Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2018

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[13 February 2019]

We have received a copy of the letter indicating the withdrawal of the Bill.

Letter to Portfolio Committee Chair – 12 February 2019

The letter indicates:

  • The Department has already initiated discussions with certain stakeholders regarding this process.
  • There is a possibility of a further policy review before the Bill or any replacement legislation is reintroduced to Parliament, with an emphasis on establishing a legislative framework to support the “4th Industrial Revolution.”

[12 February 2019]

The Minister has officially withdrawn the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2018 through a letter addressed to the Portfolio Committee for Telecommunications and Postal Services. This decision was confirmed during the Committee meeting on 12 February 2019.

Further consultations are expected…

[3 December 2018]

Submissions and presentations related to the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill [B31-2018] are available via the links below:

[28 November 2018]

The schedule for public hearings on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill [B31-2018] is available via the links below:

  • [Thursday] 29 November 2018
  • [Friday] 30 November 2018
  • [Monday] 3 December 2018
  • [Tuesday] 4 December 2018

[20 November 2018]

Public hearings on the Bill are scheduled to be held in Parliament from 26 November to 29 November 2019. For further details, contact hsalie@parliament.gov.za.

Links to the necessary Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS) report and internal research prepared by a Parliamentary advisor can be found below:

[14 November 2018]

It has come to our attention that notices inviting comment on this Bill were published in print media, though we have not found any online references.

Comments are due by 16:00 on 20 November 2018 and should be emailed to hsalie@parliament.gov.za.

[22 September 2018]

The Bill was formally presented in Parliament on 19 September 2018 and is the version set to be debated.

The Portfolio Committee on Telecommunications and Postal Services has set an aggressive timeline for the Bill’s consideration:

  • 9 October: Briefing on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill
  • 13 November 09:30 – 13:00: Public hearings on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill
  • 20 November 09:30 – 13:00: Public hearings on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill
  • 27 November 09:30 – 13:00: Deliberation/Finalization of the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill

It is unlikely this will be the final schedule…

[1 September 2018]

The Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2018 and its accompanying Explanatory Memorandum were published in the Government Gazette on 31 August 2018.

[16 March 2018]

Below are links to presentations made by stakeholders at the Consultative Workshop held on 6 & 7 March 2018:

[15 February 2018]

The Department has released details for the Stakeholder Consultative Workshop to be held on 6 & 7 March 2018. Each of the 43 stakeholders who submitted written submissions will be allocated 20 minutes for oral presentations.

[5 February 2018]

Below are links to submissions received by the Department regarding the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2017:

[28 January 2018]

Notice has been given by the Department regarding the Stakeholder Consultative Workshop to be held on 6 & 7 March 2018 (previously scheduled for 5 & 6 February). Selected stakeholders who submitted written responses will be invited to make oral presentations.

[8 December 2017]

The deadline for public comments has been extended to 31 January 2018.

[7 December 2017]

For those who prefer a concise overview…

[6 December 2017]

The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services held a briefing on the draft Electronic Communications Amendment Bill on 4 December 2017. A copy of the presentation is available below:

[17 November 2017]

Significant progress has been made towards implementing the National ICT Policy White Paper with the release of the draft Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2017 for public comment by the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services.

Interested parties are invited to submit written comments within 30 days from the publication date (17 November 2017), which calculates to Sunday, 17 December 2017. Feedback on the financial impact of the proposed amendments is also welcomed.

Submissions should be directed to:

The Director-General, Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services
For attention: Ms. M Masemola, Acting Deputy Director-General, ICT Policy and Strategy Development
First Floor, Block A3, iParioli Office Park, 1166 Park Street,
Hatfield, Pretoria
Private Bag X860, Pretoria, 0001
Email: ecabill@dtps.gov.za

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