President’s Podium

Exactly a year ago I wrote about digital detox. What made me think of it again was, whilst I am trying to write this piece for this month’s newsletter, I find myself continually distracted by e-mail notifications popping up in the corner of my screen, cellphone vibrating as a result of What’s App messages and Skype messages flashing in the background of my screen. Completing this task is now taking twice as long because of all the distractions and I don’t have the discipline to ignore them. Time to revisit the old Pomodoro Technique by setting a timer for 25 minutes and committing to the task for the full length of time without interrupting myself.

The Institute celebrates 60 years this year and I want to dedicate the next several months to writing about some of the individuals who have, or who still are, contributing so much of their time and effort to IITPSA. No single person is more important than the other, as the collective contribution has made the Institute the most successful and recognized ICT professional body in South Africa today.

Tony Parry

Tony is the Executive Director and CEO of IITPSA – a position he has held since 2007. He holds an MBA from Henley and is a member of a number of professional bodies. Apart from the awesome way Tony manages the functions of the IITPSA office, he also lectures part time at the Wits Business School. Since he joined the office, the membership numbers have grown significantly. Tony is meticulous and methodical in everything he does and is phenomenal with numbers. Tony is also a board member of the MICT SETA as well as being the Interim Chair for the ICT Governance and Security Chamber of the National ICT Forum. Tony goes beyond and above the call of duty to represent the interests of IITPSA and its members. He has strong core values, which are perfectly aligned with the Institute’s code of conduct.  If you catch yourself having an ethical debate with Tony, it would be best to walk away quietly, because you will certainly lose the argument. Tony is fluent in English and Afrikaans, has a fair grasp of Southern Sotho and knows some Zulu. It is an absolute pleasure serving with Tony and I want to thank him for his contribution and dedication to the Institute.

If you know of any individuals that have contributed towards the success of IITPSA please mail me their details and a description of their contributions to president@iitpsa.org.za

Ciao
Ulandi