Johannesburg – In these modern times of emails, instant messaging and social media, the red posting box, or red letterbox, has become more than a functional object.
It stands as a monument, a symbol of the almost bygone era of communication through handwritten letters and postcards.
The red post-box has inspired many a writer, poet, and songwriter to reflect on love letters sent to a special person, family member, or friend.
This stamp issue, titled “World Post Day: Love the Post-box”, nostalgically celebrates this enduring icon of communication.
Hosted by the Philatelic Federation of South Africa at the Country Club Johannesburg in Woodmead, the National Stamp Show provided the setting for the launch of SAPO’s new stamp issue on Wednesday 9 September 2026.
The show remains open to the public until 18:00 on Friday 11 September 2026, after which judges will announce winners in the various categories, including the best South African exhibit.
Speaking at the launch, SAPO’s Acting CEO Fathima Gany highlighted, “The ‘Love the Post-Box’ stamp issue is playful and nostalgic, but it also carries a meaningful message about human connection.
“In an age of instant digital communication, people are once again appreciating handwritten letters and physical keepsakes, things that require thought, intention and care.
“These stamps celebrate that enduring human desire to connect while honouring South Africa’s rich postal heritage, including the oldest surviving pillar post-box still in use in the country.
“Technology and the way we communicate will continue to change, as must the Post Office, but the need for one person to reach another will always remain.”
The “Love the Post-Box” issue features charming artwork illustrated by Rachel-Mari Ackermann, formerly of SAPO’s Philatelic Services, and adapted for printing in South Africa by Thea Clemons, Senior Graphic Designer at the Post Office.
Thea also designed the new SA Post Office Trophy for the best South African exhibit at the National Stamp Show.
The trophy will be awarded tomorrow evening, following the closure of the stamp show, during the Palmares, a black-tie event for philatelic enthusiasts at the Country Club.
The stamp issue also shines a spotlight on two distinctive types of post-boxes that have formed part of South Africa’s postal landscape.
One of the stamps honours the “Oldest pillar post-box still in use” in South Africa, in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape.
Dating back to the late 1850s, is widely regarded as the oldest surviving example still in use in South Africa, symbolising the long history of organised postal communication in the country.
Another stamp features the lamp post box, a smaller box traditionally attached to existing street infrastructure such as lamp posts and poles.
These boxes brought posting facilities closer to communities and helped make postal services more accessible.
The issue comprises a self-adhesive booklet containing 10 Standard Postage stamps, together with a Commemorative Display Card (CDC).
The stamps will be available at selected Post Office branches and may also be ordered directly from Philatelic Services via email: Sa.Stamps@postoffice.co.za or Tel: +27 12 845 2801 / +27 12 845 2815 / +27 12 845 2904 / +27 12 845 2902
