Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 06-11-2018

South Africa has been elected to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Executive Council and Radio Regulations Board (RRB) at the Plenipotentiary Conference after receiving overwhelming support from the 179 member-states attending the gathering.

The Conference which is taking place in Dubai is the highest decision making body of the United Nations’ specialised agency for the ICT sector.

As a member of the 48-member Council, South Africa will champion the agenda for spectrum including the acceleration of broadband roll-out to support Sustainable Development Goals for developing countries.

The allocation of spectrum is of significant interest as it relates to the roll-out of universal broadband and broadcasting services to reach all citizens of the global community.

Telecommunication Minister Siyabonga Cwele is leading the SA delegation at the gathering.

Cwele says this is huge step for the country.

“We are excited to be elected onto the ITU Council and the Radio Regulatory Board. We accept this enormous task with humility. We shall use the positions to push for the developmental agenda alongside the African Union’s Agenda 2063.”

South Africa has been elected to serve in both ITU institutions until 2022.

Twitter: @FaizelPatel143