The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has gone to court to try and remove a government agency head whose appointment was allegedly irregular, the Sunday Independent reported.

The SIU has listed ex-communications minister Dina Pule as one of its respondents in the matter following allegations that she interfered with the appointment of Zami Nkosi as the head of the Universal Service Access Agency of SA (Usaasa).

In an affidavit filed at the high court in Pretoria last week, SIU programme manager Paul Modipa alleged that Pule — after refusing to endorse any candidates selected from a formal interview process — then went beyond her powers to ensure that Nkosi was appointed into the position.

The SIU is seeking to have Nkosi’s contract set aside and to have the board appoint any of the three candidates previously shortlisted in 2012.

Alternatively, it wants the agency to re-advertise the post.

Usaasa is responsible for disbursing funds meant to help bridge the digital divide.

SIU spokeswoman Pearl Banda said the matter would be heard in court in August. — Sapa