Electronic Communications Amendment Bill; ICASA Amendment Bill

NOTE: DEADLINE CORRECTIONS: 16:00 on Friday, 16 August 2013

The Portfolio Committee on Communications invites you to submit written comments on the following Bills:

Electronic Communications Amendment Bill [B17-2013]

The Bill seeks to amend the Electronic Communications Act, 2005, so as to:
▪ align the Act with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment initiatives;
▪ incorporate the Authority's recommendation on ownership and control of commercial broadcasting services;
▪ refine licensing issues; to improve the competition provisions;
▪ improve turn-around times for consultative processes;
▪ provide for the terms of appointment and the duties of the Chief Executive Officer;
▪ improve the governance provisions of the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa;
▪ remove regulatory bottlenecks.

Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Amendment Bill [B18-2013]

The Bill seeks to amend the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act, 2000, so as to:
▪ insert new, amend existing and repeal obsolete definitions; to provide for further clarity on the powers and duties of the Authority;
▪ introduce mechanisms to ensure the accountability of the Authority, including that of Councillors and Committees;
▪ confirm the use of electronic communications networks and services for the purpose of electronic transactions.

Comments can be emailed to Mr Thembinkosi Ngoma at [email protected] by no later than Friday, 16 August 2013 at 16:00

Enquiries can be directed to Mr Thembinkosi Ngoma on tel (021) 403 3733 or cell 083 709 8407

Issued by Mr S.E Kholwane, MP, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications