The prospects for a digital regulator in South Africa

Petrus Potgieter

Chapter 15 in Research Handbook on Digital Regulatory Agencies, 2026, pp 253-266 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter discusses the potential for establishing a digital technology regulator in South Africa, highlighting the country's high reliance on online services amid regulatory fragmentation. South Africa has multiple regulatory bodies overseeing telecommunications, online services, and content, resulting in overlapping jurisdictions and inefficiencies. A proposed meta-regulator could streamline governance, reduce regulatory ambiguity, and support economic growth. However, challenges include legal complexities, the risk of regulatory capture, and potential conflicts with existing constitutional rights. The chapter evaluates alternatives, including reliance on antitrust laws and maintaining the current fragmented system, advocating for a balanced approach that enhances regulatory clarity while supporting digital economic development.

Keywords: Digital Regulator; South Africa; Online Services; Regulatory Framework; Antitrust Regulation; Economic Development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035330881
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