Just in time for World Consumer Day last Sunday, the South African government officially launched the National Consumer Tribunal (NCT)  last week.

Despite being in operation for over a year, the uptake of the tribunal’s services has not been that great, hence the need for an event to raise its profile.

For instance, I had no idea that it cost the consumer a mere R50 to R100 to lodge a complaint. If you can’t afford this fee, it is waived.

The NCT is intended as the last port of call in any dispute under the National Credit Act or the soon-to-be-law Consumer Protection Act. The tribunal role is an adjudicator of consumer issues, which means that it plays the role of referee rather than being a consumer advocate or watchdog organisation.

A recent article in The Sowetan explains more about lodging a complaint with the tribunal:

What is the role of the tribunal?

The role of the tribunal is to adjudicate on applications and allegations of prohibited practice made in terms of the National Credit Act. Applications can be brought by consumers, registrants, consumer courts or the National Credit Regulator. The National Credit Regulator and in certain instances complainants, may refer cases of alleged prohibited conduct to the tribunal for a determination.

What process should I follow when I want to lodge an application with the tribunal?

The consumer should approach the tribunal who will then assist the consumer lodge the application through the following steps:

Step 1: Identify and fill in the relevant form your application.

Step 2: Provide required documents.

Step 3: Pay required fee where necessary.

Step 4: Notify affected parties of application.

Step 5: Serve documents on affected parties and acquire proof of service.

Step 6: File with the Tribunal.