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ICT Policy Review
Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) environment is dynamic and rapid technological development is changing how we communicate and access information and services. Separate frameworks have guided the development of the Telecommunications & Postal Services sector since 1994. These include White Papers on Broadcasting Policy, Telecommunications Policy and Postal services policy. These policy frameworks focused on addressing historical inequalities in access to basic services, while ensuring that all South Africans benefit from new services and access to new technologies and that ICTs are actively used to meet the development goals of the country. These policy frameworks reinforced the constitutional principle of equality and equal access to all communication services by all South Africans.
The ongoing technological changes and innovations that are envisaged in the future, coupled with the fact that most of the communication related policies were drawn up in the beginning phases of the country’s democracy, necessitate a review of these frameworks and the development of a new policy.
To this end, the Minister of Telecommunications & Postal Services has initiated an ICT Policy Review process to review current frameworks in order to develop a new policy, at least equal to those of the best in the world, is therefore both a necessity and an opportunity. The policy review should establish which current provisions have become redundant because of changes we have experienced; provisions that should be carried into the future, and new provisions that should be established to take the sector forward.
This policy review process is aimed at developing a new communications sector framework that further advances previous changes made in response to convergence. The review process will evaluate progress against the original objectives set out in the individual White Papers, policies and related laws in order to strengthen the overarching framework. It will also look at what new approaches are necessary to ensure our policies and frameworks are relevant to the changing environment and to individual, community and society’s social, economic, cultural, and development needs. The amended policy will consider how we could better promote the relevant and sustainable use of communications technologies and services to meet clearly identified needs.
We need to consider:
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- What policy and regulatory framework will create an enabling environment for communication services to contribute more effectively towards improving people’s lives in the workplace, in their homes, and communities?
- What framework will best promote access by all South Africans to a range of compelling opinion, information, education and cultural content in the language/s of their choice (including sign language) – and also give them the means to create this content?
- How can we ensure that communication services be used to improve service delivery by Government and give citizens a greater voice in determining their service needs?
- How do we make communications services both competitive and robust to boost investment by the private sector, and strengthen the voice of civil society?
- What policy do we need to promote innovation and development of the sector so that it can increase the prosperity of the country as a whole and of all individuals who live in it?
- How can we in this process, strengthen and sustain the relationship between the public and private sectors, labour, citizens, academic and other institutions to increase our capacity to better meet the country’s needs?
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Government has already identified the communications sector as a critical growth sector. The National Development Plan (NDP) recognises that the ongoing development of quality communications infrastructure, services, content and applications, is key to the rapid economic, social and cultural development of the country.
The Minister of Telecommunications & Postal Services has since established a 22-member ICT Policy Review Panel, who were nominated following a call for public nominations. This Panel, working with closely with the leadership of the Department, will be recommending the best communications policy frameworks that will ensure that all South Africans take full advantage of the possibilities and opportunities created by convergence and digitisation of communications technologies. The new policy frameworks should ensure that we do not create a digital divide where access to quality communications services, technologies, infrastructure and content is not enjoyed by all South Africans.
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Broadband
Broadband is an enabling infrastructure for building the knowledge economy and information society and for accelerating the socio-economic growth and development of South Africa. Although the National Broadband Policy was approved by the Cabinet in June 2010, the Department has embarked on developing a revised National Broadband Policy and Broadband Strategy for the country which it plans to submit to Cabinet for approval in the 2013/14 financial year.
The revised Broadband Policy aims at ensuring universal access to reliable, affordable and secure broadband infrastructure and services by 2020 and stimulates sustainable uptake and usage of ICTs. Furthermore, the Policy prioritises the need to implement interventions aimed at strategic positioning of broadband infrastructure as a catalyst for social and economic growth and enhance universal access. To this end, Government will encourage and support investment in broadband backbone network infrastructure and increasing the uptake and usage of broadband services.
