Question NW2141 to the Minister of Communications
17 August 2015 - NW2141
Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) Did the (i) Tshwane TV, (ii) Soweto TV, (iii) Cape Town Community TV and (iv) Bay Community TV hold at least two meetings annually with their respective communities on (aa) programming and (bb) programme-related matters for the selection and provision of programmes in the (aaa) 2011-12, (bbb) 2012-13, (ccc) 2013-14 and (ddd) 2014-15 financial years and (b) did each specified television station furnish the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa with proof of such meetings as well as the attendance thereof by members of the community in each case?
Reply:
(a) (i) Tshwane TV
No. Tshwane TV has been having compliance challenges with regards to community participation since the 2012/13 financial year. The problem started after the Licensee’s first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2011 which then resulted in two controlling structures that were elected in two different AGM’s. The Authority tried to assist the Licensee to convene a properly constituted AGM that would elect a recognized controlling structure in accordance with the Licensee’s founding documents.
The mediation process was abandoned after one of the parties took the matter to Court and a default judgement was then awarded. The Authority is currently assisting Tshwane TV to put structures in place in order to comply with all aspects of their service license pertaining to community participation.
(ii) Soweto TV
Yes. Soweto TV held two annual meetings during the four financial years in question.
(iii) Cape Town Community TV
Cape Town TV reported that they have held two annual meetings for the four financial years in questions. However, ICASA is still awaiting the necessary documentation to confirm this.
(iv) Bay Community TV
Yes Bay Community TV held two annual meetings during the four financial years in question.
(aa) Programming
(bb) Programme related matters
Tshwane TV
See response to the first question.
Soweto TV
Yes, Soweto TV addressed programming and programme related matters at the two annual meetings during the four financial years in question.
Cape Town Community TV
Cape Town TV reported that they have held two annual meeting for the financial years in questions. However, ICASA is still awaiting the necessary documentation to confirm this.
Bay Community TV
Yes, Bay Community TV addressed programming and programme related matters at the two annual meetings during the four financial years in question.
(b)
Tshwane TV
See response to the first question.
Soweto TV
Yes, Soweto TV has provided ICASA with proof of their two annual meetings as well as attendance registers signed by community members.
Cape Town Community TV
Cape Town TV has not yet furnished the Authority with copies of the minutes of the minutes held with the community members.
Bay Community TV
Yes, Bay Community TV has provided ICASA with proof of their two annual meetings as well as the attendance registers signed by members of the community for those meetings for the four financial years in question.
MR N MUNZHELELE
[ACTING] DIRECTOR GENERAL
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI, MP
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: