Spam calls have become so widespread in South Africa that many people no longer pick up their phones, turning instead to apps like WhatsApp for safer communication.What was once an essential part of daily life, making and receiving calls, is now being disrupted by relentless telemarketing practices.
BusinessTech recently highlighted how spam calls are pushing South Africans to avoid answering unknown numbers, while new regulatory changes are attempting to clamp down on the problem. The issue is not just an inconvenience for consumers but also threatens the future of mobile voice calling in the country.
Industry experts have flagged that many call centres are bending, and in some cases breaking, existing rules. Some are unlawfully using mobile numbers from fixed locations, which violates the Numbering Plan Regulations of 2016. Others go further, spoofing or recycling prepaid SIM cards with unlimited calling bundles to disguise their identity.