African Consumers Research Articles

Chinese goods and mass consumption in Africa: cultural appropriation of Chinese motorcycles in Burkina Faso

This paper deals with the arrival of Chinese-made goods as one of the main vectors of African societies’ entrance into mass consumption logics. However, it proposes going beyond the dominant monocausal approach, which only relates the consumption of these goods to their low price. To do so, this paper emphasizes a careful observation of consumer practices to unveil the complex process of ‘domestication’ that African consumers carry out on these goods daily (Sahlins, M. D. 1993. “Goodbye to Tristes Tropes: Ethnography in the Context of Modern World History.” The Journal of Modern History 65 (1): 1–25; Warnier, J.-P. 1994. Le paradoxe de la marchandise authentique: Imaginaire et consommation de masse. Paris: L’Harmattan). To this end, we focus our attention on the case of Chinese motorcycles in Burkina Faso. Historically the most imported Chinese good in Burkina Faso, motorcycles are at the centre of a multitude of practices and social representations. After placing the arrival of these bikes in the historicity of the cyclo-distinction, this paper presents the many ways in which Chinese motorcycles – though less expensive – are socially and symbolically valued by Burkinabe consumers. Initially considered symbols of a new ‘modernity’, the aesthetic and technical characteristics of Chinese motorcycles gradually became a standard shared by all imported models. The multiplication of importers and models accompanied a growing complexity of symbolic values and distinction logics, in which the growing role of the ‘new figures of success’ (Banégas, R., and J.-P. Warnier. 2001. “Nouvelles figures de la réussite et du pouvoir.” Politique Africaine 82 (2): 5–23) was expressed. In the context of mounting uncertainty surrounding the new distinctive codes and an acceleration of the symbolic obsolescence of motorcycles, ‘novelty’ became the new reference value and frequently replacing possessions a key element of social value, and therefore a central rule of distinction. Thus, a focus on the process of ‘cultural appropriation’ of Chinese goods allows us to distance ourselves from a financially captive interpretation of African consumption to unveil the social determinants of Africa’s entry into mass consumption logics.

Applying behavioral reasoning theory to South African female consumers’ emerging apparel-shopping behavior during COVID-19

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic reduced apparel sales in South Africa as in most other nations. Research has not yet determined why consumers shopped less for apparel during this time. Using the Behavioral Reasoning Theory, this study sought to explain this occurrence and its effect on consumer apparel-shopping behavior. Synchronous online interviews were conducted with 20 purposefully selected pre-COVID-19 apparel shoppers at a South African academic institution. The primary motivations for apparel shopping were the patronization of fashion sales, specific purposes, shopping needs and seasonal demands. Movement restrictions, a dampened need, a lack of appearance management, the adoption of a comfortable appearance, COVID-19 reminders, fear of COVID-19 and a lack of appropriate sizes were reasons given for less apparel shopping. Consumers used altered shopping strategies to meet changes in the apparel-shopping environment during COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa, resulting in altered shopping experiences. The behavior change is attributed to apparel retailers’ compliance with COVID-19 restrictions and protocols imposed during the pandemic. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the South African apparel shopper of the future under crisis or pandemic conditions, suggesting the implementation of omnichannel strategies.

Bajaj Auto (a) – catering to the African market

Learning outcomes After working through the case and assignment questions, students will be able to: understand how product markets in a given global region are to be analysed and assessed; assess various dimensions of consumer behaviour that would impact the strategies of a firm under consideration; identify how a firm can create its brand image and value proposition in a given international market; and evaluate and categorize various threat dimensions that a firm would experience in an international market. Case overview/Synopsis Bajaj Auto (BA) was India’s largest two-wheeler exporter, with ongoing exports to more than 75 countries worldwide. Besides being in other regions of the world, BA’s foray into the African market had been very successful, and it was growing from strength to strength in this market. BA’s motorcycles, three-wheeler rickshaws and small commercial vehicles had been successfully plying the roads of many countries in Africa such as Egypt, Nigeria and Kenya. Rakesh Sharma (Sharma), the Executive Director of BA, knew very well that Africa was a high-risk-high-gain market for BA. Intense competition from Indian and international two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturers, global supply chain and logistics issues, various economic and legal challenges, and the threat of losing African consumer patronage were the challenging issues that Sharma was facing in this market. Would Sharma be able to effectively assess the market environment and consumer behaviour prevalent in the African countries? Would he be able to recognize BA’s brand and value-propositions and identify the international marketing challenges threatening BA’s smooth ride in this market? Complexity academic level The case can be taught in advanced undergraduate, MBA or executive-level programs. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 5: International Business.

