Africa's Top-Ranked Law Faculty's, Department of Mercantile Law is no stranger to working with the business world; they have established themselves as a sought-after strategic partner in teaching, research, and community involvement that bridges the gap between business and the law. As the only university providing a Master's degree in consumer protection, the department works to advance social justice and discover answers to societal issues.

The Department of Mercantile Law at the University of Pretoria and the Office of the Consumer Goods Ombuds (CGSO) announced their collaboration on Tuesday, October 8. They see this as a way to enhance their respective responsibilities, which include promoting mercantile law education and raising public awareness of consumer protection and education. To promote interactions between the academy and industry practitioners, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to formally cement this mutual collaboration. The MoU outlines several areas of cooperation, such as consumer education and community outreach, guest lectures, sharing best practices, establishing a dedicated consumer protection slot at the UP Law clinic, conducting research, and jointly hosting conferences and workshops.

These collaborative efforts signify the continuation of an ongoing partnership aimed at achieving shared objectives for the progress of consumer legislation. With a 48-month initial term planned for the partnership, there will be plenty of opportunity for UP Law and the Office of the Consumer Goods Ombud (CGSO). This collaboration is a significant milestone toward bringing academic knowledge and practical experience in consumer protection together. The partners are enthusiastic about the potential that the relationship presents for each of their institutions and stakeholders.

The collaboration will greatly enhance our research, teaching and learning, and community engagement, according to Prof. Phumudzo Munyai, Head of Department, Mercantile Law. It will also give the CGSO, an opportunity to tap into our vast resources, expertise, and networks to advance the strategic mission, which includes educating consumers about their rights and available redress under the Consumer Protection Act.

The CGSO's Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Queen Munyai, emphasized the collaboration's strategic importance by emphasizing the necessity of ongoing academic-industry collaboration to ensure that theory is put into practice. This is achieved by providing students with real-world experience and skills to develop research that addresses contemporary issues facing the business sector. 

Prof. Maimela praised this partnership, emphasizing how it aligns with the Faculty's strategic goal of being human-centered and aiming to become a significant player in ensuring that law is taught in a way that endeavors to address socioeconomic challenges facing the nation, the region, and the world.

Prof. Elsabe Schoeman, dean of our faculty of law, was also present at the function and delivered a welcome address to guests in attendance which included students, academics, and representatives from CGSO. She also expressed her gratitude to the Department of Mercantile Law for maintaining its strategic partnerships with industry partners who share the University of Pretoria Law's research and teaching interests.

Mr. Liaquat (Lee) Soobrathi, the Ombudsman for Consumer Goods and Services, and officials from the staff members who played an instrumental role in establishing the framework leading to the signing of the MoU. Prof. Munyai acknowledged the cooperation of Drs. Phemelo Magau and Tshepiso Ngoepe for spearheading the project, as well as the support provided by Mrs. Moipone Williams, the Dean, and the Deputy Dean of the faculty.