DOC welcomes Moholi's appointment

Story = The Department of Communications (DOC) has welcomed the appointment of Nombulelo “Pinky” Moholi as the new CEO of Telkom.

“We believe that the appointment of the CEO will ensure the required stability at the leadership level of the fixed-line operator and, in turn, enable the company to efficiently implement its turnaround strategy,” says the DOC.

In a statement, it also says communications minister Roy Padayachie believes the appointment of Moholi as CEO and last month's appointment of Lazarus Zim as chairperson are great developments towards achieving a full complement of leadership at Telkom.

“When I took office four months ago, I committed to work with speed to ensure stability at all state-owned enterprises within my portfolio and companies that government has an interest in. I am, therefore, pleased that, working with the other shareholders at Telkom, we have been able to bring the stability that's required for the successful implementation of the much needed remedial measures that would see Telkom functioning optimally,” says Padayachie.

The DOC also says it sees Telkom as a crucial and strategic asset that should continue to play a significant role in bridging the communication divide in the country and ensure SA remains a desirable investment destination.

“Telkom must continue to work towards ensuring that SA's marginalised communities are connected, have access to information and are able to take advantage of the opportunities brought by technological innovations,” says the DOC.

“Moholi is an extremely talented person with exceptional qualifications and qualities, who has made history by becoming the first black woman CEO of a listed telecommunications company in SA.”

The minister adds that her years of experience at Telkom and other organisations will put her in good stead as she takes on this new role.

Moholi has stated her biggest challenge is the problem of leadership stability. She says this is the most urgent area that needs attention. Deon Fredericks is still acting as CFO, after Peter Nelson resigned last October, and Moholi's previous position as MD of Telkom's local operations will also need to be filled.

Government has said it will continue to work with the other shareholders at Telkom and the board of directors to ensure all the key vacant positions at the fixed-line operator, including the position of CFO, are filled within a “reasonable period of time”.

It was widely speculated that government would appoint a Telkom CEO of its choosing before its Class A shares expired earlier this month. Government does, however, remain Telkom's single biggest shareholder, with 39.8%, and was expected to have a large amount of sway over who would get the top post.

The SMME Forum has also welcomed Moholi's appointment, hailing it as “groundbreaking”.

The forum says her appointment should set an example for other large ICT corporations to “recognise and reward the immense contributions and strides women have made over the years in the sector”.

“We also believe that she will be able to contribute towards the national imperative of bridging the ever-expanding digital divide between the privileged and underprivileged majority.”

The forum adds, however, that it is aware of the mammoth task and expectations placed on Maholi's shoulders. “In this regard, the forum pledges its unqualified support for Mrs Moholi and wishes her success in her new role.”