JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Samsung is compensating South African consumers who bought the Galaxy Note 7 with a phone of a similar value or refunding them in full, Samsung South Africa said on Wednesday.
Samsung have recalled the product all over the world from last month for the battery manufacturing error. Galaxy Note 7 batteries overheats and starts fire at times.
In an interview with Xinhua, Phathu Nepfumbada, Public Relations and Internal Communications Manager of Corporate Marketing in Samsung South Africa said, they are working with all regulatory bodies including the National Consumer Council (NCC) to ensure the safety of the South African customers.
"Samsung is exchanging the affected devices with the flagship Galaxy S7 and S7 edge devices or a full refund. We will assist wherever possible in the exchange program and are asking consumers who indeed own a Galaxy Note7 to exchange it for a Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge or a full refund," she said.
Even though the NCC told Xinhua that 55 Galaxy Note 7 were sold as prelaunch sales in the country, Nepfumbada said they do not know how many are in the country, because some people could have bought the phones overseas or through parallel imports.
The phone was banned by the South Africa Airways and other international airliners. Nepfumbada said they have been discussing with the local airliners, providing them with the relevant information, to ensure the safety of the customers.
"Samsung is in the process of investigating the incidents regarding the Galaxy Note7 battery issue to ascertain the exact causes of the issue. We do not want to speculate at this point in time. We are liaising with our partners to establish the root of the complications," she noted.
Samsung South Africa also expressed commitment to the relevant procedures and good codes of practice despite the setback.
She said Samsung brand is still standing in good stead and will continue to be seen as a global and local market leader in the consumer electronics industry.
