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National Consumer Forum launches knowledge centre

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Mpumalanga

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.

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.

“We are also delighted to have Nestle South Africa and Metropolitan Holdings Ltd as partners in the establishment of the A2K Centre and we look forward to a successful and sustainable partnership with these two strong brands.”

“Being a leading nutrition, health and wellness company, the importance of consumer education in South Africa is a key priority for Nestlé. Through this partnership with the NCF, we aim 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: 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.”



From left to right, Mr Nathi Chonco (Metropolitan), Deputy Minister B Ntuli (the dti), Mr Sullivan O'Carroll (Nestle South Africa), Mr. Thami Bolani (NCF). The picture is courtesy of Mr Frans Pietersen.

For any enquiries, please contact:
Thami Bolani
Chairperson: National Consumer Forum
012 428 7071
083 769 9489

Ravi Pillay
Director: Corporate Communication and Public Affairs
Nestle South Africa

011 889 6799 082 908 2580

Yasmina Francke
Group Brand Manager
Metropolitan Holdings Ltd
021 9173118
082 882 9804

Editor’s Notes
ABOUT THE CENTRE

The A2K Centre will be located at Kwa-Mhlanga in the Mpumalanga Province, 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