BITF disappointed

The BITF is disappointed with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) in its granting of digital rights as part of the digital terrestrial TV (DTT) project.

The BITF expected ICASA to apply the black economic empowerment principles in granting these rights, thereby allowing black and black-empowered organisations to participate in the broadcasting sector and broadening the industry. Instead, the BITF was shocked to learn that ICASA granted the rights to MultiChoice.

The BITF views this move as ICASA once again displaying that it is not committed to economic transformation imperatives of the country and that it is not willing to participate in the de-racialisation of the broadcasting sector.

The BITF Secretary General, Motse Mfuleni, expressed that they require more transparency on the matter, including the sufficient consultation process ICASA claims to have undertaken.

Broadcasting is a key sub-sector in the ICT sector and the industry at large. Opportunities need to be created for as many new players as possible to enter the economy. This will not only grow the economy, but create new jobs and sustainable enterprises as compared to creating monopolies that will not create any new jobs.

“We are concerned about the comments made by an ISACA representative last week that Charter is not gazetted as yet. In the absence of a Charter, the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (B-BBEE) holds and must be applied. A state agency cannot continue to empower large successful companies; new and black enterprises must be supported,” stated Mfuleni.

The BITF is calling for ICASA to act responsibly in executing its mandate and use its authority to implement and enforce transformation through government policy. The granting of rights and licences must be based on B-BBEE Act, and once gazetted, the ICT Code, thereby facilitating for broad participation by black people, women and designated groups.