Telecommunications group Cell C has appointed Maya Makanjee and Godfrey Motsa to its board of directors as the company focuses on accelerating growth and fuelling investor confidence.

The appointment of Makanjee and Motsa to the board brings a wealth of cross-industry knowledge and strategic guidance that will invigorate Cell C's growth trajectory, said Cell C chairperson Joe Mthimunye, highlighting that their combined expertise and leadership would enhance the existing board and enable the company to navigate the dynamic telecommunications landscape and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

“Their impressive track records and diverse experiences will strategically guide Cell C into the future. Maya's expertise in stakeholder engagement, corporate citizenship and sustainable development, coupled with Godfrey's transformative leadership and market insights, will accelerate our growth and reinforce our position as a serious contender in the telecommunications industry. This move underscores our commitment to South Africa and our dedication to delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders,” he said.

Accomplished business leader Makanjee, who has a Master's degree in Business Leadership and a BComm degree, has held various executive director positions across multiple industries for nearly 30 years.

Having served as Vodacom Group chief officer for corporate affairs and FinMark Trust CEO, as well as holding strategic positions at SABMiller and Nestlé, she currently serves as an independent nonexecutive director on several boards, both in the public and private sectors, as well as nonprofit organisations.

“Maya brings a diverse skill set to the table ranging from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to telecommunications and financial services. Her strategic business acumen and comprehensive understanding of governance will be instrumental in guiding Cell C towards a future of success,” said Mthimunye.

Motsa’s appointment to Cell C's board signals a new era of growth and strategic direction, instilling confidence in the investor community, said Mthimunye, adding that Motsa was renowned for driving transformative growth and delivering impressive financial results.

“As the turnaround specialist for MTN South Africa, he successfully made it the most profitable telco in the market. Godfrey's deep understanding of emerging and developed consumer markets, coupled with his exceptional leadership style, empowers teams and inspires results.”

Of the 25 years’ experience earned across the telecommunications, FMCG and financial services sectors, 17 of these years were in the telecommunications sector between MTN and Vodacom.