[17 May 2014]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Amendment Act 2 of 2014 (the “Act”) came into force on 16 May 2014, pursuant to a proclamation issued by the President of South Africa on 10 May 2014.
Commencement of ICASA Amendment Act 2014
[15 April 2014]
Overview of the ICASA Amendment Act 2014
[8 April 2014]
Passed in April 2014, the ICASA Amendment Act No. 2 of 2014 is not yet in effect. The specific start date will be announced by the President in a future government publication.
[26 February 2014]
The finalized Bill is now before the Portfolio Committee for review.
Presentation to PCC on ICASA Amendment Bill 26 February 2014
[15 February 2014]
The Portfolio Committee on Communications received the ICASA Amendment Bill back from the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises. The changes involve technical adjustments to the role of an acting chairperson and the number of members needed for meetings (quorum).
One interesting addition is the requirement to consider experience with “content in any form” when selecting ICASA Councillors. This might signal plans to give ICASA the responsibility of regulating online content, but we’ll have to wait for the ICT Policy Review to be finalized for confirmation.
[23 January 2014]
The Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2013 and the ICASA Amendment Bill 2013 have completed their debate in the Portfolio Committee on Communications. They’ve now been referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises for further review.
The Select Committee will follow a similar process as the Communications Committee. They’ll examine the Bills and propose any amendments they see fit. The Bills will then be sent back to the Communications Committee.
If the Select Committee doesn’t propose any changes, the Bills will proceed to the President for approval (assent).
Public hearings are scheduled for these Bills on Wednesday, January 29th and Wednesday, February 5th, 2014.
[29 September 2013]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) Amendment Bill 2013 and the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill 2013 were scheduled for hearings by the Portfolio Committee for Communications on October 1-4, 2013. The venue for the hearings was ICASA’s head office located on Katherine Street, Sandton.
Programme for Public Hearings ECA and ICASA 1 October 2013
Programme for Public Hearings ECA and ICASA 2 October 2013
Programme for Public Hearings ECA and ICASA 3 October 2013
Programme for Public Hearings ECA and ICASA 4 October 2013
[16 July 2013]
For your reference, we’ve compiled an easy-to-understand overview of the proposed ICASA Act amendments from the 2013 Bill.
Overview of the ICASA Amendment Bill 2013 (July 2013)
[13 July 2013]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) Amendment Bill B18-2013 was introduced into Parliament.
[18 May 2013]
The South African Cabinet announced on May 16, 2013, its approval of an amendment bill for the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the organization.
The amendments are part of a broader effort aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP), a government strategy focused on poverty reduction and inequality. President Jacob Zuma had previously emphasized the NDP’s importance in guiding government programs.
According to Phumla Williams, acting Cabinet spokesperson, the ICASA Amendment Bill addresses recommendations from the NDP. It seeks to strengthen ICASA by clarifying its authorities and ensuring better alignment with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). These changes aim to improve efficiency without compromising ICASA’s independence.
“The objective is to enhance accountability and transparency, ultimately contributing to sound governance practices within ICASA,” Williams explained. “An independent and impartial regulator remains crucial for the communications sector.”
The Cabinet also approved a separate Electronic Communication Amendment Bill. This bill focuses on competition issues, infrastructure access, communication costs, and streamlining consultation processes. It further aligns with Black economic empowerment legislation, refines licensing procedures, and aims to remove regulatory hurdles.
This rewrite condenses the original passage while maintaining the key points. It clarifies the purpose of the amendments, emphasizes the connection to the National Development Plan, and summarizes the goals of the Electronic Communication Amendment Bill.
(source http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/icasa-review-pipeline)
[11 January 2013]
Public comment on the ICASA Amendment Bill 2012 proposals has been extended until January 30th, 2013. To help you engage in the process, see document an Overview of the proposed changes.
[23 November 2012]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) Amendment Bill, 2012 has been released by the Department of Communications for public feedback. Submissions are open until January 10, 2013.