Media24 is South Africa's largest integrated media company, publishing premium digital content through News24, City Press, YOU Magazine, Netwerk24, and specialist titles across news, entertainment, and lifestyle sectors. The company operates from its head office at the Naspers Centre (40 Heerengracht Street) in Cape Town, with regional operations across major cities including Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha).
You access Media24 content through web-based subscriptions, Apple App Store, Google Play, or bundled upfront payment plans. If your subscription no longer aligns with your needs-whether due to cost pressures, content overlap, or changing reading habits-Yafee is here to guide you through cancellation with legal precision and practical clarity.
Understanding your Media24 subscription model
Media24 offers multiple subscription structures: month-to-month recurring charges via the website, annual upfront payments (6 or 12 months), and app-store subscriptions managed by Apple or Google. Each cancellation route follows a distinct process. Understanding which platform hosts your subscription is your essential first step.
Why yafee supports Media24 cancellations
Cancelling media subscriptions in South Africa requires navigating different platforms, refund policies, and consumer protection legislation. Yafee specialises in unpacking these processes, helping you avoid common procedural errors and claim the refunds and protections you're legally entitled to. We have guided thousands of consumers through Media24 cancellations and understand the specific challenges this service presents.
Your consumer rights under south african law
The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 establishes your legal foundation for cancellation and refund claims.
What the consumer protection act says about cancellations
Under Section 5(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, you hold the explicit right to cancel a distance contract (which includes all online subscriptions) within 14 calendar days of concluding the agreement, without penalty or cost. For subscriptions that auto-renew-including Media24 recurring plans-you retain the unconditional right to cancel future renewals at any time. Media24 must act on your cancellation immediately without imposing delays or hidden charges.
If Media24 refuses a pro rata refund on an upfront 6 or 12-month payment, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) serves as your statutory escalation authority. Yafee recommends documenting your cancellation request and all responses from Media24; this record becomes essential if you need to lodge a formal complaint.
Your refund entitlements in detail
For web-based upfront payments, you are entitled to a pro rata refund-meaning the total subscription price divided by the total number of days, multiplied by the number of unused days remaining. Media24 must process this within a reasonable timeframe, typically 5 to 10 business days, unless they can substantiate a legitimate cancellation penalty explicitly stated in your contract terms.
App-store subscriptions (Apple and Google) operate under their own refund frameworks, which may be more restrictive. Nevertheless, South African consumer law still applies. If the app store refuses a refund you believe is justified, you can escalate your case through the NCC or seek guidance from Yafee's framework.
Your legal position: You have an unconditional legal right to cancel within 14 days of purchase and a continuing right to cancel future renewals. Media24 cannot impose early termination fees or administrative charges. If they refuse a refund you believe is due, you can lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission at
[email protected] or 012 428 8000.
Direct website cancellations offer the most control and fastest processing time.
- Log into your Media24 account at the subscription portal using your registered email and password.
- If you have forgotten your password, select the "Forgot password?" link on the login page and follow the email recovery steps.
- Check your inbox and spam folder for the password reset email from Media24.
- Navigate to your account settings or subscription management section.
- Look for a "Subscriptions," "Billing," or "My Account" menu option.
- Select the Media24 subscription you wish to cancel.
- Locate the "Cancel subscription" or "End recurring payments" button.
- Media24 may ask you to confirm your cancellation reason-this is optional but helps the company improve its service.
- Do not skip this step; some subscriptions require explicit confirmation to finalise cancellation.
- Verify the cancellation confirmation message displayed on screen.
- Screenshot or save this confirmation page as proof of your cancellation request.
- Media24 will send a confirmation email to your registered address within 24 hours.
- Request a refund if you paid for an upfront period not yet consumed.
- If Media24 does not automatically process a pro rata refund, reply to the confirmation email with your refund request and the number of unused days remaining.
- Include your subscription reference number and payment date.
How to cancel via apple app store
App Store cancellations follow Apple's framework but remain subject to South African law.
- Open the Apple App Store app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Navigate to your account profile icon (usually in the top right corner).
