Launch of the National Broadband Council
The National Broadband Advisory Council (NBAC), which will advise the Minister of Communications on the implementation of “South Africa Connect”, the Broadband policy and strategy, was launched today.
The Council comprises independent technical experts and representatives of business, trade unions and civil society. Dr. Sibusiso Sibisi, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) President, will chair the Council, and Prof. Alison Gillwald, Director of Research Information Communication Technology Africa is the Deputy Chair. Other members of the Council include Prof. Sunil Maharaj, Ms Mandla Msimang, Mr. Arthur Goldstuck, Dr. Bernie Fanaroff, Mr Mlamli Booi, Mr Geoffrey Qhena, Prof. Jyoti Mistry, and Ms Jesse Maluleke.
Since the adoption of “SA Connect” in December 782 schools have been provided with computers as part of giving a further impetus to the broadband plan. A new e-skills institute, Ikamva, was launched two weeks ago.
Minister Yunus Carrim said: “We have an excellent team in the Council and their advice will assist in rolling out broadband faster and more effectively. We need to move faster, with greater cooperation of the stakeholders, to deliver broadband.”
Dr Sibisi, “It is critical that we focus on how to implement South Africa Connect. We see our role as enabling South Africa to develop a competitive economy that encourages innovation and attracts investment through broadband.”
