SMSPortal has announced that telecoms heavyweight Godfrey Motsa has been appointed its new chairman and non-executive director.
The company provides bulk messaging services and is a significant player in the communications sector.
Motsa, who has 25 years of experience in telecommunications, consumer goods, and financial services, was appointed on 1 July.
His experience includes serving as MTN SA CEO and on the Cell C board, various key roles at Vodacom, and having previously worked alongside SMSPortal CEO Andre Ittmann.
“Motsa brings a strong collaborative dynamic to the leadership team,” SMSPortal said about the appointment.
“His focus on the evolution of messaging technologies, including advancements such as Rich Communication Services (RCS), and his B2B and B2C expertise is expected to propel SMSPortal into new realms of innovation and market leadership.”
Ittman said Motsa’s deep understanding of the telecommunications landscape and passion for innovation align with the company’s goals, referencing his track record and strategic mindset.
Motsa said he was honoured to join SMSPortal and its founders Charles Stretch and James Pearce, and to work alongside Ittman and the talented team at the company.
“The future of messaging holds incredible potential, and I am eager to contribute to SMSPortal’s journey towards high growth, innovation and excellence.”
Motsa was appointed MTN CEO in 2017 after serving as CEO of Vodacom Lesotho, CEO of Vodacom DRC, and chief officer of the consumer business unit at Vodacom SA.
He eventually left the company in 2022 and was replaced by Charles Molapisi as CEO.
Before joining Cell C’s board of directors in 2023, he served as Telesure Investment Holdings’ (TIH) non-life chief executive officer for brands including Auto & General, 1st for Women, Dialdirect, and Budget.
SMSPortal announced the appointment of former Cell C COO and Vodacom executive Andre Ittmann as its chief executive officer in January this year.
“This strategic decision marks a pivotal moment in SMSPortal’s journey, highlighting its commitment to innovation in SMS marketing and digital communication solutions,” the company said.
Ittmann left Cell C at the end of July — the latest in a series of executive changes at the mobile network operator.
A qualified charted accountant with a 20-year career in finance and telecommunications, Ittmann previously served as the chief executive officer of Cartrack South Africa and chief financial officer of Vivacom Group.
Before Cell C, he held various senior leadership roles at Vodacom Mozambique, Lesotho and South Africa, including the position of chief financial officer at Vodacom Lesotho.
“The opportunity to lead such a dynamic team and forward-thinking company in an industry as vibrant and rapidly evolving as Communications Platform as a Service is fascinating,” Ittmann said.
“My focus will be on harnessing emerging technologies to elevate our solutions, ensuring we remain at the forefront of Cloud Communication.”
SMSPortal co-founder Charles Stretch said Ittmann’s appointment was a testament to their ambition to remain industry leaders.
“His blend of technological insight and strategic acumen makes him the ideal leader to navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of digital communication.”
Ittmann said the Communications Platform as a Service industry was ripe for innovation.
“SMSPortal is perfectly positioned to drive this transformation,” he said.
“We are dedicated to persist with developing cutting-edge in-house communication solutions that meet the growing demands of our global clientele.”
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