MTN South Africa welcomes Khumbudzo Ntshavheni as the new minister of communication and digital technology.
On 5 August, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced several high profile changes to his cabinet of ministers, including the appointment of Khumbudzo Ntshavheni as the new minister of communications and digital technology.
The telecommunications sector has welcomed the appointment of Ntshavheni, with leading companies like MTN South Africa, Telkom and Vodacom pledging their support to the new minister.
MTN South Africa CFO Dineo Molefe says that the group has confidence that Ntshavheni’s leadership will serve the industry well and will advance South Africa’s efforts towards building the digital economy and reducing digital divide. “We pledge our support to the new minister for the biggest task ahead for South Africa to unleash the potential of the fourth industrial revolution.”
She adds that Ntshavheni’s appointment brings with it a “furthering of the national priority regarding the finalisation of the licensing of high-demand spectrum to unlock economic growth and giving all people access to the power of communication”.
Vodacom echoed this statement, saying it is hopeful that under Ntshavheni’s direction, the spectrum impasse may be resolved as quickly as possible, in the best interests of consumers. “We remain ready and willing to assist Minister Ntshavheni in any way possible.”
Telkom said it looked forward to working with Ntshavheni and her ministry, and had full confidence in her ability to lead the department. “We pledge our co-operation to advance the sector. We hope that the minister will ensure that the policies in the sector promote more competition, which will ultimately benefit South Africans,” the group said.
