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Member activity

South Africa: Access to Knowledge Centre launched

The National Consumer Forum to bring access to learning materials to young people

The National Consumer Forum (NCF) will open its first Access to Knowledge (A2K) centre in the small rural town of KwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga on Friday, 19 February 2010.

The centre -- a hub for skills training, research and consumer advice - will be officially opened by Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Ms B Ntuli, in a function at the KwaMhlanga Municipal Hall.

The NCF's A2K facility is supported by Nestlé South Africa and Metropolitan Holdings Ltd, in the interests of consumer empowerment through learning, particularly in economically marginalised areas.

 

Purpose of the A2K centre

The centre will focus on the following:

• Access to learning materials by young people in the municipality
• Financial capability for consumers and micro-enterprises
• Nutrition, health and wellness information and training
• Access to ICT services
• Conduct research on obstacles faced by poor and vulnerable consumers to fully exercise their social, economic and personal development.

First of many

It is hoped that this centre will be the first of many that the NCF aims to establish around the country. 'The A2K centre in KwaMhlanga promises to be a valuable pilot scheme for us to roll out in other areas,' said NCF chairman Thami Bolani. 'Training and advice builds knowledge and confidence, which in the long run is the consumer's best protection against abuse by the private or public sector.'

Collaboration with big business

Through the Nestlé partnership with the NCF, the food company 'aims to enhance the quality of life of communities by providing information and training on nutrition, health and wellness,' said Sullivan O'Carroll, chairman and managing director of Nestlé South Africa.

Mr Nathi Chonco, the group executive of Group Empowerment and Corporate Affairs of Metropolitan Holdings Ltd said his organisation has been involved in various initiatives with the NCF for the past two years and that they have no doubt that this partnership will also be invaluable in empowering consumers with knowledge. According to Mr Chonco, 'only knowledgeable consumers can exercise their rights and responsibilities with determination and confidence.'

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This news item has been provided by a CI member. It does not necessarily reflect CI policy.