Question NW2377 to the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
31 August 2017 - NW2377
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
(1)(a) What are the (i) names and (ii) professional designations of each member appointed to the National Cybersecurity Advisory Council (NCAC) in response to the advertisement for nominations published on 23 April 2017, (b) what are the names of the information communication technology, cybersecurity or other sector companies or organisations that employ each of the specified council members and (c) how many nominations were received; (2) Whether the names of the proposed council members were approved by Cabinet; if not, (a) why not and (b) by when will the list be approved; if so, on which date was it approved; (3) Whether he has met with the council yet; if not, (a) why not and (b) by what date does he plan to meet with them; if so, on which date; (4) What (a) is the mandate of the council and (b) deadlines have been set for deliverables?
Reply:
I have been informed by the Department as follows:
1(a) (i) The Department has not finalised the appointment of the NCAC members. The Department is reviewing the received applications and thereafter the appointment process will be finalised.
(ii) As indicated in 1(a)(i) above, the appointment process has not yet been concluded, however, the professional designations of the applicants are as follows: (5) five from the legal fraternity, (4) four government officials, (5) five from academia, (16) sixteen from the ICT-sector, (1) one member of a research council and (3) three members of NGO’s.
(1)(b) The appointment of NCAC members have not been finalised.
(1)(c) 34 nominations were received
(2) No
(2)(a) Cabinet approval is not a prerequisite, however, according to the NCAC Terms of Reference, the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services has the responsibility to appoint the Council Members.
(2)(b) See (2)(a) above
(3) The Minister will meet with the Council as soon as the members of the Council have been appointed.
(4)(a) According to the National Cybersecurity Policy Framework the mandate of the NCAC is to advise the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services on policy and technical issues, and other matters pertinent to Cybersecurity pursuant to building confidence and trust in the secure use of ICTs.
(4)(b) After appointment, the NCAC will engage with the Department and the Minister, thereafter it will adopt a work plan which will detail the deliverables for the term of the Council.
Approved/Not Approved
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Dr Siyabonga Cwele, MP
Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services
Date: