The second regional ICT Discussion Forum was hosted by SANGONeT and CANGO at Mountain Inn, Mbabane from the 2nd to the 3rd of August. This two-day event discussed ICT policy issues in Swaziland, and how they affect different sectors such as civil society, academia, women and the corporate sector. Participants were given practical training on some ICT applications like Wiki’s and Blogs. In addition, challenges and opportunities facing civil society organisations in Swaziland in regards to their participation in ICT matters were discussed at length.

Speakers included Honorable Absalom Dlamini, Acting Minister of Tourism, Environment and Communication; Richard Mabuza, Secretary, ICT Task Team; Nathaniel Mahluza, Director, Computer Services Department; Dr Petros Mashwama, Lecturer, University of Swaziland; Phumzile Dlamini, Gender Specialist, CANGO; Francis Dlamini, Swazi MTN; Anderw Rens, Director, African Commons Project; Mlungisi, Director, Megabytes; Jabu Matsebula, Secretary-General, CECS-Swaziland; Denis Branjes, Director, Managing Director, OpenLab.

The Swaziland ICT Discussion Forum attracted a total number of 70 participants, drawn from civil society, government, private sector and academic institutions.