Minister addresses ICASA media reports

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Minister of Communications Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has not issued an instruction against the transfer of funds to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) as has been reported in the media.

The Minister has noted with concern media reports and a subsequent media briefing held by ICASA in respect of the non-transfer of funds to ICASA, allegedly due to its 2019/20 Annual Performance Plan (APP) not being approved by the Minister.

“The Minister accordingly advised ICASA to rectify certain issues contained in its APP and submit a revised version by 30th April 2019. It is common cause that the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and related National Treasury regulations govern the approval of APP’s and budget allocations,” a statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.

National Treasury Regulations require that the accounting authority (Council of ICASA) submits an APP for approval by the relevant executive authority (the Minister) who subsequently tables it in Parliament.

“It must further be noted that funds transfer from a government department to an entity fall within the competency of the department’s Accounting Officer (Director General). The Ministry has since engaged with the Accounting Officer and the requisite funds have been transferred to ICASA,” GCIS said.

On a separate issue and following extensive consultations in this regard, the Minister deems it necessary to hold the Policy Direction on Unassigned High Demand Spectrum in abeyance for consideration in the sixth administration. – SAnews.gov.za