PBICT Statement on Strategic Engagements and the Advancement of ICT Sector Transformation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

13 August 2026

The Progressive Blacks in ICT (PBICT) wishes to update its members, stakeholders and the broader South African public on a series of strategic engagements undertaken with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Broadband Infraco (BBI), and industry stakeholders on the proposed amendments to the Electronic Communications Act.

These engagements form part of PBICT's continuing programme to advance meaningful transformation, broaden participation by historically disadvantaged individuals and enterprises, and ensure that public policy and state-led digital programmes contribute towards an inclusive South African digital economy.

Key Engagements

Engagement with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies

On 7 August 2026, the leadership of PBICT met with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, the Director-General, and senior departmental leadership. PBICT raised serious concerns regarding the current functionality of the B-BBEE ICT Sector Council and proposed its reconfiguration and strengthening to ensure it is representative, properly capacitated, and capable of driving measurable transformation. The organisation also called for greater coordination between the Department, ICASA, and other institutions to enforce the 30% historically disadvantaged individual ownership requirements contained in the Electronic Communications Act.

Engagement with Broadband Infraco on SA Connect

PBICT engaged Broadband Infraco regarding outstanding payments owed to internet service providers participating in the SA Connect programme. BBI acknowledged the delays and reaffirmed its commitment to honouring legitimate payment obligations. PBICT called for a fair and transparent payment process and proposed regular review meetings to monitor the payment plan and address structural weaknesses in the programme.

Engagement with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA)

PBICT raised the need for a more decentralised approach to government data infrastructure, focusing on provincial data-centre capacity, data sovereignty, and local control. Significantly, SITA agreed to re-establish the SITA Industry Transformation Unit, which will play an important role in monitoring transformation within the ICT sector and ensuring SITA's procurement programmes meaningfully advance the participation of Black-owned enterprises, women, young people, and historically disadvantaged professionals.

Consultation on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill

PBICT convened a consultation with its members on the proposed Electronic Communications Amendment Bill. While the organisation welcomes the broad intention of the Bill, it cautions that formal equality in access and wholesale pricing will not necessarily produce substantive equality for smaller operators. PBICT raised critical questions regarding how ICASA will prevent dominant operators from frustrating infrastructure access and how global satellite operators entering the South African market will be required to contribute to domestic transformation. PBICT will submit a formal written position ahead of the 21 August 2026 deadline.

Upcoming Programmes and Engagements

PBICT will formally engage ICASA on the implementation and enforcement of the proposed ECA amendments, spectrum policy, and infrastructure access. The organisation is also pleased to announce:

• Launch of the new membership portal at this year's GovTech Conference.
• Empowerment session on Dynamic Spectrum Access to equip members and emerging ICT enterprises with practical understanding of shared and underutilised spectrum.
• National Township ICT Economy Symposium in Soweto on 12 October 2026, bringing together government, regulators, state-owned entities, industry leaders, and township-based enterprises.

The Way Forward

Across all these engagements, one message remains clear: transformation cannot be reduced to policy statements, compliance reports, or commitments without consequences. It must be reflected in ownership, licensing, procurement, infrastructure access, financing, market participation, and the growth of sustainable Black-owned ICT enterprises.

PBICT remains committed to constructive engagement with government, regulators, state-owned entities, and the private sector. The organisation will continue to speak firmly and act decisively wherever transformation is delayed, diluted, or frustrated.

The digital economy must not reproduce the inequalities of the past. It must become an instrument for economic inclusion, industrial development, and the meaningful participation of Black professionals, entrepreneurs, young people, women, and communities.

Issued by the Progressive Blacks in ICT (PBICT)

Enquiries: Office of the Secretary-General
luvog@pbict.org
076 618 0755