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 yesterday.
The Council comprises independent technical experts and representatives of business, trade unions and civil society.
Dr Sibusiso Sibisi, the CSIR president, will chair the Council, and Prof Alison Gillwald, director of research at ICT Africa is the deputy chair. Other members of the Council include Prof Sunil Maharaj, Mandla Msimang, Arthur Goldstuck, Bernie Fanaroff, Mlamli Booi, Geoffrey Qhena, Prof Jyoti Mistry, and 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 says: “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 adds: “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.”
