I recognise there are problems with domain names worldwide. The current systems allow for names to be allocated either on a first-come-first-serve basis, or on a proof of trademark, company name, or area, with various levels of restriction. Some top level domain (tld) systems work quite well and others work technically but do not assist economic growth, while others don't work at all. It is with this in mind that I have been pursueing the AfriDNS project for four years.

Organisations can make things happen. Groups can make things happen, but it is every individual in every group in every organisation that make things work. When volounteering for a board role - it is with this in mind - I act accordingly, with passion and energy.

Experience
I am a programmer, designer, a systems and network architect, a product developer and Internet business developer. I lead teams and engineer projects on a business and technical level. In the past two years I have and continue to actively participate in a number of commitees and boards.

Understanding the DNS, Internet address space, Internet ports and their use, related security issues and network computing is core to my knowledge. Applying Internet Protocol into policy is a skill that I am learning, while I actively share ideas and information in the areas of routing and DNS amongst various communities, locally, regionally and globally.

My leadership experience in teams of global researchers, provincial government, developments of various business systems, work in international trade, involvement in various African Internet services and Internet appliances help to construct my platform for the za DNA.

My working style is proactive and and I manage to get things done by expecting the extraordinary. I tend to focus on the big picture, yet work in the details. (For details see my Curriculum Vitae)

Platform
I made a number of promises in 2000 during the ICANN@large elections and I continue to pursue these goals. Including active participation in Internet governance on the following various levels:

a) Global: I seek out information and create awareness of African issues. I promote the region, facilitate global investment, and foster both business and political relationships. This materialises largely through my current role in the Public Interest Registry (.org domain) and over the past two years I have actively worked on developing the public voice in ICANN decision making.

b) Regional: My prediction of growth of Internet in Africa has been well exceeded, especially with Egypt overtaking South Africa in total International bandwidth connectivity, and others close by. I recently attended meetings in Kenya and actively participate in a number of African wide initiatives including Aftld, AfriNIC, AfrICANN and recently AfrISPA.

My direct involvement in regional issues began in 1997 when I lead a team in a UNDP training mission to Nigeria. I have been active in a couple of redelegations of African domain names. African collaboration is growing and as it expands so does regional economic empowerment.

c) National: South Africa is amongst very few countries in Africa with a somewhat mature Internet industry. There have been numerous attempts by government to establish a regulatory framework that will facilitate economic growth and social development. This in concept is strongly in line with my personal goals.

With personal advice from Andile Ncaba, I embarked on a mission to work in Government to experience first hand how things work on the inside. Over the past two years this has allowed me great insight into the real problems facing government as well as a good understanding of the principles of economic empowerment. Black economic empowerment (BEE) is essential for rapid economic and social development. The ICT industry - with specifics to the Internet - clearly requires a good dose of BEE.

d) Local: The CITI (Cape IT initiative) is a not-for-profit company creating Cape Town as a global hub of information technology and the IT gateway to Africa. CITI works on developing the Capes IT cluster, addressing such things as networking, IT skills development, entrepreneur support, research, export and establishing new IT businesses. The most famous projects include the Bandwidth Barn which is recognised as a succesful incubator where Africans cooperate and share resources to reduce costs and develop synergy.

I share my volountary time in the local environment between performing board duties at the Bandwidth Barn as well as assisting the Active Birth Unit and Cape Reptile Club .

Community Activities and awards

Sincerely,


Alan Levin
alan@afridns.org