The Congress of the People (Cope) has slammed the performance of former communications minister Siphiwe Nyanda, saying his extended “witch-hunts” had a disastrous impact on the department.
Late last week, President Jacob Zuma stunned the telecommunications industry by sacking Nyanda and replacing him with Roy Padayachie.
Cope MP Juli Killian says Nyanda’s reign will not be remembered fondly.
“His term of office will best be remembered for his inordinate meddling, extended witch-hunts and leadership squabbles, with disastrous impact,” she says.
Killian has accused the former minister of alienating the industry and leaving the state-owned enterprises under the department’s care to deteriorate.
“Nyanda’s lack of insight and poor performance in a critical portfolio have deepened the digital divide leaving poor communities even further behind,” says Killain.
She says she is also concerned about two pieces of legislation proposed by Nyanda, the Icasa Amendment Bill and the Public Service Broadcasting Bill, and calls them Draconian.
Killian says Cope wants Padayachie to recall the proposed laws immediately. “They are fundamentally unconstitutional,” she says.
Cope hopes Padayachie will start his term of office by doing a skills audit in the department and commissioning a review of its organisational structure.
He should also take steps to “align the department of communications with the strategic imperatives that will drive a modern communications sector”. — Staff reporter, TechCentral
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