BITF ushers in new leadership

Johannesburg, 03 Aug 2009

Mdu Mkhonza has been elected as the new president of the Black IT Forum (BITF).

Mkhonza, who previously served as the vice-chairman of the BITF, replaces outgoing president Mthunzi Mdwaba, who will continue to serve as an ordinary member of the organisation.

Other members of the six-member national executive include Morwesi Ramonyai, who will serve as deputy president. The chairperson is Yanesh Ramiah, who is also MD of SwissTech. Motse Mfuleni, CEO of the Imbizo Events Group, was elected secretary general, while Morena Ntsika was elected treasurer. The deputy secretary is Raymond Manzini, from the Mpumalanga government.

Speaking at the annual general meeting last week, Mkhonza said the organisation would continue its efforts to transform the sector, empower IT professionals, and put together a programme for entrepreneurial development.

“My commitment, and that of the team that I'd be working with, will be to ensure the BITF is in good standing in all regions. That's the priority on my agenda. Second is to ensure we transform the sector. And, of course, to promote the exciting programmes in the BITF and the exciting programmes with our various stakeholders,” he said.

The BITF previously identified several challenges in the sector which would make up the key mandate of the new leadership. The organisation identified SME development, empowerment opportunities for black businesses, industry buy-in on the transformation charter, and the gap between the rural and urban digital divide in our country, as some of its future challenges.

The new leadership would position itself strategically in key projects and implement programmes which will create value for members, Mkhonza stated.

“In the next three months, I will make sure that I visit all the regions, assess the state of the organisation and of course put in programmes which will ensure we are visible, because we have delivered value to our members.”