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In response to growing concerns over the fragmented nature of ICT regulation in South Africa, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has joined forces with key regulatory bodies to streamline the country’s digital governance. The newly launched regulatory forum aims to address overlapping mandates and improve coordination among regulators as digital technologies continue to evolve.
Tshiamo Maluleka-Disemelo, CEO of ICASA, will chair the forum, which has been established to foster collaboration in critical areas such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and online safety. The move reflects the increasing convergence of technology and media sectors, making cohesive regulation essential for the digital landscape.
Maluleka-Disemelo underscored the importance of the forum in ensuring that regulations remain adaptive amid ongoing digital transformation. “Our objective is to collaborate on addressing shared challenges and explore emerging opportunities,” she stated at the forum’s launch event.
The forum’s primary goals include promoting synergy among regulatory entities, reducing redundant efforts, and establishing a more efficient framework for managing ICT and media regulations in the country.
The .ZA Domain Name Authority (ZADNA) echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the forum’s role in creating a safer, more inclusive digital environment. The agency highlighted the need for joint efforts to address online issues such as child safety and consumer protection from harmful content.
The creation of this forum follows previous, unsuccessful attempts by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) to merge several sectoral regulators into a unified “super-regulator” for ICT oversight. While those efforts failed to materialize, the launch of this forum marks a significant step toward consolidating regulatory efforts and improving coordination across sectors.
In a joint statement, the participating regulators noted that the forum is a critical development to keep South Africa at the forefront of digital regulation. The initiative is expected to help the country navigate the complexities of the rapidly advancing digital age, ensuring that regulations are both efficient and responsive to emerging trends.
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