South Africa’s New Spam Registry Delayed Until 2027
South African consumers hoping to stop unwanted marketing calls will have to wait longer than expected. The government recently launched a new opt-out registry designed to help citizens block direct marketers, but the system is not yet fully functional.
Although the registry has officially launched, it will not be able to block spam calls immediately. Officials have confirmed that the system will only become effective in May 2027. This date is ten months later than the original deadline that was promised to the public.
The registry is intended to provide a simple way for people to stop companies from calling them with unsolicited sales offers. Many South Africans have been looking forward to this service as a way to protect their privacy and reduce the number of daily spam calls they receive.
For now, consumers must continue to use existing methods to manage unwanted communication. The government has not provided a detailed explanation for the delay, but the new timeline means that citizens will need to wait nearly three more years before the registry is fully operational.