Question NW3856 to the Minister of Communications
12 December 2017 - NW3856
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Communications
Did the Greater Lebowakgomo Community Radio (GLCR) apply for a licence; if not, why is GLCR being allowed to broadcast; if so, (a) when did the GLCR apply for the licence, (b) how long is the licence valid for and (c) what is the registered name of the entity to which the licence was granted?
Reply:
1. A Community Sound Broadcasting Service (CSBS) licence and a radio frequency spectrum licence were issued to the Greater Lebowakgomo Community Radio (GLCR) in 2008. Both licences expired on 27 October 2013. On 25 March 2014, the Authority published in the Government Gazette 37467, a notice giving all CSCBS licensees whose licences had expired, an opportunity to submit applications for renewal of their licences within thirty (30) working days from the date of publication.
2. GLCR did not submit a renewal application during the grace period despite its name appearing in the said Notice and therefore does not have valid service and spectrum licences issued to it.
3. Having failed to submit its renewal application during the grace period provided by the Authority in 2014, GLCR was required to submit an application for a new licence in order for it to continue providing broadcasting services. No application was received by the Authority.
4. On 22 September 2015, the Authority published a Notice of a Moratorium in Respect of Applications for Class Community Sound Broadcasting Service Licences and Applications for Radio Frequency Spectrum for purposes of providing a Community Broadcasting Service in Government Gazette No. 39226. This Notice effectively means that GLCR can only apply for a new community broadcasting licence once the Authority lifts the Moratorium.
5. In terms of section 7 of the ECA, no person may provide any broadcasting service without a licence. The Authority is investigating the alleged unlawful broadcasting operations / service by GLRC with a view to taking appropriate enforcement action.
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Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane MP
Minister
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