The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, has gazetted the South African Space Industry Regulatory Draft Bill, 2026, for public comment, for a period of 60 days, effective from 30 October 2026.
The Draft Bill seeks to establish a modern, comprehensive and enabling regulatory framework for South Africa’s growing space industry. It is intended to respond to developments in the global space sector, strengthen national regulatory oversight, promote responsible space activities and create an environment that supports innovation, investment and the sustainable development of the South African space industry.
The proposed legislation will replace the existing Space Affairs Act, 1993, which has governed South Africa’s space activities for more than three decades. The reform is aimed at ensuring that the country’s legislative and regulatory framework keeps pace with technological advancements, emerging commercial space activities and South Africa’s international obligations relating to the peaceful and responsible use of outer space.
The proposed South African Space Regulatory Authority (SASRA) represents the strengthening and evolution of the existing South African Council for Space Affairs (SACSA), which currently serves as the country’s statutory space regulatory authority.
Similarly, the proposed National Office for Outer Space Activities (NOOSA) builds on the existing Secretariat supporting the South African Council for Space Affairs. Its purpose is to strengthen and formalise the national administrative and technical support capacity required to support the effective execution of the regulatory mandate.
Accordingly, the proposed arrangements should be understood within the context of institutional continuity, transformation and strengthening of existing national space governance capacity, rather than the creation of two entirely new and unrelated institutions.
The intention is to build on the institutional foundation already established under the current legislative framework, while providing the enhanced regulatory, administrative and operational capacity necessary to respond to the demands of a modern and expanding space industry.
An enabling regulatory framework for the future of South Africa’s space industry
The Draft Bill represents an important milestone in South Africa’s efforts to position itself as a competitive and responsible participant in the global space economy.
Among other matters, the proposed framework seeks to strengthen the regulation and authorisation of space activities, provide greater regulatory certainty for industry participants, address liability and insurance requirements, and improve compliance with international space treaties and obligations.
It also recognises the importance of creating an enabling environment for private-sector participation, commercial innovation, research and development, and the growth of South Africa’s domestic space capabilities.
Invitation to public participation
the dtic invites all stakeholders, including the space industry, private-sector operators, research institutions, academia, professional bodies, civil society and members of the public, to study the Draft Bill and submit their written comments and recommendations.
The public consultation process provides an important opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the development of legislation that will shape the future direction, governance and competitiveness of South Africa’s space industry.
the dtic encourages constructive and substantive participation to ensure that the final legislation reflects the country’s national interests, industry requirements and long-term ambitions in the space sector.
Comments on the Draft Bill should be sent to: sasirabill@thedtic.gov.za
Media enquiries:
Kaamil Alli – Ministerial Spokesperson
Mobile: +27 82 520 6813
WhatsApp: +27 82 520 6813
E-mail: KAlli@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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OR
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
Follow us on X: @the_dtic
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