Stop spam calls in South Africa

The Issue

In a digital world where our phones are indispensable tools for both personal and business communication, receiving constant spam calls is more than just a minor inconvenience—it's a pressing issue. Personally, I experience disruptions during work, and every unsolicited call carries potential risks of fraud. The sense of invasion and the perpetual questions about safety and security deeply concern me and many others across South Africa.

For years, South Africans have been plagued by a relentless surge in spam calls, often from unidentified numbers, telemarketers, and fraudulent entities aiming to deceive unsuspecting citizens. According to a 2022 Truecaller Insights report, South Africa ranks high on the list of countries severely affected by spam calls, with an average person receiving more than 10 suspicious calls a month. This continual barrage not only infringes upon our privacy but also endangers our financial security.

The impact is far-reaching, affecting people from all walks of life, disrupting businesses, and compromising personal safety. Many of us have fallen victim to scams, inadvertently sharing sensitive information, all because we thought we were responding to a legitimate call.

Addressing this issue requires immediate and decisive action from both telecommunications companies and the government. I urge the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to enforce stricter regulations on telecommunication providers to curb these intrusive practices. Additionally, telecommunications companies must be held accountable for implementing more robust systems that can identify and block fraudulent calls before they reach consumers.

By signing this petition, we can collectively urge ICASA to introduce new stringent measures that protect the privacy and security of South Africans. It's time to take a stand against the wave of spam calls that threaten our peace, privacy, and safety. Let's push for a safer telecommunication environment in South Africa. Please sign this petition to help put an end to the incessant spam calls and safeguard our society.

1

The Issue

In a digital world where our phones are indispensable tools for both personal and business communication, receiving constant spam calls is more than just a minor inconvenience—it's a pressing issue. Personally, I experience disruptions during work, and every unsolicited call carries potential risks of fraud. The sense of invasion and the perpetual questions about safety and security deeply concern me and many others across South Africa.

For years, South Africans have been plagued by a relentless surge in spam calls, often from unidentified numbers, telemarketers, and fraudulent entities aiming to deceive unsuspecting citizens. According to a 2022 Truecaller Insights report, South Africa ranks high on the list of countries severely affected by spam calls, with an average person receiving more than 10 suspicious calls a month. This continual barrage not only infringes upon our privacy but also endangers our financial security.

The impact is far-reaching, affecting people from all walks of life, disrupting businesses, and compromising personal safety. Many of us have fallen victim to scams, inadvertently sharing sensitive information, all because we thought we were responding to a legitimate call.

Addressing this issue requires immediate and decisive action from both telecommunications companies and the government. I urge the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to enforce stricter regulations on telecommunication providers to curb these intrusive practices. Additionally, telecommunications companies must be held accountable for implementing more robust systems that can identify and block fraudulent calls before they reach consumers.

By signing this petition, we can collectively urge ICASA to introduce new stringent measures that protect the privacy and security of South Africans. It's time to take a stand against the wave of spam calls that threaten our peace, privacy, and safety. Let's push for a safer telecommunication environment in South Africa. Please sign this petition to help put an end to the incessant spam calls and safeguard our society.

The Decision Makers

Minister Solly Malatsi
Minister Solly Malatsi
Minister of Communication

Petition Updates

Share this petition

Petition created on April 14, 2026