Latest news with #KhuselaSangoniDiko
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: Communications Committee Chairperson Honours Mme Sophie Mokoena as She Retires From the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Ms Khusela Sangoni Diko, has paid tribute to the South African Broadcasting Corporation's (SABC) International News Editor, Ms Sophie Mokoena, expressing deep gratitude for her outstanding contribution to journalism and public broadcasting over the past three decades. Widely known and respected as Mme Sophie in media and political circles across South Africa, Ms Mokoena began her distinguished broadcasting career in July 1994 as a current affairs anchor on Lesedi FM. Since then, she has devoted 31 years of exemplary service to the SABC, steadily ascending to her current role as International News Editor. As a political reporter, Mme Sophie built enduring professional relationships with leaders across the political spectrum. Her ability to gather and communicate reliable information played a critical role in informing and empowering the public during key moments in the nation's history. Throughout her career, Mme Sophie remained unwavering in her journalistic principles – resisting political influence, maintaining neutrality and upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Her integrity and dedication set her apart as a trusted voice in South African journalism. In her leadership role as International News Editor, she brought the same excellence and commitment to the global stage. Her diplomatic finesse and ability to engage heads of state and international stakeholders strengthened the SABC's reputation as a credible source of both local and international news. 'As she retires, we salute Mme Sophie for her invaluable service to the nation. She leaves behind a legacy of integrity, courage, and journalistic excellence. The SABC, and indeed South Africa, has been enriched by her contribution. We wish her a joyful retirement filled with rest, reflection,\ and quality time with her loved ones,' said Ms Diko. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Communications Committee Puts Conditions to the Approval of Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS) Budget
The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has put conditions on the adoption of its budget vote report on the Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS). The committee's conditions have been forwarded to the Standing Committee on Appropriations in terms of section 10(5) of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act 9 of 2009. This decision was taken on the basis that the committee felt that the 2025-2030 strategic and 2025/26 annual performance plans of the GCIS as well as the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) lacked clarity and measurable targets. The committee also believes that the GCIS' five-year strategic plan is misaligned to the government's Medium-Term Development Priorities. The strategy refers to the need to move to evidence-based communication without outlining what impact it will have on the country's drive for inclusive economic growth and job creation, and how such will be measured. The committee stands against a spray-and-pray approach to development communication which has no attendant measurable targets and cogent monitoring and evaluation framework. As part of its conditions to the Minister in the Presidency, the committee wants GCIS to, among others, come up with a policy or legislative instrument that is going to ensure alignment, coherence and results-based measurement framework within government communication system. The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Khusela Sangoni Diko, said: 'The committee is recommending approval of this budget with a proviso that within the course of twelve months there is legislative reform to ensure that there is a policy instrument that guides government communications.' Ms Diko further said that GCIS needs to fast-track reform on the laws that govern MDDA, Brand South Africa and government media spent. The committee also wants GCIS to provide quarterly performance reports on the implementation of the government communication policy framework. These conditions extend to GCIS' entity, the MDDA, which must provide clarity on how the it is going to be moving community radio stations to self-transmission. The committee also called on MDDA to provide a fundraising strategy with clear measurable targets. The GCIS budget will be debated under vote 4 on Friday, 4 July 2025, in a mini plenary of the National Assembly at the Good Hope Chamber from 13:00 to 15:00 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Mobile networks summoned to Parliament over data costs and connectivity gaps
SA's cellphone network providers are set to face tough questions from Communications Committee on compliance, equity, and readiness for future licence renewals Image: File South Africa's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has summoned major mobile network operators; Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom, and Rain to appear before it on Friday. This oversight session is part of Parliament's constitutional responsibility to balance government oversight with industry evaluation, especially in relation to pressing national priorities. The committee's mandate is twofold: to oversee the MNOs' adherence to South African legislation, policy, and regulatory frameworks, and to assess how the evolving telecommunications landscape supports investment and economic growth. As the nation grapples with various socio-political challenges and rapid technological advancements, the focus will be on drawing recommendations to foster a conducive environment for progress. During the session, the MNOs are expected to brief the committee on their progress in addressing critical challenges faced by the populace. Among the issues listed for discussion are: Strategies for reducing the cost of data services Network connectivity standards, especially in rural areas Contributions to job creation and economic inclusion, particularly for historically disadvantaged groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities Measures to enhance data security and privacy Compliance with universal service obligations and incremental improvements in school connectivity Adherence to directives laid out by the Competition Commission As the licences of these MNOs are set to be renewed within the next three years, the committee is keenly aware of the crucial role these companies play in meeting the targets set forth in the National Development Plan, which aims for universal connectivity by 2030. The Chairperson of the committee, Khusela Sangoni Diko, emphasised, 'To this end, it is essential that, as a country, we seize the opportunities presented by rapid technological advancement to ensure no one is left behind.' This upcoming oversight session is not just a routine check-in; it highlights the imperative for MNOs to actively contribute to South Africa's socio-economic landscape while navigating existing legislative frameworks. The outcomes of this meeting could shape the future trajectory of the telecommunications industry in South Africa, defining how it will evolve to better serve the diverse needs of its citizens. IOL
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Podcast regulations in South Africa: A threat to free speech?
