Change on high at SA’s TopTV

Rebecca Hawkes ©RapidTVNews | 05-02-2012

The rumours have been confirmed: Vino Govender, chief executive officer of South African pay-TV platform TopTV, is stepping down with immediate effect.

Eddie Mbalo, chairman of parent company OnDigital Media (ODM), will be interim chief executive until Govender's replacement is appointed.
"Following discussions that have taken place over a six month period with the board and Govender, a mutual separation has been reached. Both parties believe the agreement will benefit the company in its future developments," ODM said in a statement.
Govender remains a shareholder in the company and will continue to advise Mbalo and the board, it added.
"The decision follows a series of meetings between the Board and management of ODM to discuss the future and possible restructure of TopTV to ensure that the company remains competitive and relevant within the pay-TV environment in South Africa," said ODM.
Mbalo paid respect to what he called "the enormous contribution" Govender made to the TopTV satellite venture over the past six years from its conception and 2010 launch to the present day.
"The launch of a second pay-TV operator into the local market brought with it a shake-up in the industry that resulted in more choice and pricing options for consumers," he said.
Govender added: "It is time for fresh blood to take the business to new heights and I am confident the board will implement and achieve its strategic plans."
The announcement comes just a week after the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) ruled against the launch of three pornographic channels by TopTV.