The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has amended its regulations governing political broadcasts and advertising during municipal elections, refining the rules on airtime allocation, content standards, and broadcaster obligations.
The changes update the 2011 framework to include independent candidates alongside political parties, aligning the regulations with post-2019 electoral reforms.
SABC’s Concerns
The SABC had warned that requiring its commercial platforms to air free political election broadcasts could erode advertising revenue.
Icasa responded: “The authority is of the view that the SABC, as a public broadcaster, has a constitutional mandate to provide equitable coverage during elections… While the authority notes the concerns regarding potential revenue implications, these do not outweigh the public interest requirement.”
Legal Responsibility
The amendments reinforce that political parties and independent candidatesnot broadcastersbear legal responsibility for content in political election broadcasts.
This effectively shields broadcasters from being sued, provided they follow procedural rulesa big protection in a highly contested election environment.
Key Provisions
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Political advertisements (paid for) and political election broadcasts (free) are clearly distinguished
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The same content cannot be used across both formatspreventing duplication that could give wealthier parties disproportionate exposure
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Broadcasters must provide written reasons for rejecting political content within 24 hours
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Parties have 48 hours to revise and resubmit material
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Low-power and certain community broadcasters are excluded from carrying political advertising and election broadcasts
The Timeline
The date for the 2026 local government elections is yet to be announced. Voter registration is scheduled for 20 and 21 June.
The Bottom Line
Independent candidates are now included. The SABC must provide free airtime. Broadcasters are shielded from liability. Low-power community broadcasters are excluded.
The rules are tighter. The campaign is coming. And the media is watching.
