The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) issued a notice of intention in government gazette no 49795 on 1 December 2023 to conduct an inquiry on the effects of loadshedding.
The purpose of the inquiry is to gather views and inputs from interested stakeholders on the impact of loadshedding and the potential regulatory relief measures that the authority may consider to mitigate the impact of loadshedding in the electronic communications, broadcasting, and postal services sectors during the different stages of loadshedding.
If ICASA determines that there is an urgent need to implement regulatory measures and relief to licensees by regulations, it may develop regulations and publish them under section 4(7)(b) of the ECA to ensure that the public continues to receive electronic communications, broadcasting, and postal services during the various stages of loadshedding.
Format of the Inquiry
Interested parties have 45 days from the date of publication of the Notice to make any written representations in an electronic PDF format by sending an email to
electricitycrisis@icasa.org.za. In their written representation, interested parties should answer the questions contained in
Annexure A of the notice and explain and/or support these answers with relevant evidence and/or documentation.
Written submissions received by ICASA will be made available for inspection by interested parties at ICASA's library and website. Library copies can be obtained upon payment of the prescribed fee at the ICASA library between 09h00 and 16h00 on Mondays and Fridays.
Furthermore, individuals submitting written comments may specify in their submission if they require an opportunity to make oral representations if ICASA decides to hold public hearings. ICASA may hold public hearings on the issues raised in the inquiry if deemed necessary, and if so, a date, time and venue will be communicated with the relevant parties.
If the general public has any questions or concerns regarding the written representations, they should send an email to either
Mr Gumani Malebusha or
Mr Eric Nkopodi.
