The Department of Communications (DoC) has instructed the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) to comply with an investigation by independent officials after allegations of corruption.
The allegations first surfaced on June 7 when Bantu Holomisa, leader of the United Democratic Movement, wrote to President Jacob Zuma claiming to have “disturbing information about the looting of state resources” at the agency, which aims to ensure people living in remote areas have access to communication and ICT.
In a press statement released today Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, deputy minister of communications, said: “We take allegations about possible abuse of funds allocated by Parliament very seriously and we have consulted with the board.
“We are working tirelessly to restore the public’s faith in government institutions that are established to serve the citizens.”
Mobile network operators currently pay a fee into the USAASA fund.