Manage The Week

How to cancel the week in english and reclaim your subscription

What is the week in english for south africa

The Week in English is a weekly news magazine tailored for South African readers who want carefully curated global and local headlines without information overload.

The service and its delivery

The Week condenses the week's most significant stories across politics, business, technology, and culture into a digestible format. You access it through iOS or Android apps, or direct web subscriptions via the publisher. Single issues are also available for purchase through app stores if you want to try before committing to a subscription.

Why people subscribe and why they leave

Readers appreciate the balanced coverage and time-saving summaries. However, cancellation complaints often centre on difficulty finding clear cancellation instructions, unexpected charges after unsubscribing, and confusion about refund eligibility. At Stopee, we help you navigate these frustrations with precision.

Your consumer rights in south africa

South African law protects you as a digital subscriber, and understanding these rights gives you leverage when cancelling.

Consumer protection act and your cancellation rights

The Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (CPA) gives you the right to cancel distance contracts (including digital subscriptions) within 14 calendar days of conclusion without penalty or reason. This applies if The Week subscription is marketed as a distance contract. You must notify the publisher in writing within this window. Keep all proof of purchase and communication as evidence.

Even outside the 14-day window, you retain the right to cancel at any time. The publisher's terms state refunds for unmailed issues may apply depending on their policy. Stopee recommends documenting every step of your cancellation to support any dispute escalation.

Escalation and dispute resolution

If The Week refuses your cancellation or refund without valid reason, contact the National Consumer Commission (NCC) or your provincial consumer protection authority. Stopee advises keeping screenshots of subscription charges, emails from the publisher, and bank statements showing unwanted recurring debits. This documentation strengthens your case significantly.

The week in english plans and pricing

Transparent pricing helps you decide whether cancellation is right for you, or if a shorter plan saves money.

Current subscription plans and costs

Price notes and variations

Prices shown are verified South African in-app listings as of early 2025. Regional VAT and app store transaction fees may slightly adjust your final charge. Stopee recommends checking your app store receipt to confirm the exact amount you authorised before cancelling.

How to cancel the week on iOS (Apple app store)

Cancelling via Apple requires you to access your Apple ID settings directly; you cannot cancel inside The Week app itself.

Step-by-step cancellation on iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your name at the top of the settings menu to open your Apple ID profile.
3. Select Subscriptions from the menu options.
   • If you do not see this option, your device may use an older iOS version; update to iOS 16 or later.
4. Find The Week in your active subscriptions list and tap it.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription at the bottom of the screen.
   • Apple will offer you retention incentives; decline these unless you genuinely wish to stay.
6. Confirm your cancellation in the popup window.

Pro tip: cancel at least 24 hours before your next billing date to avoid being charged for the next cycle. Your access continues until the current paid period ends.

Warning: if you only delete The Week app without cancelling your subscription, your renewal charges will continue. Deletion and cancellation are separate actions.

What happens after you cancel on iOS

You keep full access to downloaded issues and any purchased content until your billing period expires. After that date, your account access ends unless you resubscribe. Apple does not refund the current billing cycle, but The Week's publisher may offer refunds for unmailed issues under their own policy if you contact them directly.

How to cancel the week on android (Google play)

Android cancellation mirrors the iOS process but takes place in Google Play settings rather than your device settings.

Step-by-step cancellation on android devices

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Select Payments and subscriptions from the dropdown menu.
4. Choose Subscriptions to view all active subscriptions.
   • If you see no active subscriptions, your payment method or account may not match your app store profile; check you are signed in to the correct Google account.
5. Find The Week and tap it.
6. Select Cancel subscription at the bottom.
   • Google Play will ask for a reason; select any that applies (cost, not used, etc.). This feedback helps the publisher.
7. Confirm your cancellation in the final popup.

Pro tip: cancel before the renewal date listed in your subscription details. Google Play confirms the cancellation date and your final access date by email.

Warning: like iOS, deleting the app does not cancel your subscription. You must follow the above steps or your charges will continue.

How to cancel the week via direct web subscription

If you subscribed directly through The Week's website rather than an app store, your cancellation method differs and may include more refund flexibility.

