The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, ICASA has drafted a new regulation that will guide employment procedures in the ICT Sector in South Africa.
The draft seeks to promote employment and ownership equity for the disadvantaged person in the country. It supports a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) in the ICT sector.
ICASA is the official regulating body of the South African communication broadcasting and postal service sectors. It develops regulations, issues licenses for telcos, and monitors license compliance in the country. It also manages the radio frequency spectrum used by telcos.
See Also: ICASA Wants to End DSTV’s Monopoly in South Africa, Here is How
The new regulation was published in tandem with its responsibilities to foster a favorable environment for the disadvantaged in the ICT sector.
A statement released by ICASA notes that the draft is the aftermath of consultation with the ICT sector in South Africa.
ICASA will empower the disadvantaged population through:
- The Implementation of a revised ICT sector code.
- The provision of equity requirements.
- A verification compliance guide with the historically disadvantaged persons and B-BBEE.
The regulation also highlights a strict punishment for red herring tech companies. The penalty includes a fine, not lesser than R5million to a huge 10% of the company’s annual turnover.
The existing license holders and tech firms are expected to comply with the regulation within the next 24 months.
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