The Universal Services and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) Board of Directors officially welcomes its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Lumko Caesario Mtimde, who officially commences with his duties on 23rd May 2016.

The new CEO was appointed last month by Cabinet following an extensive recruitment process by the USAASA Board of Directors in consultations with the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Dr. Siyabonga Cwele, MP.

Mr. Mtimde is a graduate of the University of Western Cape and University of South Africa, where he completed a BSC in Physiology and Biochemistry and a Postgraduate Diploma in Telecommunications and Information Policy respectively.

He comes with extensive knowledge and vast experience in the field of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT's) having served in regional regulatory bodies such as the Communication Regulatory Authorities in Southern Africa (CRASA), African Communications Regulatory Association (ACRAN/RIARC), NetTel@Africa, World Summit Awards (WSA), Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).

His vast knowledge of the ICT sector, strong good governance and years of executive management skills, led to him serving as a member of the Boards of Directors for State Owned Entities such as the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), SENTECH, Media & ICTSeta (MICTSETA) and National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). He was also Chief Executive Officer for the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), Alfred Nzo Development Agency (ANDA) and the National Community Radio Forum (NCRF).

He also brings strong public sector management experience, after serving as the Chief Director (Broadcasting Policy) under the late Minister of Communications, Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri and recently Chief of Staff of Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, Minister Senzeni Zokwana.

Mr. Mtimde's passion about community development, universal service and access to communication services, his established track record in the Information Communications Technology (ICT) sector, stakeholder management and peoples skills will prove invaluable in steering the Agency towards the fulfillment of its mandate.

The Acting Chairperson and the Board, Mr. Mawethu Cawe and the entire Board extends a warm welcome to the award winning Mr. Mtimde and trust that he will have a prosperous tenure at the helm of the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa.