On 31 March 2017, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (“ICASA”) published Government Gazette no. 40759 for comment, a discussion document in relation to equity ownership by historically disadvantaged groups and application of the ICT Sector Code in terms of section 4(b) of the ICASA Act, 2000.

The discussion document invites comment from interested parties in relation to the manner in which ICASA approaches the implementation of the ICT Sector Code, as well as ICASA’s promotion of broad-based black economic empowerment (“B-BBEE”) and equity ownership of historically disadvantaged groups, as required in terms of sections 9 and 13 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005. The discussion document invites written submissions, which must be submitted by 8 June 2017. It also envisages the holding of public hearings as part of its public consultative process.

A copy of the Government Gazette may be found here.

For more information or assistance in preparing comments for submission, please contact:

Sanjay Kassen corporate commercial director [email protected] +27 82 561 1509 Amrisha Raniga technology, media and telecommunications senior associate [email protected] +27 82 560 4471