KSS ups its BEE shareholding - delivers more value

KSS, a converged network integrator focusing on integrated data, voice and/or video solutions, has recently increased its black economic empowerment (BEE) shareholding with the inclusion of two new stakeholders - Lazarus (Rusty) Mtshali and Ntsundeni Madzunya.

Together they own a 30% stake in the business with an additional 11% owned by BEE staff, increasing the total BEE shareholding to 41%.

Madzunya takes up the role of chairman, overseeing the strategic direction and growth of the business, while Mtshali, previously a non-executive director, fulfils the role of executive director of new business development. Both newly-appointed directors will take active roles and plan to grow the business by doubling its turnover in the coming year. Andre Maree will continue with his existing responsibility as managing director.

Says Madzunya: "This is the first step towards fulfilling our goal of increasing KSS's empowerment status. The next phase includes another incremental increase to approximately 45% and, towards the end of 2007, we plan to reach our goal of a 50% plus BEE shareholding."

Madunza, acknowledged for his general contribution to ICT as he is the current ICT Personality of Year, delivers a wealth of experience to the organisation with a career that spans over 20 years in the ICT sector, including 15 years service at IBM. His experience gained in distribution, and his most recent position as CIO at the South African Post Office, provides a solid foundation for expanding KSS's business, and driving the organisation forward into new markets.

Mtshali, too, offers a significant contribution to the business with experience gained in the telecoms sector, part of the convergence mix which is core to KSS's business. He has also gained experience in the public sector, an important target market for KSS. Mtshali is no stranger to empowerment and contributed to the growth of historically disadvantaged individuals when appointed CEO for Technology for Women in Business (TWIB) by Hon Ms Lindiwe Hendricks, then deputy minister of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Skills development is a key focus of the company moving forward and KSS plans to intensify its efforts in this area. Currently the company offers a learnership programme with two learners from the IT Banking Learnership Programme. It plans to expand this to four additional learners next year. In addition, the company actively promotes certification, education and training among its existing workforce.

KSS's clients stand to benefit significantly from the new shareholding with even more strategic input from the new members of the executive team. Their management experience, and strategic intent to grow and continually empower the business, will ensure KSS grows from strength to strength, delivering better service and expertise to its customers. Staff will also benefit from the growth plans as this will provide new and challenging opportunities for them to develop alongside the business.