The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) is the South African government department responsible for enabling digital transformation through policy, regulation, and infrastructure development. The DCDT sets national policy for the electronic communications, broadcasting, and postal sectors, oversees ICASA and other entities, and drives programmes aimed at expanding broadband access and digital inclusion across the country. For the 2025/2026 financial year, the DCDT tabled a budget of R7.8 billion focused on digital inclusion, skills development, broadband access, and ICT investment.
SA Connect Broadband Programme
SA Connect is the government’s flagship broadband connectivity programme, aimed at ensuring all South Africans have access to the Internet. The programme leverages social obligations attached to spectrum licences issued to mobile operators, who are required to invest over $1.3 billion (approximately R24 billion) in connecting public schools, health facilities, libraries, government centres, and traditional authorities.
In parallel, the government is investing more than $161 million to deploy over 33,000 community WiFi hotspots serving more than 5.8 million households. The programme is implemented through multiple phases, with Broadband Infraco, Sentech, and SITA providing connectivity to government facilities, while new fibre infrastructure extends ICT networks into underserviced areas.
Spectrum Policy
The DCDT’s Next Generation Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy, introduced in 2022, aims to streamline spectrum allocation across fixed, mobile, broadcasting, aeronautical, marine, and research sectors. Key policy directions include the proposed sunset of 2G and 3G networks to free spectrum for 5G deployments, a roadmap for 4G and 5G developed in consultation with ICASA and mobile operators, and support for dynamic spectrum access in bands including 6 GHz.
The department also appointed BMIT to conduct research into broadcasting funding models, including the replacement of the traditional TV licence system, with a baseline report delivered in October 2025.
Digital Transformation Roadmap
The DCDT has articulated a digital transformation infrastructure roadmap for South Africa that encompasses broadband connectivity, data centres, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital skills development. The department’s policy framework aims to create an enabling environment for private investment in digital infrastructure while ensuring that underserved communities benefit from expanded connectivity.
Why The DCDT Matters for SA Telecoms Resellers
The DCDT’s policy decisions fundamentally shape the telecoms market environment. Spectrum policy determines how much capacity mobile networks have and at what cost. Broadband programmes affect where infrastructure is built and what subsidised competition resellers may face in underserved areas. Licensing policy, set by the DCDT and implemented by ICASA, determines the regulatory requirements for operating as a telecoms service provider.
Resellers should monitor DCDT policy announcements, budget allocations, and legislative proposals that may affect licensing requirements, spectrum access, and the competitive dynamics of the South African telecommunications market.
More information is available at dcdt.gov.za.
About the Author
Mechelle Gindra
Mechelle Gindra is the managing editor and lead content strategist at Telecoms-Channel, South Africa's dedicated intelligence platform for telecoms resellers, ICT distributors, and channel partners. She oversees the editorial team's AI-assisted content production pipeline, ensuring vendor news, market analysis, and regulatory updates are accurate, timely, and actionable for the SA telecoms channel community. With deep expertise in the South African telecoms reseller ecosystem, Mechelle directs coverage of vendor partner programmes, ICASA regulatory developments, wholesale market dynamics, and channel business strategy. She is responsible for maintaining Telecoms-Channel's editorial standards, fact-checking processes, and corrections policy.
