On 13 August 2001, bridges.org submitted the following comments on the proposed South African "Interception and Monitoring" bill:  [read the press release]

Civil Society representatives met in Cape Town on 8 September to discuss their needs and concerns regarding the ICT Empowerment Charter. The importance of the Charter has been recognised by bridges.org, the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA), SANGONeT and many other Civil Society and non-governmental organisations in South Africa that use ICT as part of their efforts for socio-economic development. There has been little opportunity for organizations like these to participate, and many people were simply not aware of the process. The meeting highlighted several areas which it hopes will be addressed at the next meeting of the ICT Charter working group.

We tend to think about convergence in terms of technology alone, but convergence in information and communications technology (ICT) does not solely involve technological innovation, it also has a real impact on everyday lives that can potentially create further imbalances in terms of the digital divide, especially in the developing world. As an evolving concept, convergence encompasses a combination of opportunities and challenges, not only for the ICT industry, but also for regulators, policy makers and society at large.

Background

The Electronic Communications and Transactions (ECT) Bill is the result of a democratic and consultative process that began in 1999 with the publication of a Discussion Paper designed to stimulate discussion and debate. This was followed in November 2000 by the publication of a Green Paper that highlighted the numerous legal and practical issues that would need to be addressed in a Bill. In order to fast-track the process, the Department of Communications (DoC) decided to dispense with the normal procedure of publishing of a White Paper -- which would have allowed for further consultation -- and tabled the current Bill as it stands, inviting only final public comments. The deadline for submitting comments was 8 May 2002 (see bridges.org's comments to the Government at http://www.bridges.org/e-policy/sa/ect/ ).

Ms R. Schaafsma
The Secretary to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications
PO Box 15
Cape Town 8000

Dear Mr. Kekana,

Bridges.org Analysis and Commentary: Telecommunications Amendment Bill number 65 of 2001

The complex debate around telecommunications liberalization has already been faced in the developed world, and the issues now confront almost every developing country. The dilemmas are not unique to South Africa, but the current situation in this country illustrates the complex issues at stake and how real people are affected by the decisions of the government.