Empowering young innovators in energy
READ: Electronic Communications Act | Black Entrepreneurs Alliance slams proposed change
Tokologo Phetla, the CEO of Commodore Industries, spoke to eNCA's Sindy Mabe to discuss youth empowerment and sustainable solutions in the industry.
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IOL News
17 hours ago
- IOL News
How new regulations will reshape what you watch and listen to
South Africa's media landscape is is expected to changed due to new regulations. Image: IOL South Africans can expect a change in their media consumption habits, as the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) proposes to overhaul the nation's outdated media regulatory framework. The newly published Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services and Online Safety signals a shift from regulations designed for the "analogue broadcasting era" to one that looks at global streaming platforms, user-generated content, and "non-linear media consumption". According to the department, this update is important as the existing Electronic Communications Act (ECA) is "no longer fit for purpose" in the digital age. Why the old rules don't work anymore For decades, South Africa's media landscape was all about the principle of "scarcity rationale". Simply put, radio frequency spectrum was a limited resource, so this meant strict regulation of broadcasters. This framework, established by legislation like the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act (IBA Act) and continued in the Electronic Communications Act (ECA), focused on "broadcasting" as a unidirectional, one-to-many service delivered over traditional networks. Under the old rules, services like Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) offered on managed networks were considered broadcasting services requiring a licence. What complicated matters was that the TV programming and Video-on-Demand (VOD) services offered over the public internet fell outside the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa's (ICASA) jurisdiction and did not require a licence. Authorities noticed this created a regulatory imbalance, as traditional broadcasters faced "considerable obligations" for local content and stringent advertising rules, while new online players such as Netflix largely operated without these requirements. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ What changes will affect South Africans? The proposed White Paper introduces what it calls a "forward-looking approach". It seeks to "balance media freedom with public interest" and ensure regulatory fairness across all platforms. So how will this directly impact what you watch and listen to? The new framework will abandon the narrow, outdated definitions and will make up of three broad categories: traditional broadcasting services, on-demand content services (OCS) (think Netflix and BritBox), and video-sharing platform services (VSPs) (like YouTube and TikTok). What this means for South Africans is that for the first time, global streaming platforms and social media video platforms will be formally acknowledged and potentially regulated in South Africa. The policy aims for a "technology-neutral approach," meaning similar services will be regulated similarly, regardless of how they are delivered. A core focus is enhanced online safety and protection, especially for children. The White Paper aims to "strengthen protection against digital harms". For services like YouTube and TikTok and Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), you can expect: Mechanisms to report harmful content (e.g., incitement to violence or hatred, terrorist content). Age verification systems for content that "may impair the physical, mental, or moral development of minors". Parental control systems to help adults manage what children see. A prohibition on advertising in content specifically provided for children. Measures to combat "mis- or disinformation". This means a safer online environment, particularly for younger viewers, and a clearer route to flag inappropriate content. There will most likely be more South African content on streaming platforms . Currently, traditional broadcasters have "considerable obligations" for local content, while OTTs (Over-The-Top services) have none. The policy indicates that "South African content obligations may also apply to On-demand Content Services (OCS)" in the future. What this suggests is that it could lead to a significant increase in local films, series, and music available on streaming services. Another key change is the implementation of a new online ombudsman for complaints. The White Paper proposes to "establish an ombudsman for online safety and media regulation". This will aim to provide an "easily identifiable and accessible route to resolution" for complaints that don't have a clear 'complaint box', so to speak, so there will be a dedicated avenue for dispute resolution, instead of just contacting a general helpline. The listing of "national sporting events which are in the public interest" will be "extended to include the broadcasting of these in the broader AAVMS market". Significant