Wednesday, 7 October 2026

The National Consumer Commission launched a National Opt-Out Registry for direct marketing; marketers have until December to register before prosecutions begin, with consumers able to block categories or specific numbers.

The Competition Commission wants the tribunal to revoke Premier’s Rhodes Food Group merger, alleging possible closure of the Tulbagh cannery was not disclosed; a lawyer said a fine of up to 10% of turnover is more likely.

South Africans received more than 17 billion spam calls in the first half of 2026, up 25.2% year on year, while spam SMSes reached 3.1 billion, according to the trade minister.

Financial confidence improved mainly through defensive behaviour: people prioritised reliable income, savings, emergency funds and debt repayment, while store accounts remained the most-used credit product.

A2X co-founder Kevin Brady said the challenger exchange now has 167 listings, including 31 of the JSE’s top 40, arguing competition has lowered prices and encouraged innovation.