Paris Mashile, a former Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) councillor, has been named the new chairperson of the authority, replacing Mandla Langa, whose tenure as chairman expired on 30 June.
Mashile’s appointment was made yesterday by President Thabo Mbeki for the term of office from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2010.
There had been much speculation that Lumko Mtimde, a former councillor at one of Icasa’s predecessors, would replace Langa. Mtimde was seen as an obvious choice by many to get the nod from Mbeki because of his political connections and the fact that he is well respected within Icasa. Other possible choices included councillors Nadia Bulbulia and Mamodupi Mohlala.
However, it was Mashile who got the president’s nod. Icasa said in its statement that he brought considerable experience to the regulator. “Mashile has demonstrated a level of commitment and expertise that will prove to be a valuable asset to the role [of chairperson],” the statement said.
Mashile is certainly going to need all this “commitment and expertise” in dealing with the Convergence Bill, currently before parliament, which will have a dramatic effect on the telecom industry, adding enormous pressure to the regulator’s already heavy workload.
The new chairperson will also have to deal with the Icasa Amendment Bill, which Langa has publicly criticised, saying it may well undermine the regulator’s independence. Langa said in an interview last week (in Financial Mail) that the bill takes away parliament’s role in appointing councillors and hands this power to the minister of communications and the presidency. Langa described this as a “retrograde step” that will “create huge perceptions of a deficit of independence”.
Langa’s comments reflect a strained history with communications minister, Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri. The former chairperson and minister clashed heads over the licensing of the second network operator and the minister’s clarification of her determination around the deregulation of the telecoms market earlier this year.
It will now be up to Mashile to manage Icasa’s relationship with government and steer the regulator through the introduction of the new pieces of legislation.
Mashile has an undergraduate degree in science from the University of Leeds, an honours degree in physics and electronics (combined), a masters degree in physics from the University of Lancaster, and a masters in electrical engineering from Washington University. Before joining Icasa as a councillor in July 2004, he worked as director of infrastructure development and management at the Rustenburg municipality.
The Department of Communications said today in a statement that Mthobeli Zokwe has been appointed to fill the gap on the council created by Mashile’s appointment as chairman.
Matsepe-Casaburri has congratulated the two councillors on their appointments and wished them success in their new responsibilities.
“I have no doubt in my mind that, under your leadership, Icasa will be able to perform well, face up to all of its challenges and deliver on its mandate,” she said.
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