Theledi to appeal axing

By Martin Czernowalow for USAASA

Johannesburg, 10 Mar 2009

James Theledi, the axed CEO of the Universal Service and Access Agency of SA (USAASA), confirmed this morning that he will appeal against his dismissal.

Theledi was sacked on Friday, after being found guilty of sexually harassing a senior USAASA manager at the annual Presidential International Advisory Council on Information Society and Development, held in Limpopo, in September.

“The agency's policy allows for an appeal in cases such as these and my lawyers are working on it,” says Theledi. He adds that he could not, at this stage, comment on when the appeal would be lodged or when it would be heard by the agency.

After a protracted disciplinary process, Theledi was found guilty of sexual harassment last month and the chairperson of the hearing recommended his dismissal. USAASA was willing to allow him to resign and “leave with some dignity”, after the guilty verdict was delivered.

However, Theledi says he instructed his legal representatives to “find a solution” and did not entertain the prospect of resigning. This led to his dismissal last Friday.

USAASA CEO Cassandra Gabriel this morning said she was not aware Theledi was planning to appeal, as nothing had yet been filed with the agency.

Meanwhile, she states USAASA will soon embark on a process to find a new CEO. “There are no specifics yet, but we will be looking.”

The agency's head of legal and regulatory affairs, Phineas Moleele, has been acting in the position since Theledi's suspension in September.

The USAASA manager, who was harassed by Theledi, left the agency amid the scandal and says she will no longer be active in the ICT industry. She asked not to be named.