The plain language requirement in terms of section 22 of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 as applied to consumer contracts

Abstract

The Consumer Protection aims to protect the rights of the consumers. Through the protection of the rights of the consumer, there is a balance being created between the supplier and consumer. The introduction of the plain language requirement by the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 has brought about a new dimension in the relationship between consumers and suppliers when concluding consumer contracts. The plain language requirement places a duty on suppliers to ensure that the consumers understand the contents of the consumer contract clearly. Therefore, the plain language requirement requires the suppliers to ensure that the provisions of section 22 of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 are fulfilled. The purpose of this study is to investigate the provisions section 22 of the Consumer Protection 68 of 2008. The investigation involves the assessment of benefits and challenges of the plain language requirement to consumers and suppliers in consumer contracts. The investigation reveals that the satisfaction of the plain language requirement as applied to consumer contracts poses a burden on suppliers. The outcomes of this study reveal there is need to have guidelines in place for suppliers. These guidelines will enable the suppliers to determine whether they have satisfied the plain language requirement when concluding consumer contracts with consumers.