Profiling the South African Recreational Domestic Tourist in the Era of COVID-19

The profiling crisis-induced domestic tourist behavior in contemporary tourism is a burgeoning discourse. This study addresses the urgent need to proactively predict and manage domestic tourist behavior. Therefore, the study aimed to profile the South African domestic tourist to predict better tourists' behavioral and demand responses considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were generated from a pre-recruited panel of South African consumers as potential domestic tourists via an online survey, resulting in a sample of n = 427. Exploratory Factor analysis and a two-step cluster analysis were used to identify the clusters based on the respondents' socio-demographic variables, intrinsic (push) and destination attribute-related pull motives, and constraints and willingness to pay. South African domestic recreational tourists are primarily motivated to travel by their relaxation and self-fulfillment needs and seek primarily nature and adventure activity, with palpable differences in their perceived intrinsic and extrinsic constraints and their willingness to pay for domestic tourism. The study is novel in profiling (the contemporary South African domestic tourist) and contextualizing (tourist behavior during a crisis) domestic tourists within an African tourism context. Thus, providing empirical evidence-based insights into the heterogeneity of domestic tourists based on innate psychographic characteristics and salient perception-oriented attributes as viable market segmentation bases.

Garment fit expectations as determinants of men’s ready-to-wear business apparel purchase decisions: The personal appearance revelation

The purpose of this article is to examine male consumers’ functional expectations, aesthetic expectations and socio-psychological expectations of the fit of ready-to-wear business apparel as potential antecedents of the purchase decision among a sample of male consumers in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Data were collected from 216 respondents using anonymously completed online questionnaires. Research scales were operationalized based on previous work, and modifications were made to match the current research context and purpose. ‘Functional expectations’, ‘aesthetic expectations’ and ‘socio-psychological expectations’ all used eight-item scale measures. All the measurement items were on a five-point Likert scale anchored by 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = undecided, 4 = agree and 5 = strongly agree to express the degree of agreement. The three posited hypotheses were empirically tested. The results significantly supported all the hypotheses, except for H1. The study findings indicate that a robust relationship exists between socio-psychological expectations and purchase decisions, suggesting that socio-psychological expectations can have a strong, direct influence on male consumers’ decision to purchase business apparel. This could be indicative that when consumers evaluate garments, they do not only consider styles that fit comfortably, but also its aesthetic and cognitive impact. Both practitioners and academics may benefit from the implications of this study. A significant contribution is made to the fashion apparel marketing literature by systematically exploring South African male consumers’ functional expectations, aesthetic expectations and socio-psychological expectations of readyto- wear business apparel, and its effect on their purchase decision. Empirically, an understanding of consumers’ motivation to purchase ready-to-wear business apparel can assist retailers in developing more effective marketing strategies. While existing literature claims male consumers focus on the functional expectations of apparel, this study found that socio-psychological and aesthetic expectations have a significantly greater impact on South African male consumers’ business apparel purchase decisions. Overall, the current study’s findings support the proposition that there is a need to acknowledge aesthetic and sociopsychological expectations of business apparel as significant antecedents of male consumers’ purchase decisions in South Africa. This study, therefore, stands to contribute new knowledge to the existing body of consumer decision-making literature and male apparel shopping behaviour.

African Functional Foods and Beverages: A Review

ABSTRACT Functional foods contain health-promoting ingredients, which make them beneficial to humans and potentially help in disease prevention or treatment. The demand for functional foods is growing not just in the developed regions, but also in the developing regions of the world such as in Africa due to heightened consumer awareness on the role of foods in human health. African functional foods are foods of African origin that possess various characteristics like prebiotic, probiotic, satiety, immune modulation, stress-reduction, improved memory, and cardiovascular benefits. Traditionally fermented functional foods prepared from cereals like maize, millet, or sorghum abound in many African countries. Traditional fermentation, often spontaneous, utilizes a mixed culture of microorganisms mostly belonging to the lactic acid bacteria and yeast groups. The present review corroborated these pieces of information into the famous African functional foods and beverages, their sources, and quality attributes. Furthermore, functional foods were explained in very clear terms while evaluating the relationship between functional foods and African consumer’s health benefits. The study peaked at future work and further considerations on the potential of common functional foods from Africa, which are cheap and readily available to the people.

