Communications minister Yunus Carrim has named CSIR president Sibusiso Sibisi and Research ICT Africa director Allison Gillwald as chair and deputy chair respectively of a new National Broadband Advisory Council, which has been established to advise the minister on the implementation of South Africa Connect, government’s recently adopted broadband policy and strategy.
Other members of the council include Sunil Maharaj, Mandla Msimang, Arthur Goldstuck, Bernie Fanaroff, Mlamli Booi, Geoffrey Qhena, Jyoti Mistry and Jesse Maluleke.
The South Africa Connect plan was adopted by cabinet in December.
“We have an excellent team in the Council and their advice will assist in rolling out broadband faster and more effectively,” said Carrim in a media statement. “We need to move faster, with greater cooperation of the stakeholders, to deliver broadband.”
Sibisi said in the same statement: “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.” — (c) 2014 NewsCentral Media