High school pupils have been educated on how to identify unfair or misleading business practices.
The 24 pupils from Motshane and Ezulwini Community High Schools were also introduced to available complaint and redress mechanisms they could use should they encounter such issues.
This took place during the Consumer Protection Awareness workshop for high school pupils under the theme “Youth perspective to consumer protection in Eswatini”, held at the Eswatini Competition Commission (ESCC) premises yesterday.
Motshane High School pupil Buhle Masuku said they paid close attention and asked questions, showing their engagement with the sessions.
She said they had now been capacitated, as they previously did not know how to deal with fraud cases, such as “facata” scams.
She added that they could now formulate strategies to handle fraud, avoid exploitation, and even assist the elderly in preventing scams.
Ezulwini Community High School pupil Bandiswa Dlamini said the workshop was very helpful because it touched on the economy and how consumers should be treated.
“Now we know that if I buy something that has a two-year warranty, that lifespan is the seller’s responsibility, not mine,” Bandiswa explained.
“This workshop has also taught us how to get a fair deal, not to be exploited in the markets through misleading price reductions, overcharging, buying expired goods, and more.”
ALSO READ | ‘Nothing wrong with learners cleaning toilets’
ESCC Advocacy and Communications Manager Manqoba Mabuza said the workshop aimed to promote consumer literacy among pupils by raising awareness of their rights and responsibilities.
Another goal, he noted, was to discuss the role of young people in promoting fair and responsible markets.
Mabuza also said ESCC enforces the Competition Act of 2007 and the Fair Trade Act of 2001, which address consumer rights and caution against unfair business practices.
He highlighted that the National Youth Policy calls for decentralising services to youth, including in-school pupils, who are current consumers and future manufacturers and retailers.
“This is still a pilot project, and we aim to reach schools across the regions. We will also have a podcast for the same purpose. Through this workshop, we aim to equip pupils with practical knowledge about their rights, help them identify unfair business practices, and understand the mechanisms to seek assistance when those rights are violated,” Mabuza said.
He added that ESCC and its partners have visited over 21 constituencies to educate communities on consumer protection, noting that in-school youth often miss out.
ESCC Director of Competition and Consumer Protection, Sibonisezulu Maseko, welcomed the pupils, urged active participation, and emphasised their importance as future consumers.
