A tale of accusations, suspensions, resignations

The most popular developing news story on ITWeb this week centred around Bridget Mohlala. Accused of stealing R110 000 while at ICASA, in a matter that also led to the suspension and resignation of CEO Jackie Manche, Mohlala has now been suspended from her position at the auditor-general - although the reasons this time are unclear.

Admittedly, the suspension happened late last year. But this - like the case of Manche in which ICASA claimed to have sent media statements informing us of her resignation but did not do so - serves to underline the suspicions we all must have about how these organisations deal with staff issues.

What happened to the year-long investigation into Manche, while taxpayers paid her salary? Nothing. What happened to the investigation into Mohlala? Nothing so far.

The roll-out of the police's R500 million digital terrestrial trunked radio communications network is on track for completion towards the end of the year. Alcom Systems, part of the Altech group, which was awarded the contract in 2004, says much of the work has already been done.

What happened to the year-long investigation into Manche, while taxpayers paid her salary? Nothing.

Dave Glazier, Journalist, ITWeb

Outspoken First National Bank CIO Yatin Narsai lashed out at IT vendors and suppliers in an exclusive interview with ITWeb this week. FNB is struggling to do business with sales-led, commission-biased IT supply organisations, which bulldoze clients into unsuitable solutions, he said.

This week saw Telkom change its policy on the lazy dialling practice of failing to punch in the area code for local calls. Now we all have to input the full 10 digits. While Telkom says the move will allow more South Africans to have a number, I can't really see how. The fixed-line penetration stats for the last five years show a steady decline in landline customers.

The Airports Company of SA said this week it will begin developing online check-in capabilities this year, having recently launched do-it-yourself check-in kiosks at four major airports. Allowing passengers to 'self board' is apparently also a future possibility - but at the moment it's a little expensive due to the newness of the technology.

A non-disclosure agreement between SA's four mobile operators and the Number Portability Company may mean we will not be able to know how many people have made use of the porting service in its first couple of months of operation.

Finally, GijimaAst confirmed in a stock exchange announcement this week that the gregarious Robert Gumede has taken the position of executive chairman - taking over from Hans Smith, who has been appointed as a director of the Guma Group.