Msoft SA gets first black MD

Serima replaces Gordon Frazer, who has been promoted to take on the role of managing director of Microsoft in the United Kingdom, one of Microsoft's largest and leading markets in the world.

The change is effective August 1 2006.

Says Serima: "I feel privileged to have been chosen to take on this exciting opportunity. In my time at Microsoft I have realised what a talented team there is in South Africa and I look forward to being able to steer this ship further into new possibilities. These are great people with great values. "

Another chapter

Speaking from Microsoft South Africa's office, Ali Faramawy, vice president of Microsoft Europe; Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said: "The appointment of Pfungwa Serima marks another chapter in the history of the very successful Microsoft South Africa.

"After two years as director of the services group, he is ready to take on this new challenge."

Serima joined Microsoft in 2004 from Accenture and has grown the local services team to be a significant roleplayer in supporting Microsoft's customers and partners with world class consulting and technology services.

In addition, he has played a significant role in establishing and managing the first Microsoft Graduate Academy, an initiative which aims to grow IT skills in South Africa through learnerships.

Tangible contribution

"Our mission in South Africa is to make a tangible contribution to our local software economy that is empowering, inclusive and highly skilled.

"We seek to do this through increasing levels of innovation and developing a pool of highly skilled resources," adds Serima.

Microsoft's business in South Africa continues to be at the forefront of growth in the worldwide stable, consistently ahead of some of the fastest growing markets worldwide and makes a significant contribution to South Africa's GDP.

In addition, for the past three years, the business has held one of the top three positions in the local Best Companies to Work For survey.