Justice Ponnan appointed as Chairperson of the BCCSA Appointment and Appeals Committee
MEDIA STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
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Johannesburg, South Africa – 4 March 2026
JUSTICE VISVANATHAN PONNAN APPOINTED AS CHAIRPERSON OF BCCSA APPOINTMENT AND APPEALS COMMITTEE
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) are pleased to announce that Justice Ponnan has accepted the appointment as Chairperson of the BCCSA’s Appointment and Appeals Committee (AAC).
The organisations also extend their sincere appreciation to retired Justice Johan Froneman, who has chaired the AAC with distinction since its establishment in July 2021. Justice Froneman has played a pivotal role in strengthening governance and accountability within the BCCSA and presiding over Appeals processes.
We are confident that Justice Ponnan will continue to uphold the principles of good governance and further entrench effective self-regulation within the broadcasting sector. Justice Ponnan brings an illustrious 40-year career in the legal fraternity, marked by a steadfast commitment to constitutional law, media law, administrative law and public law, with a strong emphasis on open justice and judicial accountability, and a notable contribution to the advancement of media freedom.
“We are honoured that Justice Ponnan will be leading the BCCSA,” said NAB Chairperson, Philly Moilwa.
“This appointment reaffirms the industry complaints body's commitment to upholding the highest broadcasting standards. As the BCCSA enters its 33rd year of operation, its independent and impartial handling of complaints continues to stand the test of time.”
“The BCCSA is proud to welcome Justice Ponnan to its ranks, and we look forward to his leadership and guidance in the coming years,” added BCCSA Chairperson, Dr Sunette Lötter. “His contribution will be invaluable in safeguarding the integrity of the broadcasting sector and upholding the principles of our Constitution.”
In his role as Chairperson of the BCCSA Appointment Panel, Justice Ponnan will oversee the appointment of BCCSA Commissioners, the Registrar and staff. As Chair of Appeals, he will preside over appeals lodged against decisions of the BCCSA Tribunal in accordance with the BCCSA Codes of Conduct and the Procedures of the BCCSA.
“I look forward to working together with the committed and dedicated BCCSA leadership in advancing its mandate, and also in meaningfully contributing to the upholding of broadcasting standards in this new role,” said Justice Ponnan.
Ends.
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ISSUED BY THE NAB AND BCCSA
For media enquiries, please contact the NAB on 011 326-2444 or email Ofentse Mboweni at comms@nabsa.co.za
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is a voluntary industry association established in 1993 to promote the development of a sustainable and dynamic broadcasting system in South Africa. The NAB champions the principles of democracy, freedom of expression, and diversity of voices, serving as the collective voice of the country’s broadcasting industry. Its membership spans all three tiers of broadcasters— public, private, and community—as well as signal distributors and industry associates. Since the advent of democracy, the NAB has played a pivotal role in policy and regulatory processes impacting the sector. Funded entirely by its members, the NAB works to create a favourable environment for a vibrant broadcasting industry. The NAB members also established the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA), which is formally recognised by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
About BCCSA
The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (“BCCSA”) was established by the National Association of Broadcasters (“NAB”) in 1993 as an independent tribunal to administer the Code of Conduct for Broadcasters without fear or favour. The BCCSA adjudicates complaints from the public against broadcasters which are members of the NAB. As an independent tribunal, the BCCSA reaches its decisions independently and in line with the precepts of administrative justice. The BCCSA’s adjudicative independence is sacrosanct and signatories to the Code of Conduct for Broadcasters adhere to decisions of the BCCSA.