The FPB is a statutory body established by the Films and Publications Act of 1996 . It replaces the Directorate of Publications. The FPB's task is mainly to classify films, videos, DVDs, computer games and certain publications for their suitable age viewership, and to provide you with enough information to make informed choices about what you and your children should or should not see.
Broadcasters have their own regulatory body .
An independent Advisory Panel interviewed a large group of possible candidates, and made their recommendations to the President. Acting on these recommendations, the President appointed the FPB members who are broadly representative of the South African community. The FPB Executive Committee is appointed for a 5 year period, and the chief examiners and examiners for 3 years. In future the appointment of new Board members will be the responsibility of the Minister of Home Affairs , after public nominations have been called for. Whereas it is the CEO together with the other Executive Committee members' responsibility to administer the affairs, exercise the powers and carry out the duties of the Board, chief examiners and examiners are responsible for the classification of material submitted to the Board.