Election of Chairperson

MINUTES
 

Mr Kekana said his goal is to work in partnership with the people, to pass laws with regard to the reality of the situation, and to provide solutions in telecommunication systems. He said that this committee will not transplant laws from other countries, without looking at our own experience, because laws must remain relevant and focus on our situation. In developing countries, communication is the fastest growing sector, and political parties are urged to take the level of debate to a higher level.

The chairperson outlined the role of the committee as follows: To consider progressive legislation which will benefit the country; An oversight role over institutions under our control; To maintain a close working relationship with regulators such as the IBA; To ensure that the SABC is transformed according to the new laws of parliament, as he does not yet regard the SABC as a public broadcaster, because its signal is not accessible to people in remote areas; and to ensure that Telkom deliver its mandate and prepares for competition.

The political parties were given an opportunity for introductory remarks.

Ms D Smuts (DP): We are also in favour of radical change such as the opening up of competition, which will ensure that the people are better served. We intend passing legislation, which is constitutional, and wish the Chairperson well.

Mr C Morkel (NNP): I am new in parliament, and look forward to establishing a good professional and working relationship. My ultimate constituency is the people at the demand end of communication, and the people that do not have access to telecommunication. We intend being constructive in our approach, and will critique as the role of the opposition party.

Dr Mulder (FF) congratulated the chairman, and said that he found the committee exciting as it deals with the future and technological issues. He said that 70% of the work done by the committee is technical in nature and consensus is easy, and 30% of the work deals with political matters where consensus is difficult.

Ms N Mtsweni (ANC): I am a new committee member, and intend interacting with people on the ground level. My goal is to ensure efficient and affordable services in the rural areas.

Mr V Ndlovu (IFP) congratulated the committee for choosing a young man. He said that he would focus on the access of rural people to communications, the expansion of broadcasting to the rural areas, as well as the investigation into the theft of copper. He clearly indicated his intention to move away from party politics, and to move in the direction of transformation.

The chairperson closed the meeting, and announced that enquiries can be directed to the secretaries, Rita Schaafsma 403-3742, Anna-Maria Tatana 4033737, and Denzil Bowman 4033761.

Wednesday, 25.08.99 Briefing: Department of Communications

Monday, 30.08.99 Visit to Houwteq

Briefing by DOC at Houwteq

Wednesday, 08.09.99 Briefings: Telkom & Vodacom

Sat-Mon, 11-13.09.99 Place advertisements for SABC Board appointments

Wednesday, 22.09.99 National Emergency Bill No 107

Thursday, 07.10.99 Closing date: SABC board nominations

Tuesday, 19.10.99 As above

Thursday, 21.10.99 Shortlisting for SABC Board appointments (afternoon)

Monday, 25.10.99 IBA/Satra merger: Formal stages of legislation

Tuesday, 26.10.99 As above & adoption of report

Monday, 08.11.99 Interviews - SABC Board (whole day)

Tuesday, 09.11.99 Interviews - SABC Board (whole day)

Wednesday, 10.11.99 Interviews - SABC Board

Friday, 12.11.99 Interviews - SABC Board

Monday, 15.11.99 Telecommunications Amendment Bill: Public hearings

Tuesday, 16.11.99 As above

Wednesday, 17.11.99 As above

Thursday, 18.11.99 Finalise SABC Board appointments

Friday, 19.11.99 Telecommunications Amendment Bill: Public hearings

Monday, 29.11.99 Telecommunications Amendment Bill: Report