Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has appointed Loyiso Tyira as the interim chairperson of the B-BBEE ICT Sector Council. The appointment means Minki Mazibuko-Thulo has been relieved of her duties as chairperson with immediate effect. William Ledwaba has also been appointed as deputy interim chairperson.
Tyira and Ledwaba will serve in their new positions for six months. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies will use the period to work on the longer-term reconfiguration of the council.
B-BBEE ICT Council Gets New Interim Leadership
The leadership changes follow a period of operational difficulties, resignations and concerns about the council’s leadership. In June, ITWeb reported that the council had been reduced from 22 members to 11 after several resignations between December 2024 and April 2026.
Two deputy chairpersons were among those who resigned. Reasons cited in a report included alleged poor leadership, internal personality conflicts and difficulties focusing on the council’s work.
A special investigation by an audit executive from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies recommended that the council be disbanded because of “dysfunctionality”.
Solly Malatsi Cites Concerns Over ICT Council
Malatsi said he considered concerns raised by current and former council members and stakeholders, along with findings from the department’s special investigation. He said the findings pointed to the need to change the council’s leadership so that it could operate effectively.
[Ferroglobe eMalahleni Smelter Shutdown Threat Puts 350 Jobs At Risk]
“I considered all of the serious concerns raised by current and former members of council, council stakeholders and the findings of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies’ special investigation report into the council and the breakdown of relations between the chairperson and other council members – all of which point to the need to reconfigure the leadership of the council to ensure it functions effectively.”
Malatsi also thanked Mazibuko-Thulo for her service as chairperson. The minister said the changes were aimed at enabling the council to fulfil its responsibilities.
Loyiso Tyira Takes Over B-BBEE ICT Council
Tyira currently serves as chairperson of the Technology Innovation Agency. He previously chaired the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority and served as managing director of the ICT SMME Chamber.
The B-BBEE ICT Sector Council was established in September 2015. Its role is to monitor transformation in the ICT sector by supporting the implementation of the B-BBEE ICT Sector Code.
SEE TODAY'S TOP HEADLINES ACROSS LEADING PUBLICATIONS
The council operates independently under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, with its members approved by the minister responsible for the sector at DCDT following recommendations from sector stakeholders.
The council is currently serving its third term, with its latest members appointed in May 2024 under former DCDT minister and current deputy minister Mondli Gungubele.
