Former Chairperson of South Africa’s Communications Authority Dies at 77

The country’s communications regulator is mourning the loss of one of its former leaders who played a key role in shaping the broadcasting and telecommunications sector.

The Authority confirmed that its former Chairperson passed away on 21 October 2026, at the age of 77. He was born on 30 December 1948.

In a statement issued this week, the Authority paid tribute to his life and service, saying his contributions to the broadcasting, telecommunications and postal services sectors formed part of its journey in regulating these sectors in the public interest.

He served the Authority in several important roles over the years. This includes serving as Chairperson of the Council, as a Councillor, and later as an elected member of the Complaints and Compliance Committee (CCC), which deals with compliance matters in the sector.

Colleagues remember him as a dedicated public servant who was committed to ensuring that regulation in the communications sector was done in the public interest.

“The Authority extends its sincere sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” the statement read.

The Authority has directed those who wish to read the full tribute to visit its official website.

The funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.

Tributes have been pouring in from across the ICT sector for his role in laying the foundation for an independent regulator in South Africa.

https://www.icasa.org.za/news/2026/icasa-mourns-the-passing-of-former-chairperson-paris-mashile

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