The ongoing deployment of 5G network infrastructure across major cities in South Africa has led to protests from people who are protesting the erection of the mobile telephone towers within their homes. This got to the head as tens of thousands of people have written complaints to the government over a new policy that would let mobile networks build cellphone infrastructure like 5G towers on private land, which they say could devalue their property. The clamour against the towers started as soon as the Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams gazetted the policy leading to series of dissent through the website Dear South Africa, which collects online submissions to challenge or co-form policies before they become law.
“There are concerns about radiation, about the resale value of properties and about this being used as an excuse to expropriate land without compensation,” the group’s founder, Rob Hutchinson, was quoted as saying.
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The government’s proposal says network operators “have the right to enter upon and use public and private land”, citing the need for “high speed, high quality networks” to ensure that “rural areas do not lag behind”. But critics worry this is a ruse to exploit private property owners. “This policy proposes that network operators can erect infrastructure on private land, and property owners cannot charge an access fee and are liable for any damage to the infrastructure,” said Hutchinson.
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According to the draft policy, owners can charge a “reasonable” access fee if the network operator makes any intrusive changes to their land but are liable for any damage they cause to communications facilities.Damage to property caused by the network provider must be repaired by the company and the property owner is entitled to reasonable compensation, the policy said.
MTN Group, Africa’s largest mobile network operator by subscribers, welcomed the rapid rollout of cellphone infrastructure. “This lag in providing services does little to enable a digital environment for all,” said Jacqui O’Sullivan, the company’s executive for corporate affairs in South Africa, stressing that the policy is still in the draft phase adding that the “the draft document is open to comment by all interested parties, including MTN, ensuring that the final document is a robust and balanced document that addresses the concerns of all parties.” “While there are allegations that 5G is already causing health problems, including the novel coronavirus, there is absolutely no scientific evidence to support this,” she said.
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More than 42,000 submissions were collated through the Dear South Africa site from across all nine provinces in the country, detailing concerns over the public’s right to privacy, property ownership and a healthy and safe environment. “Private property is owned by us private individuals, therefore I refuse to be bullied by the government to erect infrastructure at no cost on my property,” wrote a resident whose name was anonymised by the platform.
Hutchinson said giving residents the chance to air their complaints now could help them avoid the “expensive and lengthy process” or protecting their property rights later. “Raising your concerns through an official channel provides a legal opportunity to shape policy before implementation,” he said.
South Africa is the most unequal country in the world, according to the World Bank, and these divides are seen along digital lines, too, with a study by the Research ICT Africa think tank showing only 11% of households have broadband internet access – hampering access to online education, among other services.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry