The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has referred four suppliers of goods and services (home renovations, car dealerships and car service centre) to the National Consumer Tribunal (Tribunal) for adjudication. The NCC received complaints from consumers alleging that these suppliers have contravened the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
First case: The NCC received and investigated a complaint against Home Renovations Cape Town. This is after a consumer entered into a house renovation agreement with the supplier and paid a total of R478,545.00. During the renovation process, the consumer requested Home Renovations to include extra renovations that were not part of the original agreement. The second quote amounted to R58,810.00. As the renovations progressed, the consumer noticed various defects and poor workmanship in certain areas of the house. Additionally, some areas that were supposed to be renovated were not completed. The consumer elected to cancel the contract and requested a refund for all the money monies paid for the partially completed renovations.
Second case: The NCC also received and investigated allegations brought against Standford Investments t/a Aksons Haval PMB. The consumer alleged that they bought a used 2018 Land Rover Evoque from Aksons Haval PMB. On the same day he took delivery, the vehicle started emitting black smoke from the engine. The vehicle was repaired numerous times, but the defects persisted. The consumer evoked his rights and cancelled the contract for a refund. The supplier failed to refund the consumer.
Third case: In the matter with Cape Rover Parts t/a Philipi Auto, the engine of the consumer’s vehicle ceased, and he took the vehicle to the dealership for engine rebuild. The supplier undertook to repair the engine. The vehicle has been with the supplier since 2022.
Fourth case: The NCC’s investigation against JMB Motors revealed that the consumer purchased a Volkswagen Golf 6 and within two days of collection, the vehicle manifested defects. The consumer sought to cancel the transaction for a refund, but the supplier refused.
The NCC has referred these matters to the Tribunal seeking redress for each consumer and an administrative penalty of 10% of each supplier’s total annual turnover or R1 000 000 (One million rands) whichever is greater. The Commission is also asking the Tribunal to declare each supplier’s conduct as prohibited.
On another matter, the NCC has issued a compliance notice to Autohaus Beyers. This after this dealership failed to refund the consumer the purchase price of R349 900 for their BMW coupe. The NCC’s investigation into this matter revealed that the consumer purchased the vehicle from Autohaus Beyers and within two days of purchase, the vehicle manifested defects. The vehicle was repaired numerous times, and the defects persisted. The consumer canceled the transaction and opted for a refund, however, the supplier refused to honour the consumer’s right to a refund, thus contravening section 56(2)(a) of the CPA.
ENDS
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