It has just become easier to reach the National Consumer Commission (NCC) and to log complaints.

The NCC has launched an e-Service portal, which will replace the manual complaint form.

The Acting National Consumer Commissioner Thezi Mabuza says consumers often complain about the manual process when they file complaints with the NCC.

Mabuza says as South Africans are now accustomed to online transactions, they wanted to make it easier and more convenient to file complaints.

The portal also makes it easy and possible for consumers to log in and view the status of their complaints without contacting the NCC directly, and offers instant notifications to the consumer.

Consumer registration is verified through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and as such, consumers are urged to use correct names and ID numbers as they appear in their ID books.

Consumers can follow these steps provided to create a profile online:

1. You need the following: ID/Passport number, email address, and mobile number;
2. Got to www.thencc.org.za/complaints or select the e-Service & OORs tab on the home page;
3. The page will take you to the e-services portal where you will be asked to create a profile;
4. When creating a profile, make sure that you use your names as they appear on your ID or Passport (if you are a non-South African consumer);
5. Your ID or Passport number will be verified with the Department of Home Affairs;
6. Once your profile is verified and approved, you will receive confirmation with your login details via email.
7. Only then can you log into your profile, change your password, and file a complaint. You can lodge as many complaints using the same login details.

To accommodate consumers who do not have access to the Internet or email addresses, the Commission says these consumers can still contact the NCC on 012 428 7000.