national events, like presidential inaugurations or state funerals, and potentially major sporting events, could become more widely accessible across various platforms, rather than being confined to traditional broadcasters who hold exclusive retransmission rights. Advertising rules would also see change. Currently, there's a "regulatory imbalance" where online advertisers have more leeway than those on traditional radio or television. The policy seeks to harmonise rules for misleading and comparative advertising, and address political advertising and disinformation across all platforms. This could lead to more consistent and transparent advertising practices across all media you consume. What is next? The department has outlined a three-stage implementation plan, spanning up to 24 months, to allow for careful consideration, research, and consultation. This phased approach aims to build consensus and ensure that the new framework effectively benefits South African citizens, businesses, and the creative industries. This overhaul will take time. Compare the process to upgrading a city's entire water supply system. While the old pipes (in this case, analogue broadcasting) served their purpose, they can't handle the demands of modern consumption (the streaming and user-generated content needs). The new plan involves not only laying new, larger pipes (technology-neutral regulation) but also installing new filtration systems (the proposed online safety and ombudsman), ensuring local water sources are prioritised (local content), and connecting every home, regardless of location, to clean, accessible water (universal access). IOL
eNCA
a day ago
- eNCA
Citrus exports juice up SA ports
TSHWANE - The clock is ticking for South Africa to strike a deal with the United States. READ: USA Moves To Possibly Sanction ANC Leaders, SA Government If not, on 1 August South African goods entering the US will be taxed at 30 percent. Donald Mackay, a Trade Analyst, discussed the impact of this on citrus exports with eNCA.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Moneyweb launches G20-focused podcast hosted by Jeremy Maggs
As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit for the first time on African soil, Moneyweb announced the launch of its new podcast: Mandates and Megaphones, hosted by veteran broadcaster Jeremy Maggs. Launching on Monday, 21 July 2025, this weekly series will track the political, economic, and diplomatic developments leading up to the November summit in Johannesburg – a milestone moment for Africa and the global economy. Each Monday, a new episode will unpack the major themes shaping the G20 agenda – from debt, diplomacy and climate justice to global trade tensions, digital transformation, infrastructure gaps, and Africa's voice at the table. With sharp editorial analysis, high-profile guests, and behind-the-scenes insights, Mandates and Megaphones promises to be essential listening for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone seeking to understand how the G20 influences global economic direction – and what it means for South Africa. The man behind the mic Jeremy Maggs is one of South Africa's most respected media professionals, with over four decades of experience across television, radio, and print. He currently hosts Moneyweb@Midday and Hot Business on Hot 102.7. Maggs has held senior editorial roles at eNCA and Radio 702's Eyewitness News. He is also the author of the bestseller Win!, co-author of A Century Ignited, and founder of a respected media training consultancy. Pan Macmillan published his memoir, My Final Answer, in 2021. His radio show, The Power Update on Power 98.7, was awarded Best Current Affairs Programme at the 2017 Liberty Radio Awards. He was inducted into the SA Radio Hall of Fame the same year. 'The G20 is more than just a diplomatic gathering – it's a battleground of mandates, influence, and priorities,' says Maggs. 'This podcast is about helping South Africans make sense of how those decisions affect our economy and our future.' A platform for strategic dialogue Ryk van Niekerk, editor of Moneyweb, adds: 'Mandates and Megaphones will be the premier South African podcast covering the G20 – incisive, authoritative, and essential listening for policymakers, industry leaders and global observers.' With South Africa stepping onto the world stage as G20 host, this podcast is more than just a media product – it's a space for meaningful dialogue. With Jeremy Maggs at the helm, Mandates and Megaphones will resonate in boardrooms, media briefings, and diplomatic circles alike. The podcast is brought to you by Standard Bank Group, the lead sponsor of the B20, the official business dialogue forum of the G20. The series will explore both public and private sector perspectives on Africa's evolving economic role. Release schedule The first episode will air on Monday, 21 July. New episodes will be released every Monday until the summit concludes in late November. Follow Mandates and Megaphones wherever you get your podcasts, or download the Moneyweb app to stay informed – anytime, anywhere. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
