Embattled pay-television operator TopTV is sweating under the spotlight once again, as rumours of a shake-up within its holding company, On Digital Media (ODM), abound.
Vino Govender, CEO of ODM since 2007, says reports that he has been ousted from his position following pressure from TopTV investors are “malicious”.
Govender says that, while he cannot comment in detail at this stage, he has not stepped down as CEO of the company. “I am still CEO of On Digital Media, still director of the board and a substantial shareholder in the company. Any official statement or press release will come from the board or from myself.”
Smoke and fire
An employee of TopTV told ITWeb that, prior to media queries since yesterday, “none of the staff members knew anything about Vino leaving” and says the reports came as a “surprise”.
While an informed source has said Govender's “last day was yesterday” and a new person is already lined up to replace him, ODM chairperson Eddie Mbalo's statement suggests a management shake-up is imminent, but not as yet conclusive. “The board is in discussion with the CEO on a mutual separation, but those discussions are not concluded yet. Until then we will not comment further. The board will issue a statement in due course.”
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), one of TopTV's main investors since its inception in May 2010, declined to comment on the issue, saying: “We believe that this is a matter between the board of TopTV and its management. The IDC will not comment on the operations of the business.”
This latest controversy follows a series of blows that have been dealt to SA's second pay-TV provider, including the loss of three channels within as many months due to non-renewal of contracts. The company's controversial bid to launch a pornography package recently fell through when the Independent Communications Authority of SA refused TopTV's application.
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