With each passing year, the cost of smartphones in South Africa increase significantly. That may start to change, however, following a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy outlined by the DA‘s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi.
Under the new policy, phones could be sold tax-free in the country. This move would be aimed at making access to the internet more affordable, as both data and the devices needed for connectivity still come at a premium in South Africa.
“Another factor that contributes to the cost of smartphones in the country, and Africa as a whole, are the high taxes that these devices incur. Therefore, measures which will cut taxes and reduce tariffs paid would make a considerable difference in addressing the problem of cost,” the DA’s policy emphasised.
Whether such a measure can be made is unclear for now, but if the access to connectivity were to be made more affordable, it would certainly go a long way.
Along with the DA’s plans for tax-free phones, this morning’s SPEEDRUN roundup features news in the form of a desire for more CCTV cameras in Gauteng, an Elden Ring movie/series going into development, Google’s struggles to combat emissions, and a condensed version of SA’s Bill of Rights.
[Image – Photo by Hatiful Yosa on Unsplash]
