The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) entered into a strategic collaboration agreement this week. The CEO for ICASA, Mr Willington Ngwepe, and the CEO for NMISA, Mr Ndwakhulu Mukhufhi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a video-conference signing ceremony between the two entities.

The MOU provides for the exchange of information and expertise between the entities as relevant to their respective mandates. It further establishes a framework for regulations related to electronic communications, to be informed and supported by measurement science (metrology).

Through the MoU, NMISA and ICASA will co-operate with each other over a range of functions including but not limited to providing support and resources to ensure the success and effectiveness of the mutually agreed project and programmes aimed at enhancing and sustaining the quality of consumer experience.

ICASA CEO, Mr Willington Ngwepe welcomed the collaboration between the two entities and says that the partnership will go a long way in assisting the Authority in the execution of its consumer protection mandate.

“ICASA welcomes the partnership between itself and NMISA. The MoU enables us to tap into the skills base and expertise contained within NMISA to come up with workable solutions to enhance ICASA’s enforcement capabilities in order to effectively address consumer complaints, especially with regards to consumption and/or depletion rates for data bundles and related services”, says Ngwepe.

In accordance with the Measurement Units and Measurement Standards Act (Act 18 of 2006), NMISA realises, maintains, and disseminates the national measurement standards (NMS) and measurement units for South Africa. The Institute provides for international equivalence of local measurements which are traceable to these standards. In cases of disputes about the true value of a measurement, the value provided by NMISA is legally accepted as the most correct value in South Africa.

NMISA’s CEO, Mr Ndwakhulu Mukhufhi, echoed the sentiments of Mr Willington Ngwepe. He emphasised that this is an exciting milestone in NMISA’s strategic plan, which includes the development of unique measurement solutions specifically designed to enable and augment regulations. “NMISA is looking forward to a long-term, successful and mutually supportive relationship with ICASA”, he added.

It is expected that the MOU will enhance the role of NMISA as the provider of measurement solutions in terms of the Measurement Act and the role of ICASA in the protection of the end-user when using electronic communications services and networks.

For all media enquiries please contact:
Paseka Maleka (ICASA)
079 509 0702
pmaleka@icasa.org.za

Sophia Mabela (NMISA)
012 841 4152
comms@nmisa.org