The Wireless Application Service Providers' Association (Waspa) has elected BaspaDE Attorneys founding director and long-standing board member Anthony Ekerold as its new chairperson.
Ekerold, who previously served as Waspa vice chairperson between 2013 and 2017, as chairperson in 2018 and as Waspa’s Attorney of Record since 2014, takes over from Greg Brophy who served his two-year tenure after having been elected in 2019.
“As an industry body, Waspa has been successful in transparently serving the best interests of the consumer, together with representing mobile application and service providers, and despite the number of years I have been involved in this work, I know I still have a substantial contribution still to make and I look forward to the challenge,” he said in a statement.
Further, Waspa appointed WorldPlay CEO Jacqui Jones as the first female vice chairperson.
“Mobile technology and digital services are advancing, and I look forward to bringing my value-added services and mobile market knowledge to the fore and as a critical component to our evolving code of conduct,” said Jones.
Managing executive Ilonka Badenhorst has also joined the board.
The official 2021 Waspa office bearers include Jones (vice-chairman and code of conduct), James McNab (treasurer and telco affairs), Badenhorst (membership), Minesh Bhugwandeen (regulatory), Conrad Geldenhuys (communications) and Michiel Huisamen (wholesale).
“The industry is continuously growing and innovating but needs to be regulated effectively. Effectively means finding a balance between ensuring consumers are protected and creating a sustainable market for members. Independence is key and I look forward to working closely with our board, consumers and members to address the ever-growing need for regulatory compliance in the country,” Ekerold concluded.