[gnso-vi-feb10] FW: Statement of Interest: Vertical Integration PDP WG: Vika Mpisane

[Glen de Saint Géry <Glen@xxxxxxxxx>]

Forwarded From: Vika Mpisane


Dear Glen et al,

I am interested in joining the Vertical Integration PDP WG. Below is my SOI:

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Statement of Interest: Vika Mpisane

1. Current vocation, employer & position

I am employed full-time by the .ZA Domain Name Authority (ZADNA) - South 
Africa's ccTLD Manager - as a General Manager. I have been in this position 
since April 2006.

I am also Chairman of the African Top Level Domains (AfTLD) association, and a 
councillor in the ccNSO council.

2. Type of work performed

At ZADNA, I have the overall management responsibility of ZADNA, the regulator 
of .ZA. Key work includes:


·         Licensing and regulating .ZA registries (for 2nd level .ZA domains) 
and registrars

·         Developing .ZA regulations and policy and procedure guidelines

·         Creating public awareness about the economic & commercial benefits of 
the DNS

·         Marketing the .ZA space

·         Conducting relevant investigations, research & surveys

·          providing policy recommendations to the South African Minister of 
Communications.

At AfTLD, I chair the AfTLD Board and oversee the work of the AfTLD Manager & 
the AfTLD treasury function. This is a purely oversight role.

At the ccNSO council, I participate in the work of the council including its 
council and certain working group activities.

3. Any financial ownership/senior management/leadership interest in registries

My interest in registries is only limited to the .ZA registry where I am the 
most senior manager and leader. I have no financial interest beyond simply 
being paid a salary and, where applicable, a bonus.

At AfTLD & ccNSO council, I serve in a volunteer (i.e. unpaid) capacity.

4. Interest (commercial & non-commercial) in ICANN GNSO PDP & outcomes

My interest in the Vertical Integration PDP WG is primarily personal - I am not 
representing any organisation. I have been following the new gTLD process 
closely, and in the process I developed a strong interest in the vertical 
integration and cross-ownership discussions. The lessons being learnt also help 
me in defining similar relationships within the .ZA namespace, and in 
understanding what is best practice and is in the best of the Internet DNS as a 
whole.

I am interested in helping African ccTLD & other registries understand issues 
of vertical integration and cross-ownership better. I am also looking at a 
possibility of using the experience gained in this area towards studying for a 
Masters Degree in ICT market competition regulation.

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Please acknowledge receipt.

Regards,

Vika Mpisane
General Manager
.ZA Domain Name Authority (ZADNA)