Willington Ngwepe, the former CEO of the communications regulator Icasa, has been named the new CEO of MultiChoice LicenceCo, the entity responsible for managing DStv’s subscription broadcast licences in South Africa.
MultiChoice highlighted Ngwepe’s vast experience in executive leadership and regulatory affairs, noting that he previously served as the executive head of regulatory affairs at MultiChoice Group. In this role, he was key in managing the company’s interactions with regulatory bodies, focusing on overseeing the approval process for the Canal+ acquisition across Africa.
LicenceCo was established before the acquisition by French broadcasting firm Groupe Canal+ to separate South Africa’s broadcast licensing assets from those acquired at the group level. This strategic move was designed to comply with the Electronic Communications Act, which limits foreign ownership and voting rights in South African broadcast licensees to a maximum of 20%. LicenceCo will act as the contracting entity for South African DStv subscribers.
AfriFund Investments, a shareholder in LicenceCo alongside Identity Partners and Phuthuma Nathi, MultiChoice’s black empowerment initiative, is led by former Telkom Group CEO Sipho Maseko, who will serve as a “board observer” for LicenceCo.
MultiChoice stated, “These developments mark a significant milestone in enhancing the governance of MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd. The appointment of a seasoned and independent board, along with Ngwepe’s leadership as CEO, ensures that we maintain continuity, compliance, and stability in our South African operations.”
These changes follow Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice last month, which also included the appointment of David Mignot as the new CEO of the MultiChoice Group. Mignot replaces Calvo Mawela, who is transitioning to the position of chairman of Canal+ Africa.
Both Mawela and Mignot have also been nominated to serve on the LicenceCo board, alongside Lerato Pule, whom Phuthuma Nathi nominated as its interim representative. Other board nominations include Sonja de Bruyn from Identity Partners and Sizeka Magwentshu-Rustenburg, who will be the board chair.
