Icasa’s step in the right direction
The Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) has pulled itself out of the crisis it was in two years ago and filled many of the vacancies in middle and senior management.
But its new CEO, former Cell C regulatory affairs head Karabo Motlana, says the telecom and broadcasting regulator needs a “step change” in funding from government to properly fulfil its mandate.
Many senior posts, including the GM positions, which at one stage were all vacant, have been filled, Motlana says. Icasa lost many of its most experienced managers in a staff exodus following the departure of former council chairman Mandla Langa and the appointment of his outspoken successor, Paris Mashile.
Motlana says Icasa has recruited new staff and is trying to stem the flow of skills to industry by offering improved conditions of service, especially at senior management level. “We are benchmarking against industry and revising salaries to market rates,” he says.
Lines of reporting have also been changed to resolve inefficiencies and tensions. “Reporting lines are now much clearer.”
Two new GM posts have been created: one for administration and the other for risk & audit. Both have been filled by acting GMs and the posts have been advertised.
But Motlana admits Icasa still does not have all the skills it needs, especially in light of the complex licence conversion process. “What we need is a step change in funding.”
He says the authority plans to discuss its requirements with national treasury. For the 2009 financial year, Icasa has been allocated R252m.
Motlana joined Icasa six months ago, replacing Jackie Manche, who had been suspended on full pay for a year after the authority suspected her of breaching the Public Finance Management Act, the Icasa Act and Icasa policies and procedures. Manche was never charged.
Motlana, who helped draft the Electronic Communications Act, is an admitted attorney and has BA, BL Hons and LLB degrees from Wits and the University of Zimbabwe.
Loading ...