Theledi guilty of sexual harassment

By Martin Czernowalow for USAASA

Johannesburg, 11 Feb 2009

Universal Service and Access Agency of SA (USAASA) CEO James Theledi was yesterday found guilty of sexual harassment - which could spell the end of his career with the organisation.

Following a prolonged internal disciplinary process, sources close to USAASA say yesterday's verdict “demonstrates that government agencies do not tolerate sexual harassment”.

A meeting will be convened “as soon as possible” to hand down a sanction, which - sources claim - could likely result in Theledi's dismissal.

Theledi had been suspended on full pay since September, when a charge was laid against him that he made inappropriate remarks to a colleague, a senior USAASA manager, whose identity is known to ITWeb.

The charge stems from an incident at the annual Presidential International Advisory Council on Information Society and Development, held in Limpopo, in September.

It was alleged that Theledi made sexually suggestive comments to the female colleague, in the presence of USAASA stakeholders - identified as several well-known ICT players - at a Hoedspruit hotel.

Theledi initially vehemently denied there was any truth to the allegations, saying the grievance stemmed from a dinner conversation between him and the senior USAASA staffer. At the time, Theledi indicated the conversation took place in front of witnesses, who would corroborate his version of the event.

Delaying the process

While the disciplinary hearing initially started in October, USAASA's efforts to wrap up the process quickly was said to have been frustrated by Theledi, who insisted - and was granted permission - to have his own independent legal representation at the hearing.

Towards the end of last year, sources close to the process revealed USAASA was frustrated by Theledi's lawyers, who indicated they would only be available to continue the hearing in January.

Sources revealed USAASA had been warned against allowing outside representation and lamented the fact that Theledi had been suspended on full pay for about six months before the matter finally reached conclusion.

“A meeting to hand down a sanction will be convened within a week. After that, it is expected that USAASA will hold an emergency board meeting to decide the way forward,” a source said this morning.

The agency's head of legal and regulatory affairs, Phineas Moleele, has been acting as CEO since Theledi's suspension.

USAASA chairperson Cassandra Gabriel would not comment on the verdict this morning, while Theledi could not be reached for comment.