Direct cancellation through the publisher website

1. Visit The Week's website and log into your subscriber account using your email and password.
   • If you cannot remember your password, use the Forgot Password link to reset it.
2. Navigate to your Account Settings or Subscription Management page (this often appears in a menu labeled Settings, My Account, or Profile).
3. Locate your active subscription and select Cancel, Downgrade, or Manage Subscription.
   • Some publishers offer downgrade options (switching to a cheaper plan) instead of full cancellation; choose based on your preference.
4. Follow the publisher's cancellation form, which may ask for a reason or feedback.
   • Stopee recommends providing honest feedback so publishers improve their service or pricing.
5. Confirm your cancellation and save any confirmation email or cancellation reference number you receive.

Pro tip: direct web subscriptions often allow refunds for unmailed issues if you cancel mid-billing cycle. Check The Week's cancellation policy page during this process; if no refund is mentioned, email customer support immediately after cancellation to request one formally.

Contacting customer support for direct cancellations

If the website does not offer a self-service cancellation option, contact The Week's customer service by email or phone. Stopee advises sending a formal cancellation request by email so you have written proof. Include your account email, subscription plan, and cancellation request date. Request a confirmation of cancellation and any refund decision in writing.

What happens after you cancel the week

Cancellation does not immediately end your access, and understanding the transition period protects you from unexpected surprises.

Access timeline after cancellation

If you cancel via an app store, you retain full access to The Week until the end of your current paid billing period. If you cancel a direct web subscription, access termination depends on the publisher's policy; some end access immediately, others honour the paid period. Check your cancellation confirmation email for the exact end-date.

On the final access day, you lose the ability to download new issues or access the app. Content you have already downloaded remains on your device but becomes locked if the app requires active authentication.

Your account and data after cancellation

Cancelling your subscription does not automatically delete your account or personal data. The Week typically retains your account indefinitely, allowing you to resubscribe later with the same email and login. If you wish to delete your account entirely (for privacy or other reasons), contact customer support separately to request account deletion. This is distinct from subscription cancellation and may require a formal written request under South African data protection law.

Stopping future charges

Once you cancel, no further charges occur after your current period ends. If an unwanted charge appears after your confirmed cancellation date, this indicates a system error or cancellation failure. Stopee recommends immediately contacting your bank to dispute the charge as unauthorised, then following up with The Week's customer service for a refund.

Refund eligibility and claiming your refund

Refunds are not automatic, but you may qualify depending on when and how you cancel.

App store refund policies (iOS and android)

Apple and Google handle refunds differently from the publisher. Apple allows refund requests within 45 days of purchase; Google allows 48 hours. You request refunds through your app store account, not directly from The Week. If The Week's subscription auto-renewed without your authorisation, you have stronger grounds for approval. Stopee suggests framing your refund request as accidental renewal or unwanted charge rather than simply changing your mind, as this increases approval likelihood.

To request a refund on iOS, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes and App Store > Purchase History, find The Week charge, and tap Report a Problem. For Android, open Google Play Store > your profile > Payments and subscriptions > find the charge > Report a problem.

Direct publisher refunds for web subscriptions

The Week's terms permit refunds for unmailed issues if you cancel within their refund window (typically within 14 days of purchase or before the next issue ships). Email customer support with your cancellation date and request an unmailed-issue refund citing the Consumer Protection Act. Stopee recommends referencing the 14-day cooling-off period explicitly; publishers often honour this legal requirement even without prompting.

Warning: do not expect a refund if you cancel after issues have been delivered or if your billing cycle is near completion. Partial month refunds are rare unless explicitly promised in the terms.

Claiming a refund if charges continue after cancellation

If you spot a charge after your confirmed cancellation date, act immediately. Contact your bank within 60 days to dispute the transaction as unauthorised. Provide your cancellation confirmation, screenshots of subscription management pages showing cancellation, and bank statements. Your bank can reverse the charge while investigating. Simultaneously, email The Week's customer support with evidence of cancellation, requesting a refund and explanation of the erroneous charge.

Common mistakes when cancelling the week

Cancellation missteps leave you vulnerable to continued charges and lost refunds. We have seen hundreds of these errors, and most are preventable.

Mistake 1: deleting the app instead of cancelling the subscription

Removing The Week app from your phone does not stop charges. Your subscription remains active in the app store or publisher database, and renewal happens automatically on your payment method. You must explicitly cancel through the subscription management interface (Apple Settings, Google Play, or the publisher website) before deleting the app.

Mistake 2: missing the 24-hour cancellation window before renewal

App store subscriptions renew at a specific time on your renewal date. If you cancel after this time, you are charged for the next cycle. Stopee recommends cancelling at least 2 to 3 days before renewal to avoid last-minute mishaps. Check your subscription details now to see your exact renewal date, then set a phone reminder 3 days prior.

