The Post office's legal monopoly has not been enforced, but Sakeliga wishes to prevent the state from enforcing it, arguing it hasn't the capacity to provide adequate services
Sakeliga, a prominent advocate for free markets in South Africa, is gearing up to challenge efforts aimed at granting the country's struggling Post Office a monopoly over postal services.
Despite existing on paper for decades, the mopoly has not yet been actively enforced. Sakeliga argues that enforcing such a monopoly would be both impractical and irrational, especially given the Post Office's current state of disrepair. The notorious incompetence and debt liabilities rank South Africa's national postal services lower than Nigeria's for reliability.
In a recent statement, Sakeliga emphasized that the delivery of parcels in South Africa is primarily facilitated by private courier services, not the Post Office. Therefore, Sakeliga staunchly opposes any measures that would restrict or ban the operation of private courier services.
The organization's stance comes in response to a request for comments from the Minister of Communications and Digital Technology regarding the Post Office's purported exclusive rights. According to the Minister's interpretation, the Post Office would have the sole authority to distribute various postal items, including letters, postcards, printed material, and small parcels weighing up to 1kg. Additionally, the Post Office would be the only entity permitted to provide collection points, post boxes, and service points for these "reserved services."
Sakeliga views the consideration of granting a monopoly to the Post Office as absurd, given the Post Office's current state of disarray. The organization warns that any attempt to ban private parcel delivery or other postal services would be entirely irrational.
While the Minister's intentions regarding the Post Office's monopoly remain unclear, Sakeliga remains vigilant, prepared to take legal action to safeguard competition and ensure continued access to affordable and reliable delivery services. Sakeliga asserts that public access to such services, as well as the freedom to trade and practice professions of choice, are fundamental rights that must be protected.