Relationship amongst cultural openness, world-mindedness, product-country image and purchase intention of Korean and Chinese smartphone products: A case study of the South African consumers

Purpose: This study examines the relationships between cultural openness, world-mindedness (WMD), product-country image (PCI) and the purchase intentions of South African consumers situated in the South African marketplace. In addition, distinctions between PCI and the purchasing intention (PI) concerning smartphones made-in South Korea and China are analysed and discussed as in relation to the South African consumers. Design/methodology/approach: Constructs were measured using a self-administered survey conducted on 355 South African consumers residing in South Africa. A multivariate analysis was conducted to distinguish the differences between South African consumers’ perceptions of PCI along with purchase intention towards smartphone products from South Korea and China. Thereafter, the study hypotheses were examined using a structural model for consumer perceptions towards South Korea and China. Findings: The results from the study confirm that both consumer cultural openness and WMD increase the purchase intention and the PCI towards Korean smartphones, whilst only WMD increased the PCI together with the purchase intention towards Chinese smartphones. Findings from the study also suggest that PCI has a considerable effect on the purchase intention of both Korean and Chinese products. Practical implications: This study expects to provide practical marketing knowledge to organisations hoping to understand the South African marketplace when developing and promoting further their PCI and enhancing the PI of their products. Originality/value: This study presents nascent literature on research surrounding the country-of-origin effect in a multicultural African context. It fills an important gap by providing greater clarity with regard to South African consumer purchase intention.

A proposed leadership skills development model for African FMCG business-networks: Super-Cube®

Background: Predictions suggest Africa’s combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be amongst the fastest growing on earth in the next two decades. An expectation is that the majority of African homes will enter the consumer class, and educational performance will improve significantly within the next two decades. Nonetheless, organisations competing in Africa face numerous challenges. These include its size and complexity, transformational population growth, an abundance of talent but a lack of skills, a scarcity of large companies, the relatively small size of big companies, a poorly understood business environment, conflict, poverty and corruption. To successfully address these challenges, entrepreneurial energy and a strategy to develop leadership skills at scale is required. Aim: The purpose of this study was to develop and assess whether a leadership skills development model which integrates six conceptual constructs is valid as a model for developing leadership skills in African fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) business-networks. Method: The study took a pragmatic approach and followed an explanatory sequential design typology. An initial quantitative stage was conducted. Using inductive thematic interpretation methodology, the qualitative results helped explain the initial quantitative results. Applying confirmatory factor analysis, three data-model fit tests gave empirical evidence that the leadership skills development model was a good model fit. Findings: The outcomes and practical value of this study included a theoretically relevant, empirically validated leadership skills development model, Super-Cube ® for African FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) business-networks, as well as a range of recommendations on how to develop leadership skills throughout Africa. Conclusion: Leadership skills development is complex, especially in a rapidly changing environment. This study is the first that proposes a leadership skills development model for African FMCG business-networks that directly contributes to the discipline of leadership and leadership development.

That old saying about wine and age: identifying South African age-cohort preferences

PurposeThis study aims to identify the preferences of wine consumers based on age cohorts to identify differences in consumption from a developing country perspective, with a predominantly younger population, to determine wine consumption longevity.Design/methodology/approachThe target population was wine consumers in South Africa. Through convenience sampling, the data were collected in 2020 via a self-administered online questionnaire. In total, 20,997 fully completed the questionnaire. The age categories of the respondents were assigned to a particular age cohort to differentiate the market.FindingsThe age cohorts revealed five cohorts, namely, Gen Z: 18–24 years (11%); Young Gen Y: 25–34 years (32%); Mature Gen Y: 35–44 years (25%); Gen X: 45–54 years (17%); and Baby boomers: 55+ years (15%). Segmenting South African wine consumers based on their age cohorts revealed statistically significant differences based on their socio-demographics, wine preferences and consumption behavior. A typology of domestic wine consumers is consequently proposed: basic, budget conscious and image-oriented wine drinking Gen Z’s; experimenting and enjoyment-oriented wine drinking Young Gen Y-ers; aspirational and purposive wine drinking Mature Gen Y-ers; ritual-oriented, avid and conspicuous wine drinking Gen X-ers; and conservative, value-seeking and experienced wine drinking Baby Boomers.Practical implicationsThis knowledge has important marketing implications and can create a greater appreciation for South African wines among the different age cohorts. The research shows the value of the generational theory in understanding wine consumers’ consumption and highlights the importance of analyzing different generations rather than solely focusing on one, as this could lead to mismanagement of resources.Originality/valueThis is one of the most comprehensive national surveys aimed at the South African wine consumer. The research fills the current literature gap regarding the characteristics of the different age cohorts and shows how wine consumption and preferences may change over time.

