Mark Davison reports from Cisco Connect 2014, Sun City – Following the fanfare of flag-bearers, dancers and the obligatory drummers, Cisco South Africa MD Alpheus Mangale officially opened Cisco Connect 2014 at Sun City last night.
But while Mangale spent the majority of his address thanking international visitors, partners and sponsors, the major buzz among veteran delegates was the fact that he will soon leaving the company.
The rumour mill has been churning about Mangale’s imminent departure from Cisco SA for some time, but informed sources have confirmed to IT-Online that he is set to join ex-Microsoft MD Mteto Nyati at MTN.
Nyati caught the IT industry be surprise when he resigned from Microsoft last month to take up the position as head of the newly-focused enterprise division within the cellular giant, aimed at further developing its business outside of its traditional voice and data markets.
Reportedly, Nyati is tasked with ensuring that 30% of MTN’s revenues are generated by the new business unit within the next three years.
Sources say that Mangale, who has enjoyed considerable success in his nearly three year tenure as head of Cisco SA, will take up the position of chief enterprise officer at MTN.
Cisco executives approached at the opening of the 12th Cisco Connect conference and exhibition declined to comment on speculation that Mangale was leaving, neither confirming nor declining the rumour.
IT-Online will keep readers informed of developments as Cisco Connect gets into full swing this morning with various keynotes, breakout sessions and face to face interviews.
