Paris Mashile, former ICASA chairperson, dies

Paris Mashile, the former chairperson of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), has passed away. According to a family statement, Mashile died on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following a long illness and hospitalization.

Mashile held several significant roles within the communications regulator. He served as chairperson from July 2005 to June 2010, succeeding Mandla Langa. He later returned to ICASA as a councillor in 2016, served as acting chairperson in 2017, and was reappointed to a term in January 2024 that was scheduled to run through late 2026.

During his tenure, Mashile was noted for his work on spectrum licensing, the National Radio Frequency Plan, and regulating mobile termination rates to lower consumer costs. ICASA chairman Mothibi Ramusi credited Mashile with advancing competition across the telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services sectors while promoting universal access and digital convergence in South Africa.