MTN mum on new MD

Johannesburg, 17 Jan 2007

Africa's biggest cellphone network operator MTN is still finalising the appointment of its new MD for its South African business.

A statement issued by MTN's corporate affairs division yesterday said: "The MTN Group has not finalised the appointment of the new managing director for MTN SA.

"An announcement will be made to the market once a suitable candidate has been found."

There is no word on whether the new boss will be sourced from inside the company, or brought in from outside. MTN also refuses to indicate when it expects to make an announcement.

Brian Gouldie, MTN SA's executive of the consumer business unit, has been acting MD since Maanda Manyatshe resigned on 13 November.

Manyatshe stepped down when allegations surfaced concerning tender mismanagement while he was CEO of the SA Post Office - a position he held before moving to MTN two years ago.

"I am cognisant of the possible negative impact the allegations related to my tenure at the SAPO may have on a listed company such as MTN," he said at the time.