Submissions

Media Monitoring Africa registers its concern over the relatively short time period for submissions. Given the importance and scope of the Bill, not just in terms of the issues it seeks to change but also that if implemented it would impact every person in South Africa, and given that there has not yet been a policy review process we believe the short period has prevented:

- Proper, broad-based meaningful consultation with members of the public
- In-depth debate and discussion on the various changes
- The development of clear alternatives to some of the issues provided.

The move by the Department of Communications to amend the policy governing ICASA is an exciting and invigorating moment for South Africa. It is of fundamental importance to ensure that all South Africans participate in shaping our “independent” regulator’s future. Especially given the history of its formation, and creation as critical to democracy and media independence. In addition, the role of “independent” regulation in this new digital era is critical to ensuring that all citizen’s needs are catered for, and not just a select few, with higher LSM’s for instance.