Hon Deputy Chairperson and hon Minister, closing down of any community radio station or any licensee by Icasa, is not in the best interest of the public. Community radio stations play a critical role in promoting social cohesion, fostering diversity, uplifting and empowering of communities.
Zibonele Community Radio Station in the Western Cape is one of those examples of community radio stations that submitted its renewal application on time and no response was received from Icasa. When the radio station followed up, Icasa's response was that they want proof of documents submitted. There are serious challenges of administration capacity at Icasa to regulate community sound broadcasters in the public interest.
What are the means of support are you providing to those radio stations and by when will Icasa operate with adequate capacity? Thank you, Minister.