The Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) is a State Owned Entity of government established through the Electronic Communications Act, No 36 of 2005, to ensure that everyone in South Africa can be able to connect, speak, explore and study using ICT’s.
USAASA manages the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF), which provides funding to build ICT infrastructure in underserved areas and offers financial assistance to people in need to help cover ICT costs.
USAASA is a public body as confirmed by Schedule 3A of the Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999.
The existence, functions, duties and mandate of the Agency are governed by sections 80 – 91 of the Electronic Communications Act 36 of 2005 (“the ECA”) which came into operation on 19 July 2006. The new amendments to ECA, which have a direct bearing on governance of the Agency, came into operation on 21 May 2014.
Legislative Mandate
In terms of the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa must:
- Strive to promote the goal of universal access and universal service
- Encourage, facilitate and offer guidance in respect of any scheme to provide universal and access, universal services or telecommunication services in terms of the Reconstruction and development Plan (RDP)
- Foster the adoption and use of new methods of attaining universal access and universal service
- Make recommendations to enable the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies to determine what constitutes universal access, universal service and under serviced areas
- Conduct research into and keep abreast of developments in the Republic and elsewhere on information communication technology, electronic communications services and electronic communications facilities
- Continually survey and evaluate the extent to which universal access and service have been achieved
- Make recommendations to the Minister in relation to policy on any matter relating to universal access and universal service
- Advise the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) on any matter relating to universal access and universal service
- Continually evaluate the effectiveness of this Act and things done in terms thereof towards the achievement of the goal of universal access and universal service
- Manage the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF) in accordance with the provisions of the Act
- Submit annual reports in its operations, budget and expenses to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
- Utilise the USAF exclusively for the payment of certain subsidies
- Provide incentives to network licensees to construct operate and maintain networks in areas declared under-serviced by ICASA
Overseeing Department/Entity
Office Bearers/Management
Chairperson
- Mr M Mnisi (Interim)
Board Members
- Ms P Makobe
- Ms Mapuleng Moropa
- Mr M Sadiki
- Ms Buhle Tonise
Chief Executive Officer
- Mr Luyanda Ndlovu (Acting)
Chief Financial Officer
- Ms Nakisani Matamela
Senior Management
- Mr Mduduzi Kgatlane (Acting: Risk Manager)
- Mr Winile Lamani (National Programmes / Broadband)
- Ms Chwayita Madikizela (Executive Manager: Operations)
- Mr Jimmy Mashiane (Chief Audit Executive)
- Ms Angelique Matsimela (Broadcasting Digital Migration)
- Mr Thelela Mvambo (USAF and Broadcasting)
- Mr Trevor Nivi (Research, Policy and Strategy)
- Ms Lerato Petlele (Executive: Corporate Services)
- Mr Vhutshilo Ramaswana (Acting Executive Manager: Corporate Services)
- Ms Mary-Ann Ratlhogo (Senior Manager: Office of the CEO)
- Mr Thabiso Thukani (Executive Manager: Performance Management and Research)
Communications Officers
- Ms Keitumetse Hlahatsi (Manager: Stakeholder and Communications)
Contact Details
The contact details of the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) are listed in the table below.
| Physical Address: | P.O. Box 12601, Vorna Valley, 1686 |
| Postal Address: | Building 1, Thornhill Office Park, 94 Bekker Road, Vorna Valley, Midrand, 1686 |
| Telephone: | 011 564 1600 |
| Email: | info@usaasa.org.za |
| Website: | www.usaasa.org.za |
