Pretoria — The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will today discuss the Postal Services Amendment Bill passed by the National Assembly in September this year.

Communications minister Matsepe-Casaburri will table the Bill for discussion intended to allow the South African Post Office to be the only postal operator that continues to deliver a basic letter and postal items up to 1kg at a street or post box at a uniform price.

Dr Matsepe-Casaburri's spokesperson Lisa Combrinck said the draft law was aimed at ensuring the post office fulfilled universal service obligations to roll-out postal service to reach every individual throughout the country.

The Bill had been met with criticism that it would lead to the closure of courier companies and would also make it illegal for delivery of items weighing less than 1kg including flowers, pizzas and medicine.

"The law requires that the South African Post Office (SAPO) provide service up to 1kg at a uniform postage rate and affordable price irrespective of geographic location. These services must be delivered either at a postal or at a street address. It is clear that this bill does not halt the delivery of pizzas or flowers as these cannot be delivered in a post box," said Ms Combrinck.

She explained that couriers offered a personal delivery service at a definite time and price, which were free to determine.

She added the Bill did not prevent courier companies from operating but it freed them to provide services.

"The government is confident that through the hard work of the South African Post Office a basic service will indeed become a right for all citizens of our country and not a privilege."