The issues the Black IT Forum (BITF) has been "embroiled" in since the end of 2005 are now behind the organisation and it is time to move forward, says the newly-appointed national executive.
The 12-member national executive was appointed in late August, and will be led by Mthunzi Mdwaba. Other members are Paul Masemola, Ahmed Muslim, Lillian Mkhonza, Morena Ntsika, Sundy Naidoo, Livingstone Chilwane, Tebogo Makgatho, Yanesh Ramiah, Bolelang Rakeepile (treasurer), Sipho Ndaba (secretariat) and Mdu Mkhonza (vice-chairman).
The representation of the new executive team geographically represents the non-profit organisation`s geographically dispersed membership base. Accordingly, Gauteng has four representatives on the national executive; the Western Cape three; KwaZulu-Natal two; Free State one; and the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga one each.
Mdwaba explains the delay in electing and appointing the executive team: "As the national executive is made up of members of the regional executive teams, we had to wait for those regions that were late in conducting their annual general meetings (AGMs). Nevertheless, we did get to a point where we decided to proceed with electing the national executive as some of the regions were taking too long."
Due to delays in conducting AGMs, representatives from Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape will only have observer status on the executive team until such time as the regions have an updated executive team.
Intimidation, victimisation
The appointment of Mdwaba to the position of chairman is likely to draw some criticism from the organisation`s detractors. Ex-BITF employee Cathy Phage earlier this year accused Mdwaba of intimidation and victimisation. Additionally, rumours have recently emerged alleging that Mdwaba bought some of the BITF`s shares in Blitech at discounted rates.
Ndaba says the Blitech rumours are untrue and malicious. Mdwaba has said that to his knowledge, he has no direct or indirect interest in Blitech.
As for the labour dispute with ex-employee Phage, Ndaba says the matter has been satisfactorily settled, but is unable to discuss the details due to a confidentiality clause that was included in the settlement agreement.
On Mdwaba, Ndaba says the regional teams believed he would be the best person to lead the organisation: "We have absolute faith and confidence in Mdwaba and his capabilities."
Increase, improve
Ndaba says the executive team aims to improve the depth and breadth of its initiatives and increase member participation in its various structures.
"Our office is now fully functional and we have improved our infrastructure [following the burglary and theft of computers in November 2005]. Our aims in the short- to medium-term are to improve communication with members and shareholders; increase our members` participation in various structures that impact black professionals in the ICT sector; continue to influence policy direction around black empowerment issues; improve participation and extend our programmes - particularly our networking events - to the regions outside Gauteng; and grow our women and youth membership," he says.
Adding to this, Mdwaba says members must understand the national executive cannot do all this alone and called on members to contribute in a meaningful way to the forum, its initiatives and the cause of black economic empowerment.
"The BITF is not about the executive team doing all the initiatives, all of the time. It`s important that the people on the ground help us out. All BITF members have to be at the forefront of action in order for BEE to be truly successful in the IT industry," he urges.
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