In a surprise development, Telkom’s MD of wholesale and networks, Bashier Sallie, is quitting the telecommunications group. Sallie was leading the modernisation of Telkom’s network, which involves a multibillion-rand project to improve fixed-line broadband speeds for consumers.
Telkom group CEO Sipho Maseko announced the resignation in a statement on Friday afternoon. The move comes just days after Sallie took active part in Telkom’s annual Satnac conference, held this year in Stellenbosch.
“Bashier is starting a new chapter in his life. While we are extremely sorry to see him go, we understand his need to use his many talents elsewhere. We wish him only the very best. He leaves us as a lifelong friend of the company,” the statement quotes Maseko as saying.
Maseko lauded the role Sallie had played in core operations crucial to Telkom’s success. “His understanding of the business and insight into industry trends has enabled him to make telling contributions that have greatly benefitted the company, none more so than the network transformation programme which is a very important milestone in the Telkom roadmap.”
Sallie has been with Telkom for 27 years, having joined the company in 1986. He worked in technology and network services for most of that time.
He held various positions including managing executive roles in data and special services, service management and field operations. He also served as the company’s acting chief technical officer from March 2007 to October 2007. He then moved to the IT division before being appointed as senior managing executive of wholesale and networks.
Sallie will complete his contractual obligation and will remain in his role until the end of the year. “During this time he will ensure the smooth functioning of all transitional arrangements,” he said.
His resignation comes in the same week that Telkom announced that its general executive for regulatory affairs, Andrew Barendse, was leaving its employ. Barendse has accepted a top regulatory job at Vodacom. — (c) 2013 NewsCentral Media
