Information and Communication Technology Minister, Peya Mushelenga has said the amendments to the Communications Act of 2009 have started and that consultations and modifications have been made to the Bill.
Speaking during a Cabinet briefing here on Monday, Mushelenga noted that due to the volume of the proposed amendments, “it is suggested that the Act be repealed and replaced. The final Bill is awaited from the Ministry of Justice.”
The ministry has been reviewing the Act to address shortcomings in the legislation. The ministry had said that the review was necessary because several ICT sub-sectors have been experiencing legal hitches in enforcing and implementing some provisions of the Communication Act that was implemented in 2011.
The Act was enacted for the regulation of telecommunication services and networks, broadcasting, postal services, and the use and allocation of the radio spectrum.
Mushelenga was briefing the media on major initiatives carried out by his ministry at the inaugural Cabinet committee briefings.
He said the briefings by chairpersons of various Cabinet committees are meant to improve the dissemination of information on Government projects, programmes and activities for the benefit of all.
He said the government is committed to improving its operational efficiency and effectiveness.
“One of our immediate interventions is to change the focus and strategy of our communication by aligning this to the foundations of the country’s national development frameworks,” he said.
Ministers will be briefing the public through the media on key decisions and plans made in respect of Government projects and the implementation thereof.
In terms of legislation and policy, he said his ministry is redrafting the Cybercrime Bill as directed by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation (CCL).
“The Cybersecurity Policy and Legislative Framework have been drafted to accompany the Bill. The Bill will be subject to public consultations before its re-submission to CCL, which will then direct on the next course of action,” the minister said.
He added that the Data Protection Bill which was redrafted following regional consultations and a validation workshop, is ready for submission to CCL.
Among others, the ministry is also developing the National Digital Strategy and its Implementation Action Plan, which will guide Namibia’s digital transformation journey.
“The Cabinet decision on the 5G strategy is being implemented. This includes the establishment of the National Cyber Security Incident Response Team to serve as the focal point for cybersecurity matters,” said Mushelenga.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency