The South African Post Office (SAPO) has failed.
Since 2014, the SAPO has received a total of approximately R14.1 billion in government bailouts. This includes R7.9 billion between 2014 and 2019, an additional R2.4 billion in February 2023, and a further R3.8 billion allocated for its business rescue plan.
Despite repeated bailouts, corruption scandals, and financial mismanagement, it continues to collapse, leaving citizens without reliable postal services. Meanwhile, private couriers thrive, proving that a competitive postal market is the solution. The government is now reviewing SAPO’s exclusive monopoly on reserved postal services—this is our chance to demand full liberalisation and privatisation!
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies has requested a review of SAPO’s exclusivity under the Postal Services Act, 1998. This review aims to assess whether SAPO should retain its monopoly over reserved postal services or if the market should be liberalised.
This presents a crucial opportunity to demand the end of SAPO’s monopoly and its privatisation. Public input is being solicited, and we must act now to ensure that taxpayer money is no longer wasted on a failing state-owned entity.
SAPO has drained billions from taxpayers while failing to deliver on its universal service obligations. We must stop the endless bailouts and open the market to private competition. The public deserves better, and we need your voice to push for change.
This campaign closed on 14 April 2025.
Key concerns with SAPO and the postal market
Decades of Failure & Mismanagement
Wasting Public Funds on a Dead Business
Private Companies Already Do It Better
Lack of Innovation
Full Opening of the Postal Market – Scrap SAPO’s exclusivity and allow private companies to legally enter the reserved postal market.
Privatisation of SAPO – Sell SAPO to private investors or close it down rather than continuing to waste public funds.
No More Bailouts – Stop using taxpayer money to prop up a failed state-owned enterprise.
Efficient, Reliable Postal Services for South Africans – Ensure that postal services are driven by competition and efficiency, not government handouts.
Sign the Petition – Add your voice to our official submission calling for SAPO’s privatisation and the liberalisation of postal services.
Share This Campaign – Spread the message on social media. Tag government officials and demand change!
Submit Your Comments to the Government – The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is accepting public input on the review of SAPO’s exclusivity. Make your voice heard by sending your submission.
Join the Discussion – Engage with us on Free SA’s platforms to keep the pressure on policymakers.
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