The hunt for a new Botswana Telecommunication Corporation (BTC) chief executive has intensified with the Human Resources Management Consultants (HRMC) firm appraising the merits of shortlisted applicants.
According to industry sources, MTN Managing Director, Katlego Nkwe-Arnone, be Mobile General Manager Anthony Masunga and BTC Acting CEO, Keabetswe Segole, are among candidates shortlisted for the post. However, reliable sources reveal that the post may be re-advertised externally as it was felt there was need to find more suitable candidates suited to the job profile.
Minister of Transport and Communications, Frank Ramsden, has remained tight lipped about who would replace axed CEO Thapelo Lippe, who left the corporation under a cloud.
Ramsden told Sunday Standard that the BTC Board had shortlisted candidates to be interviewed, with the qualifying candidate being offered the job by April.
“We have targeted the month of April because normally some candidates may decline an offer, so this will give us more time to reoffer,” said Ramsden.
He revealed that about 30 people applied, including three expatriates. “I am informed that the majority of the shortlisted applicants are citizens,” Ramsden confirmed.
When contacted, BTC Board Chairman, Leonard Makwinja, echoed Ramsden’s comments that the applications were still being assessed and that the post would be filled before the end of March.
“More than 20 citizens applied for the post,” said Makwinja. The board chairman however denied speculations that the post would be re-advertised externally because no one had met the requirements.
Meanwhile Ramsden stated that he did not know if the BTC Acting CEO had applied for the position.
Keabetswe Segole has been the Acting CEO since the axing of Lippe last October. Lippe was sacked after he had been put on suspension for close to a year.
