Council for Independent Communications Authority of South Africa: shortlisting

Chairperson: Mr N Kekana

SUMMARY
Seventy two nominations had been received for the appointment to the Council of the Independent Communications Authority South Africa. Industry played a larger role than usual in submitting nominations. Due to the number of nominees who had been interviewed in the past, the committee agreed to broaden the shortlist to 26. For this reason, each ex-councilor will receive a 30-minute interview while new candidates will receive 45 minutes. Interviews run from 12 to 14 June 2000.

MINUTES
Mr Kekana stressed the importance of as many industry players as possible being involved in nominating the Councillors for the Regulator. Thus he was elated that so many players throughout the country had participated in selecting the Industry's finest. The Regulator will be facing several challenges, including introducing competition for Telkom, restructuring the SABC, and resolving the e-commerce debate.

Discussion
Mr T L Makunyane (ANC) emphasised the need to implement a mechanism to check the veracity of all CVs.

Ms D Smuts (DP) said a background mechanism was important, however the onus should be on the political parties to verify specific details.

Mrs Van Wyk (NP) agreed that each political party should be participating in their own checking system.

Mr Kekana reminded the Members that the focus of selection is on Councillors with knowledge in the Industry. He highlighted that the law should be the guiding force in narrowing the short list and the tool for selection.

Mr R D Pieterse (ANC) remarked that the councillors should represent a relatively equal body of women as well as men.

The following persons were shortlisted:
Mr L Mtimde
Mr M Langa
Ms N Bulbilia
Mr K Herold
Dr A Mbere
Ms A Gillwald
Mr M Ramusi
Mr W Currie
Ms D K Mothshidisi
Mr L Makua
Ms L Lloyd
L M S Ncetezo
Ms L P Chakela
Mr Z Masiza
Ms J Hope
Mr M Canca
Mr H Bhengu
Ms Y T Carrim
Ms F Mnguni-Radebe
Mr N Smuts
Ms K Mohan
Ms E Gouws
N C Ramatsui
Mr H Maepa
A C Busse
J E Theart

Mr Kekana urged all Members to remember that the Council, upon selection, must strike a balance between experience, qualifications and gender equality; and constitute enough of a variety to act as a cross-section of the South African population. All those shortlisted will receive a 30-45 minute interview.

These interviews will take place from 12 to 14 June 2000.