Top Bulk SMS Platforms in South Africa: Local Gateways Compared

SMS marketing remains one of the most effective ways for businesses in South Africa to reach customers instantly. Whether you're sending reminders, running promotions, or sending alerts, choosing the right bulk SMS platform can make a huge difference in delivery rates, compliance, and campaign success.

In this article, we compare the top bulk SMS service providers in South Africa based on pricing, delivery reliability, customer support, local compliance, and ease of integration.

List of SMS Platforms in South Africa

• Trembi Campaigns

• SMS Portal

• Clickatell

• BulkSMS

• Everlytic

• Africastalking

Best Bulk SMS Platforms in South Africa

1. Trembi Campaigns

Overview:

Trembi Campaigns is an all-in-one SMS, Email, and WhatsApp marketing automation platform designed specifically for African businesses. With its easy-to-use dashboard, local integrations, and marketing automation features, it’s a strong choice for businesses in South Africa looking to scale communication with speed and compliance.

Key Features:

• Supports SMS, Email & WhatsApp campaigns

• Smart segmentation and automation flows

• Real-time delivery reports and analytics

• Easy API integration

• Local customer support

Pricing:

Starts at R0.15 per SMS, with volume-based discounts.

Pros:

• All-in-one platform (SMS + Email + WhatsApp)

• Simple campaign builder for non-technical users

• Excellent for lead nurturing, not just messaging

• Affordable pricing and good delivery speed

• POPIA-compliant out of the box

Cons:

• Not yet widely known in South Africa

• WhatsApp features require approval setup

Best For: Startups, SMEs, educational institutions, healthcare providers

Website: trembi.com/campaigns

2. SMSPortal

Overview:SMSPortal is a veteran in the South African SMS space with thousands of clients across sectors. Known for reliability and a robust API, it’s a go-to for large-scale campaigns.

Key Features:

• High-speed SMS delivery infrastructure

• Bulk and scheduled messaging

• API and Email-to-SMS options

• Real-time analytics dashboard

Pricing: Approx. R0.18 per SMS, with free credits on signup.

Pros:

• Reliable delivery and speed

• Well-documented developer API

• Local infrastructure

Cons:

• No multichannel support (SMS only)

• Interface feels outdated

Best For: Large organizations and enterprises with high SMS volumes

Website: smsportal.com

3. Clickatell

Overview:

Clickatell is a global messaging provider with South African roots. It’s known for its strong enterprise features and high message throughput.

Key Features:

• Messaging across SMS, WhatsApp, and chat

• Enterprise-level scalability

• Two-way messaging and chat commerce

Pricing: Custom pricing on request

Pros:

• High-volume support and global delivery

• Great for financial services and banking

• Multichannel communication options

Cons:

• Complex for small businesses

• Pricing not transparent

Best For: Banks, fintech, and large brands

Website: clickatell.com

4. BulkSMS.com

Overview:

One of the longest-running SMS providers in SA, BulkSMS.com is popular for its simplicity and reliable local delivery.

Key Features:

• Straightforward web interface

• Developer-friendly API

• SMS scheduling and contact management

Pricing: From R0.22 per SMS (discounts available)

Pros:

• Easy to use for first-timers

• Quick setup and delivery

• Good local support

Cons:

• Higher price per SMS

• Limited automation features

Best For: Schools, NGOs, and small businesses needing simple SMS campaigns

Website: bulksms.com

5. Everlytic

Overview:Primarily an email marketing platform, Everlytic also offers SMS capabilities for clients looking to run integrated campaigns.

Key Features:

• Email + SMS automation

• Built-in subscriber management

• Campaign analytics and triggers

Pricing:Based on campaign volume – custom quotes

Pros:

• Great for combining email + SMS

• Strong automation tools

• POPIA-compliant subscriber handling

Cons:

• Not SMS-first

• Pricing not transparent

Best For: Marketing teams and agencies running cross-channel campaigns

Website: everlytic.com

6. Africa’s Talking

Overview:Though more popular in East Africa, Africa’s Talking also offers bulk SMS services in South Africa with developer-friendly APIs.

Key Features:

• Programmable SMS API

• Voice and USSD support

• Two-way messaging

Pricing:Varies by destination; approx. R0.19–R0.22 per SMS

Pros:

• Strong API documentation

• Support for other messaging channels

• Scalable infrastructure

Cons:

• Not as focused on South African market

• Dashboard UX is developer-oriented

Best For:Developers and technical teams building SMS tools

Website: africastalking.com

Bulk SMS Comparison Table

Platform	Price (per SMS)	POPIA Compliant	Multichannel	Best For
Trembi Campaigns	R0.15+	✅	SMS, Email, WhatsApp	SMEs, Education, Healthcare
SMSPortal	R0.18+	✅	SMS Only	Enterprises
Clickatell	Custom	✅	SMS, WhatsApp	Banks & Fintech
BulkSMS.com	R0.22+	✅	SMS Only	NGOs, Schools
Everlytic	Custom	✅	SMS + Email	Agencies
Africa’s Talking	R0.19–R0.22	✅	SMS, Voice, USSD	Developers

Legal & Compliance: Is Bulk SMS Legal in South Africa?

Yes, bulk SMS is legal—but only if you comply with South Africa’s POPIA law. Key points to keep in mind:

• You must have user consent before sending messages

• You must provide an opt-out mechanism

• SMS content should be non-deceptive and non-intrusive

The best platforms (like Trembi Campaigns, SMSPortal, Clickatell) offer built-in tools to manage compliance.

Final Thoughts: Which Platform Is Right for You?

• If you want affordable SMS + marketing automation, go with Trembi Campaigns

• For high-volume delivery, SMSPortal or Clickatell are great choices

• If you prefer simple tools, BulkSMS.com is beginner-friendly

• For API-driven projects, Africa’s Talking shines

• If you need cross-channel automation, Everlytic offers solid value

FAQs

Q: What’s the cheapest bulk SMS service in South Africa?A: Trembi Campaigns starts at R0.15 per SMS and offers volume discounts.

Q: Can I send bulk SMS legally in South Africa?A: Yes, as long as you comply with POPIA and get user consent.

Q: Which bulk SMS provider has the best API?A: Africa’s Talking and Trembi Campaigns both offer solid, developer-friendly APIs.