The Universal Service and Access Agency of SA (USAASA) has downplayed the suspension of its CEO, James Theledi, who has been instructed to stay away from the agency's offices in the midst of sexual harassment allegations levelled against him.
In a statement issued this morning, USAASA said it is investigating allegations made by a senior manager against the CEO. It added that USAASA chairman Cassandra Gabriel "requests that the rights of the individuals are respected and that no reporting be done on the basis of rumours".
"The internal policy process of USAASA will be followed in the investigation into this matter and no further comment will be made at this stage," Gabriel said.
Meanwhile, a well-placed source claims Theledi aims to defend himself against the allegations.
"The grievance stems from a dinner conversation between Theledi and a female colleague," says the source, referring to the incident which allegedly occurred at the Presidential International Advisory Council on Information Society and Development, held in Limpopo recently.
'No truth'
The senior manager, whose identity is known to ITWeb, allegedly made the accusations on the Monday following the presidential gathering, reportedly taking exception to comments made by Theledi.
"As far as Theledi is concerned, there is no truth to the allegations, as the conversation took place in front of other people who will be able to testify that nothing untoward was said."
This morning, Theledi said he could not speak to the media about the matter, as per an agreement between himself and USAASA. Instead, he explained, the only communication will be via the official statement issued by the agency.
He did confirm, however, that the agency had asked him to "stay home for a few days", while the board probes the merits of the allegations.
Theledi, who was appointed CEO in June last year, says he expects the probe to be concluded "soon".
Meanwhile, USAASA's head of legal and regulatory affairs, Phineas Moleele, has been appointed as acting CEO.
Related stories:
USAASA suspends CEO
Share