South Africans can block registered marketers through new opt-out registry

South Africans can use a government registry to block direct marketing calls from companies registered on the system.

The block is free, but it may not stop calls right away because marketers still need to check their contact lists.

Marketers can clean their lists for free until 15 April 2027, when enforcement with a fee is due to begin.

The registry does not cover scammers or calls that are not marketing.