Empowering South Africa’s Digital Future: Seeking Board Nominations

The ZA Domain Name Authority, or .zadna, is seeking public nominations for non-executive board members to help improve its functions and foster a dynamic and all-encompassing digital landscape in South Africa. Nominees should exemplify integrity, honesty, transparency, ethical leadership, professional competence, and due diligence and possess a minimum of 5 years of Board experience and at least 8 years in an Executive or Senior Management role within the ICT sector. The organization is working towards building a platform that caters to the digital requirements of the nation, promoting economic and social growth.

What is the ZA Domain Name Authority and who can nominate individuals for the non-executive member positions on its board?

The ZA Domain Name Authority, or .zadna, is focused on reinforcing South Africa’s internet domain name system. Minister Mondli Gungubele is calling on the public to nominate committed and talented individuals who can contribute to the improvement of the Board’s functions and foster a dynamic and all-encompassing digital landscape in South Africa. Nominees should exemplify integrity, honesty, transparency, ethical leadership, professional competence, and due diligence and possess a minimum of 5 years of Board experience and at least 8 years in an Executive or Senior Management role within the ICT sector.

Aiming for a Stronger Digital Landscape

Minister Mondli Gungubele is calling on the public to nominate qualified individuals for the non-executive member positions on the Board of .zadna – the ZA Domain Name Authority. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is in search of committed and talented individuals, who can contribute to the improvement of the Board’s functions and foster a dynamic and all-encompassing digital landscape in South Africa.

.zadna, operating under the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA) from 2002, is focused on reinforcing the internet domain name system in the country. The organization is working towards building a platform that caters to the digital requirements of the nation, promoting economic and social growth. Achieving this vision necessitates a Board with a diverse range of skills, experiences, and competencies.

Nominees should exemplify integrity, honesty, transparency, ethical leadership, professional competence, and due diligence. A comprehensive understanding of public sector governance and legislative obligations is also crucial. The Board will benefit from candidates with expertise in the following areas:

1. Existing Domain Name community
2. Academic and Legal sectors
3. Science, Technology, and Engineering sectors
4. Labour and Human Capital
5. Business and Private sector
6. Culture and Language
7. Public sector leadership and familiarity with relevant legislation
8. Internet user community

Required Skills and Expertise

For a balanced Board, nominees should possess knowledge in:

1. Finance, Accounting, and Auditing
2. Human Resource Management
3. Legal aspects, including corporate and contract law
4. Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
5. Corporate Governance and Risk Management
6. Any other skills pertinent to .zadna’s operations

Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of Board experience and at least 8 years in an Executive or Senior Management role within the ICT sector. A degree is mandatory, with a post-graduate qualification offering an added advantage. Successful applicants must adhere to the verification of qualifications and security clearance.

Nominators and nominees must provide the necessary documentation, including nomination and acceptance letters, a detailed CV, and certified proof of academic qualifications, such as a copy of a matric certificate and an identity document. CVs must include contact information, postal and physical addresses, and details of any relevant Board and Committee involvement.

Moreover, nominees should disclose any existing or potential conflicts of interest, including contracts, shareholding, and employment related to .zadna and ZA Central Registry NPC. Compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and Companies Act is mandatory.

To support the Minister in their evaluation, nominees should submit a letter expressing their interest in serving on the Board, disclosing any disqualifications or delinquent director status, and providing relevant information.

Selection Process and Application Details

An Independent Selection Panel will oversee the selection process, and will recommend appointments to the Minister according to the ECTA.

Nominations that fail to meet the specified criteria will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Written nominations should be sent to the Director-General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, attention: Ms Precious Tsolo, The Director, SOE Governance and Support. Applications can be emailed to nedappointmentzadna@dcdt.gov.za. The deadline for nominations is Sunday, 31 December 2023.

The appointment of accomplished individuals to the .zadna Board will play a significant role in constructing a solid and inclusive internet domain name system in South Africa. This collaborative effort will lay the foundation for a prosperous digital future, cultivating economic and social advancement throughout the nation.

1. What is the ZA Domain Name Authority?

The ZA Domain Name Authority, or .zadna, is focused on reinforcing South Africa’s internet domain name system.

2. Who can nominate individuals for the non-executive member positions on the board of the ZA Domain Name Authority?

Minister Mondli Gungubele is calling on the public to nominate committed and talented individuals who can contribute to the improvement of the Board’s functions and foster a dynamic and all-encompassing digital landscape in South Africa.

3. What kind of skills and expertise are required for the nominees?

Nominees should possess knowledge in finance, accounting, auditing, human resource management, legal aspects, including corporate and contract law, information and communications technology (ICT), corporate governance and risk management, and any other skills pertinent to .zadna’s operations. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of Board experience and at least 8 years in an Executive or Senior Management role within the ICT sector.

4. What kind of documentation is required for the nomination?

Nominators and nominees must provide the necessary documentation, including nomination and acceptance letters, a detailed CV, and certified proof of academic qualifications, such as a copy of a matric certificate and an identity document. CVs must include contact information, postal and physical addresses, and details of any relevant Board and Committee involvement.

5. Should the nominees disclose any existing or potential conflicts of interest?

Yes, nominees should disclose any existing or potential conflicts of interest, including contracts, shareholding, and employment related to .zadna and ZA Central Registry NPC.

6. Who will oversee the selection process?

An Independent Selection Panel will oversee the selection process and recommend appointments to the Minister according to the ECTA.

7. What is the deadline for nominations?

The deadline for nominations is Sunday, 31 December 2023.

8. What is the vision of the ZA Domain Name Authority?

The organization is working towards building a platform that caters to the digital requirements of the nation, promoting economic and social growth. Achieving this vision necessitates a Board with a diverse range of skills, experiences, and competencies.