SITA CEO’s resignation raises red flags about more problems at agency
The civil rights organisation Cape Forum believes the resignation of Dr. Bongani Mabaso, chief executive officer of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), raises red flags about the growing problems at this agency. Mabaso’s early termination of his five-year contract follows barely eight months after he joined the agency in April this year and almost a week after Cape Forum made formal inquiries to SITA about allegations of irregularities regarding tender processes here.
Cape Forum submitted an application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to SITA last week after receiving information about alleged irregularities with a tender process. According to Cape Forum, these irregularities have a direct influence on the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) service delivery in the Western Cape.
Cape Forum received several complaints from SAPS members who claim that they have to ask for assistance through WhatsApp messages and pin locations. Police members have also had to cope with outdated radio communication equipment for more than 13 years. However, a SITA tender about which there are now serious allegations of irregularities will be able to clarify these problems.
Bernard Pieters, Manager of Community Activation at Cape Forum, argues that the pressure on SITA and the allegations of corruption and mismanagement here probably contributed to Mabaso’s decision to resign. “SITA’s future hangs in the balance, and time will tell if Mabaso’s resignation is a positive event or if it is a precursor to further decline at this institution. However, one matter is glaringly obvious: SITA is in a management crisis, and the decay is causing immense damage to South Africans. Urgent intervention in the interest of South Africa is now essential,” concludes Pieters.
Cape Forum campaigns for the devolution of national power to that of provinces. Get involved with this organisation today. Send an email to info@kaapseforum.co.za or join www.kaapseforum.co.za.
