ISSN: 1996-2177
Affiliations: University of Cape Town
Source: South African Law Journal, Volume 132 Issue 1, 2015, p. 186 – 190
None
ISSN: 1996-2177
Affiliations: Advocate of the Cape and Johannesburg Bars; Bencher of the Middle Temple, London
Source: South African Law Journal, Volume 132 Issue 1, 2015, p. 181 – 186
None
ISSN: 1996-2177
Affiliations: Judge (retired) of the Western Cape High Court
Source: South African Law Journal, Volume 132 Issue 1, 2015, p. 174 – 181
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ISSN: 1996-2177
Affiliations: Former Judge President of the Cape High Court
Source: South African Law Journal, Volume 132 Issue 1, 2015, p. 170 – 173
None
ISSN: 1996-2177
Affiliations: Lecturer, School of Law, University of South Africa
Source: South African Law Journal, Volume 132 Issue 1, 2015, p. 150 – 169
The article investigates the influence of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (‘the CPA’) on the general rule that the advertising or display of goods for sale at a certain price is an invitation to do business and not an offer to sell. The article critically discusses the common-law position and argues that although a general rule exists in favour of advertisements being regarded as invitations to do business, no such general rule exists in respect of the physical display of goods at a certain price. Furthermore, although it remains a factual question whether an offer exists, the underlying policy considerations must also be taken into account. Thereafter, the article investigates the meaning and influence of the CPA on the common-law position. It is argued that the relevant provisions in the CPA (ss 23, 29 and 30) require that the display of goods at a certain price generally would be viewed as an offer. Furthermore, it is argued that while the CPA has not amended the common-law rule in respect of advertisements, it has improved the consumer’s position by prohibiting misleading advertisements and by placing certain obligations on a supplier if it cannot fulfil the promises in its advertisements.