ICASA presents future activities

[Peter7]

http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/telecoms/2006/0606201405.asp?A=GOV&S=IT Governance&O=FPIN

[Cape Town | ITWeb, 20 June 2006] - The Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) today presented its policy objectives, the implications of the Electronic Communications Act and its claimed activities for the future before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Communications.

Budget needs

In a presentation, ICASA said it would require an additional R575 million to complete implementation of the Electronic Communications Act and meet its added responsibility of becoming the postal regulator. It also bemoaned that it had limited financial, human and capital resources and that it had high staff turnover. There was a problem in attracting and retaining skilled staff, it said.

Perceived instability

Rubben Mohlaloga (ANC) told ITWeb: “While the ICASA councillors put on a brave and united face today, we are still concerned about the perceived instability of the regulator.”

When answering questions, Mashile said the regulator was in the process of appointing a permanent CEO and CFO and other senior managers that would help stabilise the regulator.

 

[dominic]

an interesting and mostly accurate take on proceedings..

as i remember it the budget figure, however, should read R57.5 million and not R575 million (although given what needs to be done the bigger amount is probably a better number)

 

[w1z4rd]

R575 million? thats an expensive bed for Paris

 

[gljackson]

These guys should be forced to stick to specific time lines or get fired.
I can't believe what they get away with.
Funny how hearings "started yesterday" - I'll bet that would'nt have been the case if this presentation hadnt happened.

Chairman of the ICASA council, Paris Mashile, said the delay in resolving the Manche issue was due to ensuring all information had been gathered, ensuring ICASA acted within the law and a presiding officer had been appointed.

“It was a matter of us implementing less haste in order to get the right information, of following due process, and we also had to consider various forces that are outside our control. The hearings started yesterday,” he said.

 

[skydog]

"working with various stakeholders "
"conducted hearings "
"held discussions"

how often do we hear those phrases..... what they all mean are.....
we haven't done anything about it and we not any closer to the goal and wont be for a long long time

*sigh*

 

[BTTB]

Business Day Article

Parliamentary committee looks for ways to help Icasa

African National Congress MPs in the committee expressed concern about media reports portraying the institution in crisis. They wanted Mashile to explain what was going on

CAPE TOWN — Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) chairman Paris Mashile yesterday escaped a parliamentary committee grilling on the crisis in the organisation.

Deputy Communications Minister Roy Padayachee said the leadership of Icasa needed to deal with its problems “outside the glare of the media”.

Mashile escaped a grilling it seems?
Pity. They should demand he appear before them with a Report on ICASA's progress and then decide to warn or fire him.
From the obvious lack of progress at ICASA the latter may be the better option?

 

[Skip]

skydog: I concur I'd like to hear the following phrases being used - "made decisions", "enforced regulations", "protected consumers".

 

[Skip]

Deputy Communications Minister Roy Padayachee said the leadership of Icasa needed to deal with its problems “outside the glare of the media”.

This is a complete copout. If anything they need to sort out their problems in full view of the rest of the country.