[27 April 2026]
On April 27, 2026, updated five-year strategic roadmaps were released for both the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) and the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF).
[23 February 2026]
The Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF) has once again opened the floor for public input by republishing its Draft Manual as of 23 February 2026.
Submission Details
Stakeholders and interested parties are invited to provide written feedback on the revised document.
- Final Deadline: 25 March 2026
- Submission Format: Emails should be addressed to the USAASA CEO and clearly labeled with the subject line: “Draft USAF Manual – Public Comments”.
- Submission Addresses: * usaf-manual@usaasa.org.za
[26 November 2026]
On 26 November 2026, USAASA rescinded its draft manual. This withdrawal reportedly stems from a lack of sufficient prior coordination with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT).
Current indications suggest this is a procedural setback and that the manual will likely be re-introduced after further consultation.
[25 November 2025]
On 25 November 2025, the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) released a draft version of the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF) Manual for public review and feedback.
The proposed document is organized into two primary sections:
- Volume 1: Funding Principles and Policy Framework This section establishes the strategic foundation, including the fund’s objectives, priority areas for financial support, and the specific benchmarks used to select interventions for USAF funding.
- Volume 2: Implementation Procedures and Operating Guidelines This volume provides a practical roadmap for operations, covering the application lifecycle, compliance standards, governance structures, and the protocols for monitoring and evaluating project success.
Submission Guidelines
Stakeholders and interested parties are invited to submit their comments via email to usaf-manual@usaasa.org.za.
The deadline for all submissions is 23:59 on 24 December 2025.
[26 April 2025]
On 26 April 2025, official planning documents were released for the primary entities focused on universal digital access in South Africa.
Strategic and Performance Roadmaps
- Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF):
- Five-Year Strategic Plan: Outlines goals and objectives for the period spanning 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030.
- Annual Performance Plan: Defines specific targets and metrics for the current fiscal year (1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026).
- Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA):
- Five-Year Strategic Plan: Sets out the agency’s long-term mission and operational strategy through 31 March 2030.
Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF) Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF) Annual Performance Plan 2025/26
[4 May 2018]
USAASA 2018-2019 Annual Performance Plan Presentation
[20 April 2016]
USAASA 2017-2021 Strategic Plan
[5 November 2015]
Universal Service And Access Agency of South Africa Annual Report 2014/15