The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is finalising the appointment of an investigating unit that will conduct a forensic probe into allegations reportedly concerning procedural and governance matters.
Meanwhile, CEO Simphiwe Duma has elected to take special leave for the duration of the investigation.
The allegations surfaced after an external review was done by independent experts earlier this year.
A new board, which has only one member from the previous board, took over the reins at the tech agency in May. Former chairperson Mamphela Ramphele was replaced with Khungeka Njobe, who was reportedly a member of the review.
According to Njobe, the board received the allegations at the first meeting in May, after which the board decided on "a desktop fact-finding" to determine whether there is any substance to the allegations. The outcome of the fact-finding suggested several of the allegations required further investigation, says Njobe.
"I am unable at this point to elaborate on the details of the allegations. Once the report of the investigation is complete, its outcomes will be made available to key stakeholders," says Njobe.
She, however, concedes that "in large part" allegations against Duma are being investigated.
"Following the briefing to him [Duma] on the outcome of the fact-finding, he felt he needed to give the investigation process space so as to eliminate any potential allegations that there is interference on his side," she says.
Duma's conditions of service and remuneration remain the same while on special leave, and the investigation is not expected to exceed two months, says Njobe.
She says the investigation will commence shortly, and final appointments are now being made. "We would like the investigators to not take more than a month [to complete the probe], but this determination will be made as soon as this appointment is finalised."
The TIA, which falls under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), was formed through merging seven DST entities previously tasked with supporting and promoting innovation in the country.
The agency has been involved with funding a range of innovations, including technology for the commercialisation of animal health biotechnology products, electric car infrastructure and advances made in HIV treatment.
Njobe says the new board's priority will be to reposition the TIA on the innovation funding value chain. "The review report has given sound direction to this board on TIA's focus and positioning on the innovation funding value chain," she says.
"This will also entail deepening the relationships with sister funding institutions so that they are productive, and through collaboration these institutions collectively contribute to eliminating the innovation chasm. We also need to strengthen stakeholder and prospective client relations. The profile of TIA has to be heightened, including in the private sector."
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