer protection organizations or agencies. For example, you could say, "If you've been a victim of unfair pricing, report it to the National Consumer Commission at [contact details]."
7. References to the Consumer Protection Act: Provide references to specific sections or provisions of the Consumer Protection Act that relate to the violated consumer right. This adds credibility to your message and encourages viewers to take the issue seriously.
Remember to keep the design clean and organized, using contrasting colors and appropriate fonts for easy readability. Use concise and impactful language to convey your message effectively.