1
Consumer studies
Grade 12
Prelim exam
2026
IMAGES: AI Generated. Based on typical examination questions
Important:
These study notes are revised and updated annually to align with the CAPS curriculum and current exam
requirements. This document is based on past examination papers.
Content was adapted and structured for exam preparation purposes. AI tools were used to assist with
formatting, rephrasing and differentiation.
These notes are designed to help learners:
• Understand key concepts
• Practise exam-style questions
• Identify important themes and patterns in assessments
To ensure learners work with the most relevant and up-to-date content, parents and learners are
encouraged to confirm that they are using the latest version of the notes. If you are unsure whether you
have the latest version, please feel free to contact me at:
Please note that these notes are compiled as a structured study aid for exam preparation and do not
replace the prescribed textbook or classroom instruction. IMAGES: Canva & AI Generated
REMEMBER: You must study Term 1, 2 and Term 3’ s STUDY NOTES for the Prelim Exam.
Good luck
Juffrou Ansie
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 2
Content
Definitions and Core Concepts...................................................................................................................... 2
Entrepreneurship .......................................................................................................................................... 6
The Consumer ............................................................................................................................................. 18
UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES AND SCAMS............................................................................................. 22
Food & Nutrition ......................................................................................................................................... 26
FOOD ADDITIVES, PRESERVATION METHODS, AND FOOD SAFETY ......................................................... 37
Clothing ....................................................................................................................................................... 41
FASHION AND APPEARANCE IN THE WORLD OF WORK ......................................................................... 46
Housing & Interior....................................................................................................................................... 48
BUYING HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES ......................................................................................................... 54
Municipal services and sustainable consumption of water .................................................................... 56
SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRICITY .......................................................................................... 58
Definitions and Core Concepts
Trademark A word, symbol, name, logo or device used to identify and
distinguish a company's products from those of competitors.
Patent A patent is a license that gives someone the exclusive right to
manufacture, use or sell an invention for a certain period of
time.
AIDA principle Advertisements for new products should be based on the
AIDA principle. Attention, Interest, Desire, Action.
Retrospective fashion A style of clothing that indicates it is from a previous era. The
Powerhouse Museum's exhibition of the "Nineties to Now" is
a good example of retrospective fashion.
Classic styles Classic styles change little and are timeless through the
ages.
Eco fashion / Eco During the production of these clothes, no harmful
clothing chemicals and bleaching agents are used when the material
is dyed.
Diabetes The nutrient and food-related health condition that results
from the body's inability to control glucose levels in the blood
is called diabetes.
Systolic blood pressure The pressure when the heart beats while the blood pumps.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 3
Diastolic blood pressure The pressure when the heart rests between heartbeats.
Obesity Abnormal accumulation of body fat.
Bacillary dysentery Common symptoms are moderate stomach pains and
diarrhea, with blood or mucus in the stool.
Tuberculosis A highly contagious disease that usually attacks the lungs.
Bulimia Nervosa A vicious cycle of repeated overeating, followed by
behaviours such as forced vomiting or excessive exercise.
HIV/AIDS A disease of the human immune system caused by the
human immunodeficiency virus.
Gastroenteritis Acute diarrhoea, three or more loose stools, cramps,
nausea, bloating.
Vitamin C Vitamin C is one of the essential vitamins that strengthen the
immune system.
Food additives Chemical substances that are added to food to keep it fresh
and/or that improve the colour, flavour and texture of the
product.
Escherichia coli (E-coli) Escherichia coli (E-coli) is a type of bacteria that causes
ulcers in the intestines that make the stool bloody. A
bacterium that may cause severe food poisoning, diarrhoea
and abdominal cramps.
Emulsifiers Emulsifiers are ingredients added to food to maintain
consistency and prevent the mixture's ingredients from
separating.
Chemical preservatives Chemical preservatives are ingredients that, under certain
conditions, slow down the growth of microorganisms, but do
not necessarily destroy them. However, this does not prevent
quality decline during manufacturing and distribution.
