Cynthia Leungo Lesufi
Cynthia Lesufi studied law at the University of North-West, Mafikeng, and Master of Arts in ICT Policy and Regulations at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. She also did a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Practices at Henley Business School, Africa. In addition, she obtained a Certificate in Telecommunications Policy, Regulation and Management from Wits Business School.
Cynthia is a seasoned Policy and Regulatory Development Manager with over 15 years of experience in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. In her current role in the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) she is responsible for key areas such as developing and implementing ICTs communications strategies and policies and stakeholder relations engagements. She is the current ITU Minister Council and African Coordinator for ITU Activities in Geneva.
Cynthia has been privileged to be one of the key members of the national delegations to supra- national conferences of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Telecommunications Union (ATU), United Nations (UN) and International Telecommunications Union (ITU). She has actively participated in and led the preparation of contribution documents to conferences in the form of South African position papers for developing a global policy framework on emerging technologies. She has participated in several ITU council meetings and ITU study groups and working group meetings. She was also a panellist for WISIS Forum 22 session on ICTs Access and Affordability in Developing Countries for Digital Inclusion
She also participates actively in developing and implementing national digital policies, policy direction and legislation. She has led the development process of the Draft National Data and Cloud Policy that is due to be finalised.
Cynthia is highly skilled in effectively communicating national and regional government policy positions in multilateral and bilateral relations at international fora. She is experienced in engaging with complex stakeholders within SADC and the African continent for purposes of lobbying for and developing common regional positions and proposals for international conferences. Her experience includes managing sizeable teams, project management, leading ICT policy formulation and implementation, and stakeholder engagement across the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society. She has vast experience in involvement and working with multilateral and international organisations. In addition, Cynthia is experienced in fostering inter-departmental and country collaboration and cooperation in the implementation and monitoring of the ITU’s resolutions, recommendations, and international treaties.
