This paper presents a series of evaluations to analyse and assess the degree to which media statutory bodies in South Africa are fulfilling their mandates, to assess their contribution to media diversity and enhancing access to media and ICTs. Four statutory and public interest institutions were selected for this study, and this report highlights key findings and recommendations for each one. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA): the ICASA is not always adequately or effectively fulfilling its mandate in relation to ensuring accountability, transparency, access to information and dealing with diversity in gender and race, both internally and in fulfilling its regulatory objectives its structure needs to be reviewed to facilitate quicker and more efficient decision-making. The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)- To further fulfil its mandate, SABC needs to carry out a number of actions including: the SABC Board should adopt an open and responsive approach to criticism of the SABC, and as far as possible go about explaining decisions and opening up debate on matters relating to the SABC while it is the right and the job of the media in general to scrutinise the public service broadcaster, they should be encouraged to adhere to the same ethics and common journalism best practice. The Universal Service Agency (USA): South Africa still has a great deal to do to achieve universal access many respondents in this survey are sceptical about the work of the Agency, arguing that its activities, i.e. Telecentres, Cyberlabs, Community Digital Hubs and Under-Serviced Area Licensees are ill thought and built on shaky models. The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA): given its youthfulness, has achieved a significant amount. However, the Agency faces considerable institutional and other constraints that limit its capacity to impact on media diversity in South Africa the MDDA could improve its performance in several of ways, including fine-tuning its operations, conducting more meaningful research into constraints to media development and diversity, and playing a more significant advocacy role.

Publisher: Open Society Foundation for South Africa
Year of Publication: 2007
Download : 14421_meetigtheirmandates.pdf

This book presents research reports on these institutions in an attempt to answer the above questions. It includes the findings of research conducted in 2006/7 into the performance of ICASA , the SABC, the MDDA, and the USAASA. The research was conducted by the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), Gender Links, the Media Monitoring Project (MMP) and the National Labour and Economic Development Istitute (NALEDI) – support from the Open Society Foundation for South Africa (OSF- SA). The research process included interviews with stakeholders, focus-group discussions with end users. In the case of the SABC, findings highlight the results of a two-month monitoring of news exercise held in 2006. It outlines recommendations on how these public bodies can overcome the challenges they face. It is a critical study that begins to explore how public institutions established to facilitate freedom of information and expression can be held accountable to the South African public.

ISBN: 978-1-920051-86-0
Publisher: Open Society Foundation for South Africa
Edition: 1st Edition
Year of Publication: 2007