Maziv’s Regulatory Coup: A Threat to Telecoms Industry?
Maziv, the fibre infrastructure firm behind Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa, has appointed Moses Mashisane, a telecoms veteran with over 20 years of experience, as its chief regulatory and compliance officer. This move raises eyebrows, given the company’s controversial merger with Vodacom, which is currently under scrutiny by the Competition Tribunal.
Mashisane, who previously worked at MTN, is no stranger to regulatory battles. He was a key player in shaping SA’s telecoms policy and has a reputation for being a formidable negotiator. His appointment sends a clear message that Maziv is gearing up for a fight to protect its interests in the sector.
The company’s group CEO, Dietlof Mare, hailed Mashisane’s appointment, saying he brings "extensive expertise and proven experience" to the table. However, some industry insiders are questioning the timing of the appointment, given the ongoing controversy surrounding the Vodacom-Maziv merger.
Mashisane’s predecessor, Aniel de Beer, who joined Maziv in February, has also been making waves in the industry. A legal and regulatory expert, professor, speaker, and author, De Beer has a strong track record of navigating complex regulatory issues. His appointment as company secretary to Maziv, Vuma, and DFA has raised eyebrows, given his close ties to Telkom, where he spent 20 years.
De Beer’s statement that he wants to "enable business by maintaining the delicate balance between legal compliance and supporting the energy and growth of business" has been interpreted by some as a thinly veiled threat to regulators and competitors alike.
The appointments of Mashisane and De Beer have sent shockwaves through the telecoms industry, with some speculating that Maziv is preparing for a showdown with regulators and competitors. Only time will tell if these appointments will prove to be a blessing or a curse for the company.
Will Maziv’s Regulatory Coup Pay Off?
As the industry waits with bated breath to see how the Vodacom-Maziv merger plays out, one thing is clear: Maziv is gearing up for a fight. With Mashisane and De Beer at the helm, the company is positioning itself to take on regulators and competitors alike.
But will this aggressive strategy pay off? Only time will tell. In the meantime, the telecoms industry is holding its breath, waiting to see how this regulatory coup will play out.