- Select "Subscriptions" from the account menu.
- You will see a list of all active subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
- Locate the Media24 subscription in this list.
- Tap the Media24 subscription to open its details page.
- Review the renewal date and billing amount displayed.
- Select "Cancel Subscription" at the bottom of the subscription details screen.
- Apple may offer a retention incentive or discount-you can accept or decline this offer.
- Proceed with the cancellation regardless.
- Confirm the cancellation by selecting "Confirm" when prompted.
- Apple will send a confirmation email to your registered Apple ID email address.
- Save this email as proof of your cancellation request.
- If you believe you are entitled to a refund under South African law, contact Apple Support or escalate your claim to Media24 directly.
- Reference the Consumer Protection Act and your cancellation date.
- If Apple refuses your refund request, you may lodge a complaint with the NCC.
How to cancel via google play
Google Play cancellations operate similarly to Apple but use Google's billing interface.
- Open the Google Play app on your Android device and navigate to your account menu.
- Select your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Choose "Manage your Google Account."
- Select the "Payments and subscriptions" tab.
- This opens your Google Play subscriptions dashboard.
- Select "Manage subscriptions" from the menu.
- You will see all active subscriptions on your account.
- Find the Media24 subscription in the list.
- Tap the Media24 subscription entry to open its details.
- Review your renewal date and the amount you are charged.
- Select "Cancel subscription" at the bottom of the details screen.
- Google may display a cancellation survey-you can provide feedback or skip this step.
- Confirm your cancellation when prompted.
- Google will send a confirmation email to your Google account email address.
- Retain this email as evidence of your cancellation request.
- For refund claims, follow the same escalation process as Apple: contact Google Support first, then escalate to Media24 or the NCC if necessary.
- Cite Section 5(1) of the Consumer Protection Act in your written request.
This table outlines typical Media24 subscription costs and the refund windows you can expect.
| Subscription type |
Typical cost (ZAR) |
Renewal cycle |
Refund window |
| News24 Premium (monthly) |
79-149 |
Monthly |
Immediate on cancellation |
| City Press (annual upfront) |
799-1,299 |
12 months |
Pro rata (5-10 business days) |
| YOU Magazine (6-month bundle) |
399-599 |
6 months |
Pro rata (5-10 business days) |
| Netwerk24 (monthly via app) |
69-119 |
Monthly |
Immediate on cancellation |
| Multi-title bundle (annual) |
1,499-2,299 |
12 months |
Pro rata (5-10 business days) |
Prices are indicative and subject to change. Exchange rates apply if you are billed in foreign currency. Yafee recommends confirming your exact subscription cost in your account settings before cancellation.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation does not end immediately; your access continues until the end of your current billing period.
Access after cancellation
Media24 will continue to provide access to your subscription content until the end of your current billing cycle. For example, if you cancel a monthly subscription on the 15th of the month and your billing date is the 1st, you retain access until the 1st of the following month. Upfront annual or 6-month subscriptions follow the same rule: access ends on the date your prepaid period expires.
Refund processing
For monthly recurring subscriptions, no refund is due unless you cancel within 14 days of initial purchase (the cooling-off period). For upfront annual or 6-month payments, Media24 must process your pro rata refund within 5 to 10 business days. Check your bank account or payment method for the refund credit. If no refund appears after 10 business days, contact Media24 with your cancellation confirmation and payment reference.
Unsubscribe from marketing emails
Media24 may continue to send promotional emails even after cancellation. Log back into your account before access ends and update your email preferences to opt out of marketing communications. Alternatively, use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any promotional email you receive.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancellation errors can delay refunds or leave you charged unexpectedly-but these pitfalls are entirely avoidable.
Mistake 1: assuming your subscription has been cancelled
Many users cancel through their app but forget to check their email for confirmation. Media24 and app stores send confirmation emails-always retrieve and save these. Without written confirmation, you have no proof of your cancellation request if a charge appears later.