A leadership skills development model for the Kwaden Group: A case study of an African fast-moving consumer goods business network

A leadership skills development model for the Kwaden Group: A case study of an African fast-moving consumer goods business network

The influence of marketing-related mobile activities on the adoption of mobile marketing transactions: a uses and gratification perspective

There is an increasing attention being accorded to the adoption of mobile marketing transactions in recent years, as both practitioners and researchers recognise that mobile commerce (m-commerce) is poised to burst into the mainstream. This study identifies a literature gap in which there seems to be an insufficient critical mass of studies on the adoption of innovative marketing technologies within the South African context. More specifically, very few studies have been conducted regarding the contribution of mobile marketing-related activities on consumer behaviour towards m-commerce. In view of this development, guided by the uses and gratification theory, the purpose of this study is to ascertain the influence of marketing-related mobile activities on the adoption of mobile marketing transactions, specifically focusing on the South African youth consumers. To fulfil the purpose of the study, the objectives of the study are centered on examining the degree to which the following marketing-related mobile activities: (1) provide information online, (2) access content online, and (3) share content online, influence consumers’ adoption of mobile marketing transactions. Following a quantitative research technique and a descriptive single cross-sectional design, data was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire, using a sample of 810 students from three selected South African universities. Three research hypotheses were advanced in line with the study objectives, and they were tested using linear regression analysis. The study findings confirm the positive significant effects of marketing-related mobile activities in driving adoption of mobile marketing transactions. Managerial implications of the findings are discussed, and limitations and future research directions are also indicated.

Notes: The legitimacy of the South African Consumer Goods and Services Ombud’s Code of Conduct: An analysis of Consumer Goods and Services Ombud NPC v Voltex (Pty) Ltd

Alternative dispute resolution is one of the mechanisms envisaged by the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 to provide consumers with access to cost-effective and speedy redress of consumer disputes. Accredited industry ombuds are one of the fora that give effect to this purpose. However, industry participants are not always willing participants, and may wish to challenge the legitimacy of such fora, particularly where the relevant forum is funded by these industry participants. This makes it challenging to give effect to the provisions of any applicable codes of conduct, and also frustrates the consumer’s pursuit for redress. These issues came to the fore in Consumer Goods and Services Ombud NPC v Voltex (Pty) Ltd [2021] ZAGPPHC 309. In this matter, the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud sought a declaratory order from the court, confirming that its code of conduct was legitimate. The judgment is significant as it has an impact on the enforcement of consumer rights by this ombud, and has wider implications for other current and future accredited industry ombuds.

Marketing and family-related factors affecting food label use: the mediating role of consumer knowledge

PurposeThis study investigated the influence of marketing- and family-related factors on consumers' in-store usage of different types of food label information. Furthermore, the authors determined the mediating role of consumers' knowledge about healthy foods between these factors and their label consultation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a survey among 223 purposively selected South African working female consumers via social media. Subjective and objective knowledge about healthy foods, the importance of marketing- and family-related factors and the extent of food label usage were determined. Structural equation modelling served to test the mediating effect of knowledge in the relationship of the marketing and family-related factors with food label usage.FindingsMarketing-related factors demonstrated a strong direct effect on food label usage. Subjective knowledge about healthy foods mediated the relationship between family members' dietary needs and food label usage. However, objective knowledge was not a mediator.Practical implicationsRespondents' firm reliance on marketing-related factors (instead of knowledge) during food label usage is not in the best interest of consumers' healthy food choices. Healthy food choices based on factual knowledge rather than marketing efforts are necessary to establish long-term healthy food habits, hence the need for retailers' response in supplying healthier food options. Role players in consumer education should focus on increasing consumers' healthy food knowledge.Originality/valueIn the context of rising awareness of public health concerns, healthy food choice among consumers is essential. This study contributes to the complexity of consumers' need to make healthy food choices within an economic-driven marketing environment.

