The following people have been nominated as candidates for the board for 2023/24.
Elections will happen at this year’s AGM on 22 June.
The nominees are:
Chris Geerdts
After graduating with an Elec Eng Masters, I’ve been in the internet game for nearly 30 years, since I founded one of SA’s first twelve ISPs. Having taken time off work as a volunteer in remote parts of the Eastern Cape and KZN, I went on to promote internet access across Africa and organised the initial funding for Schoolnet SA, 25 years ago. Back in the commercial world, as “Mr Data’ at MTN for 10 years, I launched the first mobile packet data services in South Africa, as well as 3G. I also started and ran a wholesale voice company. My studies on public Wi-Fi in the country with ICT Research Africa were widely quoted and I was sponsored to present the findings at the Internet Governance Forum in Mexico. I now head BMIT, an ICT Research company of 30 years, and we recently finalised the SA Connect Phase 2 Feasibility Study for government, which treasury approved but sadly government is delaying. I believe in a democratic, inclusive internet which should serve all South Africans and that we should promote the policies and approaches that work well. This includes increasing the role of civil society, and we need a stronger voice in saying how the internet should be governed. I chaired WAPA for 2 years and raised their profile from being seen as ‘cowboys’ to serious contributors to promoting broadband. I would love to serve on the ISOC committee and share the experience I do have, although I appreciate there is really amazing collective knowledge and talent within ISOC.
Shaun Courtney
Shaun works in the Internet Service provider industry and has been involved in networking and computing for over 25 years with specific experience in interconnecting networks, regulation, security and DNS.
I am wholeheartedly committed to the mission of the Internet Society which are broadly speaking are three fold.
- Building and supporting the communities that make the Internet work;
- Advancing the development and application of Internet infrastructure, technologies, and open standards; and
- Advocating for policy that is consistent with our view of the Internet. I believe that we can make the internet work better for everyone in South Africa.
William Stucke
William was a founding member of ISOC-ZA, NameSpace and AfrISPA. He chaired all of them at some time. He’s currently on the Internet South Africa and SABEN Boards. He has contributed to the growth of the Internet in South Africa and in Africa in general for over 20 years.
He brings a wealth of experience and maturity to the ISA Board.
Bongiwe Dlutu
Originally from Ngqeleni Eastern Cape Province. She is a Lecture at MANCOSA, Cape Town Campus.
She completed both her BA and BA Honours at University of the Western Cape, Majoring in Language and Communication studies and IsiXhosa, she Completed Masters of Arts in African Languages at Rhodes University, and is currently pursuing PhD at the University of the Western Cape.
I want to be part of Internet Society board because the organization focuses also on reducing digital divide by ensuring that the under served communities and regions have access to benefits of the Internet. I want to contribute to initiatives aimed at providing connectivity, digital literacy, and technological resources to marginalized communities. I want to represent individuals from communities that may be left behind in the digital error if no one stands up and share ideas.
The Internet Society is dedicated to promoting an open, inclusive and internet for all, I will contribute to initiatives that ensures that the internet remains a global public resource that benefit people from diverse background regardless of their geographic location, economic status, or abilities.
More Manda
Dr More Manda holds a PhD (Information Systems) from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Master of Information Technology from the University of Pretoria.
Dr Manda recently completed a an MBA at the Wits Business School. He has extensive experience in digital business, strategy, research and innovation management. Dr Manda is currently an Executive responsible for Strategy and Research and at the merSETA and a board member of Internet Society.
On the 1st of July he will be joining MINTEK as the Chief Technology Officer.
Dr Manda is a recipient of the 2018 Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) young scholar award. In 2018 he was also awarded the United Nations Government Fellowship.
Wadzanai Chihombori-Ndlovu
I am eager to join the executive committee of the ISOC SA Chapter for the 2023/2024 term because it presents a valuable learning opportunity for me to delve into internet governance issues specific to South Africa. This experience will broaden my understanding of the intricacies involved in shaping the digital landscape of our country compared to other nations. By actively participating in discussions and initiatives, I will gain firsthand insights into the challenges faced by South Africans regarding internet access, digital rights, and cybersecurity. Being part of this committee will allow me to contribute my knowledge while expanding my own expertise, ultimately making a meaningful impact on the internet ecosystem in South Africa and Africa.
Kodishang Tshwaane
I am deeply passionate about advancing the development and accessibility of the internet in South Africa, and I bring a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to serving the needs of our digital community. With a background in South African Internet Governance, .ZA Domain Namespace Development, and website development within the Joomla CMS opensource groups, I have actively contributed to shaping the digital landscape in our country.
Furthermore, my involvement in the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies SMME’s in Tech Development Work Groups has given me valuable insights into the needs and challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises in the technology sector.
As a member of the Internet Society South Africa executive committee, my primary goal is to develop impactful programs that empower and strengthen emerging Internet Service Providers.
By focusing on the creation of viable products and services, we can not only bridge the digital divide but also foster sustainable employment opportunities within the new digital economy of South Africa and beyond.
In addition, I am passionate about mentoring and guiding the next generation, equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital era. Through my involvement in the Internet Society South Africa executive committee, I envision creating meaningful and lasting impacts that uplift individuals and communities. I firmly believe that the internet has the power to transform lives, enhance healthcare access, and unlock economic opportunities for communities in need.
I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who share our vision of an inclusive and accessible internet for all. Together, we can mobilize resources, raise awareness, and drive positive change in our digital society. I am fully committed to working towards our objectives and causes, and I am eager to contribute my expertise to the Internet Society South Africa.
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am ready to dedicate my energy and knowledge to the important work ahead
Peter Peele
Network Engineering is one of my superpowers and I’m passionate about making the internet accessible for all. I would like to see more participation in the Internet Society SA Chapter from other provinces or cities (besides JHB and CPT). I work on projects that make the internet in Africa more secure (e.g. Encryption, MANRS, etc) both professionally and as a hobby.
Being on the SA Chapter board allows me to have more impact with the work I do.
Alan Levin
Alan has served in various leadership positions including Chairman of the Internet Society of South Africa (current), Founder and Treasurer of the .za Domain Name Authority, Co-Founder and Treasurer of the Public Interest Registry (A US based Internet registry operator) and Co-Founder of AfriNIC (The Regional Internet Registry Operator).
Alan is widely experienced in the telecoms regulations and all things Internet. He considers himself an Internet public servant and committed to this role over 25 years.
Thoko Miya
Awaiting bio