President Cyril Ramaphosa has sanctioned a 2.5% salary increase for the chairperson and councillors of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). The adjustment, effective from 1 April 2024, was formally signed on 28 May 2024 and subsequently published in the Government Gazette on 4 December.
Updated ICASA Salaries
The revised salaries for ICASA leadership reflect a modest increase aimed at aligning compensation with broader public service adjustments.
| Position | 2023/24 Salary (R) | 2024/25 Salary (R) | Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chairperson | 2,055,131 | 2,106,509 | 2.5 |
| Councillor | 1,624,752 | 1,665,371 | 2.5 |
New Appointments to Strengthen ICASA
Parliament has shortlisted six candidates to fill four vacancies within ICASA’s council. Communications Minister Solly Malatsi will oversee the final appointments. The selected candidates are:
- Ms Karabo Mohale
- Dr Charles Lewis
- Dr Joshua Tshifhiwa Maumela
- Mr Andrew Dibi Matseke
- Mr Melusi Mthethwa
- Ms Cassandra Gabriel
These names emerged after an extensive interview process by a subcommittee chaired by Khusela Diko. Members of various political parties participated, ensuring a fair and diverse selection process.
Pressing Challenges for ICASA
ICASA faces critical challenges in an evolving ICT landscape. Diko highlighted the need to address outdated policies and legislative gaps while navigating disruptions like over-the-top services (e.g., Netflix), next-generation satellite technologies, and artificial intelligence.
“The incoming councillors must tackle the complex intersection of transformation and competition in a consolidating industry,” Diko said. She urged them to regulate impartially in the public interest.
Starlink and Vodacom Deals Under Scrutiny
Key industry issues include the integration of next-generation satellite services and the Vodacom-Maziv acquisition. ICASA is exploring an equity equivalent programme for multinational telecom firms to meet South Africa’s BEE requirements. This programme could facilitate companies like SpaceX’s Starlink in expanding broadband access to underserved regions.
Meanwhile, the Competition Tribunal’s decision to block Vodacom’s acquisition of a 30% stake in Maziv has sparked appeals from Vodacom, Maziv, and the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Parks Tau. Tau argues the deal could bolster industrialisation, job creation, and access to infrastructure.
The Road Ahead
As ICASA prepares to welcome new councillors, the regulatory body must strike a balance between fostering competition and embracing transformative policies in a fast-evolving telecommunications sector. Whether addressing satellite broadband, over-the-top services, or major mergers, ICASA’s decisions will shape South Africa’s digital future.
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