Page 3 - EngineerIt August 2021

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

A new minister, a new era?

t is often said that in forward looking governments, some of the ministerial The South African communications
posts should be separated from politics. This is important when it to industry is awaiting the minister’s
Icomes to technology facing departments. Others believe that it makes pronouncements with abated breath.
no difference as long as director generals are appointed for their technical She has a tough job ahead of her.
expertise irrespective of their political affiliation. She also has the opportunity to fix the
bungling of the past. We wish her well.
It appears that South Africa is still in the mode to make ANC aligned
appointments despite that the constitution makes provision for two ministerial South African scientists and engineers
appointments outside political party affiliation. have and are making great contribution
to major new developments but often
So we have a new Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, get little or no recognition. In this edition
Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. I have lost count of how many new ministers we we are highlighting the contribution that
have in this post in recent times, but it is many. two scientists, working at the CSIR,
have made to the development of the
Ms Ntshavheni is academically well qualified with an under-graduate degree lithium battery.
in political science from Rand Afrikaans University (now University of
Johannesburg) and an MBA from Bradford University in the UK. The minister There must be many other scientists
has work experience in the fields of strategic management, information and engineers in South Africa who
technology, change management and communication and marketing. have made major discoveries but
have received little or no recognition
Following her election to the National Assembly in 2019, President Cyril for their work. We would like to hear
Ramaphosa appointed Ms Ntshavheni to the post of minister of small about them so that we can bring their
business development. She also served for a short period as the acting stories to our readers. We would like
minister in the Presidency: planning, monitoring and evaluation. your input.

Ms Ntshavheni will have a difficult task to rectify the wrongs of her
predecessor who procrastinated about the release of the much needed More support for our
spectrum, caused a major rift between the department and ICASA, tried to advertisers
withhold ICASA funding, and proposed a EngineerIT has appointed an
new broadband regulator amongst many experienced advertising and brand
other controversial issues. specialist, Tarryn Bester. Tarryn is
looking forward to assisting you with your
I am sure the industry is looking advertising and branding in EngineerIT.
forward to an enlightened new Call Tarryn on 072 265 6579 or email
policy and how she will interpret the tarrynb@eiapublising.co.za
President’s many announcements that
spectrum will be released as one of As always, your comments and
the elements in the policy of economic suggestions are invited. Call me on
development and recovery. 082 781 4631 or email me at
hans@nowmedia.co.za
Will the ICASA spectrum auction
plans be expedited? Will the Minister Regards
be able to bring MTN and Telkom to
drop their obstructive behaviour and Hans van de Groenendaal
Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni their court cases? Editor - EngineerIT

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