SIU to investigate Usaasa

(Image: GCIS)

"The SIU is further authorised to investigate the Agency's funding, by way of a subsidy in the amount of R500m, to a service provider for the construction and expansion of an electronic communications network for Emalahleni Local Municipality and the procurement of services in relation to the Rapid Deployment of Public Access Facilities Programme and payments made in relation thereto," the Presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to spokesperson Mac Maharaj, the SIU will also investigate:

• Serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of the Agency and its Board;
• Improper or unlawful conduct by employees of the Agency;
• Unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property;
• Unlawful, irregular or unapproved acquisitive act, transaction, measure or practice having a bearing upon State property;
• Intentional or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property;
• Unlawful or improper conduct by any person, which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public or any category thereof; and
• Maladministration in relation to the recruitment process, which resulted in the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency in 2013.

The Usaasa focuses on providing technological access to underserviced areas of the country. It wants every South African to have universal access to broadband by 2020.