VALUE-ADDED TAX IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY: A FRESH LOOK AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN DISPENSATION

The online purchase of digital goods has the propensity to generate tax liability involving a notable rise in administrative costs for tax authorities. Online transactions involving the supply of digital goods by foreign businesses to South African consumers are subject to Value-Added Tax (“VAT”). Since 2014, the Value-Added Tax Act 89 of 1991 provides for registration and the reverse-charge mechanism as a means to collect VAT on online cross-border trade in digital goods. From 1 April 2019, significant changes to the VAT Act have been implemented regulating VAT on online cross-border trade in digital goods. This article examines these amendments by way of a comparative analysis of similar legislation in Australia and the European Union with the main aim of making recommendations for the adequate and cost-effective collection of VAT on online cross-border trade in digital goods.

South African Consumer Adoption of Plant-Based and Cultivated Meat: A Segmentation Study

The purpose of this study was to assess the likelihood of consumer adoption of plant-based and cultivated meat in South Africa as a pathway to a healthy, sustainable, and equitable food supply. We recruited a large sample of South Africans representative across age (18–61), gender, race, and income to participate in an online survey. Participants responded to a range of measures including adoption indicators, estimated yearly intake, motivators for purchasing, desired product characteristics, preferred species, and sociodemographics. We found a high degree of openness to both products. For plant-based meat, 67% were highly likely to try and 59% were highly likely to purchase. For cultivated meat, 60% were highly likely to try and 53% were highly likely to purchase. The highest acceptance was amongst the younger generations: 60% of born-frees, 62% of millennials, and 53% of Gen X were highly likely to purchase plant-based meat and 55% of born-frees, 55% of millennials, and 46% of Gen X were highly likely to purchase cultivated meat. For the general population, we observed that future meat intake was estimated to be split equally among the three meat categories (conventional, cultivated, and plant-based). We found early adopters (those highly likely to purchase) to be quite similar in attitudinal and sociodemographic characteristics in comparison to the general population. The study findings suggest that both plant-based and cultivated meat could be viable market-based options for improving the food system in South Africa, as consumers across all segments of society, and especially amongst the younger population, indicated broad acceptance.

Assessing Knowledge and Use Practices of Plastic Food Packaging among Young Adults in South Africa: Concerns about Chemicals and Health.

Chemicals associated with health problems can migrate from packaging into food matrices. Therefore, consumers need to be aware of health concerns associated with incorrectly used plastic food packaging. However, little is known about consumers’ knowledge and their plastics usage practices. This study assessed this knowledge and practices among young South African adult consumers. Our online survey of 293 participants focused on their objective (actual) and subjective (self-perceived) knowledge about plastic food packaging care and safety, their utilization practices, and their sources of information about safe use of plastics. Participants’ utilization practices showed broad misuse. Their subjective knowledge about the correct use of plastic packaging was in most respects contradicted by their limited objective knowledge. We found that plastic identification codes on packaging largely failed in their informative purpose; instead, participants mainly consulted informal information sources about plastics. The knowledge gaps, unsafe plastic use practices, and information source deficiencies identified here can help to guide future improvements. We call for consumer education, across all demographics, about plastic utilization practices and associated health concerns about plastic chemicals. We also highlight the need for the government, food and plastics industries to join forces in ensuring that consumers are informed about safe plastic packaging usage.

Factors influencing the purchase behaviour of organic food products in the Generation Y cohort

The modern consumer is inundated with various hazardous issues, especially concerning the environment. The increased environmental awareness has altered the way consumers think about their food purchases. Consequently, organic food products are receiving a lot more attention and consumers are opting to consume organic products over their traditional counterparts. This organic consumption change may be attributed to factors, such as environmental issues, health concerns, future preservation and natural taste. Often these organic food choices are linked to consumers that seek to change their lifestyles to be more environmentally conscious or loyal to pro-environmental causes. An organic food product has been defined in a multitude of facets, however, each definition generally retains the same core basis. In general, these products have been produced in a sustainable manner and are free from harmful agents, such as pesticides, mineral fertilisers, artificial colorants and any other harmful chemical agent. As South Africa is an emerging country in retrospect of organic food and environmentalism as a whole, South African consumers are demanding more organic products and safer sustainable business practices than ever before. The environmental movement is on the rise and businesses need to comply with this new demand should they wish to stay relevant in the ever-changing consumer market. Organic product prices are perceived as being more expensive than traditional products, this directly effects the purchase decision of a product. Increasing demand should result in decreasing prices over time, encouraging more organic product purchases. Other factors may also affect the purchase decision of organic products and these may include health consciousness, convenience, attitudes and overall purchase behaviour. This raises the question of what factors influence the South African Generation Y consumer to purchase organic products. Keywords: Organic food, Health consciousness, environmentalism, Generation Y.

