Johannesburg – The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is pleased to announce the election of Samuel Mandla Mchunu – Manager: Radiocommunications as one of the three African representatives on the 12-member Board of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Radio Regulations (Africa Region) at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference currently underway in Dubai. Mandla received 121 votes out of 179 member states votes, and will serve on the Radio Regulations Board from 2019 to 2023.
Mandla Mchunu’s experience spans over 20 years in the field of Radiocommunications and Telecommunications and has served on various committees and working parties and is currently a rapporteur for World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC – 19) Preparatory Working Groups representing Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) on Satellite Regulatory issues. He is a regular participant at ITU-R Working Party 5D, Task Group 5/1 and Working Party 4A.
Following his election to the Radio Regulations Board, Mandla Mchunu expressed his heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the South African government and ICASA for the support he has received in the lead up to the conference and election.
"I am very humbled by this election to the Radio Regulations Board and the faith bestowed on me by ITU member states, the South African government, in particular the Ministry of Telecommunications and Postal Services, my employer (ICASA), and all other stakeholders who supported me throughout this journey. I therefore intend to serve the global community with diligence and utmost professionalism using my experience, knowledge and understanding of the ITU Radio Regulations and associated procedures,” says Mandla Mchunu.
Furthermore, the Republic of South Africa has also regained its seat in the ITU Executive Council following the elections held on the same day at the Plenipotentiary. South Africa remains an active member of the ITU, having been a member since 1910, but left due to the apartheid regime and re-joined the ITU in 1994 following the advent of democracy.
“Once elected, we will collectively work with other members to advance the development of ICTs, facilitate equitable representation, and strengthen a rules-based international system,” said Dr. Siyabonga Cwele, Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services while delivering South Africa's Policy statement at the ITU Plenipotentiary 2018.
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