At a sod turning held today in Bloemfontein, FibreCo Telecommunications (FibreCo) broke-ground to start the construction phase of its much anticipated long-distance fibre optic network, which is set to revolutionise telecommunications in South Africa. The Company will invest up to R5 billion in infrastructure over the next five years, with a vision of ultimately building a network of over 12,000 km.
Construction has commenced on a 2,000 km link between Johannesburg and Cape Town, to be connected through Bloemfontein, East London and Port Elizabeth, and providing access to a wide range of rural and smaller urban areas along the route.
FibreCo breaks ground on its fibre optic cable network
May 7th, 2012 | adminConvergence Partners welcomes Derek Wilcocks as new CEO of Dimension Data Middle East Africa and Saki Missaikos as new MD of Internet Solutions
May 4th, 2012 | adminAllan Cawood, CEO of Dimension Data Middle East & Africa (MEA) has stepped down after serving the company since 2001 to pursue other personal and professional interests. Derek Wilcocks, Managing Director of Dimension Data’s wholly-owned Internet Solutions business, has been appointed to succeed Cawood as CEO with immediate effect. Saki Missaikos, currently Sales Director for Dimension Data MEA since 2003, will over the reins as Managing Director of Internet Solutions in Derek’s stead.
Convergence Partners wishes to take this opportunity to wish Allan well in his future endeavours and to thank and congratulate him on his solid stewardship of the business. During Allan’s tenure as CEO the business achieved three-fold revenue growth and doubled profits.
Dimension Data awarded number one EMC partner status in South Africa
May 3rd, 2012 | adminDimension Data has been awarded number one EMC partner status in South Africa. This accolade was presented on the back of a recent acknowledgement as part of an elite group of integrators to participate in the EMC Velocity2 Signature Solutions Centre Partnership Programme.
The accolade of number one EMC partner status in the country is based on the strength of Dimension Data’s long-standing relationship with EMC, its commitment to the development of skills, adherence to a stringent set of requirements, and overall revenue generated.
Integrat’s Dieter van Rooyen re-appointed to the Management Committee of WASPA
April 25th, 2012 | adminDieter van Rooyen, Operations Director at Integrat, has been re-appointed to the Management Committee of the Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association (WASPA), the industry association that regulates the activities of the mobile content industry.
While the names of the members of WASPA’s Mancom for 2012 and the portfolios and working groups are largely unchanged, members say that their increased joint experience will stand the association in good stead as it promotes its mandate of encouraging mobile uptake.
Andile Ngcaba presents at the Department of Communication’s Policy Colloquium
April 25th, 2012 | adminChairman of Convergence Partners, Andile Ngcaba, made a keynote address at the Department of Communications ICT Policy Colloquium on the 19th of April 2012 about building a digital life for all South Africans.
His presentation was a summary of a detailed paper prepared for the event. In the paper, Andile presented that the ICT sector had experienced significant technological advancements over the last decade that had necessitated a comprehensive review of the laws and policy framework governing the sector.
“Video: Seacom CEO interviewed on the development of broadband across Africa”
April 19th, 2012 | adminMark Simpson, Chief Executive Officer at SEACOM said during his discussion with Natascha Jacobsz at ABN studios, “Broadband connectivity will spur growth in African economies over the next decade, but there is still plenty of work to be done in building the telecommunications infrastructure that will connect the continent to the global village”.
Dimension Data CEO Brett Dawson interview: Job creation is the business of business
April 4th, 2012 | adminBrett Dawson, CEO of Dimension Data, was recently interviewed by the Sunday Times as part of its EACH ONE HIRE ONE series about dealing with unemployment in South Africa. Extracts of the interview are reprinted below.
Of all the socioeconomic challenges facing South Africa, unemployment must be the greatest. It represents not only wasted potential and productivity, but is depriving us of the future it deserves. Of course, employment means much more than earning an income: it promotes self-worth, independence and innovation. More jobs would have an invaluable effect on the social fabric of this country, reducing poverty, crime and violence.
Convergence Partners CEO appointed to FTTH Council Africa Board
March 30th, 2012 | adminBrandon Doyle, CEO of Convergence Partners, has been elected to serve as a Board member of the FTTH Council Africa. The Board selection process resulted in a shortlist of 10 nominees of which five were elected to serve thereon.
Also appointed to serve in the board is, Ms Zellah Fuphe from Plessey, Mr Johan Kleynhans from MCT and Mr Alfie Martins from Zhone.
Dimension Data and Internet Solutions expands cloud services
March 29th, 2012 | adminDimension Data and Internet Solutions have introduced a comprehensive portfolio of cloud computing services across the South African region, offering companies a flexible and cost-efficient new way of procuring computing resources. The companies also announced the launch of its Managed Cloud Platform™ (MCP), a pre-integrated and fully-managed foundation for global cloud delivery, in Johannesburg.
SEACOM’s Brian Herlihy named one of WEF’s Young Global Leaders for 2012
March 14th, 2012 | adminConvergence Partners congratulates Brian Herlihy, founder and Executive Director at SEACOM, who has been named as one of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) 192 Young Global Leaders for 2012. The annual honour recognises up to 200 outstanding young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.



