Solly Malatsi Appoints Loyiso Tyira as ICT Sector Council Chair

• Communications minister Solly Malatsi has appointed Loyiso Tyira as interim chairperson of the B-BBEE ICT Sector Council.
• The appointments are for a period of six months while the department completes its work on reconfiguring the council's leadership structure.
• Tyira is joined by William Ledwaba as deputy interim chairperson, and the move aims to empower the council to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.

To address these challenges, Malatsi has appointed Loyiso Tyira as interim chairperson of the ICT Sector Council. Tyira is a seasoned leader with experience in the technology sector, currently serving as chairperson of the Technology Innovation Agency and MD of the ICT SMME Chamber.

Communications minister Solly Malatsi has taken decisive action to address operational challenges and leadership issues plaguing the B-BBEE ICT Sector Council. The council, which was established in September 2015, has been rocked by resignations, allegations of poor leadership, and internal conflicts. In June, ITWeb reported that the council's membership had dwindled from 22 to 11 members due to an exodus of council members between December 2024 and April 2026. This decline in membership was a symptom of deeper issues within the council, including alleged poor leadership, internal personality conflicts, and an inability to focus on its business and work. An investigation conducted by an audit executive from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) recommended that the council be disbanded due to 'dysfunctionality'.

To address these challenges, Malatsi has appointed Loyiso Tyira as interim chairperson of the ICT Sector Council. Tyira is a seasoned leader with experience in the technology sector, currently serving as chairperson of the Technology Innovation Agency and MD of the ICT SMME Chamber. He will be joined by William Ledwaba as deputy interim chairperson. The appointments are for a period of six months while the department completes its work on reconfiguring the council's leadership structure. This move aims to empower the council to fulfill its responsibilities effectively, particularly in monitoring transformation of the sector and facilitating implementation of the B-BBEE ICT Sector Code.

The changes come as part of a broader effort by Malatsi's department to reconfigure the council's leadership structure. This process is aimed at ensuring the council functions effectively, despite its past challenges. The minister has stated that he considered all serious concerns raised by current and former members of the council, stakeholders, and findings from the DCDT's special investigation report into the council's dysfunctionality. He notes that the steps taken are intended to empower the council to fulfill its responsibilities and thanked Minki Mazibuko-Thulo for her service as chairperson.

Lawyers should watch for potential compliance exposures arising from the reconfiguration of the ICT Sector Council, particularly in relation to the implementation of the B-BBEE ICT Sector Code. They may need to advise clients on the implications of these changes for their business operations and transformation plans.

Source: Original reporting via ITWeb