New system aims to put an end to unwanted marketing calls in South Africa
The registry will let consumers block unwanted marketing and impose penalties of up to R1 million or 10% of annual turnover, officials said.
- On Wednesday, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau unveiled the National Opt-Out Registry in Pretoria, establishing a government-administered system allowing South Africans to block unwanted direct marketing calls, SMSes and other electronic communication.
- Spam calls surged 25.2% to 17.47 billion in the first half of 2026 compared with 2025, while spam SMSes rose 58.9% to 3.71 billion, prompting government action against relentless direct marketing practices.
- Under amendments to the Consumer Protection Act No. 68 of 2008, consumers can decline communications from specific companies or opt out entirely. NCC Acting Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu stated the Regulations provide 'a robust mechanism to stem unwanted calls to ensure that consumers are protected.'
- The registry launches in phases: direct marketers register through December 2026, then have five months until April 2027 to cleanse their lists before consumers gain blocking access in May 2027.
- Direct marketers must cleanse databases monthly and remove opted-out consumers or face penalties up to R1 million or 10% of annual turnover, while the NCC conducts consumer education and publishes implementation guidance.
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New system aims to put an end to unwanted marketing calls in South Africa
The South African government is taking decisive steps to protect consumers from relentless and often intrusive direct marketing practices, Cape {town} Etc reports. On Wednesday, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, will unveil the National Opt-Out Registry system at a media briefing in Pretoria. This initiative is hailed as a game-changer for consumers, providing them with the power... Read more →
South Africa Launches National Registry To Block Spam Calls, Tightens Marketing Rules
South Africa has introduced a national opt-out registry that will allow consumers to block unsolicited marketing calls before companies contact them, as authorities move to curb a spam-call problem that generated 17.5 billion calls in the first half of 2026. The National Consumer Commission (NCC), the country’s consumer protection watchdog, launched the National Opt-Out Registry […]
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