The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is the official regulator of the South African communications, broadcasting and postal services sectors.
ICASA develops regulations for these sectors, issue licences to telecommunications and broadcasting service providers, monitor licensee compliance with rules and regulations, plan and manage the radio frequency spectrum, and protect consumers against unfair business practices and poor-quality services.
The legislation empowers ICASA to grant licences, monitor licensee compliance with licence terms and conditions, develop regulations, plan and manage the radio frequency spectrum and protect consumers.
WAPA, established in 2006, is a non-profit trade association acting as a collective voice for the wireless industry. WAPA’s primary objective is to promote the growth of the wireless industry by facilitating self-regulation, promoting best practices, and educating both members and the market about new wireless technologies and business models. WAPA offers its members regulatory advice, technical training, a code of conduct, a forum for knowledge-sharing and business-enablement opportunities.
WAPA is positioned to be an interface between the government regulator (ICASA), network operators, service providers, and consumers. WAPA regularly makes submissions and presentations to the government on regulations affecting the wireless industry. WAPA is tirelessly lobbying for more progressive and efficient spectrum management in South Africa and is focusing on the possibilities of TVWS spectrum for interference-free access.
On 20 May 2009, ISPA was formally recognised by the Minister of Communications as an Industry Representative Body (IRB) in terms of section 71 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (Act 25 of 2002). This recognition gives the members of ISPA special recognition and limited liability for Internet content.
ISPA has influenced and shaped telecommunications policy in South Africa since its formation in 1996. The Association has provided submissions and feedback to such key pieces of legislation.
Monthly video briefings are offered to ISPA members on industry developments and regulatory news. ISPA also publishes advisories on key issues, with the goal of delivering short, easy-to-read advice on what ISPs need to do to comply with each set of legislation or regulations. ISPA’s regulatory advisor is also available to provide support and advice to members.
The new DoC came into being after a proclamation transferred powers and functions to new Ministers as announced on 25 May 2014 by President Jacob Zuma.
Vision. Vibrant and sustainable communication services for an informed citizenry and a positive image of South Africa.
Mission. Create an enabling environment for the provision of inclusive communication services to all South Africans in a manner that promotes socio-economic development and investment through broadcasting, new media, print media and other new technologies, and brand the country locally and internationally.
The Competition Commission (Commission) is a statutory body constituted in terms of the Competition Act , No. 89 of 1998 (the Act).
It is one of three, independent competition regulatory authorities established in terms of the Act, with the other two being the Competition Tribunal and the Competition Appeal Court (formerly, the Competition Board). While the Commission is the investigative and enforcement agency, the Tribunal is the adjudicative body and the Competition Appeal Court considers appeals against decisions of the Tribunal.
The Competition authorities are functionally-independent institutions, but are administratively accountable to the Department of Economic Development.
The Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association (WASPA) was formed in 2004 as a self-regulatory body with a mandate to represent and regulate its voluntary members, which provide mobile-based Value Added Services (VAS), otherwise known as WASPs. As of 2018, it has over 400 members.
Membership of an industry body with a recognised Code of Conduct has been made compulsory by Telkom Mobile, Cell C, MTN and Vodacom for all WASPs.
WASPA’s Code of Conduct and Advertising rules were developed and implemented in 2005. It has developed a complaints handling process, to enforce these rules, that is totally independent of the WASPA Board. Anyone may lodge a complaint and each complainant is given a reference number.