Dear members of WISCom,
As you probably know, the Affiliations Committee is evaluating a Wikimedia
User Group application from Wiki In Africa, a non-profit voluntary
association based in South Africa with a financial and legal structure that
operates global initiatives in support of the WikiAfrica movement.
As part of the recognition process, we reached out to affiliates in Africa
to notify them of the application and to solicit their comments and
concerns with regards to the Wiki In Africa group. We received 6 comments
opposing the application and 3 supporting it (with a further 6 groups that
did not respond to the request). Based on the comments, it has become clear
that there is an issue with Wiki In Africa’s open-ended and overarching
scope and nature of activities, which may cause multiple conflicts if the
group were to be recognized in its current form.
We are therefore reaching out to you, as an elected body representing
affiliates in the region, to understand your stance on this application and
to request your help in answering the following questions:
1. What role do you perceive the Wiki In Africa group to be playing in
the region?
2. Would a more narrow thematic scope for the Wiki In Africa group be
acceptable to regional affiliates? If so, what narrowing of scope would
you recommend?
We deeply appreciate your insight and assistance in this matter as we
continue our review of this application.
Regards
Kirill Lokshin
Chair, Affiliations Committee