STAATSKOERANT, 24 JANUARIE 2014 No. 37261 CHAPTER 2: THE CONTEXT FOR POLICY REVIEW 2.1 The Framing Paper Overview Earlier this year, the ICT Policy Review Panel, appointed by the Minister of Communications in November, 2012, published a draft Framing Paper for public comment. The Draft Framing Paper contained 14 Objectives and Principles that underpin the current policy environment. The Panel requested comment on the relevance of each objective in the current state and the future. It also asked for suggestions on any other objective and principle that could help define the communications environment of the future. The Policy Framing Paper was the first opportunity for members of the public to contribute to the process. This Green Paper is the second opportunity, and shortly thereafter a discussion paper will be drafted that will be the basis for public consultations leading to the White Paper. The Framing Paper identified 14 key policy principles. Although not exhaustive, they laid the foundation for discussion about the objectives of a new communications sector policy. 2.2 Key Principles The Policy Review Panel has carefully considered the responses to the Framing Paper Discussion Document. The Panel is unanimous that if the market wasleft to its own devices,and should the status quo be left intact, there would be some serious developmental failures as some sections of the South African population still do not appeal to market forces because of their economic and geographic profile. Consequently, the Panel rejects any suggestions that do not support the objectives and principles that guide the way to a new communications framework. The Panel in its deliberations also reaffirmed a rights-based approach on the grounds that most of these objectives and principles are derived from rights enshrined in the Constitution. However, the Panel amended some of the objectives and principles in line with suggestions where it felt appropriate, and retained and fine-tuned others. Refer to the Department's website for all the principles. 2. South Africans have a right to freedom of expression; South Africans have a right to access a diverse range of information, opinion and news of relevance to their communities and lives; 3. South Africans have a right to a secure, quality and affordable communications 1. infrastructure and services; 4. South Africans have a right to benefit equitably from the ability of the communications sector to facilitate social development and improve the quality of life of individuals and communities; South Africans have a right to the creation and dissemination of content that celebrates their cultural heritage in languages of their choice; 6. South Africans have a right to equitable universal access to communication infrastructure and services; 7. All sectors of the population have a right to equally enjoy and benefit from communications services; 5. South Africans are entitled to communication services that reflect, respect and uphold community standards and values in accordance with the constitution; 9. South Africans have a right to privacy and to protection of personal information; 8. 9 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za 13