Amateur radio in South Africa is regulated by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 as amended. The important parts are the Radio Regulations which specify the requirements, privileges and responsibilities involved in amateur radio stations.
There are two classes of licence, Class A and Class B. Class A licensees (prefix ZR or ZS.) are required to pass the class A RAE,complete an HF operating certificate and for ZS also one of 5 assessments. ZS licensees will have full HF privileges with 400 w operating power with ZR restricted to 100w and also limited to some of the bands, while Class B licensees (prefix ZU...) need to pass the class B RAE and complete an HF operating certificate. ZU licencees are restricted in terms of the bands available, output power and some other minor items. RAE courses are conducted by many clubs around the country. Contact your closest club for more information. The examination is held twice a year, usually in May and October. Click here for a list of examination centres.
