Subscription information & FAQs
SowetanLIVE publishes fresh and insightful news and analysis updated continually every day with original, online‑only content as well as content from the Sowetan newspaper.
All articles on SowetanLIVE are free to read. Readers who register (quick and free) can comment on articles or subscribe to any of our range of email newsletters.
Below you’ll find information and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Sowetan print subscriptions and our e‑editions (exact digital replicas of the print editions).
More about your subscription
To subscribe to the daily print edition of the Sowetan (Monday to Friday), please contact our call centre at 0860 52 52 00 or helpdesk@sowetanlive.co.za.
The best time to call is 7am–3.30pm SA time (GMT +2) from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
Print home delivery is offered in all major metropolitan areas. If you live in an existing delivery area, your newspapers will be delivered by 9am latest, Monday to Friday.
We can only deliver to addresses that we can access straight away (freestanding homes or complexes with security). We cannot use access codes or entry keys. To ask about delivery routes in your area, contact us on the details provided below.
Why do you ask for my email address?
Your email address is our unique identifier for your subscription. It makes it easy for us to locate your current subscription package.
My newspaper didn't arrive. What should I do?
Please contact our call centre at 0860 52 52 00 or helpdesk@sowetanlive.co.za for assistance.
I subscribed but have not yet received a copy.
Please allow up to two weeks for delivery of your first copy. If you have still not received your first issue, contact us at the details provided above.
My copies are arriving late, damaged or not at all. What should I do?
Please contact our call centre at 0860 52 52 00 or helpdesk@sowetanlive.co.za for assistance.
I am moving house. How do I change my address?
Contact us at the details provided above. We require one week’s notice to guarantee that your address can be changed in time for your move date and to verify that you are moving to an area we service within our delivery network.
What is the minimum subscription term?
The minimum subscription term is six months.
When does my subscription expire?
If you pay by EFT, credit card or debit card, you will find your subscription end date on the letter confirming your subscription as well as on your renewal letters.
Can I buy a gift subscription?
Yes, you can buy a subscription as a gift. You can do this by contacting our call centre at 0860 52 52 00 or helpdesk@sowetanlive.co.za.
When will the first edition of my gift subscription be delivered?
Please allow up to two weeks for delivery of your first copy. If you have still not received your first issue, contact us at the details provided above.
Why are you writing to me before my subscription has ended?
If you pay by credit card, debit card or EFT, we will send you renewal notifications. To ensure that you are able to renew your subscription in time to guarantee an uninterrupted service, we will send these renewal letters to you before the end of your subscription.
If you do not wish to receive these letters, why not consider renewing by direct debit? Your payment will be taken monthly and your subscription will simply continue until you tell us to stop sending you copies of the newspaper. To activate a direct monthly debit payment plan, contact us at the details provided above.
How do I renew my subscription?
If you pay by credit card, debit card or EFT, we will send you advice and renewal prices ahead of the end of your subscription.
I want to cancel my subscription or enquire about the balance. What should I do?
You may cancel at any time by providing notice to us in writing. Cancellation is subject to a reasonable cancellation fee. Contact us on 0860 52 52 00 or helpdesk@sowetanlive.co.za and we will gladly assist you.
I am going away. Can my subscription be suspended?
Yes. Contact us on 0860 52 52 00 or helpdesk@sowetanlive.co.za. Please allow at least one week’s notice. You’ll need your subscriber number. You can also have your newspapers redirected to a temporary address, as long as it is within the same country and to an area where we deliver. Your digital subscription cannot be suspended or placed on holiday hold.
I already subscribe to the print edition. How do I swap to the e‑edition or add the e‑edition to my subscription?
Contact us on 0860 52 52 00 or helpdesk@sowetanlive.co.za and we will gladly switch your delivery channel or add a delivery channel.
How many people can access an e‑edition using my subscription?
Two users may access the e‑edition at a time.
Is my online payment secure?
Information security is critical to our business. VCS protects the security of information during transmission by using 128‑bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. The VCS servers are certified by Thawte, a public certificate authority, ensuring the cardholder and the merchant that nobody can impersonate VCS to obtain confidential information.