The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is embroiled in a legal dispute with three former board members of the State Information and Technology Agency (SITA) over their requested fees. The department is refusing to pay what it considers excessive amounts, prompting the matter to be decided by the courts.
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is refusing to pay what it considers to be an exorbitant amount in fees demanded by three former board members of the troubled State Information and Technology Agency ( SITA ). The department has opted to let the courts decide on the appropriate amount to be paid after settlement negotiations failed.
This dispute stems from 2023 when former Minister Mondli Gungubele, currently the Deputy Minister, dismissed the board of directors over the salary of former managing director Bongani Mabaso. The board members contested their removal, leading to a court ruling that sided with them and ordered Gungubele to pay their legal costs. However, Gungubele appealed the decision to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), which also ruled in favor of the board members. Subsequent to Minister Solly Malatsi joining the department last year, he chose to pursue a settlement. Director-General Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyan informed the portfolio committee that the department has already settled R1.3 million in legal fees for the board members. However, she revealed that the board members are now demanding consulting fees, which the department is unwilling to accept. Jordan-Dyan explained that the court ruling specified the period for which the board members should be compensated, and they believe the amount should be based on the number of SITA board meetings held. Jordan-Dyan stated that the department has requested a judge to determine a reasonable amount, as they believe the board members' demands are excessive. She noted that one board member initially sought R1.4 million but revised it to R1 million, while others requested R900,000 but lowered it to R750,000. The department's legal advisor informed MPs that the state law advisor advised them to pay the former board members their board fees for the period they were removed from office. The advisor emphasized that the amount should be reasonable.Adding to the complexity, SITA is currently operating without a permanent board of directors. Jordan-Dyan informed MPs that the previous board's term ended on January 31, coinciding with the application deadline for a new board. She stated that the department is in the process of reconstituting the new board and that applications received are undergoing a selection process. Jordan-Dyan mentioned that Minister Malatsi is seeking Cabinet approval for an interim board and expects an announcement soon to prevent a governance vacuum. Meanwhile, the term of SITA's acting managing director expired on February 4, and a new acting person has been appointed internally, effective February 5. Last month, Malatsi expressed concern over the outgoing board's decision to appoint an acting managing director without consulting him, directing them to finalize recommendations for suitable candidates before an appointment could be made
SITA Board Members Legal Fees Department Of Communications And Digital Technolog State Information And Technology Agency Mondli Gungubele Solly Malatsi Acting Managing Director Interim Board
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Parliament Committee Urges Government to Fight Legal Challenge to Legal Sector Transformation CodeParliament's Justice Committee is demanding the government defend a new Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment code targeting the legal sector against a legal challenge launched by global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright. The committee supports the code, arguing it will promote transformation and address unequal access to work for black legal professionals.
Read more »
Zulu King's Third Wife Plan Faces Legal Challenge, Ceremony Called Off Amid ControversyThe plans of South Africa's Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to marry a third wife have been met with legal challenges and controversy. While the king's first wife unsuccessfully attempted to halt the marriage, the ceremony was reportedly called off due to unforeseen circumstances. The situation has raised concerns about the king's behavior and his legitimacy as a ruler.
Read more »
AmaZulu King's Bid for Another Wife Faces Legal ChallengeAmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini's plan to take another wife is facing legal opposition from his current wife, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela Zulu. The queen has filed an application for an interdict to prevent the king from proceeding with the customary marriage to Nomzamo Myeni. The court case has been delayed as the king's legal team claims they were served with the application while the king was in seclusion for a traditional ceremony.
Read more »
Royal AM Faces R12 Million Scandal After Missed Deadline Sparks More Legal ChaosCash-strapped PSL side Royal AM enters further legal battles after missing payment deadline for court-ordered R12 million fee for a former player.
Read more »
Afrikaans E-Hailing Service Wanatu Faces Potential Legal Action Over Language PolicyWanatu, a new e-hailing service in South Africa, is facing potential legal challenges due to its policy of hiring only Afrikaans-speaking drivers. Attorney Craig Kirchmann argues that this policy constitutes discrimination against non-Afrikaans speakers and could be deemed unlawful by South African courts.
Read more »
Shauwn Mkhize faces legal setbacks in tax dispute with SARSShauwn Mkhize’s urgent application to assure the National Soccer League of her club’s financial stability has been struck down by the Pietermaritzburg High Court, raising questions about the future of Royal AM FC.
Read more »