SANCU is a voluntary Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) that represents millions of South African consumers. It functions as an umbrella organisation and its membership extends to the vitally important grass-roots organisations across the country. Being independent, SANCU speaks with authority on behalf of all consumers. Its opinions are sought by manufacturers, retailers, the agricultural sector, parastatals (such as the SABS) and Government. SANCU interacts with all of these bodies where the interests of consumers are concerned.