The Consumer Goods & Services Ombud (CGSO) has launched its first satellite office, at the University of Venda, marking a major step in extending consumer legal services to rural areas.
The initiative follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in October 2024 with the university's School of Law, part of the Faculty of Management, Commerce, and Law. The partnership aims to enhance consumer law education and provide legal support to underserved communities.
Speaking at the launch, CGSO CEO Queen Munyai expressed gratitude to the university for collaborating to raise awareness of consumer law and extend protection to vulnerable consumers in Limpopo. "The creation of campus satellite offices, staffed by law students and run under the CGSO's auspices, is the result of months of discussions with law faculties on how best to expand consumer protection," said Munyai.
The University of Venda office, housed within its legal aid clinic, will be staffed by law students trained by the CGSO. The students will advise consumers and assist with complaints falling within the CGSO's jurisdiction. Munyai noted that this is the first such office in the country, with the second set to open at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape on 24 February 2025.
"Our complaint statistics show that consumers outside major metro areas are underrepresented. By partnering with legal aid clinics in rural areas, we can reach more vulnerable consumers and serve them in their preferred language," she added.
Professor Lonias Ndlovu, director of the University of Venda's School of Law, welcomed the partnership, saying it bridged the gap between theory and practice. "This collaboration significantly strengthens our ability to assist the local community with consumer-related issues. It also enhances our law students' practical training while advancing the university's commitment to engaged scholarship," he said.
Traditional leader Thovhele Musiiwa Gole Mphaphuli praised the initiative, saying the office would empower local residents by helping them understand their consumer rights.