FXI to picket radio station

It seems as if ICASA is lacking a sense of urgency in relation to speeding up the process of at least convening the AGM that is long overdue.

In a press statement issued yesterday, Monday, 10 September 2007, the FXI wrote: “The station management has managed to mesmerise the ICASA monitoring unit staff and made them buy the story that calls for the extension of the sitting of the AGM. This is despite the fact that the decision was taken by the station management, Task Team and ICASA that the AGM should sit within 45 days that began on the day the meeting was held, 24 August 2007.

“Later after that meeting the management came up with an excuse that the reports will not be ready on the day that was set aside for the AGM. The management that continues to undermine the Task Team has failed to adhere to the decisions made at that meeting. For instance by now there is supposed to be a promo or ad already running on air that publicises the AGM, the date, venue and other related information. The meetings that were supposed to be between the management and the Task Team were not honored by the management. These meetings were to be used by the two parties as a platform for proper and constructive preparations for the AGM. These developments were clearly communicated to ICASA by the Task Team but the regulator seems to be dragging its feet. It is becoming evident that ICASA is clueless about how volatile the situation is in Soweto regarding this matter.

“Some members of the community coming from various stakeholder organisations felt that even the Task team is handling the matter in a polite manner by putting all their faith to ICASA that has proven itself to be a toothless dog in many instances. The issues that surround this station in question should make anyone involved to be highly concern[ed] and ensure that these issues are addressed quickly for the benefit of the community at large.”

Today, Tuesday 11 September, leaves only 18 days for the sitting of the AGM. According to the FXI, there is no clarity as to whether the AGM will be held, as it has not been publicised and the station manager has allegedly taken leave without leaving any instructions. “This calls for a big concern and also raises questions on the exact interest of the station management in relation to the whole situation. Another question that arises is with regard to ICASA and its sense of urgency in relation to the matter that seeks immediate attention but is given just mere attention,” concludes the statement.