EMPOWERING AND EDUCATING CONSUMERS FIFTH ANNUAL AFRICAN DIALOGUE CONSUMER PROTECTION SEPTEMBER LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA

MANDATE The Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs is mandated by the Consumer Protection Act, 1918,to disseminate information to enable consumers to acquire knowledge of basic consumer rights and the skills needed to make informed choices goods and services.

Section 5 (1) (b) and (c) of the Consumer Protection empowers the Office  to disseminate information to enable consumers to acquire knowledge of basic consumer rights and obligations  Formulate and implement consumer education programmes Mandate

Ways of empowering consumers:  Kgotla and school addresses  NGO’S and Association addresses  Workshops and Seminars  Open air campaigns Outreach Programmes

 Panel discussions  Breakfast meetings  Fairs and Exhibitions  Radio programmes  Daily news articles  Television- though it is not consistent due to lack of permanent slot  Formation of consumer groups and school clubs OUTREACH Continued

 Drama performances  Drama trails  Radio jingles  News letter  Road shows Innovative project

 Shortage of funds to strengthen educational campaigns and information dissemination CHALLENGES

 Aired 30 min drama on Botswana Television  Conducted two roadshows  Permanent slot in the Daily news paper  Permanent slot in the National Radio(RB1) ACHIEVEMENTS

THANK YOU