Non-renewable energy Fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas are examples of non-
sources renewable energy sources
Opportunistic infections Infections that occur when the immune system cannot
protect the body against bacteria and viruses.
Peanuts Peanuts are one of the most common causes of allergic
reactions.
E-numbers E-numbers are common on food labels across the European
Union. E-numbers indicate ingredients approved by the
European Food Safety Authority.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 4
Provisional tax Taxes that apply to taxpayers with an infrequent income,
such as farmers. The amount is paid in two instalments so
that the taxpayer does not have to pay one large amount at
the end of the financial year.
Excise duty Also called sin tax. Tax levied on the manufacture and sale of
certain products e.g. alcohol and tobacco products.
Registration costs A one-time amount charged by the bank to register a home
loan account.
Purchase deed A formal, written, legal agreement between the buyer and the
seller that sets out the terms and conditions.
Instalment sale An instalment sale transaction is a transaction where a
transaction deposit is paid and a credit agreement is signed.
Lay-by A small deposit is paid for an item, after which the merchant
holds the item for the customer until the full amount is paid.
Title deed The document that shows the details of ownership of a
property. A buyer only owns a house after the Registrar of
Deeds has signed the title deed.
Property tax The buyer is responsible for paying this and is based on the
market value of the property.
Lease An agreement between a property owner and a tenant for the
use and occupancy of a property against the payment of rent.
Rental Housing Act The law governing the relationship between tenants and
landlords in the private rental sector.
Money laundering Concealing the true nature or source of illicit money by
moving it through legitimate business channels.
Exclusion Clause / The kind of clause included in contracts that releases a party
Indemnity Clause from any liability should the agreement not be honoured.
Mortgage A mortgage bond is registered at the Deeds Office and serves
as security for the bank.
Stokvel A group of people who undertake together to pay regular
contributions into a common fund for specific purposes.
Fraud scheme/scam After declining a telephone business offer, money was still
deducted from the consumer's bank account.
Grey goods Goods imported into a country through unofficial or
unauthorized distribution channels.
Pyramid scheme Members receive compensation for recruiting other
members rather than for selling any goods or services. A
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
Consumer studies
Grade 12
Prelim exam
2026
IMAGES: AI Generated. Based on typical examination questions
Important:
These study notes are revised and updated annually to align with the CAPS curriculum and current exam
requirements. This document is based on past examination papers.
Content was adapted and structured for exam preparation purposes. AI tools were used to assist with
formatting, rephrasing and differentiation.
These notes are designed to help learners:
• Understand key concepts
• Practise exam-style questions
• Identify important themes and patterns in assessments
To ensure learners work with the most relevant and up-to-date content, parents and learners are
encouraged to confirm that they are using the latest version of the notes. If you are unsure whether you
have the latest version, please feel free to contact me at:
Please note that these notes are compiled as a structured study aid for exam preparation and do not
replace the prescribed textbook or classroom instruction. IMAGES: Canva & AI Generated
REMEMBER: You must study Term 1, 2 and Term 3’ s STUDY NOTES for the Prelim Exam.
Good luck
Juffrou Ansie
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 2
Content
Definitions and Core Concepts...................................................................................................................... 2
Entrepreneurship .......................................................................................................................................... 6
The Consumer ............................................................................................................................................. 18
UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES AND SCAMS............................................................................................. 22
Food & Nutrition ......................................................................................................................................... 26
FOOD ADDITIVES, PRESERVATION METHODS, AND FOOD SAFETY ......................................................... 37
Clothing ....................................................................................................................................................... 41
FASHION AND APPEARANCE IN THE WORLD OF WORK ......................................................................... 46
Housing & Interior....................................................................................................................................... 48
BUYING HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES ......................................................................................................... 54
Municipal services and sustainable consumption of water .................................................................... 56
SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRICITY .......................................................................................... 58
Definitions and Core Concepts
Trademark A word, symbol, name, logo or device used to identify and
distinguish a company's products from those of competitors.
Patent A patent is a license that gives someone the exclusive right to
manufacture, use or sell an invention for a certain period of
time.
AIDA principle Advertisements for new products should be based on the
AIDA principle. Attention, Interest, Desire, Action.
