Draft 5G tower policy threatens property rights in SA

The policy gives mobile networks and other licensees the right to select, enter and use public or private land for the deployment of their network infrastructure.

Civic organisation DearSA says it has, through its online public participation platform, facilitated 56 829 submissions (as of 17:00 on 11 August) to government by South African citizens regarding the proposed policy.

Rob Hutchinson, managing director of DearSA, tells ITWeb the proposed policy violates several constitutional rights.

He says the policy places a responsibility on the owners of the property, and the owners must exercise due care and diligence to avoid damage to the electronic communications networks or facilities deployed on their property.

“If any damage is caused by the owner, he/she will be held liable,” Hutchinson says. “The network provider must notify the property owner with 30 days calendar notice in writing of its ‘proposed property access activity’.”

You have until 21 August to have your say at this link; https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/5gtowers/

Draft 5G tower policy threatens property rights in SA

Civic organisations and market watchers say the draft policy, which allows licensees to erect 5G towers on private property, may infringe on constitutional rights.


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