National Consumer Tribunal Annual Report 2011/12 National Consumer Tribunal 2011-12 | Page 60

Operational review (continued)
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The PABX system is in the process of being upgraded;
Video conferencing equipment is being sourced to facilitate access to Tribunal hearings by a
wider spread of stakeholders;
Terms of reference for a disaster recovery site were issued to potential service providers;
Various ICT-related policies were developed and approved.
Communications Unit
The unit has achieved considerable success during the year. The highlight was to reach more
than five million people through media coverage achieved, a figure in excess of the target set.
Significant media coverage was given to the implementation of the Consumer Protection Act
(CPA), and the Tribunal’s anticipated role in adjudicating cases in terms of the CPA.
The unit organised a highly successful Consumer Adjudicating Roundtable in February 2011,
attended by representatives of ombuds offices, provincial consumer courts and industry bodies.
Its objective was to engage with stakeholders in order to develop a pool of knowledge in respect
of decisions in terms of the NCA and CPA.
Provincial consumer campaigns were held in the Free State, Garden Route of the Cape, and
Mpumalanga during the year. The Garden Route campaign was organised in co-operation with
the National Consumer Regulator and the National Consumer Commission. Educational materials
were distributed and staff members engaged with consumers about Tribunal processes.
The applications and referrals guidelines were simplified and distributed to a wide audience. The
document was also translated into all of South Africa’s official languages and made available
through the Tribunal’s website.
Several media releases on notable judgments were issued during the year, helping to create further
awareness of the Tribunal’s mandate and role. Support is provided for speaking engagements
of senior officials of the Tribunal with its stakeholders, including presentations to Parliament and
Parliamentary Portfolio Committees.
Annual Report 2011
page 58 | national consumer tribunal