Chairperson, I would like to thank all the members who participated in this debate. Perhaps I should begin by acknowledging that I didn't see that the hon Strachan was here. I would also like to congratulate him on his appointment, and I would like to say to him that it actually means very much to us that he came to this debate to register his strong support because this is the legislation that will achieve optimal impact if we can ensure that we do the right things at national and provincial level. For example, the issue that was raised by the hon Sibiya at the beginning around consumer awareness and education is, as far as we are concerned, something that is going to be the cornerstone of this legislation.
I would also like to take us back to the work that we did with the National Credit Regulator, and you would recall that there was quite a high profile sustained campaign providing information to people. I think this will obviously be one of the channels that we will need to use. We have already started with the work of raising awareness and campaigns. This is something we foresee unfolding, hon Sibiya, through a collaborative partnership between provinces, nongovernmental organisations and ourselves as the parties that are involved in this area of consumer protection.
I was talking to officials from the department earlier today about some of the many applications from various departments for exemptions from this. In talking to that, two pieces of legislation that have already been exempted were those that related to insurance. I shared with them that when I was the chairperson of the committee and we were processing the legislation, we were really helped by nongovernmental organisations that were involved in consumer activism and consumer protection. In particular, at that time, there was Mr Diane Terblanche who was very vociferous and very strong, but very knowledgeable, around issues of consumer rights, consumer protection and legislation. So, it is going to be very important for us to ensure that we maintain this kind of partnership with such organisations because they tend to be very informed and knowledgeable, and they have a lot of experience in this area.
But, of course, we will be using the media, workshops, as well as street theatre. This will have to be a multimedia campaign that will ensure that we really go out and reach our people because indeed our people must not be subjected to second-class treatment when it comes to the purchase of goods and services, very often with meagre resources. So, you would like to make sure that when you do spend those resources you get good value for your money.
This is something I said when we launched the metrology institute in terms of the new legislation to regulate issues of standards and accreditation. I said that they needed to make their work relevant to the ordinary person because their work was relevant. It is the work of the institute when, according to metrology, a loaf of bread or 12,5kg of sugar is supposed to have a certain density or weight and have this much volume. I also said that this area of work mattered to ordinary people because when they go out and buy that loaf of bread, they must get maximum benefit from buying it. So, we certainly have to make sure that this work is anchored on education and awareness.
At the same time, as we build effective institutions that will ensure that consumers have been made aware of their rights and want to exercise their rights, we have to ensure that we have the necessary support from institutions that can ensure that consumers truly exercise their rights.
The matter of capacity has been raised. I think the hon Chen and a number of other members raised this issue. Obviously this is something that we are going to have to build over time. When we started the work on the National Credit Regulator, one of the provisions was for debt counsellors - people who would help those who are in dire debt situations by restructuring their debts and renegotiating their terms. We never imagined or estimated the amount of capacity we would need for the work of debt counsellors because of the enormous scale of the problem of people who are seriously indebted. So, we had to undertake measures which we had not anticipated. I think we will do this over time. I think it is practical experience that will actually lead us in this particular regard. We are concerned about ensuring that the requisite capacities will be put in place.
I think the point about reviewing two years after implementation is a good proposal for us to keep in mind and perhaps aim for.
The issue that was raised by the hon Douglas about GMO labelling is a matter we became aware of because it was raised in hearings, and it is a matter we remain seized with. Part of what we felt we needed to do was to actually look at existing legislation on GMOs. We need to look at what the legislation deals with and try to get the best advice as to how best to deal with this issue. Perhaps because there is a special dispensation that deals with GMOs, the best we can look at in this legislation is to at least require that labelling be done so that when someone buys a product, he knows that it is a GMO. Even though we haven't dealt with this as yet, it is a matter we are getting advice on and studying further to see how best we can deal with it. Otherwise, I really want to thank all the members for the strong support that has been registered for this Bill. Thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Question put: That the Bill be agreed to.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West.
ABSTAINED: KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape.
Bill accordingly agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.