CRASA

About Us

Our Focus

Harmonisation of the Postal and Information Communications and Technologies (ICT) regulatory environment in the SADC region in order to improve the Postal and ICT business frameworks and investment climate in SADC.

Our Vision

An Integrated and Digitally Inclusive Southern African Community.

Our Mission

Harmonisation of the Communications Sector Regulatory Environment for the welfare of the Southern African Community.

Our History

The Communication Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) is a forum of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and Postal regulators in Southern Africa. CRASA is a specialized agency of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and was set up in 1997 within the framework of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology (1995).

The Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) was initially the Telecommunications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (TRASA). TRASA focused on harmonisation of telecommunications and broadcasting regulatory frameworks. In response to the Resolution of the SADC Ministers responsible for Telecommunications, Postal and ICTs of June 2009 4.3.2.3, in 2011, CRASA merged with the Southern African Postal Regulators’ Association (SAPRA). SAPRA focused on the harmonisation of regulation of the postal markets in southern Africa. CRASA, therefore, since 2011, focuses on harmonisation of regulatory frameworks for the telecommunication, broadcasting and postal markets.

The main objective of CRASA is to bring cooperation and collaboration of the ICT and Postal regulators to harmonise the regulation of the three sectors mentioned above. CRASA provides the model guidelines, recommendations and position papers on various regulatory thematic areas.

CRASA Structure

CRASA comprises of four institutions, namely; the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Executive Committee (EC), the Specialized Committees and the Secretariat.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The AGM is the supreme decision-making body and meets once a year to receive and approve reports of the Specialized Committees, annual action plans, the annual report and audited accounts as well as the annual budget for the Association. The meeting also offers a platform where members share their experiences through presentations and reports.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee exercises the supervisory functions over the implementation of the decisions of the Association in between the Annual General Meetings. The Executive Committee comprises of four members; Chairperson, First Vice Chairperson, Second Vice Chairperson and Treasurer.

SPECIALIZED COMMITTEES

The Annual General Meeting and Executive Committee are supported by the Specialized Committees, Task Teams and the Secretariat. The Specialized Committees have the responsibility to produce model policies and guidelines on various regulatory functions to be applied by communications regulators in the SADC region. The Model Policies and regulatory guidelines, as approved by CRASA AGM, are submitted to the meeting of Ministers responsible for Telecommunications, Postal and ICT for endorsement.

TASK TEAMS

The Task Teams are established when need arises in order to undertake special assignments as authorized by the AGM.

“It's our shared vision that drives us forward.”

Secretariat

The CRASA Secretariat implements the decisions of the AGM under guidance of the Executive Committee. The Secretariat manages operational, administrative and financial aspects of CRASA activities. The Secretariat plans and organizes CRASA meetings, workshops and conferences.

Mrs. Bridget Mphatso Linzie

Executive Secretary

Mr. Brian Mwansa

Head Postal Services

Mrs. Benedictor Gabadirwe Mothibi

Human Resources & AdministrationOfficer

Mrs. Lebogang Ode Kabomo

Administrative Assistant

Mr. Shukya Jumanne Kiroga

Head Electronic Communications

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee oversees the operations of the Association in between the Annual General Meetings. The Executive Committee is responsible for implementing and monitoring the execution of the decisions of the Annual General Meetings. It also has the authority to make decisions and give policy direction when executing the decisions of the Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee delegates responsibility for day to day activities of CRASA to the Executive Secretary.

The Executive Committee has the authority to oversee the internal control of the operations of CRASA. CRASA internal control system provides reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and transactions are authorised. It is known that even an effective internal control system can only provide reasonable assurance in terms of financial statement preparation and safety of assets. In this regard, CRASA has placed a system that can either prevent or detect material errors and irregularities timely and assurance that they will be dealt with appropriately.

The composition and appointment of CRASA Executive Committee is governed by the CRASA Constitution. The Executive Committee is elected annually by the AGM and consists of four members. No Member serves the Committee for more than two conservative terms except the Treasurer, who is also the host of the CRASA Secretariat.