The Independent
Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has disclosed that it will
soon be hosting a series of provincial public workshops designed to engage
stakeholders and solicit inputs on the Draft Amendment to the National and
Provincial Party Elections Broadcasts and Political Advertisements Regulations,
2014 (“the Draft Regulations”) published on 04 October 2023.
ICASA is reviewing the
draft Regulations in preparation for the National and Provincial elections of
2024.
According to a statement
issued and published on its official website, ICASA is empowered by sections 4
(1), 56, 57, 58, and 59 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36
of 2005) to regulate Party Election Broadcasts (PEBs), Political Advertisements
(PAs), and ensure equitable treatment of political parties by Broadcasting
Service Licensees (BSLs) during an election period.
It explained that the National
and Provincial Elections Broadcasts and Political Advertisements Regulations
aim to provide a framework and guidelines for the broadcasting of PEB(s) and
PA(s) by BSLs during the national and provincial elections, adding that these Regulations
are instrumental in safeguarding the equitable treatment of political parties
and independent candidates by BSLs throughout the election period.
Committee Chairperson for
ICASA, Councillor Nompucuko Nontombana said in the statement that “The planned workshops will serve as an
invaluable platform for all stakeholders and the public to actively participate
in the regulatory process and therefore shape the amendments to the 2014
Regulations. This will ensure that there is transparency, inclusivity, and the
promotion of fairness in the electoral process.”
ICASA reminds
stakeholders to provide their written representations on the Draft Regulations.
The deadline for written submissions is no later than 16h00 on 17 November
2023. The draft Regulations can be accessed on
the ICASA website. Following the conclusion of the workshops and with
consideration of the contributions of all stakeholders, ICASA will publish
the amended Regulations. Submissions can be made via post, hand delivery, or
electronically and must include an electronic version of the representation in
Microsoft Word and a signed PDF version.
By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
