Consumer stories that made headlines in 2019

Georgina Crouth|Published

A rundown of some of the year’s mixed good and bad news stories that featured

Consumer: WHEN it comes to medication, there’s no such thing as too much information.

Georgina Crouth|Published

Medical doctors have a duty to disclose the material risks of prescription medication and to offer patients alternatives

Is the price you see, the price you pay, cash or card?

Georgina Crouth|Published

Service providers may not charge customers more if they choose to pay cash. But that does not preclude them from offering a discount

If you want to drive, it's pot luck

Georgina Crouth|Published

There?s nothing stopping anyone from opening a driving school; all you need is an instructor?s certificate

#ConsumerWatch: Beware of fraudulent driving schools taking clients for a ride

Georgina Crouth|Published

There?s nothing stopping anyone from opening a driving school; all you need is an instructor?s certificate, which means little in an industry that?s unregulated ...

The customer is always right. Until they’re wrong

Georgina Crouth|Published

After a Durban reader complained about his new Hyundai, the easy option would have been to lash the corporate bully

When unruly neighbours get too close for comfort

Georgina Crouth|Published

Residential complex trustees need to put clear rules in place to prevent discord between neighbours

#ConsumerWatch: When unruly neighbours' children cause chaos in a residential complex

Georgina Crouth|Published

Residential complex trustees need to put clear rules in place to prevent discord between neighbours, warns Georgina Crouth.

#ConsumerWatch: ‘Relaxing holiday’ was hardly that on MSC Musica

Georgina Crouth|Published

But the responsibility cuts both ways: if you?re unhappy, speak up, the sooner the better.

Rental tribunal issues warning for landlords

Georgina Crouth|Published

Both landlords and tenants have rights and responsibilities: landlords cannot resort to dubious, illegal methods to drive out tenants

More problems for Ford motors

Georgina Crouth|Published

Certain models of Focus, Kuga, Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect have been flagged as possible fire hazards

OPINION: Lessons from a tough year

Georgina Crouth|Published

The Rolling Stones sang about getting no satisfaction, and 2018 certainly left most of us dissatisfied.

#ConsumerWatch: Standard Bank flags massive debit order scam

Georgina Crouth|Published

400000 people fell victim to a R99 con, which was swiftly dealt with, says the Payments Association of South Africa.

Consumer: Power surges can 'fry' your electrical equipment and cause fires

Georgina Crouth|Published

Surge arrester plugs are advisable - but don?t skimp on quality because these are safety critical. Power surges can ?fry? your equipment and cause electrical fires. ...

Timeshare probe report released by Consumer Commission

Georgina Crouth|Published

The NCC resorted to the inquiry after exploring other options, as provided for by the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), but without success

Advertising Regulatory Board rules 'Rama is a spread and not a margarine'

Georgina Crouth|Published

Many consumers viewed the ASA with reverence, as the one body willing - and able - to take on the big guys.

Artificial Intelligence, leapfrogging Africa’s development

Georgina Crouth|Published

AI expert Dr Jacques Ludik is a smart technology entrepreneur, on a mission to help companies thrive, not survive.

Momentum's about-turn: What industry experts say

Georgina Crouth|Published

Momentum?s about-turn throws the ball back in the court of the other major insurance houses, who will now be expected to follow suit.

Consumer: Cancelling a contract? Know your rights

Georgina Crouth|Published

Telkom comes under a lot of flak for its poor service.

#ConsumerWatch: Marathon champion's 4-year fight for his Soweto property

Georgina Crouth|Published

Four years ago, Two Oceans Marathon winner and legend in the running community Thulani Sibisi bought a house, but a squatter is keeping him out of his home.

#ConsumerWatch: Think before you click when buying online

Georgina Crouth|Published

The online marketplace is booming, but consumers should exercise caution, because it can be a minefield

Pick n Pay Smart Shopper members to earn points at petrol stations

Georgina Crouth|Published

Pick n Pay Smart Shopper members will soon be able to earn points when they refuel at BP service stations.

#AskGeorgie: Tiger Brands to reopen its Germiston branch following #Listeriosis outbreak

Georgina Crouth|Published

Tiger Brands has reopened its Germiston branch and is reassuring consumers its products are safe. Is it time to move on?

#ConsumerWatch: How to get rid of those unwanted tenants - legally

Georgina Crouth|Published

Tenants have rights - even illegal ones - which is why landlords shouldn?t try to take the law into their own hands when evicting

Roundup: are we poisoning our kids?

Georgina Crouth|Published

After the weedkiller?s manufacturer was slapped with a R4229m fine for causing cancer, traces of glyphosate were found in cereals. Time to panic?