Telkom SA Appoints Legal Pro Ephy Motlhamme as Group Company Secretary

  • Appointment of Ephy Motlhamme: Telkom SA appoints Ephy Motlhamme as the new Group Company Secretary, effective December 1, 2023.
  • Experience and Expertise: Ms. Motlhamme brings legal, compliance, and governance expertise from the South African Reserve Bank and IDC.
  • Commitment to Governance: Telkom reaffirms its commitment to robust corporate governance and compliance, ensuring transparency, trust, and ethical standards.
Published by
Lethabo Ntsoane

Telkom SA SOC Limited, a leading South African telecommunications company, has announced the appointment of Ms. Ephy Motlhamme as the new Group Company Secretary, effective from December 1, 2023. This move marks a significant development for the company as it continues to strengthen its leadership team.

Ms. Ephy Motlhamme, an admitted Attorney with B.Proc and LLB qualifications, is set to take on this pivotal role. Her extensive background in legal and compliance, including previous roles as the Compliance Officer: Bank Supervision at the South African Reserve Bank and Group Company Secretary at the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC), makes her well-suited for the responsibilities of Group Company Secretary at Telkom.

Return to Telkom: A Homecoming for Ms. Motlhamme

Interestingly, Ms. Motlhamme was not a newcomer to Telkom; she previously served as Telkom’s Group Company Secretary. Her departure from the organization was driven by her entrepreneurial aspirations to establish a legal practice. Afterward, she continued her professional journey as a Company Secretary for Sentech SOC Ltd.

A Seamless Transition

The Telkom Board expressed its warm welcome to Ms. Motlhamme, and the company anticipates her valuable contributions. In the meantime, Mr. Mosia, who has been acting in this role, will continue to fulfill his duties until November 30, 2023, ensuring a smooth transition.

The Role of a Group Company Secretary

The Group Company Secretary plays a crucial role within a company, with responsibilities that encompass various aspects of governance, compliance, and administrative support. This role involves ensuring that the company complies with legal and regulatory requirements, maintaining effective communication between the board and its stakeholders, and overseeing corporate governance matters.

One of the key duties of the Group Company Secretary is to keep the board informed about changes in corporate governance practices and legislation. They are also responsible for maintaining the company’s registers, managing shareholder communication, and overseeing the conduct of board meetings. Moreover, the Group Company Secretary plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the board and the company as a whole adhere to the highest ethical standards and comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

Telkom’s Commitment to Excellence

Telkom SA SOC Limited has consistently demonstrated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and regulatory compliance. The appointment of Ms. Motlhamme as the new Group Company Secretary reinforces Telkom’s dedication to maintaining these standards and continuing its strong performance in the telecommunications industry.

Ms. Motlhamme’s Professional Journey

Ms. Ephy Motlhamme brings a wealth of experience to her new role as Group Company Secretary of Telkom. As an admitted Attorney with qualifications in both B.Proc and LLB, she is well-versed in the legal and compliance aspects of the business world.

Before joining Telkom, Ms. Motlhamme served as a Compliance Officer: Bank Supervision at the South African Reserve Bank. In this role, she gained valuable insights into the financial and regulatory landscape in South Africa. Her responsibilities included ensuring that banks complied with the relevant regulations, a role that demanded a deep understanding of compliance and risk management.

Ms. Motlhamme’s experience as the Group Company Secretary at the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) further enriched her expertise. The IDC is a prominent development finance institution in South Africa, with a significant impact on the country’s industrial and economic landscape. As Group Company Secretary, Ms. Motlhamme was responsible for managing the legal and governance aspects of the IDC’s operations, a role that required a keen understanding of corporate governance and compliance.

Her earlier tenure as Telkom’s Group Company Secretary showcases her familiarity with the company’s operations, culture, and objectives. This prior experience positions her to seamlessly integrate into her new role.

The Importance of the Group Company Secretary

The Group Company Secretary holds a critical position within a company’s executive leadership team. This role serves as the primary point of contact between the board of directors and the company’s various stakeholders. They play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s corporate governance practices and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Some of the key responsibilities of a Group Company Secretary include:

  • Corporate Governance: Ensuring that the company adheres to the highest standards of corporate governance, which is essential for building trust and maintaining the company’s reputation.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Monitoring changes in laws and regulations and advising the board on compliance matters, helping the company avoid legal issues and potential penalties.
  • Board Support: Assisting in the efficient functioning of the board, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and managing board communications.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Managing relationships with shareholders and other stakeholders, facilitating transparent and effective communication.
  • Record Keeping: Maintaining the company’s records, including registers of shareholders, directors, and minutes of board meetings.
  • Ethical Leadership: Promoting ethical behavior and integrity within the organization, aligning the company with its values.
  • Risk Management: Identifying and addressing potential risks to the company’s operations and reputation.

The Group Company Secretary is a key figure in ensuring the company’s legal and regulatory compliance, ethical conduct, and transparent governance.

A New Chapter for Telkom

The appointment of Ms. Ephy Motlhamme as the new Group Company Secretary of Telkom marks a significant development for the company. With her extensive legal and compliance background, as well as her previous experience with Telkom, Ms. Motlhamme is well-prepared to take on this crucial role.

Steady Leadership Transition

During the transition period, Mr. Mosia will continue in his acting role as the Group Company Secretary until November 30, 2023. This transitional approach ensures that there is no disruption to the company’s governance and compliance functions.

An Important Milestone

This appointment is an important milestone for Telkom, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining strong corporate governance practices and adhering to the highest ethical and legal standards. As Telkom continues to play a significant role in South Africa’s telecommunications sector, the company recognizes the importance of robust governance and compliance.

