Former State IT Agency (SITA) CEO Dr Setumo Mohapi has been appointed Internet Solutions managing executive.
This was announced by Internet Solutions’ parent Dimension Data in a statement issued this morning, when it unveiled its newly-appointed executive leadership team, as it reorganises for growth.
Mohapi’s appointment was revealed after Dimension Data’s parent NTT Group announced the formation of NTT as a global group, while Dimension Data and its subsidiaries will represent the NTT brand within the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
Saki Missaikos, who was managing director of Internet Solutions, has been appointed Dimension Data’s chief strategy and go-to-market executive.
Commenting on the appointment Missaikos says: “Setumo has deep knowledge and insight of both the ICT industry and the broader market in which we operate, as well as technology trends and client expectations.
“His experience, expertise and strong leadership skills will shape the next chapter of Internet Solutions’ success story focused on delivering unparalleled connectedness and digitisation capability for South Africa and the wider continent, and ensure that the company continues on its growth path.”
The company says the new executive team has been structured to execute on the company’s strategic agenda to enable growth and scalability, while retaining its focus as a leading systems integrator and managed services provider to the region.
Grant Bodley, Dimension Data MEA CEO, says: “The recent NTT announcement presented an opportune time to introspect and ensure we are set up to best respond to the demands of the market and our clients. We are incredibly excited at the opportunity that lies ahead of us.
“With this announcement, I am also extremely pleased to advise that our founder Jeremy Ord remains in his role as executive chairman of this business, and Moss Ngoasheng, previously non-executive chairman of Dimension Data South Africa, is now deputy independent, non-executive chairman.”
The company says it remains committed to the development of the region by protecting it from the growing cyber security threats and attacks on all businesses. As such, the company will invest to grow their existing capability, and combine all current security assets, to achieve growth, scale and focus.
In making these appointments, Dimension Data was able to leverage the strong succession planning already in place, the company adds.
At the same time, it says, the group has also brought in outside leadership for a fresh perspective in the case of Mohapi.
Mohapi left SITA in April after four years at the organisation. SITA spokesperson Anthea Summers said when his contract came to an end, Mohapi asked to be released from his post, citing health reasons and demands of the job.
When Mohapi took the reins at SITA in April 2015, becoming the 18th CEO, the agency had since its establishment lacked longevity in its leadership, was plagued by allegations of corruption and labelled useless.
Prior to joining SITA, Mohapi led Sentech from November 2010 to March 2015, where he was widely credited for turning the entity around.
Having served the full four-year term of his contract, Mohapi became SITA’s longest serving chief executive.
He has also held positions at Transtel, Neotel and Telkom.
Mohapi is no stranger to Internet Solutions – in 2004 he was a critical member of the new business ventures team that designed, built and launched one of Internet Solutions’ most successful platforms, Voice.
He has also held positions at Transtel, Neotel and Telkom.
“Internet Solutions is a place where people are passionate about what they do – whether developing new technologies, building the best competencies or servicing clients,” says Mohapi.
“It’s a great pleasure to re-join IS after all these years. I’m excited about the future of this organisation – with the vast opportunities presented by changes in fundamental digital technologies and related user demands and expectations - we have the capability, brightest people and an incredible technology base that we are going to harness to defy the boundaries of creativity and possibility as we develop solutions for and with our clients.”
Mohapi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and computer science, and a Master’s degree in electrical engineering - both from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US. He also has a PhD in electrical engineering from Wits University.
The following people have been appointed by Dimension Data from 1 July:
• Chief executive officer – Grant Bodley
• Chief strategy and go-to-market executive – Saki Missaikos
• Chief financial officer – Barry Curtin
• Business development executive – Steven Nathan
• Chief People and Culture Executive - Michaela Voller
• Corporate Services Director - Zellah Fuphe
• Chief marketing executive – Albi van Zyl
• Dimension Data system integration managing executive – Werner Kapp
• Britehouse managing executive – Ed Gassner
• Security managing executive – Tony Walt
• Internet Solutions managing executive – Dr Setumo Mohapi
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