In these Regulations, any word or expression to which a meaning has been assigned in the Act, has the meaning so assigned, unless the context indicates otherwise:

“Act”

means the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005) as amended;

“Accessibility”

means the ability by persons with Disabilities to equally access and benefit from broadcasting and electronic communications services;

“Accessibility Services”

means a service such as Audio Description, Closed Captioning, Subtitles, Sign Language or any other similar service;

“Applicable Channels”

means all television channels broadcast by a television broadcasting licensee except a third-party channel(s) consisting predominantly of live programming content such as news, reality or sports;

“Audio Description”

means oral commentary that gives a viewer who is blind or partially sighted a verbal description of what is happening on the television screen at any given moment. It is provided as an aid to the understanding and enjoyment of the programme. The technique uses a second sound track that gives a description of the scene and the on-screen action;

“Closed Captioning”

means a process of converting the audio content of television broadcast or other production into text and displaying the text on a screen or monitor;

“Disability(ies)”

For the purpose of these regulations, Disability refers to a long-term or recurring hearing and visual impairment;

“National Relay System”

means phone services operated by interpreters that enable persons with Disabilities to communicate by phone through an interpreter with a person who can hear in a manner that is "functionally equivalent" to the ability of an individual without a Disability;

“Photosensitive”

is when a person experiences seizure triggered by flashing lights or contrasting light and dark patterns;

“Sign language”

means the South African Sign Language that uses a system of manual, facial, and other body movements as a means of communication;

“Subtitles”

means a service by which both the audio dialogue and sound representations of a video programme, are made visible by the user via onscreen text that is synchronised with the audio content;

"Universal Design"

means the design of products, environments, programmes and services usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design;

“Year 1”

means the twelve-month period commencing on the date on which these Regulations come into operation in accordance with commencement date of these Regulations.