A recent podcast controversy furore sparked a debate about regulating such platforms, which prompted the chairperson of the parliamentary communications committee to call for accountability in the podcast sector. Image: Pixabay While some podcasters are mostly in support of the move to introduce regulations into the space, there are concerns about having their voices muted. Portfolio Committee on Communication and Digital Technologies chairperson, Khusela Sangoni Diko, has explained that discussions surrounding regulating the podcast space aren't new and are part of an effort to ensure current legislation is kept up to date with the evolving technological landscape. The discussion of podcast regulations re-emerged after well-known South African podcaster Macgyver 'MacG' Mukwevho was condemned last month for his offensive remarks about presenter, TV producer, and actress Minnie Dlamini. MacG is the creator and host of 'Podcast and Chill with MacG', which is one of the top podcasts in the country. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ He made crass assumptions about Dlamini's previous romantic break-ups, saying: "Bro, I'm telling you man. There's got to be something wrong with her; maybe her coochie smells or something. You know this happens, man, it happens, especially with the hot girls.' While his commentary was not out of the norm for his platform, social media did not take kindly to his remarks. Even Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, condemned what he said as 'nauseating in its vulgarity' and a violation of Dlamini's rights to freedom, security, equality, and human dignity. Letsike committed to pursuing multiple avenues to hold Mukwevho accountable, stating that she will also escalate the issue to Parliament and the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies for urgent regulatory review of online content that perpetuates gender stereotypes. In an announcement on Tuesday, Dlamini said she received a direct apology from the 'Podcast and Chill" attorneys but still intends to pursue legal recourse. MacG recently commented on the matter in a recent episode, saying that they took podcasting to another level. The furore sparked a debate about regulating such platforms, which prompted Diko to call for accountability in the sector. Diko, however, highlighted that the discussion surrounding podcast platforms was not new or prompted by the MacG incident. 'Discussions about the regulation of Over-the-Top (OTT) services and online content services such as podcasts are not new, nor are they a reaction to one controversy or another. Legislation in the sector is outdated and wholly unsuitable for the challenges of a rapidly evolving technological age.' Diko explained that the sixth Parliament sought to amend the Electronic Communications Act and modernise South Africa's telecommunications sector. In 2020, the first draft policy framework, the White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services and Online Content Safety, was also developed. 'The committee is keenly waiting in anticipation of the finalisation of this White Paper, which will lay the ground for policy that will enable the promulgation of relevant legislation.' Diko said there remains a need to ensure regulatory parity in the sector across OTTs, MNOs (mobile network operators), and broadcasters. She said the platforms that carry content cannot continue to be absolved from taking responsibility and accountability for the content they host, which is accessed by millions of South Africans. 'Podcasts in South Africa, for example, boast audiences in excess of 3 million people, and this number is expected to grow exponentially. The purpose of regulation must be to ensure that these platforms operate within the framework of the Constitution and applicable laws. 'They, like any other licensed broadcasters, must be held accountable to a set Code of Ethics and Practice that should govern an independent and free media. 'Regulations must, among others, ensure accurate, truthful, and fair reporting and commentary, curb the spread of obscene and vulgar content, promote and safeguard diversity, act as a bulwark against information disorders, including misinformation, disinformation, and misinformation,' Diko said. 'These platforms also cannot continue unabated, perpetuating online gender-based violence and bullying with no accessible avenue to recourse by those who are harmed.' The host of the "Crushing on with Caryn" podcast, Caryn Welby-Solomons, believes that, like all publicly available content, podcasts have a responsibility to their audience. 'Ms Diko's suggestions are not unreasonable, they declare that podcasts should be monitored in a similar way to television and radio. We've seen many injuries to persons rectified by complaints to the BCCSA, and she highlighted that right now, only people with access to lawyers and money can sue for defamation or hate speech. 