Communications minister Yunus Carrim has welcomed a probe into the affairs of the Universal Service and Access Agency of SA (USAASA).
President Jacob Zuma this week mandated the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate whether serious maladministration, unlawful conduct and unlawful expenditure have taken place at the embattled agency.
The probe into the affairs of the agency will also look into whether there was intentional or negligent loss of public money, or damage to state property, notes a statement released by the Presidency.
Carrim says the investigation is "regrettable," but Zuma's proclamation of the probe is "absolutely necessary in view of the persistent allegations against USAASA, and the USAASA board and [the] CEO's flat rejection of them".
In July, the Department of Communications (DOC), which has oversight of USAASA, tasked independent investigator Gobodo to look into the allegations of possible corruption and maladministration at USAASA.
This followed a letter sent by United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa to Zuma, alleging he has "disturbing information about the looting of state resources" at the agency.
Among Holomisa's allegations were that USAASA CEO Zam Nkosi had worked with chairperson Pumla Radebe while both were at Pikitup and that Nkosi uses Radebe as a reference on his CV, but Radebe did not recuse herself from the appointment process. He alleges Nkosi did not qualify for the position.
The results of that report, which were rejected by USAASA, have yet to be made public. Carrim says "the matters have been dragging on for too long, and it is in the interests of USAASA, our department and the public that the inquiries are completed as soon as possible".
Carrim asked Zuma to consider issuing a proclamation to authorise the SIU to conduct investigations into USAASA following the Gobodo report.
USAASA, which was set up as government's way of bridging the digital divide, was established under the Electronic Communications Act to promote the goals of universal access and universal service in the under-serviced areas of SA.
Its mandate includes facilitating access to telecommunications in under-serviced areas. It has also been tasked with providing subsidised set-top boxes to poor households that cannot afford them.
"USAASA has a crucial role in delivering ICT services to the poor and disadvantaged, and cannot have this cloud of controversy over it. With the finalisation of the SIU investigation, USAASA will be far better placed to focus on its mandate to deliver to the poor," says Carrim.
Carrim has previously said USAASA's role will be reviewed.