It has been confirmed that former Telkom executives Thami Msimango (who was chief technical officer) and Wally Beelders (the 30-year stalwart who headed up marketing) have moved to Vodacom.
Both resigned from Telkom in the past six weeks, in the run-up to the departure of the fixed-line operator's CEO, Papi Molotsane.
Beelders and Msimango will now be key figures in a new, and for now unnamed, Vodacom Internet service provider (ISP) company that has been quietly established. It is set to be Vodacom's version of MTN Network Solutions.
Vodacom spokesperson Dot Field says the new company was launched in reaction to the Electronic Communications Act.
"We have created a new company, which will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Vodacom Group. This new entity will be responsible for all WiMax, ISP and VPN (virtual private network) business for Vodacom," she says.
This new company, she adds, began business operations at the beginning of April. A managing director will be appointed in due course, but for the time being Vodacom's COO Pieter Uys will be acting MD.
Chris Volschenk has been promoted to the position of CFO of the new company.
Vodacom boss Alan Knott-Craig comments: "These appointments and organisational adjustments are highly strategic for Vodacom.
"As we continue to grow, it is important that we remain a successful and sustainable business and that we are able to seize opportunities that are presented by convergence."
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