Predictors of parents' infant vaccination decisions: A concept derivation.

The myths surrounding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have prompted scientists to refocus their attention on vaccine hesitancy, which is fuelled by the spread of misinformation. The scientific investigation of behavioural concepts relating to vaccine hesitancy can be enhanced by the examination of behavioural concepts from the field of consumer sciences. South African consumer scientists study personal decisions that contribute to individuals’ well-being, including the decisions to prevent ill health. Current data on the predictors of vaccination decisions do not incorporate consumer science constructs imperative in decision-making, which could provide fresh insights in addressing vaccine hesitancy. This study aimed to investigate and illustrate the analogy between concepts of the Health Belief Model (HBM) as parent model, and consumer behaviour that could affect parents’ infant vaccination decisions, by applying a concept derivation approach. The HBM was analysed within the context of public health, including literature from consumers’ vaccination decisions, medical decisions, paediatrics, vaccinology, virology and nursing. Through a qualitative, theory derivation strategy, six main concepts of the HBM were redefined to consumer sciences, using four iterative concept derivation steps. Concept derivation resulted in consumer behaviour concepts that could be possible predictors of parents’ infant vaccination decisions, including consumers’ values; risk perception; consideration of immediate and future consequences; self-efficacy; cues to action; demographics; personal information and knowledge. These predictors could be a starting point for a context- and product-specific consumer primary preventive healthcare decisions model. Our findings highlight the opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in investigating consumer primary healthcare-related behaviour.ContributionThis study introduced interfaces between consumer science and health science literature. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, a better understanding of influences to promote primary preventive healthcare can be achieved.

South African consumers' perceptions of front-of-package warning labels on unhealthy foods and drinks.

Front-of-package labeling (FOPL) is a policy tool that helps consumers to make informed food choices. South Africa has not yet implemented this labeling system. The aim of this study was therefore to explore adult South African consumers' perceptions of front-of-package warning labels on foods and non-alcoholic beverages (referred to as drinks in this paper) and their insights into features that could influence the effectiveness of the warning label. Using a qualitative approach, the study purposively selected consumers diversified by urbanization, gender, socioeconomic status, and literacy. We collected data from a total of 113 participants through 12 focus group discussions. Data were systematically coded and divided into five themes namely, positive attitudes toward warning labels, perceived benefits of warning labels, perceived behavior modification, perceived beneficiaries of warning labels, and effective attributes of warning labels. Almost all participants from all socio-economic backgrounds were positive about warning labels, reporting that warning labels concisely and understandably educated them about the nutritional composition of foods. Other perceived advantages were that warning labels warn of health implications, are easily understandable and could benefit child health. Some participants anticipated that warning labels would reduce their purchases of unhealthy foods, while others thought the labels would have no effect on their purchasing habits. Participants found the warning labels attention grabbing and stated that they preferred a black triangle placed on a white background (referred to as a holding strap henceforth), the words "high in" and "warning" in bold and uppercase text, an exclamation mark, and an icon depicting the excessive nutrient. In South Africa warning labels may improve consumer understanding of nutrition information and assist consumers in determining the nutritional quality of packaged foods and drinks.

DEBT COUNSELLING V DEBT ENFORCEMENT: SOME PROCEDURAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED BMW Financial Services (SA) (Pty) Ltd v Donkin 2009 6 SA 63 (KZD)

The National Credit Act 34 of 2005 (hereinafter the “NCA” or “Act”) is an innovative but challenging piece of legislation. It provides for various novel approaches to debt enforcement in respect of credit agreements and has introduced debt-relief measures in respect of over-indebtedness and reckless credit that are new to South African consumer credit legislation. It is thus inevitable that in applying the provisions of the Act various issues will arise that will require interpretation and, therefore, intense scrutiny. In the recent judgment of BMW Financial Services (SA) (Pty) Ltd v Donkin, Wallis J was required to scrutinize various aspects relating to debt review and debt enforcement in order to decide the consumer’s fate as influenced by the NCA (66; and see also s 130(1)(a)).