Official opposition the Democratic Alliance (DA) says it is concerned about the appointment of Jimmy Manyi as special advisor to communications minister Faith Muthambi, especially in light of the fact that the appointment was very low-key.
"The appointment was shrouded in secrecy and we only learned about it in the media, where it came out in drips and drabs. There was no official announcement, so it's very concerning," says DA shadow minister of communications Gavin Davis.
"The only silver lining is that Manyi will vacate the board of the MDDA [Media Development and Diversity Agency]. This is good news for community media who rely on the MDDA for funding and support."
Davis says the confirmation of his resignation from the MDDA board came from Portfolio Committee on Communication chairperson Joyce Moloi-Moropa this morning. According to Davis, Moloi-Moropa stated Manyi would not remain in his position, as it has been indicated to her already that his DOC appointment "will create a vacancy" at the MDDA.
Manyi cannot occupy both positions because, in terms of the MDDA Act, the agency must operate at arm's length from the minister of communications. Davis says occupying both positions would, therefore, create an "intractable conflict of interest".
Whether Manyi would remain on the MDDA's board is only one of the questions that cropped up in connection with his new position. A big question mark also lingers over his position as a senior manager at Rand Water, and allegations that Manyi did not seek permission from his current employer before accepting the DOC position.
It is understood Rand Water has written to the public service and administration department to get clarity on the issue - as government officials cannot hold two separate government posts. In the meantime, Rand Water stated Manyi has submitted annual leave for "external engagements".
Job description questions
However, the biggest area of uncertainty seems to be what Manyi will do as special advisor to the minister - a position that is considered to hold much political clout.
"We are not exactly sure what he will be doing, but the appointment does give him very broad powers. He will essentially be an extension of the minister," says Davis, adding the ministerial handbook does indicate that a special advisor to the minister has influence over policy issues.
SA's broadcast digital migration policy is currently awaiting final approval from Cabinet, but there has been little clarity over whether the switchover should be driven by the DOC or the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services. While both have claimed it falls under their jurisdiction, the DOC was adamant recently it is actively engaged in the process and the policy.
Meanwhile, Manyi has refused to talk about his functions within the minister's office, saying questions should be directed at the minister's spokesperson. Manyi was speaking from London, where he is part of a ministerial delegation accompanying Muthambi at the Innova BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, SA) Summit.
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