The Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has until next week Monday to explain in writing to the Portfolio Committee on Communications the circumstances that led to the mutual separation with former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Pakamile Pongwana.
This came out in a Committee meeting on Thursday morning, in which Icasa appeared to report on its annual performance and financial report for the 2016/17 financial year.
Icasa announced in August this year that it had decided to separate mutually with Mr Pongwana.
The Acting Chairperson of Icasa Council, Prof Paris Mashile, told members of the Committee this morning that the former CEO was placed on suspension following misconduct allegations.
“Although the Council had already appointed an independent chairperson to preside over the disciplinary hearing, we then reached a mutual and non-disclosure agreement to separate,” said Prof Mashile.
Prof Mashile reiterated to the Committee that the non-disclosure clause in the agreement prevented him to give details in relation to the financial settlement as well as the nature of allegations that were levelled against Mr Pongwana.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Humphrey Maxegwana, expressed a concern with the manner in which Icasa handled the matter regarding its former CEO, and asked that a written explanation be provided.
Mr Maxegwana said upon receipt of the report, the Committee will then decide on a suitable date to engage further on the matter with Icasa.
By Justice Molafo
5 October 2017
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