The newly formed information and communications technology (ICT) policy review panel convened for the first time last week to outline the scope of work and terms of reference for reviewing South Africa’s current ICT framework.
The 22-member ensemble, which was selected by Communications Minister Dina Pule in November, was responsible for the development of South Africa’s Integrated National ICT Policy.
The meeting, held over two days in Pretoria, enabled the panel to define the responsibilities and structure of the panel, design a strategic approach to the review and deal with administrative challenges.
The ICT panel agreed to undertake the process in three phases, with the first phase – assessing the policy environment from 1994 to date – expected to result in a policy review report.
The second phase would lead to the development of a green paper, while the final phase would result in the creation of a new ICT policy framework and white paper on ICT policy.
The panel comprised former Vodacom CEO Pieter Uys, The New Age chairperson Atul Gupta and Neotel chief of corporate affairs Dr Tracy Cohen.
Other members included Charley Lewis, Professor Shaun Pather, Calvo Mawela, Lehlohonolo Letele, Kerron Edmunson, Lucky Masilela, Angeline Maseko, Johann Koster, Sizwe Lindelo Snail, Monde Twala, Sipho Johannes Mjwara, Lulama Nongogo, Elizabeth Libby Lloyd, Hlukanisa Richard Jossy Zitha, Mothibi Glenview Ramusi, Mpho Mosimane, Febe Potgieter, Professor Tshilidzi Marwala and Nkateko 'Snakes' Nyoka.