South Africa Implements Spam Call Opt-Out
Analysis based on 7 articles · First reported Apr 18, 2026 · Last updated Apr 20, 2026
The new regulations in South Africa are expected to significantly impact the direct marketing industry, requiring companies to register and regularly cleanse their databases, potentially increasing operational costs. For consumers, the regulations are a positive development, offering greater control over unwanted marketing communications and enhancing privacy.
South Africa has introduced new Consumer Protection Act Amendment Regulations, establishing an opt-out registry to protect consumers from unwanted spam calls and direct marketing. The South Africa===National Consumer Commission is designated as the administrator of this system, requiring all direct marketers to register, renew annually, and regularly update their databases against the opt-out list. Failure to comply can result in administrative penalties of up to R1 million or 10% of annual turnover. Registration for both consumers and direct marketers is set to begin in July. Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, gazetted these amendments, which have been welcomed by Hardin Ratshisusu, Acting Commissioner of the South Africa===National Consumer Commission, and legal experts like Ahmore Burger-Smidt from Werksmans Attorneys.
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