Exhibition marks 20 years of consumer protection |22 April 2014

An exhibition opened yesterday as part of activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the National Consumers Forum (Natcof).

Officially launched in April 1994, Natcof was one of the first non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to operate in Seychelles.

According to its vice-chairman Joseph François, Natcof is the only NGO in Seychelles which exists to protect consumers, and has made a difference to all strata of the community on Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and even Silhouette.

Speaking at the launch of the exhibition, held on the premises of Independence House, Mr François thanked the director of the Consumer International regional office for Africa, Onica Makwakwa, for her presence, the Fair Trading Commission for its trustworthy partnership, the government of Seychelles for the financial support, Lungos (Liaison unit for non-governmental organisations) of which Natcof is an  affiliated member, and also the founder members of Natcof as well as chairperson Raymonde Course.

The exhibition showed the progress of Natcof throughout the years while also giving details about its history.

Mrs Course said the exhibition showcased not only the many successes of Natcof but also some of the issues it has faced along the way, adding that Natcof is an organisation for the whole population and not just a specific group of people.

Natcof has also provided a service where consumers can place their complaints or concerns they have against service providers and Natcof follows-up on these issues.

It has given the population the chance to realise that the laws written in the constitution are there to be applied, and they are there for anyone to use, and are not restricted only to lawyers.

“We have worked hard to make consumers see that the law isn’t just something which is found in a book at the court; it is a code of conduct to guide you in what is right or wrong. We have also explained to people that when you are educated and you have the right information, it makes you powerful,” said Mrs Course.

Natcof empowers the population because the biggest group which exists within the economy of a country are not the businesses, but the consumers. Without them businesses will not be able to function.

Although Natcof has achieved a lot, it believes there is still a lot more to do.

Mrs Course explained that it is not easy for non-profit organisations to function, because for any business to work, it needs resources.

Another obstacle which it has to face is to make it a relevant business and bring certain contribution to the society.

There is also the need for consumers to stand up and make their own contributions by saying “No, I do not want this product, I am boycotting it”. It is only when consumers start boycotting inferior products or services that they will be able to say that they have succeeded.

Today Natcof will hold its major activity to mark its 20th anniversary and that is an international conference which will take place at the Seychelles Trading Company’s conference room.