Retrospective fashion A style of clothing that indicates it is from a previous era. The
Powerhouse Museum's exhibition of the "Nineties to Now" is
a good example of retrospective fashion.
Classic styles Classic styles change little and are timeless through the
ages.
Eco fashion / Eco During the production of these clothes, no harmful
clothing chemicals and bleaching agents are used when the material
is dyed.
Diabetes The nutrient and food-related health condition that results
from the body's inability to control glucose levels in the blood
is called diabetes.
Systolic blood pressure The pressure when the heart beats while the blood pumps.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 3
Diastolic blood pressure The pressure when the heart rests between heartbeats.
Obesity Abnormal accumulation of body fat.
Bacillary dysentery Common symptoms are moderate stomach pains and
diarrhea, with blood or mucus in the stool.
Tuberculosis A highly contagious disease that usually attacks the lungs.
Bulimia Nervosa A vicious cycle of repeated overeating, followed by
behaviours such as forced vomiting or excessive exercise.
HIV/AIDS A disease of the human immune system caused by the
human immunodeficiency virus.
Gastroenteritis Acute diarrhoea, three or more loose stools, cramps,
nausea, bloating.
Vitamin C Vitamin C is one of the essential vitamins that strengthen the
immune system.
Food additives Chemical substances that are added to food to keep it fresh
and/or that improve the colour, flavour and texture of the
product.
Escherichia coli (E-coli) Escherichia coli (E-coli) is a type of bacteria that causes
ulcers in the intestines that make the stool bloody. A
bacterium that may cause severe food poisoning, diarrhoea
and abdominal cramps.
Emulsifiers Emulsifiers are ingredients added to food to maintain
consistency and prevent the mixture's ingredients from
separating.
Chemical preservatives Chemical preservatives are ingredients that, under certain
conditions, slow down the growth of microorganisms, but do
not necessarily destroy them. However, this does not prevent
quality decline during manufacturing and distribution.
Non-renewable energy Fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas are examples of non-
sources renewable energy sources
Opportunistic infections Infections that occur when the immune system cannot
protect the body against bacteria and viruses.
Peanuts Peanuts are one of the most common causes of allergic
reactions.
E-numbers E-numbers are common on food labels across the European
Union. E-numbers indicate ingredients approved by the
European Food Safety Authority.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 4
Provisional tax Taxes that apply to taxpayers with an infrequent income,
such as farmers. The amount is paid in two instalments so
that the taxpayer does not have to pay one large amount at
the end of the financial year.
Excise duty Also called sin tax. Tax levied on the manufacture and sale of
certain products e.g. alcohol and tobacco products.
Registration costs A one-time amount charged by the bank to register a home
loan account.
Purchase deed A formal, written, legal agreement between the buyer and the
seller that sets out the terms and conditions.
Instalment sale An instalment sale transaction is a transaction where a
transaction deposit is paid and a credit agreement is signed.
Lay-by A small deposit is paid for an item, after which the merchant
holds the item for the customer until the full amount is paid.
Title deed The document that shows the details of ownership of a
property. A buyer only owns a house after the Registrar of
Deeds has signed the title deed.
Property tax The buyer is responsible for paying this and is based on the
market value of the property.
Lease An agreement between a property owner and a tenant for the
use and occupancy of a property against the payment of rent.
Rental Housing Act The law governing the relationship between tenants and
landlords in the private rental sector.
Money laundering Concealing the true nature or source of illicit money by
moving it through legitimate business channels.
Exclusion Clause / The kind of clause included in contracts that releases a party
Indemnity Clause from any liability should the agreement not be honoured.
Mortgage A mortgage bond is registered at the Deeds Office and serves
as security for the bank.
Stokvel A group of people who undertake together to pay regular
contributions into a common fund for specific purposes.
Fraud scheme/scam After declining a telephone business offer, money was still
deducted from the consumer's bank account.
Grey goods Goods imported into a country through unofficial or
unauthorized distribution channels.
Pyramid scheme Members receive compensation for recruiting other
members rather than for selling any goods or services. A
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
