Civic efforts to inform and empower South African consumers are slowly gaining momentum, according to the National Consumer Forum.

Releasing the NCF's review of activities for the past two years, chairman Thami Bolani says it is a struggle for most civic groups and non-governmental organisations to survive these days. Donor funding is scarce and unreliable, so groups need to build their own sustainable revenue flow and work closely with stakeholders in their area of concern.

What is it?

Consumer Fair is a tabloid newspaper published every two months by the National Consumer Forum to advance the interests of consumers in South Africa.

The newspaper raises funding – through advertising and subscriptions – to sustain the work of the National Consumer Forum as it helps South African citizens ...

NCF oral submission on Eskom's application for a price increase for the 2008 - 2009 financial year

Date: 23 may 2008
Time: 10:00
Venue: University of South Africa (UNISA)
Muckleneuk Ridge Conference Centre
The Senate Hall
Theo van Wijk Building
2nd Floor
1 Preller Street
Pretoria

A lack of leadership and profiteering by certain private sector organisations is leaving consumers at the mercy of high and rising food prices, according to the National Consumer Forum.

"It is scandalous that, in a country as bountiful as South Africa, we cannot ensure that food is affordable for the poor," said NCF chairman Thami Bolani. High food prices hit the poor hardest, as they spend a bigger portion of their income on food, he said.