Reflections on World Consumer Rights Day
It is natural that society rates people differently in terms of status, class or wealth. However, one thing common to all humans across the world is that we are consumers of goods and services.
March 15, which this year is a Sunday, is observed as World Consumer Rights Day. The day traces its origins from March 15 1962 when John F. Kennedy (JFK), the 35th president of the United States of America (USA), made a historic address to the United States Congress, outlining his vision of consumer rights.
In a speech touted as the first by any politician on the subject matter of consumerism, JFK said: “Consumers by definition include us all. They [consumers] are the largest economic group, affecting and affected by almost every public and private economic decision. Yet they are the only important group… whose views are often not heard.”
I could not have put it any better than this. Oftentimes, consumers are indeed on the receiving end. Their views are hardly heard by many established authorities.
However, to make a difference, it is important for consumers to know their rights and responsibilities to demand the best from service providers. It does not pay to suffer in silence as many Malawians do.
Do not entertain half measures, always strive for the best. Do not normalise mediocrity by, among others, uttering statements such as “ndi ku Malawi kuno, zimakhala choncho [This is how things work in Malawi” everytime there is substandard service offered. You deserve better.
There are several rights of a consumers, but critical ones include the right to satisfaction of basic needs through access to basic, essential goods and services such as adequate shelter, clothing, health care, education and public utilities, including water and sanitation.
Talking about utilities, the service providers need to provide us, as consumers, with 24/7 contact and response services. The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has a round-the-clock response unit. However, I am yet to see or hear about one from our water boards.
Consumers also have the right to safety. This means protection against products, production processes and services that are hazardous to health or life.
As consumers, we also have the right to be informed by way of correct and factual advertising/promotions to enable us to make informed decisions and choices. In recent years, local consumers have been victims of misleading advertising where big retailers would put the lowest price tag on a shelf as if representing all products therein only to be shocked or embarrassed at the pay-point that what they picked is beyond their budget or pocket.
Consumers also have the right to be heard, to choose, to seek redress and to a healthy environment.
If a service provider says “terms and conditions” apply or Ts & Cs as the trend is to call them now, the same should be clearly outlined to consumers.
Further, I would encourage consumers to speak out against or stop patronising shops with inscriptions such as ‘Goods once purchased are not returnable’. By any standard, you have a right to have your merchandise replaced. If you wanted an Adidas-branded T-shirt, why should the shop sell you a copycat called Abidas?
Besides the rights, consumers have the responsibility to pay for the goods and services they consume.
So, as the world commemorates the World Consumer Rights Day this March 15, bear in mind that consumer activism begins with us all. It is not in the domain of John Kapito and the Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama). Let us all be vigilant about expiry dates and general information on product labels. Do not buy products with information in a language you do not understand.
Point of reflection: What type of deal are you getting as a consumer?
