[27 February 2026]
During a Parliamentary session on 24 February 2026, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) announced that the final National Policy on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services is slated for gazetting by 31 March 2026.
This marks the conclusion of an extensive legislative journey that has spanned over five years.
Legislative Timeline: The Path to the Final Policy
The following table outlines the key milestones and the significant duration of this consultative process (as of 27 February 2026):
| Milestone | Date | Elapsed Days (Work Days) | Notes |
| Initial Draft Release | 9 Oct 2020 | — | First call for public input. |
| Original Submission Deadline | 30 Nov 2020 | 52 (36) | |
| Deadline Extension | 15 Feb 2021 | 129 (88) | |
| Public Consultation Hearings | May – June 2021 | 248 (169) | |
| Second Draft Release | 31 July 2023 | 1,025 (701) | |
| Revised Deadline | 8 Sept 2023 | 1,064 (729) | |
| Final Deadline Extension | 9 Oct 2023 | 1,095 (749) | |
| Third Draft Release | 13 July 2025 | 1,739 (1,187) | See Ellipsis July 2025 summary. |
| Third Draft Deadline | 10 Aug 2025 | 1,767 (1,207) | |
| Final Extension Date | 25 Sept 2025 | 1,813 (1,240) | |
| Expected Final Publication | 31 March 2026 | 1,968 (1,347) | Estimated completion date. |
What Comes Next?
The finalized policy is anticipated to mandate several follow-up actions for ICASA. This will likely involve further specialized research, public consultations, and formal reporting, signaling that while the policy is finishing, the regulatory implementation phase is just beginning.
[16 December 2025]
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has published select written submissions regarding the July 2025 draft White Paper on its official website. Key submissions are featured below:
- Anti Piracy Coalition
- CSIR
- Freedom of Expression Institute FXI
- GSMA
- ICASA
- Media Monitoring Africa (MMA)
- Motion Picture Association (MPA)
- Netflix
- OUTA
[10 August 2025]
The new submission deadline is Friday, September 25, 2025.
Draft AAVMS White Paper – Extension of deadline for comments
[21 July 2025]
Ellipsis has published an Overview Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services, dated July 2025.
Ellipsis Overview Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services July 2025
[13 July 2025]
South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has released a third draft of its White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services and Online Safety for public review. This updated draft, titled “Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services July 2025,” aims to gather feedback on proposed regulations for media and internet safety.
The DCDT is inviting the public to submit their comments on the draft White Paper by August 10, 2025. You can send your input via email to fwpsa2025@dcdt.gov.za.
Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services July 2025
[24 January 2024]
The DCDT is still reviewing the submissions and has indicated that it plans to finalize the Draft White Paper by the end of March 2024.
Presentation on the Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services and Online Content Safety (December 2023)
[6 September 2023]
The deadline for submissions on the draft White Paper has been extended to Monday, October 9, 2023, which is great news.
Notice of Extension of Deadlines for Submissions on the Draft AAVCS White Paper
[31 July 2023]
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has released the White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services and Online Content Safety – A New Vision for South Africa for public comment.
The draft white paper is available for feedback until 16:00 on Friday, September 8, 2023. Submissions can be emailed to WPaavcs2023@dcdt.gov.za.
[12 February 2022]
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is organizing an online colloquium titled “Draft White Paper on Audio and Audio Visual Content Policy Framework: A new vision for South Africa,” scheduled for Wednesday, February 16, 2022.
[12 May 2021]
Public hearings for the Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual content services policy framework are scheduled from 10th May to 14th June 2021. Details of the schedule are provided below.
DCDT – Media Statement and Schedule of Hearings
Responses to the draft white paper:
- Advertising Regulatory Board
- African Media Entertainment
- AT&T
- Cape Town TV
- Consumer Goods Council
- eMedia Investments
- FOPL (child-directed marketing)
- Free Market Foundation
- Independent Black Filmakers Collective
- Independent Producers Organisations
- ISPA
- Milestone Two Report: Independent Production Requirements
- Multichoice
- National Association of Broadcasters
- National Community Radio Forum
- National Film and Video Foundation
- Netball SA
- Netflix
- Press Council and Sanef
- Primedia Broadcasting
- Pulpit Media Group
- Right 2 Know
- SABC
- SACIA
- SARU
- SOS Coalition & Media Monitoring Africa
- South African Guild of Actors
- South African Screen Federation
- Streamodo
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Various (children’s rights)
- Walt Disney
[7 December 2020]
The draft policy was submitted to Parliament on November 25, 2020.
DTPS Presentation on Audio and Audio-Visual Content Draft White Paper
[27 November 2020]
The deadline for submitting comments on the draft white paper has been extended to February 15, 2021.
Extension for comments: Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Content Services Policy Framework
[12 October 2020]
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies has released a draft policy framework on audio and audio-visual content services for public comment.
The draft white paper is available for review, with the comment period closing at 16:00 on 30 November 2020. Submissions can be sent to aacs@dtps.gov.za.