Telecommunications veteran Moses Mashisane has joined Maziv as its chief regulatory and compliance officer, after a distinguished career spanning over 20 years at MTN where he most recently served as general manager of regulatory affairs.

This followed the appointment, in February, of renowned legal and regulatory expert, professor, speaker and author Dr Aniel de Beer as regulatory and compliance managing executive, following a 20-year tenure at Telkom. De Beer also serves as company secretary to Maziv, Vuma and DFA.

Mashisane, who graduated from the University of Limpopo with an LLB degree in 1997, worked for the first democratic Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, and played a crucial role in developing South Africa’s first telecommunications Act, shaping the sector and driving the rollout of new technologies and infrastructure. He also played a key role in successfully lobbying for the release of new spectrum in 2022.

He also worked extensively with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, then known as SATRA, as a council adviser before being headhunted to join MTN.

“It is my absolute pleasure to welcome Mashisane to the Maziv regulatory team. I am excited about what he brings to the group, particularly his extensive expertise and proven experience,” said Maziv Group CEO Dietlof Mare.

“The appointments of Mashisane and De Beer strengthen our position as a key stakeholder in driving telecommunications policy. A strong regulatory and governance team is critical to Maziv’s broader strategy to shape the future of South Africa through connectivity,” he continued.

“Maziv’s mission to promote digital and broadband inclusion is a key reason I chose to join the company. My dream is to see everyone, including those from underserviced communities, connected without discrimination, and to promote universal access to connectivity,” added Mashisane.

“For that to happen, we need a regulatory framework in South Africa that enables investors like Maziv to bring fibre to remote areas across the country. We require a level playing field to ensure that all stakeholders can fairly contribute to enhancing connectivity access.”

De Beer echoed his sentiments, noting that, of all the “heavy hitters” in the telecommunications industry, Maziv has the greatest potential to bridge the digital divide.

“If I can be part of that journey and contribute, then I consider myself privileged. In my role, I want to enable business by maintaining the delicate balance between regulatory compliance and supporting the energy and growth of business.”

Mashisane and De Beer will be instrumental in ensuring that Maziv participates in regulatory and policy discussions, such as the contemplated Electronic Communications Amendments legislation, and drives progress at a sector level. They will also play a central role in ensuring Maziv meets compliance standards and requirements.

Mashisane is a sitting board member on the Digital Council Africa and the South African Communications Forum. He was previously a member of the Digital Migration Council and recently served as a member of the Association of Comms and Technology steering committee. De Beer is also a sitting member of the Digital Council Africa.