- ICASA has named Yolisa Kedama as acting chairperson.
- The appointment is effective from 4th April 2023 to 30th September 2023.
- Kedama joined ICASA in 2020 where she has served as a councillor.
Following the appointment of a new chief executive officer in January, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has appointed an Acting Chairperson today.
This comes after Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng resigned from the position in June 2022 citing the need to take a break. Taking up the mantle of acting chairperson at the authority is Yolisa Kedama. As per a release from ICASA, Kedama will take up the role effective 4th April to 30th September or until a new chairperson is appointed.
This means that both the CEO position and the position of chairperson are being filled by women. In the telecommunications space which has been and is still dominated by men, this is great news.
“I look forward to working with Council as we continue to fulfil the Authority’s mandate to regulate the telecommunications, postal and broadcasting sectors in the public interest,” Kedama said ahead of taking up her new role.
The newly appointed acting chairperson joined ICASA in 2020 as a councillor. She holds a Master of Management degree in ICT Policy and Regulation, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree, and a certificate in Financial Management. She is also said to be a specialist in the field of radio frequency planning and satellite communications researcher.
When the new position comes into effect, Kedama will replace Charley Lewis who was serving as acting chairperson since Modimoeng’s departure.
“I have worked with Councillor Kedama in a variety of roles and capacities over a number of year,” Lewis said in a press statement.
“The Authority will be in competent and experienced hands as Councillor Kedama takes over the leadership role at the helm of the Council collegial collective. I look forward to ensuring a smooth leadership transition and to working with her over the next six months,” the outgoing acting chairperson added.
The appointment comes after government issued a number of directions for the authority as regards the National State of Disaster that has been implemented to address the energy crisis.
It’s not clear if Kedama intends to drop the Acting from her position during her tenure, but we wish her the best of luck in her new position.
