The news in brief
The NCC extended consultation on proposed opt-out registry guidelines to 6 November 2026.
The NCC has extended the deadline for written comments on its draft opt-out registry compliance guidelines to 6 November 2026 (NCC, 13 October 2026). The notice is about consultation on proposed guidance; it does not say that every consumer function of the registry is already available.
The launch announcement describes a phased rollout, with consumer blocking planned from May 2027 (NCC launch announcement). Registration by marketers, the preparation of their systems and the later consumer service are different stages and should not be confused. Check the current service information before assuming that an opt-out has been registered or that a message will be blocked.
The existing personal-information rules are a separate issue. POPIA restricts electronic direct marketing to cases of consent or a defined existing-customer exception. That exception covers similar products or services, and requires an opportunity to object when the details are collected and in each communication (section 69). Not being on the new registry does not in itself show that a person has consented.
Keep unwanted messages and any opt-out requests, with the sender details and dates. The consultation notice gives the official route for comments on the proposed guidelines. A response to the consultation, a marketing opt-out and a complaint about unlawful data use serve different purposes, and completing one does not automatically complete the others.
Going further
This news item is part of a broader topic, which our page South Africa: personal data, romance scams and identity theft covers in detail.
Read the page: South Africa: personal data, romance scams and identity theft