The aim of the Department of Communications is to formulate policy and ensure its implementation for the telecommunications, postal and broadcasting services. It also controls transfers to:

• the South African Post Office
• the South African Broadcasting Corporation
• the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
• the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa
• the Universal Service Agency.

The Department aims to:

• Improve the quality of life of all South Africans
• Make South Africa a knowledge-based society
• Help create an information economy.

This will be achieved by establishing a networked information community to empower people in the way they work, live and play and by making South Africa globally competitive.