World Post Day

World Post Day History

World Post Day aims to celebrate and promote the role of postal services in our daily lives. It serves as a reminder of the importance of efficient and accessible postal solutions in connecting people, fostering economic growth, and facilitating the exchange of goods and services globally. This day also advocates for the continued development of postal services to meet the changing needs of businesses and individuals around the world.

The observance was initiated in 1969 during the Universal Postal Congress held in Tokyo, Japan, and later established by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1974. For South Africans, World Post Day is particularly significant as the country is a founding member of the UPU and has a rich history of postal service development. The South African Postal Services has played a critical role in the socio-economic development of the country, initially under the control of the South African Post Office, and later as the South African Postbank catering to millions of citizens who rely on it for various postal services, financial products, and logistical solutions.

To observe World Post Day in South Africa, a variety of activities are organized to highlight the importance of postal services and their impact on people's lives, such as special events, stamp releases, and educational programs. The goal is to raise awareness among the public about the vital role that the South African Post Office and the postal sector play in the nation's progress and communication. World Post Day is celebrated globally on the 9th of October each year.

World Post Day facts

• The USPS processes and delivers 472.1 million mail pieces each day.
• Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General.
• The USPS owns the largest civilian vehicle fleet in the world, with over 227,000 vehicles.
• The SAPO delivers mail to approximately 5 million households and businesses across the country.
• Established in 1792, the South African Post Office is one of the oldest governmental organizations in South Africa.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Post Day

Top things to do in South Africa for World Post Day

• One of the ways to commemorate this day is simply by using postal services, sending postcards or letters to loved ones or friends, either locally or internationally.
• Philately is the collection and study of postage stamps, and World Post Day could be a perfect occasion to start or expand a stamp collection. There are several philatelic societies and clubs in South Africa, including the Philatelic Federation of South Africa and the Cape Town Philatelic Society.