Question NW192 to the Minister of Minister of Telecommunications, Postal Services and Communications
04 March 2019 - NW192
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Minister of Telecommunications, Postal Services and Communications
Whether she intends to merge the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) with the Universal Services and Access Agency of SA (USSASA); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the relevant details, (b) on what ground(s) will the two entities with different mandates be merged and (c) how will the board members of each entity be accommodated after the merger; (2) are any of the specified persons relatives of other employees of her department; if so, who?
Reply:
1. In line with the Presidential pronouncement that there will be a configuration of Government departments as well as entities to improve efficiency in the delivery of Government services, there has been engagements with various entities to look for synergies. This is still work in progress and currently there is no definite decision that has been made on the merger of USAASA and MDDA.
2. Once discussions are finalized and a decision is made, further details will be provided. However, it should be noted that the Board Members referred to were not removed following a damning report by the Public Protector, but instead the Board was dissolved due to a fundamental breakdown of their relationship with Minister.
Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, MP
Minister
Date: