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