Technology and connectivity were central during the recently concluded South African Network Operators Group (ZANOG) 25 conference. The two-day conference took place at uMhlanga Coastlands, between 23 to 24 April.
ZANOG originated in KwaZulu Natal in 2017, as a dedicated space for internet network
operators to connect, share knowledge, collaborate and discuss collective challenges. The
thriving organisation rapidly grew to encompass the entire country hosting with several
gatherings around the country each year.
Co-founder and Durban North resident, Edrich de Lange, said the conference featured informative, engaging and enlightening dialogues for the 200 odd physical and online attendees as they absorbed a variety of information from over 20 presentations and panel discussions. He said: “ZANOG continues to grow, driven by the support and dedication of the tech internet community in South Africa. Whether one is based in Africa or anywhere in the world, ZANOG invites interested individuals, organisations and companies to be part of this dynamic community.” He added that the conference was addressed by various international speakers.
American speaker, Jim Cowie, addressed the preservation of internet history for people researching us in a century’s time. He touched on modern day issues that might greatly affect the protection of the internet. His two biggest fears, governments and Artificial Intelligence that pose real threats to conserving ‘our’ information. He referred to the internet as a great library, similar to the Great Library of Alexandria.
Sudanese information fighter, Sara Alamin was part of two appearances, a panel with ZANOG co-founder, Donald Jolley and Benin’s Technical Engagement Manager from
ICANN, Yazid Akanho, where they discussed collaboration and elevating network operators,
and her own talk where she spoke about building and operating a network system in a war-
torn country. Alamin’s heartfelt opening began with her stating she prays that we never have
to live in a war-torn environment and try to continue with a day-to-day existence.
Towards the end of the first day, Dutch specialist, Pim van Pelt gave a very descriptive and information-heavy observation of the diversity of routers, from small off the shelf to massive and more complex.
De Lange shared that a variety of local SA masterminds accompanied the international guests, sharing ideas and thoughts on AI data centres, ISPs, internet ‘plumbing’, internet vulnerabilities and complexities to address the Youth Unemployment Crisis in South Africa and BEE Enhancement.
