From left; Adv. Mafanywa Mangammbi (UL), Queen Munyai (CGSO) and Naum Kgosana (new Complaints Officer) agree that the satellite office will educate ordinary people on the importance of consumer rights. Photos: Mohao Seleka
By Rinae Manenzhe – Ulpublications@ul.ac.za
Accessing mediation and resolving consumer complaints against businesses or other entities will now be easier for the people of Limpopo due to a new partnership between the University of Limpopo (UL) and the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO)
The two institutions have launched a satellite office at the University to make CGSO’s services more accessible to UL students, staff, and surrounding communities.
The launch of this satellite office coincided with the celebration of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UL and CGSO on 18 October 2024. This collaboration is designed to enhance consumer law education and extend essential legal services to vulnerable and indigent communities across South Africa.
During the launch, CGSO CEO Queen Munyai emphasised the importance of the partnership, stating, “By working with UL, we can better serve vulnerable consumers locally and in their preferred language.”
Advocate Mafanywa Mangammbi from the School of Law further clarified the collaboration’s goal, saying, “This partnership is focused on educating the community about their rights and ensuring that suppliers uphold consumer protection laws.”
As part of the launch, Naum Kgosana was introduced as the new Complaints Officer responsible for managing the satellite office. She expressed her enthusiasm and stated, “I am excited to be part of this initiative and look forward to working with CGSO and UL to enhance consumer knowledge.”
Under her leadership, the office is expected to become a hub for consumer advocacy, fostering partnerships and opportunities for students, staff, and the broader community.
Traditional leader Kgoši Mamabolo, representing the Mankweng Magistrate’s Office and DIMAMO (Dikgale, Mamabolo, and Mothiba), welcomed the establishment of the office. “I will share all the information I have learned here with the communities under the Mankweng Magistrate’s Office. Rest assured, they will all be informed,” he said.
Algerina Makofane, a Bachelor of Laws master’s student, focusing on Development and Management Law at UL, also commended the initiative, noting, “This is a great step forward. Our University is in a rural area where legal education is much needed. Bringing this office here will help many people understand their rights and contribute to development and growth,” she said.
In addition to enhancing consumer education and access to services, the partnership will facilitate guest lectures, public discussions, information-sharing sessions, conferences, and workshops, all stemming from the MoU. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening consumer protection and legal awareness in Limpopo and beyond.