The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) faces a review of its functions by the Cabinet in order to make it more accountable and transparent.
Phumla Williams, acting Cabinet spokesperson, told a post-Cabinet briefing the executive approved the submission of ICASA’s Amendment Bill to Parliament.
The amendment bill was made in response to some of the issues featured in the National Development Plan (NDP), which president Jacob Zuma highlighted in his State of the Nation Address.
“The amendments to the Independent Communication Authority Act, number 13 of 2002 are underpinned by the need for institutional improvements to strengthen the independent authority,” Bizcommunity quoted Williams as saying.
Williams added: “This will be through the provision of clarity on aspects of its powers to align the Act more closely to the requirements of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and to improve its efficiency.”
She said the amendment will not be a threat to ICASA’s authority and should not be seen as such. “This is with a view to improve accountability and transparency which will contribute to sound governance practices within ICASA,” said Williams.
“The importance of an independent and impartial regulator for the communications sector cannot be overemphasised.
Furthermore, Williams said Cabinet also approved the submission of the Electronic Communication Amendment Bill to Parliament.
“The amendment seeks to deal with competition promotion limitation, access to electronic communications infrastructure, communications costs as well as improving turnaround for consultative processes,” said Williams.
In conclusion Williams said the amendment bill is in line with broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE).
