Enforcement Committee
The functions of the Enforcement Committee are set out in section 6B (1)(a) of the FP Act, which states that the Enforcement Committee shall:
FPB v Cultpixs
This matter was referred to the Enforcement Committee in terms of Rule 9(3) of the Enforcement Committee Rules for investigation and adjudication of allegations of failure by the Respondents to comply with the provisions of the Films and Publications Act No. 65 of 1996 as amended (“the FP Act.”).
FPB v Trendy VR Worlds
This matter was referred to the Enforcement Committee in terms of section 6B of the Films and Publications Act No 65 of 1996 as amended (FP Act), for a hearing and adjudication. It was alleged that the Respondent had failed to comply with section 18(1)(a) and section 18(1)(b) of the FP Act.
FPB v TV YaBantuRs
At the outset, it is necessary to state that this matter is not your run of the mill case. Although it cannot be described as a complex matter, it required special care as it raised a unique legal question, that is, whether the cultural role of the films (videos) concerned, legally, placed such videos on a different footing than other films or videos.
Investigate
Investigate all cases referred to it by the FPB for adjudication in respect of noncompliance with any provision of the FP Act by a distributor, exhibitor or any other person to whom the Act applies, except persons to whom sections 24A, 24B, 24C and 27A (2), (3) and (4) apply.
Adjudicate
Adjudicate all cases and make appropriate findings, after the FPB and the respondent have been heard or granted a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
Hear Evidence
Hear evidence under oath or affirmation or evidence by affidavit and come to a finding when it is convinced on a consideration of all the facts before it that such a finding is fair, reasonable and justified.
Take appropriate action
(i) Impose a fine.
(ii) As prescribed, suspend a registration certificate.
(iii) Refer a matter to the National Director of Public Prosecutions for prosecution.
(iv) Where a fine is not paid, at the instance of the Chief Executive Officer of the FPB, apply to a court for the enforcement of such a fine as a civil debt to the FPB.
The Enforcement Committee is therefore a quasi-judicial body noting that it has partly judicial characteristics where it is empowered to conduct investigations on claims which are disputed, hold hearings, assess the veracity of contraventions of the provisions of legislations and regulations and impose sanctions where they have established such contraventions in a similar fashion as courts.
Enforcement Committee Members
Chairperson: Hon. Justice Thokozile Matilda Masipa
Member: Mr. Fancois Beukman
Member: Dr. Adv. Nzumbululo Silas Siphuma
Member: Ms Nalini Maharaj