The Universal Services and Access Agency of South Africa [USAASA] confirms the suspension of one of its senior staff member based at Head Office. The suspension follows allegations of corruption and maladministration against the member concerned.
The member is accused of among others the following:
- Using personal information of board members to make personal travel arrangements;
- Using personal information of board members and other senior members to make reservations at various hotels across the country;
- Using information of a different government agency to book a vehicle. This act has resulted in the said member being criminally charged;
- Passing confidential information of the Agency to third parties;
- Using Agency electronic equipment to produce pornographic material; and
- Using the electronic signature of the Board Chairperson, Mrs. Pumla Radebe, to solicit loan to purchase a vehicle.
These allegations border on Financial Misconduct which is a very serious offence. In this regard, the Agency elected to put this member precautionary suspension pending outcomes of the investigation.
The member concerned has been with the USAASA for a long time, as such, allegations of this nature are causing the Agency a lot pain as issues of trust is what binds USAASA with any of its officials. The Agency will continue to investigate further allegations levelled against the member concerned.
We call upon all Financial Institutions vigilant when approached for funding by members of the public, especially those that claim to be working for USAASA.
On a different issue, the Agency is cooperating with the Public Protector in the investigation of one of the staff members.
The member concerned is accused of the following:
- possibility of being an illegal immigrant from Namibia;
- possession of fake Matric certificate from Namibia; and
- irregularly employed without proper procedures and qualification.
This staff member has been occupying senior positions within the Agency for a number of years, and was responsible for verifying qualifications of other staff members.
The Agency efforts for the staff member to provide her proof of her citizenship and qualifications have been in vain for a number of months.
As part of the Agency’s quest to ensure effective, transparent and clean governance, issues of attracting honest and dedicated staff member occupy top priority. In this regard, USAASA will always diligently address all forms of complains from members of the public.
While the Agency is excited for receiving Clean Audit under Universal Services Fund [USAF] and Unqualified Audit Opinion under USAASA, it will continue to harshly and decisively act on issues of corruption and maladministration.
Enquiries:
Khulekani Ntshangase
Cell: 079 266 3323
