Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimpapers Business Hub
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting consumer protection and empowerment during this year’s Customer Service Week, shifting the focus from corporate celebration to meaningful improvements in service delivery across all sectors.
The Customer Service Week is being rolled out this week.
In a statement, CCZ said, “The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) plays a crucial role during Customer Service
Week by shifting the focus from corporate celebration to concrete improvements for consumers.
“The CCZ uses the occasion to educate consumers on their rights, advocate for higher service standards and provide a platform for redress.”
A key thrust of CCZ’s participation in the commemorations is to enhance public awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities.
“The CCZ launches or amplifies its campaigns to remind consumers of their fundamental rights, such as the right to information, the right to safety, and the right to redress, as enshrined in the Consumer Protection Act,” said the organisation.
The CCZ also places emphasis on helping consumers understand how to effectively resolve disputes.
“The CCZ provides guidance on how consumers can effectively file complaints with businesses and what steps to take if the issue is not resolved.
“The CCZ’s online portal and provincial offices are promoted as accessible avenues for consumer redress,” it said.
In addition, the Council encourages consumers to exercise vigilance when engaging in transactions during Customer Service Week.
“The CCZ urges consumers to be critically aware of the quality of goods and services, even during promotions associated with Customer Service Week. This prevents consumers from being misled by marketing tactics that overshadow subpar service.”
Beyond education, the CCZ uses the week to strengthen advocacy and oversight efforts.
“The CCZ uses the public spotlight of Customer Service Week to lobby businesses and regulators for better and more consistent service standards across all sectors, from retail to finance and energy,” it said.
The organisation also plays a mediatory role in dispute resolution.
“Mediating complaints: The CCZ uses this week to highlight its role in conciliation and arbitration for consumer complaints, showcasing successful case studies where it has secured redress for consumers.”
“In summary, for the CCZ, Customer Service Week is a strategic opportunity to advance its core mandate of consumer protection,” the organisation said.
“It transforms the corporate celebration into a period of consumer empowerment, advocacy, and accountability, ultimately working to create a fairer and more efficient marketplace for all Zimbabweans.”
Customer Service Week, celebrated annually in the first week of October, provides a vital platform for reinforcing the importance of service excellence and consumer protection in Zimbabwe’s growing economy.
