South Africa has enacted significant amendments to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) Regulations, officially gazetted on April 15, 2026, by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, to combat unwanted direct marketing and spam. These changes, in conjunction with POPIA directives, shift the onus of controlling spam from consumers to businesses. A new National Opt-Out Registry System (OORS) will allow consumers to register a "pre-emptive block," preventing registered direct marketers from contacting them. The "first contact" loophole is eliminated, and telephone calls are now classified as "electronic communications" under POPIA, requiring explicit opt-in consent and recorded calls for compliance. Direct marketers must register with the OORS by July 2026 and face substantial penalties, including fines up to R1 million or 10% of annual turnover, for non-compliance.