Question NW438 to the Minister of Communications
04 June 2020 - NW438
Van Damme, Ms PT to ask the Minister of Communications
Whether (a) she and (b) the Deputy Minister has each employed ministerial special advisors; if so, in each case, (i) what is the name of the special advisor, (ii) on what date was the advisor appointed, (iii) what are the duties of the advisor, (iv) at what post level was the appointment made, (v) what is the salary level of the advisor, (vi) what is the duration of the employment contract entered into with the advisor and (vii) why was it necessary to appoint the advisor?
Reply:
(a) Yes
(b) No
(a)(i) Mr Thabiso Kenneth Thukani
(a)(ii) 29 August 2019
(a)(iii) The duties of the special adviser are the following:
(i) Provide strategic advice to the Minister in the development of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy and regulatory framework, including monitoring implementation as well as its impact on the wellbeing of the citizens of South Africa;
(ii) Provide specialist advice to the Ministry in executing the mandates of Departments of Communications (DoC), Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) and its State-Owned Entities (SOEs);
(iii) Assist with developing appropriate relationships with the sector, academia, caucus, and civil society groups in order to facilitate progress of policy and legislation within the Minister's portfolio of responsibilities;
(iv) Review submissions going to the Minister, drawing attention to any aspect which has policy/political implications, and ensuring that sensitive political issues are addressed accordingly;
(v) Speechwriting, thought leadership and related research, including ensuring that relevant overarching government policies are reflected in material prepared by the Department.
(a)(iv) Compensation level III
(a)(v) Salary level 15
(a)(vi) 12 months
(a)(vii) To advise the Executive Authority on the exercise or performance of the Executive Authority’s powers and duties, and on the development of policy that will promote the Department’s objectives.
MR J MTHEMBU, MP
ACTING MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES