ICT POLICY REFORMS AND COMMITS TO DEFENDING TRANSFORMATION AND ECONOMIC INCLUSION @KASIBC_NEWS

ICT POLICY REFORMS AND COMMITS TO DEFENDING TRANSFORMATION AND ECONOMIC INCLUSION @KASIBC_NEWS 

The African National Congress (ANC) notes the recent publication of draft policy directives in the ICT sector, particularly those relating to the licensing of Individual Electronic Communications Network Licences (IECNLs) and the proposed Equity Equivalent Programme (EEP). These developments mark an important phase in shaping a digital future that must be inclusive, transformative, and people-centred. 

The ANC will actively participate in the forthcoming consultative processes to ensure that the transformation agenda is upheld and that the economic inclusion of historically disadvantaged communities is comprehensive, meaningful, and irreversible. 

These engagements will be guided by the principles set out in the Freedom Charter, the ANC Election Manifesto, and the 55th National Conference Resolutions. We further note that these are not new ideas, they are part of a consistent ANC-led transformation agenda to include historically excluded South Africans in the digital economy. EEIP enables multinational companies that cannot sell direct equity to invest in enterprise development, black industrialists, youth and women in ICT, skills training, and innovation. 

Already, since 2005: 

• Over R8 billion has been invested in the economy • Over 2,000 jobs created 

• Over 85 black-owned enterprises supported 

• 4 black industrialists created 

• Hundreds of students have gained critical ICT skills The Draft Policy Directive on IECNLs—opening space for satellite-based broadband services—offers a significant opportunity to bridge South Africa’s digital divide. If implemented equitably, satellite broadband will bring life-changing benefits to rural, remote, and underserved communities by enabling: 

• Expanded access to e-learning and digital literacy • Enhanced telemedicine and primary healthcare support 

• Greater adoption of smart farming and agro-technologies 

• Digital growth of rural SMMEs and local economic development 

However, the ANC emphasises that digital expansion must be anchored in transformation. We reiterate our support for the 30% minimum equity ownership by historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) as required by Section 9(b) of the Electronic Communications Act (ECA). 

This must include youth, women, and persons with disabilities—both as beneficiaries and participants in the ownership and operation of ICT infrastructure. Transformation must not be reduced to a tick-box exercise. 

It requires proactive and deliberate support for: 

• Black-owned ICT enterprises and cooperatives 

• Supplier development and value chain inclusion 

• Youth digital skills training and employment 

• Township and rural connectivity rollouts 

We further emphasise the importance of ministerial concurrence and Cabinet approval in ensuring that the EEP aligns with national development objectives and avoids unintended dilution of transformation imperatives. 

Done correctly, these reforms can: 

• Catalyse job creation across ICT, health, education, and logistics sectors 

• Drive the localisation of manufacturing and content production 

• Deepen the participation of rural and township economies in the digital revolution 

• Enhance the global competitiveness of South African industries 

The ANC reaffirms that inclusive digital infrastructure is a cornerstone of building a developmental, capable, and transformative state. 

We call upon all stakeholders, including government departments, regulators, the private sector, and civil society to work in partnership to shape an ICT policy environment that delivers universal access, economic justice, and shared prosperity. 

The current phase of reform is a crucial opportunity for thoroughgoing empowerment and we will engage with clarity, commitment, and vigilance to ensure that no South African is left behind.