Electronics, networking and communications company Cisco has announced that Alpheus Mangale will be assuming the role of managing director for Cisco South Africa (SA). Mangale will be in charge of driving the next phase of the company’s growth strategy within this region.

The new CEO will be based in Johannesburg and report directly to Cisco’s senior vice president for the Emerging Theatre, Duncan Mitchell, who succeeded David Meads in this role. Meads will now work alongside Mangale, to assist him as he transitions into his new position of MD.

Under Mangale’s leadership, Cisco South Africa will continue to focus on enabling digital inclusion, by working with local government and organisations, in order to facilitate ICT transformation and boost local economic development.

According to the company its local operations have grown considerably over the years, representing a product and services business that is one of the largest in Cisco’s Emerging Theatre within Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

“I welcome this challenge to further strengthen and grow Cisco’s position as a leader in the ICT sector in South Africa,” sated Alpheus Mangale, Cisco SA’s newly appointed managing director.
“As a strong, emerging economy and member of BRICS, South Africa is an established business hub on our increasingly powerful African continent.”

“The time is ripe to harness the power of the network to increase productivity levels, supporting accelerated GDP growth rates and an ever-higher standard of living. I look forward to helping to drive even more success from Cisco’s South Africa business in the future as our talented team captures the many opportunities we have across this nation.”

Duncan Mitchell, senior VP for Cisco Emerging Theatre added: “South Africa is a priority country in Cisco’s Emerging countries theatre and we’re excited by all the opportunities and growth we’re experiencing in the country as technology and talent unite.”

“I’m confident that under Alpheus’ leadership, given his proven expertise, Cisco will continue to engage strategically and successfully with both the government and key organisations to make a significant impact on innovation, productivity and sustainability in South Africa.”

In related news, Cisco presented its visual networking index (VNI) global mobile data traffic forecast for 2011 to 2016 last month, which takes a look at developments within the mobile data sector over the next five years.