Right to Repair South Africa has welcomed the Competition Commission's newly published Guidelines on Repair, Service and Maintenance Aftermarkets, describing them as a significant step towards broadening consumer choice and improving competition across South Africa's repair economy.
Released in October 2026, the Guidelines address competition concerns in a variety of repair markets, including consumer electronics, household appliances and other product categories. The framework sets out how the Competition Commission will evaluate practices that may restrict access to repairs, maintenance services and spare parts.
According to Right to Repair South Africa, the publication of the Guidelines represents an important opportunity to raise awareness among consumers about their rights when it comes to repairing and maintaining products they own.
Kate Elliott, CEO of Right to Repair South Africa, says the organisation aims to make repair choice a recognised and accepted aspect of product ownership across the country.
'Our long-term objective is for consumers to see repair and maintenance choice as a normal right that comes with ownership rather than an exception,' says Elliott.
She believes that a better-informed public is more likely to challenge restrictive practices and make confident decisions about where and how products are repaired. Increased awareness, she says, can contribute to more competitive and consumer-friendly repair markets across multiple sectors.
The Guidelines primarily apply to repair and maintenance activities that take place outside a manufacturer's warranty, including circumstances where product damage or faults fall beyond warranty coverage. They do not replace the existing Guidelines for Competition in the South African Automotive Aftermarket, which continue to govern competition-related matters within the vehicle sector.
While the Guidelines are not legally binding, they are intended to assist with the interpretation and application of the Competition Act when competition concerns arise in repair-related markets.
Right to Repair South Africa views the new framework as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between consumers, repair businesses and industry organisations. The organisation believes that progress will depend on stakeholders understanding the principles contained in the Guidelines and identifying barriers that limit repair access within their industries.
To support this objective, Right to Repair South Africa has extended an invitation to industry associations and organisations outside the automotive sector that may be interested in establishing their own right-to-repair initiatives.
Drawing on its experience within the automotive aftermarket, the organisation says it is willing to share insights, best practices and lessons learned with industries looking to improve repair accessibility and consumer choice.
'We believe the right-to-repair principle extends far beyond the automotive industry,' says Elliott. 'Any sector interested in building a stronger repair ecosystem and empowering consumers is welcome to engage with us. We are eager to share our experience and support initiatives that advance fair access to repair services.'
Right to Repair South Africa believes the new Guidelines create a valuable foundation for fostering a culture in which consumers enjoy greater freedom to decide how, where and by whom their products are repaired and maintained.
