"Over the past few years Cuasa has grown from strength to strength, and has proved the organization can make an important and constructive impact in the industry," says Van den Bergh.

"The SA telecommunications industry and associated regulation and legislation still has a long way to go before we will see cost-effective communications on a par with international trends.

"That said, I believe that Cuasa is starting to reach its fighting weight in terms of effectively representing communications users to Parliament, Icasa and the media.

"Providing a voice for communications users is critically important - Cuasa has certainly taken pole position in fulfilling this key role, and this continues to be recognized by key stakeholders and industry players alike," he adds.

Edwin Thompson has been a Cuasa executive member since the organization"s formation five years ago, has been involved in the telecommunications industry since the beginning of 1982, and is also a senior executive at UUNET SA.

"Thompson"s extensive experience within the telecommunications sector, coupled with his commitment to driving change and adaptability throughout SA"s ICT sector, are qualities that Cuasa can look forward to," says Cuasa spokesman, Ray Webber.