The telecommunications industry is highly regulated, and Telkom operates in a dynamic and competitive environment. It is crucial for the company to navigate these challenges while maintaining the trust and confidence of its stakeholders. The Group Company Secretary plays a vital role in achieving these objectives.

South African Reserve Bank Experience

Ms. Motlhamme’s experience as a Compliance Officer: Bank Supervision at the South African Reserve Bank adds a valuable dimension to her qualifications. The South African Reserve Bank is the central bank of South Africa and plays a critical role in regulating the country’s financial institutions.

During her tenure at the South African Reserve Bank, Ms. Motlhamme would have been exposed to the intricacies of financial regulation, risk management, and compliance within the banking sector. These experiences are transferable to her new role as the Group Company Secretary of Telkom, where compliance and governance are fundamental to the company’s operations.

Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC)

Ms. Motlhamme’s role as the Group Company Secretary at the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) further enriches her background. The IDC is a key driver of industrial development in South Africa and plays a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and job creation.

Her time at the IDC would have provided Ms. Motlhamme with insights into the complexities of managing governance and compliance in a development finance institution. This experience equips her with the knowledge and skills necessary to oversee these aspects at Telkom.

Return to Telkom: A Full Circle

Ms. Motlhamme’s return to Telkom is notable, as it signifies her recommitment to the company. Her prior experience with Telkom, coupled with her diverse experiences in legal, regulatory, and governance roles, positions her to take on the responsibilities of the Group Company Secretary seamlessly.

The Role of the Company Secretary at Telkom

The Group Company Secretary holds a crucial position within Telkom, ensuring the company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and facilitating effective governance. This role involves various responsibilities, including:

RoleResponsibilities
Legal and ComplianceEnsuring the company complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
Corporate GovernanceMaintaining the highest standards of corporate governance, which is crucial for building trust and reputation.
Board SupportAssisting in the efficient functioning of the board, scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and managing board communications.
Stakeholder EngagementManaging relationships with shareholders and other stakeholders, facilitating transparent and effective communication.
Record KeepingMaintaining company registers, such as those of shareholders and directors, and recording minutes of board meetings.
Ethical LeadershipPromoting ethical behavior and integrity within the organization.
Risk ManagementIdentifying and addressing potential risks to the company’s operations and reputation.

These responsibilities collectively contribute to maintaining Telkom’s strong reputation and ethical standards.

What Does This Appointment Mean for Telkom?

The appointment of Ms. Ephy Motlhamme as the Group Company Secretary of Telkom holds significance for the company and its stakeholders. Here’s what this means for Telkom:

Continued Commitment to Governance

Telkom has a track record of adhering to the highest corporate governance standards. The appointment of Ms. Motlhamme demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and strengthening these standards.

Depth of Experience

Ms. Motlhamme’s extensive experience in legal, regulatory compliance, and governance roles equips her to provide valuable guidance to Telkom. Her background in financial regulation, combined with her experience at the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa, enhances her understanding of the unique needs and challenges of a company operating in South Africa.

Smooth Transition

The decision to retain Mr. Mosia in his acting role until November 30, 2023, ensures a seamless transition. This approach minimizes any potential disruptions to the company’s governance and compliance functions.

Enhanced Stakeholder Confidence

Stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, and regulatory authorities, are likely to view this appointment positively. The Group Company Secretary plays a critical role in fostering trust, transparency, and adherence to legal and ethical standards.

Contributing to South Africa’s Telecom Landscape

Telkom remains a key player in South Africa’s telecommunications sector, providing critical services and supporting the country’s digital transformation. The company’s commitment to robust corporate governance and compliance is essential in an industry marked by regulatory complexities.

A Navigational Role

The telecommunications industry in South Africa is not only dynamic but also subject to evolving regulations and technological advancements. The Group Company Secretary plays a vital role in helping Telkom navigate these changes, ensuring that the company continues to meet its obligations and drive innovation.

Closing Thoughts

The appointment of Ms. Ephy Motlhamme as the new Group Company Secretary of Telkom is a significant development for the company. Her background in legal and compliance, combined with her prior experience at Telkom, makes her a valuable addition to the company’s leadership team.

As Telkom continues to evolve in a dynamic and competitive telecommunications landscape, the company’s commitment to governance and compliance remains unwavering. Ms. Motlhamme’s appointment reinforces this dedication and underscores the company’s pledge to operate with transparency, integrity, and adherence to legal and ethical standards.

Moreover, this appointment is a testament to Telkom’s belief in the importance of maintaining strong governance practices and ensuring that it meets its obligations to its stakeholders, including its shareholders, customers, and regulatory authorities. The Group Company Secretary plays a pivotal role in achieving these objectives, and Ms. Motlhamme’s extensive experience positions her well to uphold these responsibilities.

Join Our Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

Sponsored

Start trading with a free $30 bonus

Unleash your trading potential with XM—your gateway to the electric world of financial markets! Get a staggering $30 trading bonus right off the bat, with no deposit required. Dive into a sea of opportunities with access to over 1000 instruments on the most cutting-edge XM platforms. Trade with zest, at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. Don't wait, your trading journey begins now! Click here to ignite your trading spirit!

Lethabo Ntsoane

Lethabo Ntsoane holds a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from the University of South Africa. He is a Financial Product commentator at Rateweb. He is an expect financial product analyst with years of experience in reviewing products and offering commentary. Lethabo majors in financial news, reviews and financial tips. He can be contacted: Email: lethabo@rateweb.co.za Twitter: @NtsoaneLethabo