About The National Consumer Commission of South Africa (NCC)
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is the primary regulator of consumer-business interaction in South Africa, and was created by government under the auspices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to ensure economic welfare of consumers. Consumers play a vital role in the growth of the economy and thus contribute to the national fiscus and the development of the country.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is established in terms of section 85 of the Consumer Protection Act No. 68 of 2008, as an organ of state within the Public administration, and as an institution outside public service with jurisdiction throughout the Republic of South Africa. The NCC is charged with the responsibility to enforce and carry out the functions assigned to it in terms of the Act, which aims to:
Promote a fair, accessible and sustainable marketplace for consumer products and services, and for that purpose;
- Establish national norms and standards relating to consumer protection;
- Provide for improved standards of consumer information;
- Prohibit certain unfair marketing and business practices;
- Promote responsible consumer behaviour; and
- Promote a consistent legislation and enforcement framework relating to consumer transactions.
Vision
In pursuance of its strategic mandate as enshrined in the CPA, the vision of the NCC is: “To be the leading institution in consumer protection that is professional, responsive and effective.”
Mission
The mission of the NCC is: “To promote compliance with the Consumer Protection Act through advocacy and enforcement, in order to ensure fair business practice and uphold social and economic welfare of consumers”.
Values
Values are common traits and attributes which guide the manner in which the organisation will relate with its stakeholders and operate. They are intended to define and shape the culture of the NCC and guide how staff members interact both internally and with all other stakeholders.
The NCC’s value statements are:
- Professionalism and Ethical conduct - Promote and maintain a high standard of professional ethic
- Efficiency & effectiveness - Promote efficient, effective and economic use of resources.
- Transparency – Fostering a culture wherein the bases upon which decisions are made are consistent and transparent
- Accountability- Accepting responsibility for its own actions.
- Teamwork- Promote coherent and effective teams within the NCC
Strategic goals or objectives
The strategic objectives articulated below were arrived at through a careful assessment of the legislative mandate and the environment in which the NCC operates. Up-to-date information about the organisation’s performance and its challenges were gathered in developing the strategic objectives. Consideration was also given to political, economic, social, environmental and technological aspects applicable to the NCC. In assessing the information gathered, the NCC was able to define the critical strategic tasks facing the NCC over the next five years.
The following are three the strategic outcomes that will be pursued by the NCC over the next three years:
- To promote Consumer Protection and Consumer Safety;
- To promote reform of consumer policy and compliance with consumer protection legislation; and
- To promote public awareness on consumer protection.
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