Policy Statement
South Africa

Chairperson
Excellencies
Distinguished delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen
 
Chairperson, thank you very much for the opportunity to make this policy statement on behalf of the government of South Africa and it´s people, and congratulations on your ascendency to the Chair. 
 
I would like to join those who have expressed their gratitude for the warm hospitality that we have received in your great country, the state of Jalisco, and the beautiful City of Guadalajara.  Many of us who are first time visitors to this City, and speaking today after last nights experience, can attest to its true splendour and hospitality.
 
I must thank you and the organisers of last nights welcoming event, which was indeed breathtakingly spectacular.
 
As we bask in the embrace of your warmth, and the temperate weather, let us not forget the tragedy of those who lost their families and loved ones in the tragic mud slides that took place in Hidalgo, Santa Maria, Oaxaca and elsewhere in the past week. 
 
Condolences from this conference are in order for the Government of Mexico, its people, and the bereaved.
 
I also join my African colleagues who have expressed their sympathies to the Nigerians who lost their lives in the bombings which took place in Abuja in the same period.
 
Chairperson,
 
The International Telecommunication Union has done a lot of work over the past four years and has increased its visibility in our countries.  We have benefited tremendously from the work of the ITU in many areas.  For example, the ITUs work in ensuring that spectrum management is efficient and effective, the introduction of broadband services to rural communities, and the adherence to the migration programme from analogue to digital broadcasting.  
 
As part of our developmental programme for the digitisation of broadcasting infrastructure, South Africa was able to demonstrate its capabilities during the successful hosting of the FIFA 2010 Football World Cup.  
 
Chairperson
 
ICT innovations have done a lot to minimise the digital divide over the years but many challenges still remain.  For many, ICTs are viewed as a catalyst for long-term economic development.  This has been demonstrated by the success achieved in the rapid growth of mobile communications.  The challenge is to emulate this success in the area of broadband connectivity.  Many countries in Africa are developing and implementing ICT programmes in key areas, particularly with respect to connectivity to schools and health institutions.  These developments have ensured that broadband connectivity becomes a key priority for Africa’s development, although it is still relatively low compared to the rest of the world.  We have, however, seen many positive developments in recent years, especially with the landing of a number of new undersea cables in Africa, which have greatly boosted international connectivity for the region. 
 
To reap the benefits of this progress and tackle the challenge of broadband development throughout South Africa, I have initiated the development of a broadband policy which has been approved by my government.
 
Chairperson
 
On Interoperability, most developing countries continue to face the challenge of ensuring that the equipment that lands on their shores meets both conformity and interoperability requirements. This is mostly because there is often no capacity to test equipment and provide the requisite assurance to consumers about the quality of products and services.
 
Conformity is a first step towards increasing the probability of interface of interoperability.  This is why we hope that this conference will favourably consider our proposed resolution on Interoperability and Conformance. 
 
Finally, Chairperson
 
Cyber-threats do not recognize borders or laws. There is a need for governments, business and civil society to work together to protect and secure their national cyber-spaces and critical infrastructure. Governments through-out the world are not able to deal with the emerging threats on their own.  What is key in tackling cyber-threats is creating awareness for the end users, with regards to cyber vulnerabilities.
 
South Africa is in the process of developing cybersecurity legislation, which will be the first legislation of this kind in South Africa.  The process is expected to be completed in the first half of 2011.
 
Distinguished delegates, South Africa remains committed to contributing to the work of the ITU through the Executive Council.  Once again, we humbly seek your support for our candidature to the ITU Council.
 
Chairperson, distinguished Delegates, I would like to conclude by wishing you all the best during the deliberations and debates of the ITU-PP 2010 conference.
 
¡Gracias a todos!