DIGITAL MIGRATION

• The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has issued a media statement on the details of a two-step approach to the remaining phase of digital migration. This is noting progress already made in ‘switching off the analogue network countrywide’. According to the statement:
  • on 31 July 2023, all analogue services above the 694MHz band will be switched off, and
  • on 31 December 2024, all analogue services below the 694MHz band will cease – ending a prolonged period of dual illumination.

 

FOREIGN FILMS, GAMES AND PUBLICATIONS

• The Film and Publication Board has called for public comments on a draft framework for accrediting foreign and/or international classification systems for films, games and publications produced outside South Africa but distributed locally. The draft framework outlines the procedures to be followed and criteria met, including respect for:
  • specific constitutionally enshrined rights
  • child protection imperatives, and
  • diverse socio-cultural norms and standards.

 

BIODIVERSITY

• The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has gazetted guidelines on biodiversity offsets in the context of environmental authorisation applications, environmental impact assessments and related regulations. The guidelines:
  • apply to activities impacting on terrestrial and freshwater realms, but
  • do not apply to:
    • offshore marine realms and estuarine ecosystems, or to
    • offsets and trade-offs made despite not being required by law.

 

PRIVATE SECURITY INDUSTRY

• The Private Security Regulatory Authority has called for public comments on draft regulations for establishing and running a dedicated complaints management office. Among other things, the proposed new regulations deal with:
  • the procedures to be followed when lodging and processing a complaint
  • the timeframe within which the necessary action should be taken
  • the process of assessing a complaint and referring it to a competent authority
  • dealing with investigations requiring expert assistance, and
  • conciliation and settlement procedures.

NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

• The Department of Social Development has gazetted a deadline for registering non-profit organisations operating in South Africa but providing services and making donations to individuals and organisations outside its borders for humanitarian, charitable, religious, educational or cultural reasons.

 

TRANSPORT

• The Department of Transport has gazetted three notices with implications for sea transport. They call for public comments on:
  • ratifying the 1965 Convention on Facilitating International Maritime Traffic
  • ratifying the 2020 Convention on Marine Aids to Navigation, and
  • draft amendments to regulations under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1951, affecting the construction of sea-going vessels.

 

Prepared by Pam Saxby