Workers at the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) are frustrated by the lack of support shown by senior management and the council over their employment challenges, says Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications.
This is not the first time ICASA workers have expressed displeasure with regards to their work environment. Last year, staff members downed tools over the organisational realignment and reversal of employee policies that were implemented at the communications authority.
The portfolio committee, which is on a week-long oversight visit to the Department of Communications (DOC) and its entities, says the workers painted a bleak picture about the council and senior management.
In a statement, the committee says workers are disgruntled over allegations of wasteful and fruitless expenditure, particularly with the use of consultants.
The ICASA workers, who asked not to be identified, also raised concerns over the victimisation of junior staff, management reneging on implementing a settlement agreement after a 2016 strike, and human resource policies.
According to the statement, the workers made an impassioned plea to the committee to facilitate a process of amending the Electronic Communications Act to create a non-executive ICASA council through statutory obligation.
The workers told the committee the council does nothing to address their challenges, despite the fact it is appointed on a full-time basis.
Meanwhile, the council acknowledges the existence of some of the challenges, but disputed most of the allegations, insisting ICASA did everything according to the provisions of the law.
Speaking on behalf of the council, Nomvuyiso Batyi told the committee: "We needed to consider issues, such as cost implications, before implementing the strike agreement and that is not to say we are not doing anything. We agree that the lack of open internal communication between the council, senior management and workers has created a vacuum for speculation, rumour and mistrust."
According to the portfolio committee, similar challenges with salary inconsistencies and victimisation were raised by workers at the Department of Communications, Government Communication and Information Systems, as well as the Media Development and Diversity Agency.
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