'I agree that more needs to be done to prevent the spreading of negative speech.' Award-winning performer and co-host of the "Coffee + Controller" podcast, Yaaseen Barnes, agreed that there should be regulations, as currently, the space is the wild west. 'No one has the freedom to say whatever they want, however they want, and not expect backlash from anybody. That is actually against the Constitution to be that free. While we do have our freedoms, there are also responsibilities that come with them… 'We need regulations. I don't know how they are going to do it, but we need regulations on podcasts,' Barnes said. Host of 'Cape Flats Stories', Stanley Jacobs, said that podcasting has given him a voice and the opportunity to interview a range of people. He worries that regulations could ultimately hurt the genuineness of them. 'On many occasions, I never thought I would sit with big politicians, celebrities, decision-makers, stakeholders, whoever, and ask them the questions that I want to ask. 'If there's a regulatory body, does it mean that they're going to take that away from us, being, you know, asking the questions? The moment we start taking the genuineness out of something, that's when we start breaking it,' Jacobs said. 'That's going to be a problem if there's going to be a regulatory body. Are they going to be able to say, what are the things that we should do, are they going to censor what we're going to say, and who we should interview? 'Mainstream media only addresses certain things, whereas podcasting addresses everything. Podcasting is giving people from all over the opportunity to speak their mind, to be on a platform and sort of, you know, debate others, and get to the truth of the matter,' Jacobs said. 'In the day and age we're living in, people want to hear the truth. So, are we going to use the regulatory body to change the narrative?' Jacobs suggested that if there were to be guidelines, they should speak to professionalism. 'Maybe things like that, such as how to conduct yourself and how to speak, but I think they should leave podcasting the way it is because people follow you for a reason. You have followers for a reason.' Welby-Solomon added that if guidelines were to be in place, they shouldn't be long but simple enough to state that defamation and hate speech are not allowed. 'If you need to say misogynistic or racist things about other people to be creative, you aren't really that creative in the first place. I think podcasts have the responsibility to influence their audience responsibly. Especially if they have a large platform. They can entertain their audiences without it resulting in hate speech or defamation. Everyone with a platform has a responsibility to use it wisely.' Barnes added: 'All of us, every person with a voice, not even a podcast, has the responsibility to use their platforms for good. You can also entertain; you just have to be smart about how to entertain within the guidelines. 'If people are spreading lies, then by all means, they must be called to account. I think it would grow a healthier platform and a healthier space for information to be spread if rules and laws were in place.' Diko said that ultimately, there must be some level of market fairness and regulatory parity between OTTs, MNOs, and broadcasters. 'It must be remembered that when the White Paper was first gazetted, the proliferation of podcasts was not as widespread as it is currently. The issue was the sporadic emergence of online radio services, YouTube vlogs, and social media platforms. Podcasts only became widespread recently. 'The objective is to place some element of responsibility on those operating in that space, as well as the OTT service providers themselves, and to create industry fairness.' Podcaster MacGyver 'MacG' Mukwevho's comments about Minnie Dlamini sparked accusations of misogyny and prompted widespread condemnation, leading to a public apology. Image: Instagram Diko did stress that the threat that artificial intelligence (AI) poses needs to be considered. 'Obvious threats borne out of AI require a proactive and hybrid approach to regulation. "For example, voice cloning isn't just a threat to creators but to listeners, too, and a recent investigation in Canada found that software companies were using several podcasters' content on YouTube to train AI bots. 'This response has demonstrated that there are clear regulatory gaps across the ICT ecosystem, which can only be resolved through a coherent, agile, and forward-looking policy and legislative framework. This will require a broader and multi-sector collaboration…' Diko said.
