The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) commemorates the anniversary of the Soweto Youth Uprisings, on 16 June 2018. This commemoration comes the same year South Africa and the world is celebrating the lives of two heroes, namely, the father of our liberation and the global epitome of human sacrifice, Tata Nelson Mandela and Mme Albertina Sisulu.
ICASA and other government departments continue to celebrate the 100 years of Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu through different initiatives and programmes such as Mandela Fridays; and young people are also encouraged to know the history and take part in all these initiatives to be the legacy.
One of the main points on the Department of Communications’ (DOC) Budget Vote 2018 was the importance of broadcasting and in particular community broadcasting. The focus on community broadcasting encourages the promotion of freedom of expression as well as media freedom. In her 2018 Budget Vote, the Minister of Communications, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane said that broadcasting plays a critical and meaningful role in providing a window and platform through which the histories, languages, culture, experiences, views and interests can be expressed and shared. “This underscores the importance of broadcasting as the sector that is at the heart of who we are - the sense of our identities!”
In this regard, ICASA encourages the youth to take advantage of its services and participate in the development of regulations as well as play an active role in the broadcasting sector through becoming content producers, presenters, music compilers, newscasters and indeed to start their own radio or television stations or be part of the broader community broadcasting sector.
On the other hand, in the interest of heeding the call to create employment for the youth, ICASA provides unemployed graduates with an opportunity to gain valuable, practical working experience and theoretical training through its graduates 24 month programme. The programme accommodates graduates in various fields such as Engineering, Law, Communications, Media, Human Resources, Finance and Information Technology. This is an important programme for the youth as it lays a foundation for a successful career in the ICT sector. Young people are encouraged to follow ICASA on social media (Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn) and website (www.icasa.org.za), to find out more about the next recruitment to the graduate programme or permanent employment.
This Youth Month we celebrate the lives of those who laid the foundation for an inclusive and democratic society and applaud those who continue to be innovative in creating digital industry practices that give visibility to identities previously excluded and thus ensuring that more people can participate in the economy.
ICASA, Regulating in the Public interest.