The event was hosted by the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), the National Consumer Commission (NCC), and the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism under the theme: Empowering Consumers – Balancing Rights with Ethical Business Practice.
The primary objective was to engage businesses on competition issues within the food value chain – from farm to table – ensuring that consumer interests are safeguarded at every stage.
Delivering the keynote address, Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Ms Makhosazane Masilela, emphasised the need to empower consumers with essential knowledge about their rights.
“As we celebrate this significant day, we are reminded of the central role that consumers play in our economy and the critical need to protect their rights while also encouraging businesses to operate ethically, responsibly, and with integrity,” she said.
“It is not enough to simply adhere to the bare minimum of legal requirements; businesses must go above and beyond to establish a culture of fairness, respect, and responsibility.
We must remind ourselves of the importance of consumer protection, trust, and transparency in business operations. Today, it’s no longer just about selling a product – consumers are no longer passive recipients but active participants who have a choice," she said.
Ms Masilela further stressed that businesses must deliver quality and value in their products, services, and customer interactions. She also addressed the challenges posed by digital platforms, e-commerce, and the handling of personal data.
“As we embrace these new opportunities, we must prioritise consumer rights and ensure that customers have access to clear information, are not misled, and can make informed decisions.
Empowering consumers is crucial because they play a critical role in driving economic activity. Without consumers, there would be no economy. Businesses must be constantly reminded of the need for consumer protection, trust, and transparency,” she concluded.
Professor Ogujiuba advocated for the training and mentoring of women-led businesses.
Emancipation of Women-led Businesses
Speaking at the event, UMP Associate Professor of Economics and manager at the University of Mpumalanga Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (UMPCEFERI), Professor Kanayo Ogujiuba, highlighted the need for greater inclusion of women in economic opportunities within the food industry. He noted that traditional gender roles and cultural norms continue to sideline women in this sector.
“Existing gender-responsive agricultural policies should be enforced. Women are often concentrated in low-wage, informal, or seasonal jobs in the agricultural and food processing industries. Increasing women’s participation in food production, processing, and distribution will strengthen economic empowerment,” he said.
He further advocated for training, mentorship, capacity-building programmes, and business incubation to equip women with the skills needed to thrive in their businesses.
The President of the Black Farmers Forum, Mr Matlala Motsepe, urged farmers to support young people in accessing economic opportunities in the agricultural sector.
“World Consumer Rights Day serves as a global reminder that consumer rights are not just policies on paper but essential pillars of a just and ethical society,” he said.
The event also covered critical topics such as ensuring fair competition in the food value chain, funding opportunities for SMEs, and food safety. Stakeholders reinforced the need for businesses to adopt fair and transparent practices that benefit both consumers and the broader economy.
Story and pictures by Bulelwa Maphanga