The first column I wrote for ITWeb, under the Reality Bites banner, was a piece on the personality requirements of candidates seeking to take the top spot at Telkom.
The observations followed the abrupt departure of Telkom CEO Papi Molotsane. My thoughts on the matter were that candidates should be positively tested for multiple personality disorder before proceeding to the interview stage.
This was for the simple reason that it was absolutely impossible to satisfy all stakeholders - government, investors, partners and customers - with the same line of reasoning.
Almost seven months later, the position has yet to be filled. Of course, this comes as no surprise to those close to the highly-sensitive communications industry.
What does come as a surprise, though, is the respect and - dare I reveal a soft spot - sympathy I feel for acting CEO Reuben September.
An officer
Make no mistake, September has been unable to silence Telkom`s critics and the communications behemoth remains one of SA`s most hated companies.
Nevertheless, you can`t help but admire a man who will stand before avid detractors, maintaining an easygoing and almost self-deprecating openness to comments from the floor.
More impressive is that he appears to be frank in his response to these questions and criticisms.
No, he doesn`t know when a fully instated CEO will be appointed. Yes, he is concerned about the departure of key executives and is doing all he can to motivate the workplace. He refuses to shrug his shoulders and direct people to address the new CEO - when an appointment is finally made - on medium- to long-term matters that he probably won`t be in the position to address.
No matter how stressed, concerned or frustrated he must be, when it`s time to take the stage, he is a picture of friendliness and openness.
A gentleman
No matter how stressed, concerned or frustrated he must be, when it`s time to take the stage, he is a picture of friendliness and openness.
Kimberly Guest, senior journalist, ITWeb
What does the future hold for this man who is able to carry himself so well?
Market speculation has it that the top job is not going to be his and that he is aware of the situation. Also, in appointing a team of C-level executives, he has permanently replaced himself in his old role of COO.
Would he be satisfied taking a less strategic role within Telkom?
Personally, I doubt it. Although he is not overtly aggressive, my feel for the man is that he enjoys a job that provides him with a true challenge. Accordingly, any position but the top spot is going to feel a little like early retirement - nice and relaxing for the first few weeks, but frustratingly boring thereafter.
Not that he will leave immediately, because I get the feeling that he truly wants the best for Telkom and understands the ramifications his early exit could have.
A catch
Admittedly, my take on September is on gut-feel alone. Although I have seen him on several occasions, I have only had a handful of personal conversations with him. Perhaps I`ve even been duped and he is an absolute rotter to work with.
Either way, I hope September will be the recipient of a multitude of offers commensurate of his merits once he is ready to depart from the utility. Or put another way: may he receive everything he deserves.
In the meantime, I can`t help but feel that no amount of money could make his current position worthwhile.
Mr September, if the going ever gets too tough, I would be happy to give you a hug... (No insider information required.)
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