Young leaders called for reforms to the TV licence system, more investment in community connectivity, and a shift away from violent programming on national television.

This was during an engagement event with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) Consumer Advisory Panel in partnership with Mopasi Velox Synthesis at AlexSan Kopano Resource Centre on May 6.

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Held under the theme Critical Concerns for the Youth in Telecommunications, Broadcasting and Postal Services, the engagement formed part of the panel’s first-quarter 2026 roadshow, showing Icasa’s commitment to consumers’ consultation in an era of rapid technological evolution.

“The purpose of these engagements was to gather input from consumers and civil society on key issues, including data affordability, service quality, spectrum access, broadcasting content, and postal service delivery, with a particular emphasis on their impact on young people,” Thabo Mopasi, director of Mopasi Velox Synthesis, said.

During the discussions, a single recurring issue was the high cost of connectivity and the role of telecommunications operators in supporting community organisations.

Young people said there is a need for stronger partnerships with telecom companies to subsidise or reduce Wi-Fi expenses, especially for organisations driving skills development and vital social services.

Discussions extended beyond connectivity to broadcasting. Tebogo Somo, representing the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Central Rand Alcohol and Drug Centre, commended the local station for effectively catering to youth needs.

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She highlighted their integration of youth-focused segments that address real issues facing young people.

Television, however, faced more scrutiny. Attendees, including Somo, expressed dissatisfaction with the current TV licence model. Somo pointed out the hardship of ongoing payments for unemployed former licence holders. “Is it fair? Why can’t they say you are no longer working? Can you send something to prove that you are not working, and let’s freeze this?” She asked.

She highlighted the need for a more flexible approach that accounts for South Africa’s high unemployment rates.

Mopasi, on the other hand, criticised the broader content landscape, saying that television has shifted heavily toward entertainment at the expense of educational programming. He raised concerns over the prevalence of violence in broadcasts and advocated for segments from state entities to deliver educative content.

Dr Phosa Mashangoane, chairperson of the Icasa Consumer Advisory Panel, assured attendees that all inputs had been noted and that will be elevated to Icasa for consideration.

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