Mistake 3: not saving your cancellation confirmation

After cancelling, your app store or publisher sends a confirmation email. Many subscribers delete this email or lose track of it. Save this email in a dedicated folder or screenshot it. If disputes arise weeks later, this confirmation proves you cancelled on time and supports refund claims or chargebacks.

Mistake 4: assuming app store refunds are automatic

Apple and Google do not automatically refund upon cancellation. You must request a refund separately through the app store's problem-reporting system. Many users cancel but never pursue the refund, leaving money on the table. If you cancel within the refund window, always attempt a refund request even if you think it will be denied.

Before you cancel: should you reconsider

Cancellation is sometimes the right choice, but comparing options or negotiating might serve you better.

Downgrade instead of cancel

If cost is your concern, check whether The Week offers a shorter billing period. Switching from annual (R1,449.99) to monthly (R229.99) reduces your upfront cost and lets you pause commitment if cash flow tightens. This preserves your access and account history.

Pause option

Some publishers allow subscription pauses lasting 1 to 3 months. If you are overwhelmed but plan to resume reading later, ask customer support whether pausing is available. This avoids full cancellation and the need to reactivate your account later.

Request a retention offer

Contact The Week's customer service and state you are considering cancellation due to cost. Publishers occasionally offer one-time discounts or free months to retain subscribers. It never hurts to ask before you commit to cancelling.

Alternatives to the week if you cancel

If you decide cancellation is final, other news services offer similar features at different price points.

Other curated news options in south africa

Consider services like Flipboard (free aggregation), News24 (free with ads or premium), or The Daily Beast (paywalled). International options include The Economist, The Guardian, or Financial Times, though these target global audiences rather than South African focus. Stopee helps readers compare subscriptions across platforms to find the best fit before committing.

Checklist: confirming your cancellation is complete

Use this checklist after submitting your cancellation to ensure no loose ends remain.

• Received and saved a cancellation confirmation email or reference number from the app store or publisher.
• Verified the cancellation on your subscription management page (Apple Settings, Google Play, or publisher website) showing "No active subscription" or similar language.
• Checked your calendar for your renewal date and confirmed it is past or that you are within the current paid period.
• Confirmed no charges appear on your bank statement after the cancellation date.
• If you expected a refund, submitted your refund request through the app store or publisher within the required window (48 hours for Google, 45 days for Apple, 14 days for publisher policies).
• Kept all receipts, screenshots, and emails related to cancellation and refunds.

Consumer protection and escalation in south africa

If The Week ignores your cancellation request or refuses a legitimate refund, South African law and authorities are on your side.

When to escalate a dispute

If you cancelled but charges continue, or if a refund is wrongly denied, escalate within 10 business days. Start with a formal written complaint to The Week's customer service, citing the Consumer Protection Act and your cancellation evidence. If no response arrives within 5 business days, escalate to the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at complaints@thencc.org.za or call 0800 035 071. Provide your cancellation proof and bank statements showing unauthorised charges. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers file successful complaints by documenting every interaction with the provider.

Chargebacks and dispute resolution

If The Week refuses a refund and the NCC process is slow, your bank can reverse charges through a chargeback. Contact your bank's fraud or dispute department and explain the situation. Provide your cancellation confirmation, screenshots, and the NCC case reference if you filed one. Banks typically side with you in disputes involving unfair subscription charges.

Cancellation address and direct contact

For formal written cancellation requests, direct correspondence, or disputes, use The Week's official contact details.

Physical and mailing address

The Weekend Magazine (publisher of The Week)
Randburg
South Africa

Send formal cancellation requests, refund appeals, and dispute escalations to this address via registered mail if email proves unsuccessful. Include your account email, subscription plan, cancellation request date, and copies of your purchase receipts and cancellation confirmation. Request written acknowledgement of receipt.

Next steps after cancellation

Once your cancellation is confirmed and your final access date passes, your relationship with The Week ends until you choose to resubscribe. Stopee empowers you to make informed cancellation decisions, protect your refund rights, and escalate disputes confidently. Whether you cancel or reconsider, you now understand your options, your rights, and the exact steps to take. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, recover refunds, and avoid future billing surprises. Visit Stopee at stopee.com to explore how we can assist with any subscription cancellation, complaint, or dispute across South Africa.