President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially signed the South African Post Office SOC Ltd Amendment Bill into law.
The new legislation aims to redefine and expand the post office’s mandate, ensuring it remains relevant and sustainable in a digital age where traditional postal services have significantly declined.
The Post Office now operates on a new mandate
The amendment expands the post office’s duties beyond traditional postal services. It allows SAPO to diversify its revenue streams by incorporating services that address user needs.
The law now empowers the post office to:
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- serve as a logistics partner for e-commerce providers, including small businesses and informal traders.
- Act as a hub for government services, facilitating access to essential state resources.
- Provide digital and financial services such as money transfers, payments, and other technology-driven solutions.
The law also enables SAPO to adjust its business model continuously, using modern technology and third-party infrastructure to ensure sustainability.
The amended law emphasises the post office’s role in delivering universal services, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
Government departments will be encouraged to utilise post office infrastructure for public services, reducing SAPO’s reliance on state funding while making government services more accessible.
Governance reforms include reducing the size of SAPO’s Board and prioritising skills-based appointments to ensure efficient operations. The Board is now tasked with developing a credit plan to manage SAPO’s debts, a significant challenge for the organization in recent years.
Additionally, the legislation establishes a Stamp Advisory Committee to oversee philatelic programs.
The amended mandate is expected to make the post office a vital part of daily life, especially for individuals and businesses relying on government and logistical services.
