Mark,
It pains me to write this, but from a "new” member’s perspective my 1/2 cents worth:
On 12 Jun 2025, at 18:01, Mark Elkins via zanog-discuss zanog-discuss@lists.nog.net.za wrote:
I disagree with Edrich. The list excludes people with institutional memory of AFRINIC.
It doesn’t help that you have the institutional memory, but no electoral support… and that a great part of the African continent (and also of South Africa’s member) do NOT want you elected ;(
I would suggest replacing Adewole Ajao (17 or 20 years of Internet experience) with myself, Mark Elkins, an ex-Board Member of six years at AFRINIC, member of the Institute of Directors (SA) as well as serving on other Boards and has 40 years of Internet experience.
Great, you do have the experience, but UNFORTUNATELY you have the history/baggage of dropping the continent (and AfriNIC members that made the effort to support you) at the worst possible time. I did not know that myself until I’ve heard this from multiple sources across the continent and South Africa.
Here is the problem Mark: As it stands *today*, I do see you as a vote splitter having support here in ZANOG etc., and playing for the Lu Heng/CIL/NRS team. You might not think that nor intent to do that, but the fact of the matter is, by trying to force yourself in, you are causing more division locally causing weakness and as a result strengthening the LuHeng/CIL/NRS ;(
If you want to redeem yourself, rather own up to your mistake, do ask forgiveness, step aside for the young blood, and avail yourself to ASSIST THEM and guide them in the path ahead from what you’ve experienced.
I’m sorry for what has happened to you while on the board before, but yes, you have let people down, and (having had to learn this 20years ago working at IS): People don’t remember your 10 last good deeds, they remember your last mistake and how you handled that.
Now, I am awaiting to see the next steps what is going to happen in Mu (not just the elections but other legal battles being fought), hoping the election gets done and I get my resources… but mostly I’m (as an invoiced-and-paid-up-new-member-without-resources-for-6months) am afraid of a win for NRS/CIL/LuHeng
Just my ZAR0.005
HEndrik Visage