The EFF demands change, but is South Africa ready to have this conversation?
In an era where mobile data is as vital as electricity and clean water, South Africans are being forced to ask, “Why does something we’ve paid for disappear before we’ve even used it all?”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have reignited a national debate, calling for the expiration of data and airtime to fall, a demand that cuts deep into the everyday reality of many. Their statement frames this issue not just as one of economic concern, but one of dignity, access, and consumer rights.
The Everyday Cost of Connectivity
Walk into any township or urban centre, and you’ll see the same reality play out: data is gold. Whether you’re applying for a job, attending online classes, promoting your business on social media platforms , or simply staying connected to loved ones, mobile data is the thread that keeps South Africans tied to opportunity. Yet, it’s expensive, and worse, it expires.
For many, it’s a painful cycle. You scrape together R30 for a bundle. You use what you can. Life gets in the way. And before the week ends, it’s gone, not because you used it, but because time ran out…Is that fair on the customer?
More Than a Pocket Issue
The EFF’s position challenges not just telecom pricing models, but the very principle of digital accessibility in a post-COVID society. They argue that the expiration of purchased data and airtime is a violation of consumer rights, a manipulation of pricing, and a barrier to social mobility.
“Data and airtime are not luxuries,” their statement reads. “They are required to apply for job opportunities, to pursue education, to report crime, and to solve service delivery challenges.”
In other words, connectivity isn’t optional. It’s a necessity. And for the working class, prepaid data is often the only option, making the loss of unused bundles all the more infuriating.
The Telco Dilemma
Telecoms, of course, tell a different story.They argue that expiry dates exist to manage network traffic, balance user behavior, and sustain their infrastructure. According to industry insiders, allowing unlimited data rollovers could inflate costs and strain service quality for everyone.
But is that a valid argument in 2025? When the rest of the world is pushing for data affordability and universal access, is South Africa falling behind?
And perhaps more importantly: Are telecom profits being prioritised over the people’s right to digital inclusion?
What’s the Way Forward?
Other African nations like Nigeria and Kenya have already begun regulating how data expires, forcing service providers to increase rollover periods or eliminate expiry altogether for certain packages. Is it time South Africa follows suit?
Consumer advocacy groups, digital rights organisations, and now political parties like the EFF are raising their voices louder than ever before.
And yet, the ultimate question remains unanswered: Will South African lawmakers listen?
Your Turn: What Do You Think?
- Have you ever lost data or airtime due to expiry?
- Should data be treated like property once it’s purchased?
- Is the expiration of airtime and data a scam, or just good business?
Let us know. Follow us on social media platforms and join the conversation, tell us your thoughts using #ControlDataTalk. Your voice might just be the start of real change.
Sidebar: The Hidden Cost of Expiring Data
- R30: Average cost of 1GB daily bundle (expires in 24 hours)
- 85% of South Africans use prepaid data only
- 45% of job seekers cite data as their biggest barrier to employment
