House Chairperson, hon members, this Bill seeks to amend the Postal Services Act of 1998, in order to bring it in line with the Electronic Communications Act of 2005 and the Independent Communications Authority Act of 2000. In doing this, it inserts new definitions, amends certain definitions and provides for ministerial powers in the issuing of policy directives and the issuing of licences.
There has emerged some discomfort from some quarters about clause 3 of the Bill, which seeks to provide ministerial powers to make policies for the information and communications technology sector in which the postal industry is now located. It is, however, the view of the committee that the postal industry is located within the ICT sector, for which the Minister makes policies in any case.
I must point out that, during the passage of the Electronic Communications Act last year, no one opposed the integration of the postal sector into the ICT sector. Everyone agreed that, with the fast pace of technological development, a large part of the Post Office business has become electronic and this move is unavoidable.
Clause 4 of the Bill aligns the provisions of postal services with the rest of the information and communication technology sector. It further provides for the inclusion of and access to other nonpostal but essential services, under the definition of universal postal services.
Clause 5 provides for the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, Icasa, to accept and consider applications for new licences in the reserved area in accordance with policy directives issued by the Minister. The clause also empowers the Minister with the authority to extend the exclusivity period of the SA Post Office, Sapo, to ensure universal access to postal services, especially in the underresourced areas.
Clause 6 provides for Icasa to determine the fees and charges payable in respect of the provision of postal services by Sapo, whilst simultaneously ensuring that it is subject to approval by the Minister.
It is worth mentioning that the opposition that has been raised against the provisions of this amending Bill are ideological. They are premised on the notion of less government intervention and bigger market control, which we reject with contempt.
It will be a dereliction of duty on the part of the elected democratic government to subsume the interests and aspirations of our people to profiteering in the mix of huge disparities between the developed and underdeveloped sections of our communities.
I therefore recommend the passage of this Bill without any amendments. I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
That concludes the debate. I shall now put the question. The question is that the Bill be agreed to. In accordance with Rule 63 I shall first allow political parties the opportunity to make their declarations of vote if they so wish.
Declaration of vote:
Chair, only last year the regulation of postal services was given to the electronic communications regulator, Icasa, on the argument that it will increasingly operate electronically.
This year, however, the Minister decided to take back the power to decide when the reserved nonelectronic services will be opened up to competition. She may also now review the Post Office's exclusivity every five years, instead of every three years.
It is clear that no lessons have been learned from Telkom's exclusivity period. The DA opposes the Bill.
The declaration is noted, hon members. Is there any further declaration of vote? None. In the absence of further declarations, we shall then proceed to the voting. Those in favour say "Aye".
HON MEMBERS: Aye.
Those against say "No". I think the ayes have it. The majority of members have voted in favour. I therefore declare the Bill agreed to in terms of section 75 of the Constitution.
Bill agreed to in accordance with section 75 of the Constitution.