Yunus Carrim: how has he done so far?
While current minister of communications, Yunus Carrim has done a good job of helping the DoC get its ducks in a row in 2013, he still needs to do more to show that he can put his money where his mouth is.
This is the view of shadow minister of communications, Mariann Shinn, and Roderick Lim Banda, Chairman of the Digital Portfolio Committee at the Cape Chamber of Commerce, who acknowledge both the work the minister has done, as well as the massive challenges that lie ahead.
Carrim was appointed as minister of communications in July 2013 in a Cabinet reshuffle by President Jacob Zuma, which also saw discraced former communications head, Dina Pule, get sacked.
“So far, the Minister has avoided the controversy that would certainly compromise his position and has shown sincerity and commitment to the portfolio, said the Cape Chamber of Commerce’s Lim Banda.
“The appointments of the 3 previous Ministers were fraught with allegations of excesses in spending, nepotism and corruption. This has created instability and delays in delivery of critical policies which has left the Minister with a large backlog of work. The damage to the industry and the economy has left stakeholders frustrated, angry and disillusioned.”
According to Lim Banda, since his appointment, Carrim has done “well” in bringing stability to the DoC and entities under his portfolio, but as a whole the Cape Chamber still holds concern over his lack of relevant technical knowledge.
Additionally, the chamber would also like to see more communication and presence in the industry from the minister, particularly “transparency with regards to the current investigations on corruption in the Sabc, Usaasa, DoC and former Minister Dina Pule.”
DA Shadow Minister of Communications – Marian Shinn
Talking or walking?
DA shadow minister of communications, Marian Shinn says that, while Carrim has stepped in the right direction at the department, much still remains to be seen from the minister regarding his ability to follow through with
According to Shinn, Carrim has done a “fair job” of breaking the logjam on critical issues, such as digital migration and broadband, and has taken steps to address the critical staff and skills shortages in the Department of Communications.
“While this momentum is appreciated after years of muddled and stalled decision-making within the ministry, we wait to see whether this action galvanises workable, sustainable solutions that will stimulate growth, competition and jobs in the sector,” she said.
However, the minister still needs to prove himself as someone who can walk the walk as well as he talks the talk – especially on issues surrounding the Sabc, which has been at the centre of much controversy during the course of the year.
“He has done an incredible round of meeting and talking to people in the sector so he can get an understanding of the critical issues,” Shinn told BusinessTech.
“The jury is still out on whether he’s as good a listener as he is a talker – he seems to have a tendency to favour the opinions of the DoC staff and ANC policy makers over sector expertise.”
Shinn does not believe that problems at the Sabc will be “solved” during Carrim’s tenure, but holds that he is still accountable to the public, and expressed concern over the minister’s silence on key issues.
“My major disappointment with Minister Carrim is that he has declined to answer parliamentary questions on the progress – or not – of the years-long investigation into corruption and maladministration by Sabc staff,” Shinn said.
“This is unacceptable, as Parliament has to account publicly to the voters.”
More on Yunus Carrim
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Carrim unveils SA cyber security council
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