USAASA fires Theledi

By Martin Czernowalow for USAASA

Johannesburg, 06 Mar 2009

The Universal Service and Access Agency of SA (USAASA) has fired its CEO, James Theledi, after his legal representatives failed to reach an agreement with the organisation.

Theledi was last month found guilty of sexually harassing a female colleague, who has since left the organisation amid the controversy.

Last week, the independent chairperson of the disciplinary hearing, advocate Nokukhanya Jele, recommended Theledi be dismissed from the agency. Jele found Theledi's continued employment with the agency could not continue in light of a relationship break-down between him and various other senior employees, including board chairperson Cassandra Gabriel.

As part of his defence submission, Theledi alleged Gabriel conspired with the victim of the sexual harassment - at the time a senior manager at the agency - to spy on him in an attempt to oust him from his position.

Jele also found that, having been found guilty of sexual harassment, the USAASA board's respect and confidence in Theledi “can only be diminished as a result”.

She, furthermore, recommended Theledi's continued employment would not be practicable, in light of the “nature of the defence he chose and his continued stance that the sexual harassment he has been found guilty of is not so serious”.

Held back

Last Friday, the USAASA board - having elected to accept Jele's recommendations - was preparing to issue a notice of dismissal to Theledi, but held this back when he indicated he would be willing to explore other options. Sources close to USAASA revealed the agency was prepared to accept Theledi's resignation, allowing him to “leave with some dignity”.

However, this morning sources say Theledi, through his legal representatives, steadfastly refused to resign and, instead, wanted to explore options for his continued employment.

This was rejected by the agency's board, which moved to dismiss him. In a statement issued this morning, USAASA says: “The board of USAASA instituted a disciplinary enquiry into allegations of sexual harassment against the CEO of USAASA, Mr James Theledi. An independent chairperson was appointed to chair the disciplinary enquiry. Mr James Theledi was found guilty of sexual harassment and the recommendation by the independent chairperson was dismissal.

“The board of USAASA has accepted this recommendation, and the CEO of USAASA has been dismissed with immediate effect.”

When contacted for comment this morning, Theledi said he was not aware of USAASA's decision and was not willing to comment at this stage. He confirmed his legal representatives were instructed to “find a solution”, and adds he did not offer to resign.

Meanwhile, Gabriel would not comment this morning beyond what the agency stated in its release.

At this stage, it is not clear when USAASA will launch a search for a new CEO. The agency's head of legal and regulatory affairs, Phineas Moleele, has been acting in the position since Theledi's suspension in September last year.