Basic telecommunications operators in South Africa have formed a new non-profit association to look after their interests and work with the government and regulators.
The Association for Communications and Technology (ACT) will be chaired by Nomwuisa Buti, former Icasa councilor and special adviser to former communications minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, and chaired by Shamil Josub, CEO of Vodacom Group.
Founding members of the association are Cell C, Rain, Telkom, Vodacom, MTN and Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
“Establishing this association will help network operators reduce fragmentation in the industry and ensure that they provide a common message on industry-related issues,” Batii said in a statement.
“The ICT sector creates opportunities for employment and economic participation in sectors such as health, banking, financial institutions and education, making the role of a single industry voice crucial to helping government manage these sectors.” she said.
ACT was launched at an industry event at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg on Thursday afternoon, where Communications Minister Khumbuzo Ntschauheni was the keynote speaker.
Speaking at the event, Batii said there are large gaps in ICT policy and regulation in South Africa. “We need to find solutions that work for South Africa and its citizens … We need to take proactive steps to ensure that our policy and regulatory environment is responsive.” — (c) 2022 NewsCentral Media
