Here is a rewritten version of the content with a provocative tone:
"Telecoms Insider Calls Out Fiber Firm’s Attempt to Create ‘Digital Kingdom’"
In a shocking move, fiber infrastructure company Maziv has appointed Moses Mashisane, a former MTN executive, as its chief regulatory and compliance officer. This comes at a time when the company is seeking to merge with Vodacom in a deal worth R10 billion, which has been criticized by the Competition Commission due to anti-competitive concerns.
Mashisane, a veteran of the telecoms industry, joins Maziv with a career spanning over 20 years at MTN, where he played a key role in shaping the company’s regulatory affairs. He was a driving force behind the development of SA’s first telecoms Act and successfully lobbied for the release of new spectrum in 2022.
In a statement, Maziv claimed that Mashisane was drawn to the company’s mission to promote digital and broadband inclusion. "Looking back at my career, the reality is that I’ve been focused on one thing: connecting people. Maziv’s mission aligns perfectly with that," he said.
However, critics are sounding the alarm, warning that the appointment of Mashisane and another legal expert, Dr Aniel de Beer, may be a deliberate attempt to shape the industry to favor Maziv’s interests. "The appointments of Moses Mashisane and Dr Aniel de Beer strengthen our position as a key stakeholder in driving telecommunications policy," said Maziv’s CEO Dietlof Mare. "A strong regulatory and governance team is critical to Maziv’s broader strategy to shape the future of SA through connectivity."
Mashisane and De Beer have a long history of involvement in telecoms policy-making, with Mashisane serving as a sitting board member on the Digital Council Africa and South African Communications Forum. De Beer is also a sitting member of the Digital Council Africa.
As the fiber industry continues to evolve, questions are being raised about the potential for consolidation and anti-competitive behavior. "It’s my absolute pleasure to welcome Moses Mashisane to the Maziv legal team," said Mare. "I am excited about what he brings to the group, particularly his extensive expertise and proven experience."
But some are calling foul, arguing that the appointments are a sign of a larger attempt to create a "digital kingdom" where a few powerful players can dictate the terms of the industry. "The appointment of Mashisane and De Beer is a warning sign that Maziv is seeking to consolidate its power and shape the industry to its advantage," said one industry insider.
As the battle for control of the fiber industry heats up, one thing is clear: the stakes are higher than ever before.
