Question NW1727 to the Minister in the Presidency
28 June 2022 - NW1727
Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister in the Presidency
Whether, in light of the fact that cybercrime poses, among others, very real physical, political and digital risks his Office has put any plans in place to (a) update the Policy Framework and (b) keep it up to date, considering the fast-moving pace of digital innovations; if not, why not; if so, what are the full relevant details?
Reply:
(a) and (b) Yes. The Cybersecurity Response Committee (CRC) under the Chairpersonship of the State Security Agency (SSA) meets regularly to assess progress on the implementation of the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework in order to ensure adequacy of measures for implementation of the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework, to identify gaps and ways to plug them including appropriate remedial steps with a view to keep-up-to-date the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework. The establishment of a 24/7 point of contact for all cybercrime reporting is an important measure in the fight against cybercrime.
The National Cybersecurity Policy Framework presents a coherent and integrated Cybersecurity approach to address cybersecurity threats and risks posed by cyberattacks and cybercrime. Most importantly, the NCPF makes provision for various government departments to develop relevant legislation, policies and strategies to adequately address existing and emerging cyberthreats and risks.
On 26 May 2021 the President signed the Cybercrimes Bill of 2020 into law. The President consequently proclaimed certain provisions of the Cybercrimes Act to commence on 1 December 2021. Plans are in place to ensure effective implementation of the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act and Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), which commenced in July 2021 to bring South Africa on par with international standards in the fight against cybercrime.
Furthermore, South Africa has been participating actively in the process of developing an International Convention on Cybercrime under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) pursuant to the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution 74/247. This commitment to the UN process ensures that initiatives at national level are on par with international norms and standards.
The State Security Agency is developing the National Cybersecurity Strategy and National Cybersecurity Bill. Both the Strategy and the Bill are vital for the coordination of the promotion of Cybersecurity measures by all role players (the State, private sector, and civil society) against Cybersecurity threats.