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Johannesburg - Motshoanetsi Lefoka, the newly appointed CEO of the SA Post Office (Sapo) is in the undesirable position of heading an organisation that is in a process of fending off litigation cases that could amount to about R1bn.
Lefoka, who is no stranger to the Post Office, will be faced with a challenge of charting a way forward for a group that has seen continuous changes in its strategic direction.
She will further face a task of ensuring that the Post Office is not again embroiled in scandals which dents its image.
"The story of the Post Office story has just begun. It has just begun in terms of where we are going as an organisation," said Lefoka.
She was confident nothing would dissuade her not to complete her contract, which its terms still have to be negotiated with the board of the organisation. "It's a challenging position and will look for opportunities for one to excel."
Asked where does she see the future of Sapo, Lefoka said: "The Post Office is facing exciting time in terms of possible growth. We intend to facilitate government services and play a role in growing the economy in financial services."
She said Sapo wants to position Postbank as a bank of choice for the under-serviced. The Postbank already controls 40% of Umzansi accounts.
Lefoka will also be expected to grow other Sapo business areas such as mail distribution - which is some sort of a monopoly, logistics, international mail, courier and freight.
Vuyo Mahlati, the chair of Sapo, was excited with the appointment of Lefoka. "It's been quite a journey, (I'm) very proud to work with this human being (Lefoka). She is a woman of strength. We have worked in difficult times and she managed."
Since November 2006 she has served as the acting CEO of Sapo. Lefoka, who is also the acting chief operating officer, has been bypassed in the past for this big position. Lefoka also acted as CEO for eights months when Manyatshe left the organisation, until the appointment of his successor Mampeule.
Going forward, Lefoka has to deal with the some disruptive challenges, which were created by Mampeule and contracts signed by Manyatshe.
The Post Office is being sued for R274m by its Manyatshe, who claim loss of earnings after being compelled to quit his lucrative job as the MD of MTN. Manyatshe is accused of fraud by his successor, Khutso Mampeule, during his days as a CEO of the Post Office.
Furthermore, according to Finweek reports, Mampeule is also considering his legal options after being sacked earlier this year by Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri after the relationship between him and the board broke down. Mampeule could also claim millions from the Post Office.
Finweek also reported that lawyers representing Nasasa Cellular are finalising damages claim against the Post Office, which could be in excess of R600m. Nasasa Cellular would be claiming damages for its contact that was agreed to by Manyathse, but cancelled by Mampeule.
Lefoka would also be faced with a challenge of increasing Sapo's top-line growth, operating profit and ensure an excellent supply chain.
She will need more than strength to deal with litigation cases faced by the organisation.
- Fin24