Top GSSC seat for grabs

Johannesburg, 12 Mar 2009

Gauteng Shared Services Centre (GSSC) CEO Mike Maile will vacate his position at the end of March.

Maile, who joined the GSSC as its COO, was appointed CEO after the firing of previous CEO Mike Roussos in 2004.

A GSSC statement notes that MEC for finance and economic affairs, Mandla Nkomfe, will announce an acting CEO “after consultation with premier [Paul] Mashatile”.

The GSSC states Maile has “expressed confidence in the current executive management team in place and is certain that finding a successor will not be much of challenge”. It adds that the current management team has “solid management experience and rose within the ranks and has the capacity for innovation”.

Maile, who has over 10 years' experience in the public sector, resigned to “take some time off”, saying he would relax with his family and consider his options before taking on a new position.

“I feel I have played my part and, therefore, need some time off to reflect. I have served in the public service in various capacities for the past 10 years.”

Maile concedes his position as CEO was not an easy one: “When I arrived at the GSSC I got the sense that the concept was largely misunderstood. We had to change the perception. I think I have played my part in turning the GSSC from a mere back-office support function to a strategic value driver for the Gauteng provincial government.”

Tainted seat

The GSSC has a history of controversial CEO appointments and, as Mashatile is now Gauteng premier, it is believed he will have a heavy hand in the selection of the new CEO.

In August 2004, then CEO Mike Roussos was fired following a probe into his 50% stake in Capstone, which was awarded a R52 million IT application software services tender.

Mashatile questioned this decision and Roussos defended his action, saying he had declared his stake in the company and it had been approved by the provincial government. Despite this, Mashatile terminated Capstone's contract with the GSSC and fired Roussos.

Maile was appointed acting CEO and in 2005 was appointed to the position permanently. But this appointment also resulted in some controversy.

Following the awarding of a R50 million tender to Business Connexion, it emerged both Mashatile and Maile had relationships with the company.