Statement on Ramon Thomas

It has been brought to my attention that a certain Ramon Thomas, pictured here, is making accusations about me online. He has not had the courtesy of contacting me, nor to respond to my messages to him, but since nobody appears to have advised him to cease his campaign, I’ll make a brief statement.

Thomas’s main allegation is that there is a dispute between the Computer Society of South Africa (CSSA) and me over a contract that was cancelled some years ago. I have been in touch with the CSSA, which assures me that Thomas does not act on its behalf, nor with its consent. If there ever was a dispute, it has long since ceased to exist.

A peripheral accusation, that “[his] arrogance has destroyed his credibility with most South African government departments,” is not worth answering. Suffice to say that I do not seek popularity with government departments, and am hardly surprised that my views have failed to earn me any.

I have also been in touch with various editors, among them the editors of the publications whose names Thomas mentioned. All, including the editor to whom Thomas tried to peddle his story, have assured me they do not take his smear campaign seriously.

Why Thomas has suddenly launched an attack against me, the CSSA, or both, is a matter about which I could only speculate. Why he has not contacted me, nor made a good-faith attempt to resolve whatever grievances he might have against me or the CSSA, but instead wages his campaign in public forums, is likewise a mystery. Why he has failed to respond to my messages to him, I’ll leave as an exercise for the reader.

To those who have contacted me to ask for clarification about this matter, thank you. To those who haven’t, this will have to serve.