The State IT Agency (SITA) has submitted a shortlist of three candidates for its top post to public service and administration minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi. However, none of those on the list will take the job, say sources.
The move comes nearly a year after former CEO Mavuso Msimang - now director-general of Home Affairs - notified the board that he did not wish to renew his contract with the government agency.
Two independent sources close to the deliberations have revealed the three candidates chosen by SITA's board are from outside the organisation. On the list are Maanda Manyatshe, former MD of MTN SA; Vincent Raseroka, former MD of Cell C Service Provider turned BEE investor; and Pansy Tlakula, the Independent Electoral Commission's standing chief electoral officer.
Too expensive
One source, who asked not to be named for fear of "organisational retribution", says Manyatshe was the board's first choice.
"Manyatshe had a great track record at MTN and was considered by the board to be the best candidate for the post. However, the board realised his outstanding legal action against the South African Post Office (SAPO) could make the appointment unpalatable and so two alternatives were offered," he explains.
Earlier this month, Business Day reported Manyatshe is suing SAPO for R269 million plus legal fees. The legal action follows last year's allegations that he had been involved in tender irregularities while group CEO of the organisation. The allegations, which also claimed his successor, Khutso Mampeule, led to his forced resignation from the cellular operator.
Nevertheless, it is now understood that Fraser-Moleketi refused to approve Manyatshe or Raseroka for the SITA top spot, as they were "too expensive".
During SAPO's 2004 financial year, Manyatshe received total remuneration of R3.2 million. Comparatively, Business Report in 2003 reported that Raseroke was Transnet's highest paid executive, receiving R8.8 million in that financial year.
During SITA's 2006 financial year, then CEO Msimang's total remuneration amounted to R2.3 million.
Too tough
The last candidate for the post, Tlakula, is said to have ultimately turned down the role, as the organisation's structure does not provide a level of support she is comfortable with.
Another source, who asked to remain unnamed, explains: "Quite a few people interested in the position were worried about the level of support from within the organisation. Given that several internal candidates put themselves forward, the person coming in may find himself/herself trying to play soccer alone. It's a worry."
Tlakula this morning said she had never been in contention for the spot.
"This is the first time I've heard about it. I was never approached, nor did I apply for the position," she says.
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With the original shortlisted candidates seemingly out of play, the SITA board once again has to sift through internal and external applicants for the job.
Although ex-Eskom chairman Reuel Khoza's name is being bandied about as a possible candidate, SITA's current chief of business operations Noedine Isaacs-Mpulo is said to be pulling out all the stops to ensure she takes the top spot.
ITWeb was unable to make contact with Manyatshe and Raseroke.
SITA declined to comment on the matter, as did the minister.
"I have no intention to comment on this matter or process. We'll make a public announcement once the appointment is made," says Fraser-Moleketi.