Willington Ngwepe, the former CEO of South Africa’s communications regulator Icasa, has been appointed as the new CEO of MultiChoice LicenceCo, the entity responsible for managing DStv’s subscription broadcast licences in South Africa. This announcement marks a significant development in the ongoing restructuring of MultiChoice Group’s operations following its acquisition by French broadcasting giant Groupe Canal+.
In a statement released on Monday, MultiChoice highlighted Ngwepe’s vast experience in both executive leadership and regulatory affairs. His most recent position was as the executive head of regulatory affairs at MultiChoice Group, where he played a key role in navigating the company’s dealings with regulatory authorities. Notably, he was involved in the approvals process for the Canal+ acquisition across Africa.
MultiChoice LicenceCo was created in anticipation of the Canal+ acquisition, aimed at isolating the South African broadcast licence from the broader assets being acquired by the French conglomerate. The move was made to comply with South African law, specifically the Electronic Communications Act, which restricts foreign ownership in South African broadcast licensees to no more than 20% voting rights.
LicenceCo is now the designated entity through which South African subscribers will contract for their DStv services, and its governance structure is central to ensuring compliance and operational stability. MultiChoice emphasized that Ngwepe’s appointment, along with the formation of an independent and experienced board, will ensure the continuity, stability, and regulatory compliance of its South African operations.
“These developments constitute a significant milestone in strengthening the governance of MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd,” said the company in its statement. “The appointment of an experienced and independent board, together with the leadership of Willington as CEO, ensures continuity, compliance, and stability for the operations in South Africa.”
In addition to Ngwepe’s appointment, other key leadership changes have been announced at LicenceCo following the completion of the Canal+ acquisition. The deal saw David Mignot appointed as the new CEO of MultiChoice Group, replacing Calvo Mawela, who has moved into the role of Chairman of Canal+ Africa.
Mignot and Mawela were nominated by MultiChoice Group to serve on the LicenceCo board, alongside Lerato Pule, who was nominated by Phuthuma Nathi, a key empowerment shareholder in the company. Other notable board appointments include Sonja de Bruyn from Identity Partners and Sizeka Magwentshu-Rustenburg, who will serve as the board chair.
These appointments signal a new phase for MultiChoice as it adapts to its new ownership structure and strengthens its governance to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance. Ngwepe’s leadership at LicenceCo will be crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of broadcast regulations and maintaining stability in a competitive and rapidly changing market.
As DStv continues to grow its presence in South Africa and beyond, these strategic governance changes provide a solid foundation for the company’s future operations, both domestically and internationally.
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