Committee Programme 2001

Chairperson: Mr Kekana (ANC)

Relevant Document:
Draft Committee Programme 2001 (see Appendix)

SUMMARY
The Committee reviewed its 2001 Draft Programme and decided to re-prioritise some of the agenda so that the important work of facilitating access to communications technology will receive the attention it merits. All parties were in agreement.

MINUTES
This first 2001 meeting was to review and discuss the Committee Programme. Chairperson Kekana noted that President Mbeki had emphasised the information, communications and technology sector (ICT) in his speech at the opening of Parliament, adding that, in any developed country, this is the third largest sector, after health and finance.

The Chairperson informed the Committee it could expect to be looking at six bills this year, including an amendment to the 1996 Telecommunications Act, an electronic commerce bill, an amendment to the 1958 Postal Services Act in order to consolidate it, and a bill dealing with broadcasting.

The Programme covers the first six months of this year, including GCIS Budget briefings, Community Radio Hearings, issues around Internet crime, television content, the Telkom Initial Public Offering, Value Added Network Services (VANS) and legislation.

Discussion
Ms Smuts (DP) said the topics planned in the provisional programme are not integral to Telkom reform and that South Africa is dropping behind in the "digital divide". She asserted that facilitating access to communications technology is the most urgent work of the Committee but its priority status is not reflected in the Programme. She said the Committee likes to talk about a "new era" of communications but does nothing. She suggested that VANS be put forward on the Programme, that the Committee participate in a training programme offered at WITS and that it invite industry representatives to come to the Committee.

Ms Mtsweni (ANC) said she agreed with Ms Smuts and suggested they "juggle" the Programme in order to re-prioritise.

Mr Waters (DP) also agreed. He noted that the Post Office had not been releasing information. He had asked the Post Office twenty-five questions last year, of which only three answers had been provided. He said MPs have a right to replies to their questions. He suggested they invite the Minister to give the Committee a briefing.

The Chairperson agreed to re-prioritise some areas of the Programme, but emphasised the importance of e-commerce issues such as Internet pornography. He said they needed policy clarity and that VANS can only be discussed in the context of Telekom reforms.

Ms Maloney (ANC) suggested they invite input from committees with related interests.

The Chairperson said budget information would soon be available to the Committee. He added that the Committee needs to give its attention to the management and regulation of the Internet, particularly domain names. He suggested asking the Director General to give a briefing.

Appendix

PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS
PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME - 2001
[As of 14 February 2001]