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Naspers’s Video Entertainment business has appointed Calvo Mawela as CEO of MultiChoice South Africa responsible for MultiChoice SA and DStv Media Sales in South Africa while Mark Rayner, current CEO of MultiChoice SA, becomes Chief Operating Officer for MultiChoice South Africa.
Mawela will focus on strategic developments in the pay television industry, while Rayner will focus on ensuring product and operational excellence that will give DStv customers the best entertainment experience.
In addition, Yolisa Phahle, current CEO of M-Net, will step into the role of CEO of General Entertainment, Fahmeeda Cassim Surtee is new CEO of DStv Media Sales in South Africa, with Chris Hitchings continuing as overall CEO of DStv Media Sales while Gideon Khobane will continue to head up SuperSport as CEO.
“This is a strong leadership team who can to take us into our next phase of growth,” says Imtiaz Patel, Video Entertainment Chief Executive. “While the pay television business faces technological shifts, regulatory and competitor challenges, the core focus remains delivering the best local and international content to our customers, anytime, anywhere on any device.”
The firm expects Calvo and Mark to steer MultiChoice South Africa into the future through their combined strategic and operational skill and experience complement each other. Calvo is well-positioned to drive strategy and growth in our South African operations. He has a rich and varied experience in broadcasting and a proven track record in managing complex issues in South Africa and the rest of the continent.”
Mawela, currently executive in charge of regulatory affairs and policy for Video Entertainment, began his career at Sentech where he was responsible for commissioning transmitter sites. He has held senior positions at ICASA, where he was responsible for technical regulations relating to the broadcasting industry, Orbicom and MWEB.
Mawela led the planning team on the digital broadcasting plan for South Africa and served as a planning expert to the International Telecommunications Union. He also served as a councillor on the Minister of Communications’ advisory body for digital migration and is a registered professional engineer and a member of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers.
Mark has proven himself to be able to get the best out of the business operationally,” Patel said. “His focus will be to deliver the best experience to customers in the best possible way, making sure we achieve our business objectives, including financial and customer satisfaction targets, and drive efficiencies.”
Yolisa has over 30 years experience in the entertainment industry, she joined the company in 2005 and has been leading M-Net since 2014. She started her career as a musician and member of Soul II Soul, performed with Duran Duran, has worked as a producer and BBC executive. Under her leadership, Mzansi Magic was launched and our other local channels which include Africa Magic, Maisha Magic East, Maisha Magic Bongo as well as Zambezi Magic have seen an increased focus in our commitment to African storytelling. In her new role, she will continue to ensure that customers have access to world class local and international entertainment.
Fahmeeda Cassim Surtee is currently Group Sales and Marketing Director for DStv Media Sales and has been involved in the media industry for more than 24 years. She started her career as sports journalist and advertising consultant at City Press newspaper before joining the MultiChoice Group in 1998 where she has been leading key strategic projects to commercialise digital properties and next generation products.
Cassim Surtee holds a variety of qualifications in media management, strategic marketing, business management and journalism and of her many achievements, she has been a Woman of the Year nominee, has co-authored a book on branding and set up a foundation for women in sport in South Africa.
These leadership appointments are effective immediately.
