Kobus Roux

From VillageTelco

I'm responsible for the Wireless Africa initiative of the Meraka Institute at the CSIR. I also take care of some other technology R&D initiatives that aim to contribute to creating a more inclusive information society. At Meraka we do basic research (e.g. research in mesh protocols and real-time video coding), experimental development (e.g. models for rural economic development, innovate use of technology in education, health and disabilities, and pure technology things like IPv4 transport over native IPv6) and in general support advanced skills development in ICT (MSc and PhD studies).

I see the workshop as a step forward in building the alliance of people and organisations that believe in the bottom-up or grass-roots approach to telecommunications infrastructure establishment. Meraka has people that can contribute towards this and I plan to use the workshop to listen for gaps we can address, in technology R&D, in skills development and in linking with government.