South Africa launches National Opt-Out Registry with fines up to 10% of turnover

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau launched South Africa's National Opt-Out Registry, a single free mechanism to block unwanted direct marketing calls, SMS and emails. Marketers can register from 15 September and have until 15 April 2027 to cleanse their lists at the NCC's cost, while consumers can start blocking from May 2027. Violations carry fines of up to R1 million or 10% of annual turnover.

• Registry arrives 16 years after it was first proposed in 2008
• Marketers register from 15 September, list cleansing runs to April 2027
• Consumers can block unwanted marketing from May 2027
• Penalties reach R1 million or 10% of annual turnover