The Business Connexion Group (BCX) has announced the death of CEO Leetile Benjamin Mophatlane on 11 June and has appointed deputy CEO Vanessa Olver to take up the role of acting CEO. BCX said Mophatlane was instrumental in building it into South Africa's leading IT company, and led BCX business activity in the rest of Africa. BCX chairman Tony Ruiters paid tribute to Mophatlane, saying his death is a great, tragic loss to the company and the South African business community. Mophatlane was 41 years old and died of a cardiac arrest.
BCX and Telkom said they are postponing talks related to their merger to mourn Mophatlane's death. Telkom has entered into an agreement to acquire listed ICT BCX, in a ZAR2.7 billion cash offer, funded from its own cash resources. They said both organisations remain committed to the transaction and will recommence the process in due course. The Takeover Regulation Panel has granted an extension for the posting of the circular relating to the transaction until 11 July.
