Issued by: ICASA
17 May 2000
The Council of the Independent Communications Authority notes that the Director-General of Communications, during a budget presentation before the Parliamentary Committee, made certain allegations about a Councillor of ICASA. The Authority would like to respond as follows to these allegations.
The Authority is of the view that there is no conflict of interest on the part of Clr Yasmin Carrim, as was alleged by the Director General. Prior to her appointment on 1 July 2000, and at the time of her interview with the Parliamentary Committee, Clr Carrim disclosed to Parliament that she was a minor shareholder in a small company which held shares in AfricaSpeaks Communications. AfricaSpeaks was a bidder for the third cellular licence during June 1999. Clr Carrim was asked whether she would be willing to dispose of these shares were she to be recommended for appointment. She stated that she would be so willing. Since then she has disposed of these shares. At no stage has Clr Carrim held shares in Khuluma 084. That interview was open to the public and was televised live on the Parliamentary channel on DSTV. Accordingly, all stakeholders and the public who were observing the appointment process were well aware of this fact. Clr Carrim has also made all relevant disclosures to the Council of ICASA. The Council has satisfied itself that there is no conflict of interest in Clr Carrim's participation in any current activities of ICASA. No party has been prejudiced by the participation of any Councillor in any proceedings of ICASA. Clr Carrim has acted in a transparent and accountable manner and remains committed to doing so. This entire Council is committed to transparency, accountability and due process and will gladly, and without reservation, account to Parliament and explain the processes and workings of ICASA.
The above facts have been known to Parliament and the public for almost one year. The Authority is surprised that the Director-General, if he had any concerns, has not raised this matter with the Council beforehand. It is common knowledge that this Council has had to do its work under very trying circumstances. One of these circumstances has been the ongoing battle around resourcing the regulator adequately.
The Authority would like to urge all stakeholders not to allow these unfounded allegations to deflect attention away from the serious issues that face our country at this time, in particular the current Telecoms reform process, the anticipated legislative amendments of the Telecommunications Act and the building of a well-resourced and credible regulator.
For further information please contect:
Mandla Langa Council Chairperson
Tel. 011 321 8202
Fax. 011 321 8547
Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
Blocks A, B, C & D Pin Mill Farm
164 Katherine Street
Tel. 011 321 8000