[rpd] Policy supremacy

[Tshepo Masuku]

Hi Ben,

The similarity is not mysterious. We addressed the same phrase, and drafting assistance can produce similar wording. I reviewed my message, agree with it, and stand behind it.

Your profile provides context, but it does not confer a higher status in an open PDP. If affiliation disclosure is to be required, it must be a clear rule applied equally to everyone.

I will not engage further in authorship speculation.

Regards,
Tshepo


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________________________________
From: Ben Roberts - AfriNIC <ben.roberts at afrinic.net>
Sent: Tuesday, 21 July 2026 17:47:59
To: Tshepo Masuku <TshepoMasuku26 at hotmail.com>; Gugu Dhlamini <gugudhlamini343 at gmail.com>
Cc: rpd at afrinic.net <rpd at afrinic.net>
Subject: Re: [rpd] Policy supremacy

Gugu and Tshepo,

Perhaps you can explain to us how you ended up thinking of near identical opening sentences to your emails ?

“Introductions can be helpful, but they are voluntary. They should not become an informal test of who qualifies as a “genuine” community member.”

“ introductions can provide context, but they should not become a test of whether someone is a “genuine” community member.”

By way of introduction, my profile can be found here. https://btw.media/en/governance/rir-watchdog/afrinic/benjamin-mark-roberts
Kind Regards
Ben




Sent from my iPhone

On 21 Jul 2026, at 17:15, Tshepo Masuku <TshepoMasuku26 at hotmail.com> wrote:



Hi Ben,

Introductions can provide context, but they should not become a test of whether someone is a “genuine” community member.

An open process cannot presume that familiar participants belong while newcomers must prove themselves. If affiliation disclosure is important, it should be a clear and equal rule covering everyone, including employers, clients, funding, and organisational interests.

Until such a rule exists, contributions should be judged by their substance and conduct, not by whether the established circle recognises the sender.

Regards,
Tshepo

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