Managing Executive – WASPA
Biography:
Ilonka Badenhorst is currently the Managing Executive of the Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association (WASPA). Ilonka holds a B.Com Law and LLB degree from the University of Johannesburg, and after completing her Articles of Clerkship, moved over into the telecommunications industry. She has also completed post graduate qualifications, focusing on Board Governance and Anti-Money Laundering and the Combating of Terrorist Financing.
Over the past decade she has held key roles in legal, compliance and regulatory management, and business development in both local and international companies. Ilonka joined WASPA in 2014 and moved to the Managing Executive position in 2021.
Ilonka was elected to the WASPA Board during 2021 and oversees the Membership Portfolio.
Motivation:
I have been an active participant in the industry for over a decade. I have gained substantial experience in inter alia the aggregation, content, marketing, messaging, privacy, and security sectors, within South Africa as well as companies abroad.
I have been at the helm of running WASPA since 2014 and have been responsible for the day-to-day operations, including but not limited to: management of all employees, independent contractors and suppliers; relationship management with all stakeholders, including members, the MNOs, government and other relevant stakeholders; overseeing the various portfolios; ensuring that the strategies as directed by the Board are successfully implemented and that projects are driven forward.
I believe that both my experience and institutional knowledge will contribute to ensuring the growth and sustainability of the industry. As I am not involved with any member company, it places me in the optimal position to be independent and to ensure that all factors are considered when decisions are made – including the member’s, MNO’s, consumers, and other stakeholders’ interests – ensuring a healthy balance within this dynamic ecosystem.
I would like to continue working towards achieving WASPA’s mandate and to ensure that the association adds value to all stakeholders involved.