Pretoria: The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has announced plans to prioritise and fast-track law-making efforts to update communications legislation in the coming weeks, in response to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
According to South African Government News Agency, Chairperson Khusela Sangoni-Diko stated that outdated legislation is a significant obstacle to progress in the communications sector. Existing laws, designed for an analogue era, are ill-suited to the current digital environment, which is dominated by technologies such as artificial intelligence, e-commerce, the internet of things, and blockchain. This outdated framework hinders innovation, transformation, and the adaptability of entities like the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Sentech, South African Post Office (SAPO), and the Postbank.
The committee plans to adopt committee-initiated bills to modernise the legislative environment, aiming for an inclusive, agile, and secure society. Key priorities include legislation for media preservation and protection, necessary amendments to the Electronic Communications Act, and regulation of over-the-top services to ensure platform accountability. Sangoni-Diko emphasized the importance of aligning the legal framework with global technological advancements.
In parallel, the committee recognized progress under SA Connect, notably the deployment of over 3,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots, benefiting four million South Africans. Despite this progress, challenges remain, particularly regarding meaningful school connectivity. The committee urged the Departments of Communications and Digital Technologies and Basic Education to address this issue urgently.
Meanwhile, the committee expressed concern over the SABC's financial and operational challenges, warning of its potential collapse. Sentech is incurring significant costs subsidizing the broadcaster's signal expenses, while the SABC Bill, crucial for sustainability, remains stalled in Parliament. Sangoni-Diko called on the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to collaborate with the National Treasury to invest in and recapitalize the SABC.
Furthermore, the committee urged the department to complete the digital migration process, which has been delayed since missing the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) deadline in 2015. The digital migration is expected to provide economic and technological benefits and create space for digital content creators.
Regarding the Post Office, the committee emphasized the need for revenue diversification and leveraging infrastructure for broader service delivery. Despite slow progress and significant costs associated with the business rescue process, the committee sees the Post Office as a strategic state institution vital to underserved communities. Sangoni-Diko highlighted the importance of developing a sustainable turnaround plan to stabilize the Post Office.