The revised Broadband Policy aims at ensuring universal access to reliable, affordable and secure broadband infrastructure and services by 2020 and stimulates sustainable uptake and usage of ICTs. Furthermore, the Policy prioritises the need to implement interventions aimed at strategic positioning of broadband infrastructure as a catalyst for social and economic growth and enhance universal access. To this end, Government will encourage and support investment in broadband backbone network infrastructure and increasing the uptake and usage of broadband services.
You may also check out the South Africa Connect_Creating Opportunities, Ensuring Inclusion_South Africa's Broadband Policy GG37119_6_12_2013
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E-Skills Institute
The purpose of Programme 7 is to provide strategic direction for advancement of e-Skilling graduate and society in general in order to function effectively within the emerging information society through the:
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- Positioning of the e-Skills Institute as a leading catalytic multi-stakeholder, collaborator aimed at growing e-Skills in the country in order to aggregate and shape e-Skills training in order to meet the objectives of the MTSF and MDGs;
- Development and establishment of an architecture for an integrated, multi-entry curriculum development;
- Overseeing of the conceptualisation and implementation of multi-disciplinary service delivery, industry development and proof of concept projects; and
- Ensuring of student capability to converse in the international business environment.
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PROGRAMME 6: Partnerships, Resource and Stakeholder Management
DDG: Mr Omega Shelembe
Purpose
To lead and create an enabling legislative and operational environment to drive the delivery of partnerships, resources and stakeholder management services and related programmes.
It comprises the following sub-programmes:
• Relations, Partnership and Stakeholder Management
• SOE Corporate Governance and Oversight
• ICT Sector Transformation
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PROGRAMME 5: Media and Content
Acting DDG: Ms Nosisi Madlanga
Purpose
To lead and create an enabling legislative and operational environment to drive the delivery of media and content services and related programmes, and provide entity oversight services to ensure performance, financial viability and sustainability.
It comprises the following sub-programmes:
• Audio Visual and Digital Media
• Industry Support
• Public Media Services
• Content Classification and Online Safety
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The Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies has noted, with grave concern, the unprofessional and malicious tactics employed by certain members of the media.
These tactics are designed with the sole purpose to tarnish the reputation of the person of Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and ultimately distract her from carrying out the department’s mandate. The Minister constantly finds herself fielding media queries formulated around malicious rumours, lies and allegations.
As a principle, the Ministry has taken a stand to not respond to media queries based on leaked information and rumours. We have regrettably observed of late, a trend that is becoming disturbingly common; the leaking of official correspondence between and within the department and/or its entities, to the media. The latest being around the South African Post Office (SAPO) and the Post Bank.
On the matters related SAPO, the Ministry wishes to state that the process of appointing South Africa Post Office (SAPO) board members was done according to set procedures. Contrary to what has been reported in the media, there was no termination of the contracts of any board member, but rather, their term of office had come to an end.
On the suspension of SAPO officials, it is important to state that this is an operational matter, which to the Minister’s knowledge and as reported by the Board, was necessary and procedural. The investigation report in this respect is expected by end of March 2020. In the specific instance of the Acting CEO, this matter is now subject to legal processes and is therefore sub-judice.
In respect of Post Bank, four officials were suspended in line with internal procedures. The Minister has been informed that the former Acting CFO opted to resign and not attend the disciplinary hearing which, at her request, was rescheduled. The disciplinary procedures for the other three officials are still in progress and are expected to sit in March and as such, must be afforded the opportunity to run their course.
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ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
Enquiries: Mish Molakeng on 082 469 3997 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Nthabeleng MokitimiDlamini on 073 222 5522 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Ut lectus felis, facilisis nec erat at, pretium pellentesque lectus. Donec sit amet nibh est. Morbi augue libero, pretium vitae nulla ac, malesuada ultricies neque. Praesent vehicula libero ac tellus rutrum ultrices. Sed eu consectetur libero, id varius massa. Nulla interdum varius arcu nec accumsan.
Cras eleifend iaculis purus sed hendrerit. Nulla facilisi. Sed congue semper consequat. Nam viverra semper libero, a luctus eros. Nulla porttitor commodo velit nec rhoncus. Donec sit amet nibh est. Morbi augue libero, pretium vitae nulla ac. Nulla porttitor commodo velit nec rhoncus.
Ut lectus felis, facilisis nec erat at, pretium pellentesque lectus. Donec sit amet nibh est. Morbi augue libero, pretium vitae nulla ac, malesuada ultricies neque. Donec eget neque erat. Nam dictum justo sit amet placerat consectetur. Maecenas laoreet, ligula vel scelerisque ultricies, lorem urna luctus odio, eget convallis urna erat quis justo. Morbi vel placerat nisl, ut tempor odio. Sed lacinia purus sit amet lorem dictum tincidunt.
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Ut lectus felis, facilisis nec erat at, pretium pellentesque lectus. Donec sit amet nibh est. Morbi augue libero, pretium vitae nulla ac, malesuada ultricies neque. Donec eget neque erat. Nam dictum justo sit amet placerat consectetur. Maecenas laoreet, ligula vel scelerisque ultricies, lorem urna luctus odio, eget convallis urna erat quis justo.
Morbi vel placerat nisl, ut tempor odio. Sed lacinia purus sit amet lorem dictum tincidunt. Nunc placerat egestas vehicula. Fusce eu risus sit amet metus sagittis volutpat vehicula porttitor elit. Sed fringilla purus sed mi scelerisque scelerisque. Donec vel enim ligula. Phasellus vulputate ac dui aliquet dapibus. Suspendisse ut vestibulum tellus, sed gravida arcu. Aliquam erat volutpat.
Cras eleifend iaculis purus sed hendrerit. Nulla facilisi. Sed congue semper consequat. Nam viverra semper libero, a luctus eros. Nulla porttitor commodo velit nec rhoncus.
Cras eu quam vitae magna cursus adipiscing. Etiam quis mi lacus. Proin fermentum velit non ligula malesuada imperdiet. Sed sapien enim, porta vel tempus sed, suscipit quis nisl. In vestibulum ut massa eu feugiat.
Nulla vestibulum ultrices felis sit amet dapibus. Suspendisse et ligula hendrerit, auctor justo vel, sagittis metus. Mauris tincidunt quam eu pulvinar sagittis. Pellentesque imperdiet, purus vel feugiat pharetra, lectus velit scelerisque nisi, a aliquam nibh augue vel urna. In volutpat tellus et pulvinar varius. Aenean ultricies euismod rhoncus.
Cras eleifend iaculis purus sed hendrerit. Nulla facilisi. Sed congue semper consequat. Nam viverra semper libero, a luctus eros. Nulla porttitor commodo velit nec rhoncus. Vivamus blandit tellus risus, et hendrerit nisi aliquet ut. Ut imperdiet orci tellus, in tristique urna mattis eu. Pellentesque ligula nisl, hendrerit nec facilisis sit amet, faucibus ac nulla. Morbi et consectetur ante. Etiam eu sodales tortor, ac dapibus lectus.
Cras eleifend iaculis purus sed hendrerit. Nulla facilisi. Sed congue semper consequat. Nam viverra semper libero, a luctus eros. Nulla porttitor commodo velit nec rhoncus.
In laoreet tempor felis, in ornare urna consequat sit amet. Praesent vehicula libero ac tellus rutrum ultrices. Sed eu consectetur libero, id varius massa. Quisque vestibulum tempus felis. Nulla interdum varius arcu nec accumsan.
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SABC
LEGISLATIVE MANDATE
The mandate of the South African Broadcasting Corporation SOC Limited (SABC) as a public broadcaster is defined in terms of the following statues:
1. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, No. 108 of 1996;
2. The Broadcasting Act No. 4 of 1999, as amended;
3. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act No. 13 of 2002, as amended;
The Electronic Communications Act No. 36 of 2005, as amended.
FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIP
Mixture of government funding and self-funding
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Providing public broadcasting and commercial services, whether by analogue or digital means, and providing radio and TV programmes of information, education and entertainment funded by advertising, subscription, sponsorship, licence fees or any other means of finance
CONTACT DETAILS
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