The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) Board of Directors signed performance and governance agreements on 29 August 2023 with information and communication technology minister Peya Mushelenga.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mushelenga advised the board to act fairly, in good faith, and to perform their duties in the best interest of the Namibian public. He also urged the directors to adhere to the principles of transparency and accountability and to act independently, while keeping in mind service delivery as their main priority.
In her acceptance remarks, CRAN board chairperson Tulimevava Mufeti said “we thank the honourable minister for entrusting and assigning this important national task, of regulating this robust industry for the benefit of all Namibians, which we shall achieve with dedication, transparency and excellent corporate governance principles. We affirm our commitment to work in harmony, to address challenges with determination, and to seize opportunities with enthusiasm”.
The ICT minister appointed the CRAN board members from 1 May 2023 for a period of three years. The appointments were made in terms of the Communications Act, read with Section 8 of the Public Enterprises Governance Act (No. 1 of 2019).
Section 11 of the Public Enterprises Governance Act requires a portfolio and/or shareholding minister of a board of a public enterprise being constituted to enter into a governance and performance agreement with the board.
Mufeti stated that “the Authority’s successes over the years are directly related to its high ethical values and good corporate governance structures and principles. CRAN enjoys fruitful relationships with key stakeholders such as MICT, and lives out all aspects of its values encompassing Accountability, Passion, Teamwork, Respect and Innovation.”
As part of their duties, the board will be responsible for the overall direction and strategic oversight of CRAN to ensure that the core objectives of the authority remain relevant and applicable.
The board is further tasked with the implementation of the Integrated Strategic Business Plan, which was launched on 1 April 2023 under the theme “Continuing to create value through harnessing the power of ICT”. The board will be appraised on an annual basis, and is expected to provide a performance report to the ICT minister on how the Authority has succeeded in achieving the strategic objectives of CRAN.