USAASA board resolves to investigate UDM allegations

Issued by USAASA

Johannesburg, 20 Jun 2013

The Board of Directors of USAASA, at its sitting of 19 June 2013, resolved to act on allegations of corruption and maladministration contained in the United Democratic Movement's (UDM) open letter to President Jacob Zuma.

In this regard, the following resolutions were taken:

1. To instruct the Independent Audit & Risk Committee to institute an independent investigation into all allegations contained in the letter.
2. To investigate the devolution of confidential third party information contrary to USAASA and legal processes.
3. To place on suspension two individuals as a precautionary measure.

The board of USAASA wishes to assure all parties that engage with the organisation of its commitment to confidentiality, and to the protection of their intellectual property.

The board is fully cognisant of the trust the sector has placed in the organisation, as together, we chart a way to a constructive and instructive future where all access gaps are closed. The board by no means undermines the support it has received from the sector in this regard.

USAASA

The Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa ("the agency") was established in terms of the Electronic Communications Act ("the ECA") with a sole mandate to promote the goals of universal access and universal service. The agency is accountable to Parliament and the general public. Its status as a public body is affirmed through Schedule 3A of the Public Finance Management Act (Act No. 1 of 1999) ("the PFMA").

The right to communicate is a fundamental right enshrined in the South African Constitution. Passed in 1996, the Constitution establishes the right to freedom of expression, including the "freedom to receive and impart information or ideas". The freedom of expression has been interpreted to mean not only the right to speak and to be heard, but also the right to access the means to speak and to be heard.

To this end, the ICT infrastructure of South Africa will not be complete until it reaches all areas and people throughout the country. However, providing access is but one component. It needs to be affordable and provide all citizens with the full range of traditional and emerging ICTs, taking into account the unique needs among the user populations, including considerations of gender, age, ethnic, linguistic distinctions, and disabilities.

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