Mistake 2: cancelling through customer support instead of your account
Emailing Media24 customer support or calling them to cancel is slower and creates ambiguity. Always cancel directly through your account settings (website, Apple App Store, or Google Play). This generates an immediate, timestamped record.
Mistake 3: not requesting your pro rata refund explicitly
Media24 may not automatically refund unused portions of annual or 6-month payments. You must submit a separate refund request citing the unused days remaining. Include your subscription reference number, payment date, and cancellation date in your request email.
Mistake 4: ignoring the 14-day cooling-off period
You have 14 calendar days from purchase to cancel without penalty. After day 14, you may still cancel future renewals, but refund claims become more complex. Cancel early if you are uncertain about the service.
Mistake 5: not checking your bank statement after cancellation
Ensure no further charges appear after your cancellation date. If an unexpected charge posts, gather your cancellation confirmation and escalate to Media24 or the NCC immediately. Yafee recommends reviewing your bank statement for three billing cycles after cancellation.
Media24 may decline your refund claim-but you have statutory remedies under South African law.
Step 1: submit a written refund request to Media24
Email Media24 at the contact address listed below with the following information: your subscription reference number, the date you paid, the date you cancelled, the number of unused days remaining, and the pro rata refund amount you are claiming. Reference Section 5(1) of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 in your email. Keep a copy of this email and Media24's response.
Step 2: wait 14 days for media24's response
Media24 must respond to your refund request within 14 days. If they approve, the refund will be processed within 5 to 10 business days thereafter. If they deny your claim without legitimate grounds, move to Step 3.
Step 3: escalate to the national consumer commission
If Media24 refuses or ignores your refund request, lodge a formal complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC handles disputes between consumers and businesses where South African consumer law has been breached. Submit your complaint at [email protected] or contact the NCC call centre at 012 428 8000. Include your cancellation confirmation, refund request email, and Media24's response (if any). The NCC will investigate and may compel Media24 to refund you plus interest on the delayed payment.
Yafee's cancellation checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you complete every cancellation step correctly.
| Task |
Completed |
Notes |
| Log into your Media24 / app account |
☐ |
Record your email address used for login |
| Locate subscription management section |
☐ |
Note the subscription reference number |
| Click "Cancel subscription" button |
☐ |
Record the exact date and time of cancellation |
| Screenshot or save the cancellation confirmation |
☐ |
Save in a folder titled "Media24 Cancellation" |
| Receive and save confirmation email |
☐ |
Check inbox and spam folder within 24 hours |
| Request pro rata refund (if applicable) |
☐ |
Only needed for annual / 6-month upfront payments |
If Media24 does not respond to your cancellation or refund request, use these contact details for escalation.
Media24 head office
Media24 (Head Office)
Naspers Centre
40 Heerengracht Street
Cape Town, 8001
South Africa
General enquiries: Contact Media24 through your account support page or the relevant publication's customer service email. Yafee recommends sending cancellation requests to the email address associated with your subscription account.
National consumer commission (escalation authority)
National Consumer Commission (NCC)
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 012 428 8000
Website: www.thencc.org.za
Lodge a formal complaint if Media24 refuses your refund claim or fails to respond within 14 days of your written request.
Cancelling a Media24 subscription is straightforward when you follow the correct platform-specific steps and understand your legal entitlements. You have an unconditional right to cancel within 14 days and a continuing right to stop future renewals at any time. For annual or 6-month upfront payments, you are entitled to a pro rata refund for unused days-typically processed within 5 to 10 business days.
If Media24 refuses your refund claim, escalate your case to the National Consumer Commission, which enforces the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 on your behalf. Document every step: save your cancellation confirmation, your refund request email, and any response from Media24. This record is your legal protection if a dispute arises.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions across South Africa and claim refunds they deserve. Whether you are cancelling due to cost, overlapping content, or changing preferences, Yafee's framework-grounded in South African consumer law and practical procedural clarity-ensures you complete your cancellation correctly. Visit Yafee.com today to access guides for hundreds of other services and learn how to protect your consumer rights in the digital economy.