Fibre operator Vumatel has announced that Dietlof Mare will join the company as its new CEO.<\/p>\n
Mare brings fourteen years of telecommunications experience to the company, having previously held CEO positions for Vodafone in the DRC, Tanzania and Albania.<\/p>\n
According to the group, Mare’s experience will see the company through its next phase of growth as it company matures.<\/p>\n
Niel Schoeman, current CEO of Vumatel will step into an executive chairman role at the company.<\/p>\n
“This provides Schoeman with the capacity required to focus on the pioneering and transformational projects which Vuma has become known for,” it said.<\/p>\n
“These projects include closing the digital divide and building smarter safer cities, all which are critical for South Africa\u2019s future.”<\/p>\n
Vuma is currently reported to be in advanced talks to be acquired by\u00a0Remgro, where billionaire Johann Rupert is said to be seeking to consolidate South Africa’s expanding broadband infrastructure industry.<\/p>\n
According to Bloomberg, sources have indicated that\u00a0a deal by Rupert\u2019s investment vehicle would give an equity value of closely-held Vumatel of about R1.1 billion.<\/p>\n
A successful deal would see Vumatel and rival Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) combine. Remgro owns a majority stake in DFA.<\/p>\n
Mare’s appointment is effective 7 May 2018.<\/p>\n