Public Submissions Overwhelmingly Oppose Post Office Parcel Monopoly
Minister Solly Malatsi told Parliament that public submissions on extending the Post Office's monopoly over parcels under 1kg were overwhelmingly against it.
South Africans have made their view on small-parcel deliveries clear. In July 2026, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi told Parliament that public submissions on extending the Post Office’s monopoly over parcels weighing 1kg or less were overwhelmingly opposed to the move, MyBroadband reported.
The background
For years the Post Office has argued that the law reserves the delivery of small parcels for it alone, which would stop couriers from delivering most online orders under 1kg. In December 2025 the minister issued a gazetted directive removing small parcels from the reserved services. The Post Office’s business rescue practitioners argue that the change only takes effect once ICASA ratifies it. Separately, litigation with courier companies that began in 2018 is still running.
What it means for online shoppers
- Couriers, lockers and pickup points continue to deliver small parcels while the dispute is unresolved.
- The address you give matters more than who delivers it. Use your street address and street code for courier deliveries.
- If you choose Post Office delivery to a PO Box, use the PO Box code.
Find the right code for your suburb: