Sipho Mngqibisa

Sipho MngqibisaI have a Bachelor Degree in Law, Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management, Certificate in Management Advance Programme, Certificate in  Legislative Drafting, Post  and a Certificate in Telecommunications Policy, Regulations and Management. Over 16 years of combined experience in policy development, enforcing legislative and regulatory compliance  in fields of telecommunications, broadcasting and postal markets. Currently employed by  the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa and have previously worked for the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, as well as, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa. Drafted a legislation that established the South African Space Agency and have represented South Africa at  the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Legal Subcommittee (COPOUS). Founder Member of the Space Resource Centre which advocated for the establishment of a dedicated space agency to champion South Africa as a leader in the region in space technology. Contributed to the development of legislation that promotes the convergence of broadcasting, telecommunications and information technology sectors i.e. Electronic Communications Act, 2005. Developed regulations for digital broadcasting migration, broadcasting rights and universal service regulations as the manager responsible for broadcasting and policy regulation at the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa. Developed the definitions of universal access, universal service, needy persons and under-serviced areas which are the cornerstone of South Africa’s Universal Service and Access Policy and recently contributed towards the development of the country’s National Strategy for Universal Service and Access  for Universal Service Agency. Served in  National Working Group on Space Science and Technology; Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS);The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Legal Subcommittee (COPOUS), South African Broadcast Advisory Body; Digital Broadcasting Migration Working Group.