As millions of South Africans head back to work today, the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) says its staff will continue to work remotely under alert level three of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Like many governments across the globe, the South African government imposed a nation-wide lockdown aimed at fighting the scourge of the deadly coronavirus. South Africa’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has reached 32 683, with a total of 683 deaths and 16 809 recoveries, as of this morning.
Last month, president Cyril Ramaphosa announced the country’s COVID-19 lockdown alert level will move from four to three, with many economic and social activities restarting, including a phased resumption of schooling.
In light of Ramaphosa’s announcement, the ICASA council has resolved that staff continue with the remote working arrangements, pending any further announcement.
“The authority is currently preparing its offices to ensure compliance with the health and safety protocols in line with the prescribed COVID-19 regulations. Therefore, until all the precautionary measures have been put in place, employees will continue with the current working arrangements.”
In terms of precautionary measures, ICASA notes all public hearings will continue to be suspended until further notice and all physical delivery of equipment for type-approval will continue to be suspended; only couriered equipment will be accepted.
Furthermore, the regulator says walk-ins continue to be prohibited until further notice, adding its employees can only be accessed via e-mail, telephone and other virtual means.
“Employees in critical positions such as those investigating radio frequency interference cases and those who conduct regular inspections will continue to be available for execution of duties as required.
“All applications for type-approval certifications can only be accepted via our online service. All consumer-related queries must be sent to consumer@icasa.org.za, while all other enquiries must be sent to info@icasa.org.za.
“The authority will issue a communique on the state of readiness of all its offices to resume normal business operations once all the prescribed precautionary measures have been put in place.”
Share