The World Consumer Rights Day is commemorated globally each year on 15 March to raise awareness about consumer rights and promote fair, ethical, and transparent practices in the marketplace. In celebration of this important global event, the University of Limpopo in partnership with the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) will host a World Consumer Rights Day Debate as part of the provincial celebrations.
Although the official global date falls on 15 March, the 2026 provincial celebration will take place on Saturday, 7 March 2026 from 08:00 to 16:00 at the University of Limpopo. This event forms part of a broader national initiative that highlights the importance of consumer protection laws, ethical business conduct, and consumer education across South Africa.
The 2026 theme, “Turning the tide against unfair business practices,” highlights the need to strengthen consumer protection and address unfair practices affecting consumers. Issues such as fraudulent service providers, counterfeit goods, unsafe food products, misleading vehicle sales, and unfair financial services continue to challenge consumers. Through dialogue and awareness initiatives, stakeholders aim to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness within the marketplace.
The debate will provide a platform for students, policymakers, consumer protection bodies, and industry stakeholders to engage on key consumer issues and explore solutions that strengthen consumer rights. It also aligns with national efforts to unify messaging among consumer protection institutions and ensure that communities understand their rights and responsibilities under the Consumer Protection Act.
In the lead-up to the main celebration, several consumer education and awareness activities will take place between 9–12 March 2026, focusing on consumer and business education, inspections, and enforcement initiatives aimed at promoting safe products, fair trade, and responsible business practices.
The event will be guided by the campaign tagline:
“Your rights. Your Power. Our Commitment.”
For enquiries:
Ms Lisbeth Letsoalo | Mr Reginald Matsheta
Tel: 015 268 4318 / 015 268 3649
Email: lisbeth.letsoalo@ul.ac.za | reginald.matsheta@ul.ac.za