[14 July 2023]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has released a new set of regulations for the Consumer Advisory Panel (CAP). These regulations, published in 2023, supersede the previous version from 2017.
Consumer Advisory Panel Regulations, 2023
Consumer Advisory Panel Regulations, 2023 – Reasons Document
[14 November 2022]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is seeking public feedback on its draft Consumer Advisory Panel Regulations.
If you’d like to comment, submissions are due by 4:00 pm on December 27th, 2022. You can send your comments by email to the Chairperson of the CAP Review Committee at CAPReview@icasa.org.za.
Draft Consumer Advisory Panel Regulations
[6 October 2019]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) issued final updates to the Consumer Advisory Panel regulations in 2019. This change clarifies that managing the Panel’s budget is ICASA’s responsibility, not the chairperson’s.
Consumer Advisory Panel Amendment Regulations 2019
[3 May 2019]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) proposed amendments to the Consumer Advisory Panel Regulations. The revisions aim to shift budget management responsibility from the Panel Chair to ICASA itself. Public comments were accepted until June 11th, 2019.
Draft Consumer Advisory Panel Amendment Regulations, 2019
[1 March 2018]
The Consumer Advisory Panel returns for a relaunch at the Capital Moloko Hotel on March 9th. Registration starts at 9:00 AM.
[28 June 2017]
For more details on the Consumer Advisory Panel Regulations, you can consult the ICASA Reasons Document available here:
Consumer Advisory Panel Regulations 2017 – Reasons Document
[30 March 2017]
Consumer Advisory Panel Regulations 2017
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has implemented new regulations for its Consumer Advisory Panel (CAP), effective March 28th, 2017.
Key Changes:
- Focus on Consumer Issues: The CAP’s purpose is to advise ICASA on consumer matters related to electronic communications, broadcasting, and postal services in South Africa.
- Publicly Appointed Panel: Eleven members with relevant expertise will be chosen through a public nomination process.
- Leadership and Term Limits: The chairperson (appointed by ICASA’s Council) serves a three-year term, while members serve two years. Both positions have a two-term maximum.
- Advisory Role:
- The CAP will prepare annual reports identifying critical consumer issues and research needs for ICASA.
- They will provide consumer perspectives on proposed regulations and processes.
- They will conduct annual outreach to consumers.
- Operational Framework:
- The CAP will submit annual plans and budgets for ICASA approval.
- They will submit quarterly and annual activity reports to the Council.
- Meetings will occur at least four times a year, with additional meetings requiring Council approval. Online meetings are permitted if feasible.
- Members may receive compensation for attending meetings and approved travel/disbursements.
- ICASA will provide administrative and financial support based on approved budgets and procurement procedures.
Unique Restriction: Interestingly, CAP members cannot interact with the media without prior written approval from ICASA.
Superseded Regulations: These regulations replace those established in 2007 for the Consumer Advisory Panel.
[29 July 2016]
According to a public statement by ICASA on July 29, 2016, the process has undergone some revisions.
Originally, draft amendment regulations were released on March 31, 2016. However, feedback received through written comments necessitated a revision.
To address these concerns, a new set of “amended Draft Regulations” has been published for public comment. The deadline for submitting feedback is September 2, 2016.
ICASA publishes amended regulations on the constitution of the Consumer Advisory Panel
“The amended Draft Regulations seek to prescribe the manner in which the panel is to be constituted and further sets out the functions of the panel as well as the duties of panel members. Once constituted, the panel shall, among other things, advise ICASA on consumer issues resulting from information and communications technology usage as well as promote the interest of consumers with particular focus on persons with disabilities, senior citizens and persons living in under-serviced areas.”
[26 July 2016]
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has published draft amendments to regulations regarding the Consumer Advisory Panel (CAP). These amendments aim to clarify details on CAP’s:
- Appointment process
- Composition
- Function and responsibilities
Public Comment Opportunity
ICASA welcomes public comments on the draft regulations. Submissions are due by 4:00 pm on September 2nd, 2016.
How to Submit Comments
- Email your comments to: chairperson@icasa.org.za or capregs@icasa.org.za (Attention: Mr. Clarence Catin)
Contact Information
- General inquiries: Mr. Clarence Catin (011 566 3042 / ccatin@icasa.org.za)
- Media inquiries: Mr. Paseka Maleka (011 566 3455 / pmaleka@icasa.org.za)
Draft amendment regulations on the establishment of the Consumer Advisory Panel
[1 April 2016]
South Africa’s communications regulator, ICASA, has faced criticism for the lack of strong consumer involvement in its regulatory decisions. The Electronic Communications Act acknowledges this gap and allows for a Consumer Advisory Panel (ICASA-CAP) to represent consumer interests.
ICASA has taken a new step towards establishing this panel by releasing draft regulations outlining its structure. This is a positive development after previous attempts to launch ICASA-CAP were unsuccessful.
The public is invited to comment on the draft regulations by May 16th, 2016. Comments can be submitted via email to chairperson@icasa.org.za or cap@icasa.org.za, for the attention of Mr. Clarence Catin. General inquiries can be directed to Mr. Catin at ccatin@icasa.org.za or 011 566 3043.