The Black Business Council (BBC) has condemned the departure of Isaac Mophatlane from Business Connexion.
In a strongly-worded statement the BBC points out that BCX was founded by Mophatlane and his late twin brother Benjamin in 1996. It was acquired by Telkom just a few years ago.
BCX and Telkom Business operations were merged, and Mophatlane appointed to head up the bigger, merged operation.
On Friday (28 April) it emerged that Mophatlane was leaving BCX with immediate effect. Ian Russel, previously Telkom’s chief transition officer and head of procurement, has been appointed to replace him.
Although Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko has stated that Mophatlane resigned, the BBC in its statement says it believes Mophatlane was forced out of the company,.
Rasethaba adds: “The government, as a major shareholder in Telkom, should bow its head in shame to allow Jabu Mabuza (Telkom chairman) and Maseko to erode confidence in black professionals and to leave black children without a heritage of entrepreneurial success.”
At the time of publication, Telkom had not yet responded to a request for a statement.