GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - The National Consumer Commission warned consumers in Gauteng and the Western Cape in a statement issued on Tuesday 18 October to exercise caution before buying tickets for the Dinosaur Expo World. 

The Cape Town expo runs until 6 November, while the Johannesburg expo is scheduled from 11 November to 22 January next year.

The expo is promoted as Dinosaur Expo World on both their Facebook page and website, www.thedinoexpo.com.

Thezi Mabuza, acting deputy commissioner, said the NCC received complaints from consumers alleging that the organisers of the expo might be flouting the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

"We understand that the Cape Town event was initially planned for the June-July school holidays and was pushed on to a later date, namely September to November. The allegation against the expo is that the organisers unilaterally reschedule shows and refuse to refund consumers who are not able to attend on the [re]scheduled date. 

"The commission's preliminary assessment suggests that the organisers of the event are not willing to comply with the CPA or the consumer protection regulators," said Mabuza.

She said the CPA provides that consumers can cancel the agreement without penalty if the supplier cannot provide the service at the agreed time, location, or date. 

"While the commission is affording the Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman [time] to finalise the mediation process, it is vitally important for consumers to exercise caution when dealing with Dinosaur Expo World. 

"The NCC reminds the organisers of this expo of their obligation to comply with the CPA and refund consumers who are unable to attend this expo as provided in the CPA. Consumers who are still waiting for their refunds are urged to file their complaints with the NCC."

Report complaints to the NCC Call Centre on 012 428 7000 (Monday to Friday 08:30 to 17:00 or send an e-mail to complaints@thencc.org.za.

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