Your guide to your rights as a consumer
Hello, and welcome to the third part of our blog series discussing your rights as consumer in South Africa in 2019! In our first article we took a look at your right to apply for credit, and your right not to be discriminated against when applying for credit. We followed that up with a second article that broke down your right to be given reasons for credit being declined and your right to be given documents in an official language that you understand.
Today we’ll take a look at two more rights you have as a consumer in South Africa, in accordance with the National Credit Act – namely, the right to be given documents in a plain and understandable language, and the right to be given documents related to the credit transaction:
The right to be given documents in a plain and understandable language
Have you ever heard of the term ‘legalese’? It’s used to refer to the difficult language lawyers often use to explain concepts and processes. The South African government decided to help consumers by decreeing that credit providers should provide documents in a plain and understandable language. In short, this means that you are within your rights to request clarification on anything you don't understand on a credit agreement. Or to ask that it has to be written in a more understandable manner.
TOP TIP: If you ever have trouble interpreting your credit report, or require assistance in clearing you credit report of old or outdated information, the Libertine Consultants team can assist.
The right to be given documents related to the credit transaction
When you enter into an agreement with a credit provider they have to provide documents stipulating your agreement in the way that you prefer. You can choose to pick it up in person at their place of business. Or you can ask them to fax or email it to the number or email address of your choice. If you should lose your documentation within one year of receiving the original documents, the credit provider should provide you with a new set free of charge. After a year, you will have to pay the credit provider a small fee for replacement documents.
There you have it – two more rights you have as a consumer in South Africa in 2019, explained. Check back soon for Part IV. If you would like some more information in this regard, or feel that your rights have been dismissed by a credit provider, please feel free to get in touch with Libertine Consultants. We are here to assist you in living an abundant life free from the worry of unmanageable debt.
