Injured by a hazardous product? Know your rights!

When a product causes harm, who is held responsible — and can you go straight to court? In this episode, we unpack a recent South African court judgment that sheds new light on consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) when injuries result from unsafe or hazardous products. We explore the landmark Pieterse v Organic Synthesis (Pty) Ltd case, where a family suffered serious burns from an ethanol gel product, leading the court to clarify a key question: Must consumers exhaust all remedies under the CPA before taking legal action? Join us as we break down: What strict liability means under the CPA — and why it's crucial for both consumers and suppliers. The various enforcement remedies available to consumers, from ombuds to tribunals. Why the court ruled that consumers can approach a court directly when injured by a defective or hazardous product. The broader implications for manufacturers, importers, and retailers navigating product liability risks. Whether you're a business owner, legal professional, or consumer advocate, this episode will help you understand how South African law protects consumers — and holds suppliers accountable — when products fail to keep people safe.