By Bahle Gama
Two broadcasting organisations have had their operating licences renewed by the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM).
These are a Commercial Television Broadcasting Services Licence to Channel Yemaswati TV, and a Community Broadcasting Service Licence to the Voice of the Church (VOC).
An International and Domestic Commercial Courier Services licence was also granted for the first time to SHIPPII (PTY) Ltd. ESCCOM Chief Executive Mvilawephi Dlamini said the process of licencing and renewal is a vigorous and engaged process where the Commission evaluates the application and considers several factors before a recommendation can be made.
He said both Channel Yemaswati and Voice of the Church have been in the business for a long time and their existence precedes the establishment of the Commission. They remain one of the pioneers of the broadcasting sector.
“When reviewing the application for renewal for both entities, the Commission engaged in an extensive exercise where we had to satisfy ourselves on the continued relevance, viability and sustainability of the stations,” the CE said.
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Dlamini stated that although the Commission identified a few challenges, it was satisfied that the renewal of the broadcasting licence was deserved.
He said it is upon Channel Yemaswati TV and VOC to ensure that the challenges identified are turned into opportunities because persistent non-compliance may result in the revocation of a licence.
“These regulatory frameworks are not designed to be impediments to licensees but as catalysts for growth and sustainability. They ensure quality of service and customer satisfaction, which directly translates to more revenue for a licensee.”
“We implore Channel Yemaswati TV and the Voice of the Church to expand its customer base by being innovative and leveraging the digital platforms available. Provide diverse offerings within their programmes and be aggressive in the pursuit of being a leader in their space,” Dlamini said.
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He further stated that the Commission will step up its efforts in ensuring compliance by licensees and as such punitive measures shall be taken for transgressions and appealed to both entities to have systems and processes in place for compliance.
“The Commission pledges its continued support to Channel Yemaswati TV and the Voice of the Church and will always be available when needed,” he said.
Regarding SHIPPII, Dlamini said Section 6(b) of the ESCCOM Act mandates the Commission to regulate and supervise the provision of postal services and electronic commerce including courier services.
The CE said the Commission is proud that several courier services have been licenced by the Commission and the number is growing day by day.
“As alluded to earlier, the Commission approved the licensing of SHIPPII after an extensive evaluation process. We are confident that the entity will be able to provide the services to our people and add value to the sector and the country’s economy at large.”
“We urge that the licence and all regulatory frameworks be your bible, as they capture compliance requirements. We are hopeful for cooperation with yourselves whenever there is need,” he said.
Dlamini stated that the Commission is mandated by its establishing statute, the ESCCOM Act, 2013 and the Electronic Communications Act, 2013, to grant any authorisation for the carrying out of any operation or activity relating to any matter within the remit of the Commission.
According to the CE, the Commission considers not only the technical capability of the applicant but also the financial viability and sustainability of the business. It is always undesirable that a person licensed by the Commission goes on to be a market failure.
He added that licensing comes with rights and obligations which obligations the regulator has to continuously enforce whilst safeguarding the rights of the consumer.
