Teljoy Turns 56: From the Moon Landing to Modern Living – Teljoy, Still the Smarter Way to Own

In 1969, while the world watched the moon landing live on TV, South Africans could only listen – huddled around radios, hearing history unfold second-hand. One of those frustrated listeners was Theo Rutstein.
Instead of accepting it, he did something about it. That same year, he founded Teljoy and began lobbying for the introduction of television in South Africa.
His goal? To make sure South Africans would never miss another global moment again.
Five years later, in 1974, Teljoy installed the very first television set in the country – and just like that, history had a screen. Watch the full story of the Teljoy Founder here.
Since then, Teljoy has helped millions of South Africans tune in to the moments that matter:
- The Nelson Mandela Freedom Walk – a celebration of democracy and dignity.
- The 1995 Rugby World Cup – Mandela’s jersey, Pienaar’s lift, a nation united.
- Every World Cup since, every Springbok try and Bafana Bafana goal.
- Elections, New Year’s countdowns, royal weddings and presidential inaugurations – the shared milestones of our time.
A Legacy of Firsts
From pioneering TVs in South Africa to evolving how we access appliances, electronics, and furniture, Teljoy has never stopped innovating.
- First to introduce TV rentals in SA.
- First to give everyday consumers access to top brands without needing large upfront capital.
- First to rethink ownership entirely, offering a smarter, more flexible approach that puts control in your hands.
The Smarter Way to Own
While technology has changed, the financial pressure to own what you want hasn’t. That’s where Teljoy’s Rent To Own model comes in.
It’s a simple idea: Get what you need now, pay monthly, own it later – no lump sums, no locked-in contracts, literally no commitment!
With your Teljoy rental you access the following benefits:
- Month-to-month flexibility – upgrade, downgrade, or cancel any time.
- Maintenance, repairs, and replacements included – no nasty surprises.
- Ownership option – The decision is yours at the end of the rental period, no strings attached!
- TV licence costs covered – one less bill to worry about.
Need a fridge? A smart TV? A gaming console or a washing machine? Maybe a new bed? Teljoy lets you enjoy it now, without tying yourself down.
You can even return it when you no longer need it or want it. Own it when you’re ready, this is all on your terms!
Risk-Free, Hassle-Free, Stress-Free
It’s not just about what you get – it’s about what you avoid. No upfront costs. No longterm contracts. No stress over breakages, thanks to built-in damage protection.
No service headaches either – repairs are taken care of. Teljoy makes it easy to set it, forget it, and enjoy it, with total peace of mind.
Still Leading, 56 Years Later
Teljoy CEO Jonathan Hurvitz has consistently emphasised that the company’s mission has never been just about renting out products – it’s about giving South Africans the freedom to live the life they want, on their own terms.
From empowering smarter financial choices to redefining what ownership looks like, Teljoy has always championed flexibility, access, and convenience.
Teljoy’s main objective is to add value to the lives of their customers, with any Teljoy rental, for only R20.00 per month, Teljoy customers can enJOY Teljoy Rewards, a little extra we are giving you to experience more JOY! Read more about Teljoy Rewards here.
And that legacy continues today.
To celebrate 56 years of innovation, Teljoy is rolling out massive birthday deals across tech, appliances, furniture and more.
Whether you’re upgrading your home or finally getting that Smart TV, now’s the time. Watch the Teljoy 56th Birthday story here.
Visit teljoy.co.za – and experience the smarter way to own.