The Universal Services and Access Agency of South Africa (Usaasa) has confirmed that one of its senior staff members has been suspended.<\/p>\n
Usaasa did not say who the staff member was.<\/p>\n
Usaasa is the state owned entity tasked with implementing universal ICT access obligations in under-serviced areas.<\/p>\n
The suspension follows allegations of corruption and maladministration against the member concerned.<\/p>\n
The member is accused of, among others, the following:<\/p>\n
“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,” Usaasa said.<\/p>\n
The group said it will continue to investigate further allegations levelled against the member concerned.<\/p>\n
Further, the Agency said it is cooperating with the Public Protector in the investigation of one of its staff members on a separate case, where the staff member is accused of:<\/p>\n
“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 group said.<\/p>\n
The Agency said that efforts to get the staff member to provide her proof of her citizenship and qualifications have been in vain for a number of months.<\/p>\n
The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) was tasked with conducting a probe into Usaasa, after claims were made of widespread corruption at the agency.<\/p>\n
The probe is looking into allegations of serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of Usaasa and its board, including:<\/p>\n
The probe is ongoing.<\/p>\n
ANC fingered in Usaasa corruption probe<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Usaasa probe regrettable, but necessary: Carrim<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Usaasa to be investigated for corruption<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n