COVID-19 CONSUMER RIGHTS INFRINGEMENT – WHAT TO DO?

BY INA WILKEN, NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: FINBOND GROUP LIMITED

Apart from the gross inconvenience caused by COVID-19, the appalling consumer rights infringements it brought about have been staggering, wouldn’t you agree? The blame, in my view, cannot be laid anywhere else but with our current governing bodies.

This sad indictment is not only my personal perspective but, more importantly, is echoed by the many consumers I interact with on a regular basis. This view can be further substantiated by the finding of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, who, on 27 April 2020, denounced 15 countries in the world for unacceptable human rights violations and a ‘toxic lockdown culture’.

South Africa was singled out as one of the worst perpetrators (Emma Farge, UN raises alarm about police brutality in lockdowns (www. reuters.com, accessed 8-2-2020)). Of the stringent lockdown measurements implemented, the most damaging were most certainly the extensive economic restrictions on trade for so many businesses, which resulted in a staggering drop in GDP of over 16.4% between the first and second quarter or 2020, and a negative annualised growth rate of -51% (www.mg.co.za/ business, accessed 9-9-2020).

National Treasury is predicting a loss of R285bn in revenue and that between 1,5 to 3 million jobs will be lost, which would lead to wide-scale poverty and death as a result of hunger in an attempt to protect citizens against a disease with a mortality rate similar to that of seasonal flu!

Without delving further into the problem, though, we need to consider what we have to do now. What is the solution?

I want to suggest a reinforcement of that most primal protective instinct: that is, make sure you protect yourself and your family’s financial wellbeing in the best way possible.

Be sure to set some money aside, and if you can invest, consider doing so. Times are hard, and many jobs have been cut, but now more than ever, consumers need to become less consumer oriented, and more savings oriented. Seek to save what you can of your hard-earned income and consume only what you have to.

In many respects, COVID-19 – as difficult as it is – has the potential to teach us some of the most valuable lessons we could ever learn.

I know I may be ‘preaching to the choir’, but allow me to share a reminder for us on some very basic guidelines when it comes to savings:

• Consider whether there are any monthly discretionary, or non-essential, expenses that you can cut on?

• Look at your grocery list. Are there items that you can replace with more affordable items? Perhaps consider exchanging your preferred coffee brand for an alternative, inexpensive brand, or cut it out all together?

It is now time to be frugal and safeguard what you have. Guard your income and make sure you only spend what you really need to. Lastly, remember that we are here for you during this challenging time. We would love to be of assistance to you and help where we can. All of the best for the road ahead, and please remember you have a strong and secure partner at your service in these uncertain times. •

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