Centurion

The mission of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is to ensure that all South Africans have access to a wide range of high quality communication services at affordable prices. The Authority's strategic objectives are linked to government's Outcomes-Based Approach. ICASA's strategic objectives are: increased access to available broadband spectrum; reduced regulatory burden for equipment manufacturers and importers; to protect consumers from harmful practices in the use of premium rated services; to develop a 5G Forum for South Africa; national radio frequency planning to align the RSA National Frequency Plan to WRC-15 outcomes; dynamic and opportunistic spectrum use; millimetre-wave band availability; broadband coverage availability information for consumers; imposition of obligations on licensees; increased competition and diversity in the commercial television broadcasting sector; increased competition in the electronic communications sector; reduced barriers to entry into the broadband market; reduced barriers to entry into the subscription broadcasting market; ECS/ECNS reseller market exemption regulations clarification; improved utilisation of spectrum; quality telecommunication services; harmonisation of cross-border communication; access to ICASA services; protection of consumers from harmful practices; promotion of consumer participation in the ICT sector; monitoring of compliance with licence terms and conditions by licensees; promotion of consumer participation in the ICT sector; consumer complaints resolution; promotion of consumer participation in the ICT sector; improved social cohesion through community the television broadcasting sector; promotion of a common national identity through broadcasting services; Nat Joint Operations instructions execution; improved ICASA awareness through consumer engagement campaigns; promotion of equitable coverage of elections; and transformation in the ICT Sector.

The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) regulates the medical schemes industry governed by the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998. A state entity reporting to the Minister of Health, CMS' mandate is to protect the interests of the beneficiaries at all times as well as control and coordinate the functioning of medical schemes in a manner that is complementary with national health policy. The CMS makes recommendations to the Minister on criteria for the measurement of quality and outcomes of the relevant health services provided for by the medical schemes, and such other services as the Council may from time to time determine. The Council investigates complaints and settles disputes in relation to the affairs of medical schemes as provided for in this Act, as well as collects and disseminates information about private healthcare. The CMS makes rules, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, for the purpose of the performance of its functions and exercise of its powers. The Council advises the Minister on any matter concerning medical schemes and performs any other functions conferred on the Council by the Minister or by this Act.

The Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) is an organ of the South African Government, whose mandate is to uphold and protect the rights of all inmates who are incarcerated. JICS is responsible for the independent oversight of the Department of Correctional Services and must therefore report thereon to the Ministry of Justice, Correctional Services and the portfolio committee.

The National Consumer Tribunal (NCT) was established in terms of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005. As an independent adjudicative entity, the Tribunal's mandate is to hear and decide on cases involving consumers, service providers, credit providers, debt counsellors and credit bureaux. The NCT is also responsible for reviewing decisions made by the National Credit Regulator and the National Consumer Commission.