The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for urgent action from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) regarding what it describes as “exploitative and anti-consumer practices” in the telecommunications sector.
In a formal letter addressed to ICASA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Tshiamo Maluleka-Disemelo, the EFF demanded an immediate meeting to discuss progress on public consultations about prepaid data and airtime expiry mandates, as well as the broader issue of South Africa’s persistently high data costs.
The letter, signed by EFF spokesperson and Member of Parliament Sinawo Thambo, accuses mobile operators of penalising consumers—particularly the poor—through rigid rules that cause prepaid data and airtime to expire if not used within a set period.
Background to the Dispute
South Africa has long been ranked among the most expensive countries in Africa for mobile data. According to research by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and organisations like Research ICT Africa, the cost per gigabyte in South Africa is significantly higher than in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Egypt.
Consumer groups have repeatedly argued that high data prices stifle economic participation, limit access to education, and widen the digital divide between rich and poor.
In March 2025, during a meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, the EFF raised these concerns directly with ICASA. At the time, ICASA assured Parliament that it was reviewing the policy and would soon open public consultations on data and airtime expiry mandates. However, six months later, no concrete updates have been shared on hearings, timelines, or enforcement mechanisms.
EFF’s Position
“The EFF believes that expiry rules undermine access to information and entrench inequality,” Thambo wrote. “Millions of consumers continue to suffer while awaiting regulatory action. It is unacceptable that mobile operators can seize prepaid airtime and data that consumers have already paid for.”
The party emphasised that its intention is not only to engage but also to understand ICASA’s process so that it may craft its own policy alternatives.
Public Sentiment
For many South Africans, data costs remain a daily burden. Students and job seekers often rely on limited prepaid bundles, which expire before they can be fully used.
“It feels like daylight robbery,” said Nomvula Dlamini, a 24-year-old student at the University of Johannesburg. “If I buy 1GB of data and don’t use it within a month, it just disappears. That’s my money, gone.”
Another consumer, Sipho Mbele, a small business owner in Soweto, argued that data costs directly affect economic opportunities. “I run my business online. Every cent counts. But here, you’re punished if you don’t use your airtime quickly enough. It makes no sense.”
On social media, the EFF’s intervention sparked a wave of support. Many users welcomed the move, urging ICASA to “stand up to mobile giants.” Others, however, expressed skepticism about whether political parties can push regulators to act decisively.
Awaiting ICASA Response
At the time of publication, ICASA had not yet responded to questions from African Times. The regulator has previously stated that it remains committed to reducing the cost of communication and ensuring fair treatment of consumers, but concrete timelines remain unclear.
For now, the EFF is positioning itself as a vocal advocate for digital justice, pushing an issue that affects millions of South Africans. The coming weeks may determine whether ICASA moves swiftly to address these long-standing concerns—or whether pressure from political parties and the public will intensify further.
