The broad mandate of the Appeal Tribunal is to hear appeals against classification decisions made by the classification committees in respect of publications, films and games. Members of the Tribunal are appointed for a period of five years by the Minister of Communications and serve on a part-time basis.
The Appeals Tribunal determines whether, on the merits, the correct decision has been made by a classification committee. It is required by the Act to be independent and to carry out its functions without any bias. Parties appearing before the Appeals Tribunal are entitled to be legally represented and the hearings are open to the public unless decided to not be open by the committee. The decisions of the Tribunal are final, in terms of section 20 (5) of the FP Act. Generally, a decision is made after the hearing and reasons for the decision are provided.
Appeals Tribunal Members
Mr. Siyazi Tyamtyam (Chairperson)
Ms. Sohani Natasha Chundhur
Ms. Sisanda Nkoala
Ms. Nomaswazi Rachel Shabangu-Mndawe
Dr. Litheko Modisane
Mr. Phuti Nehemia Phukubje
Mr. James Shikwambana
Ms. Manko Thalitha Bufffel (Re-Appointment)