Department of Communications (DoC) director general (DG) Lyndall Shope-Mafole would step-down with immediate effect,and Gerda Grabe would be taking over as Acting DG.

It was decided that Shope-Malofe would leave the department, after Minister of Communications Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri agreed to shorten her contract.

The contract was initially meant to end in 2010.

Matsepe-Casaburri and Shope-Mafole mutually agreed to shorten the DG's contract, upon her request and in accordance with the relevant provisions of the senior management service handbook.

Shope-Mafole stepped down in order to pursue other political interests. She was with the DoC for over ten years.

The Minister thanked Shope-Mafole for her contribution to the public service, her role in the international telecommunications sector for more than 15 years and her leadership in Africa, and wished her well in her new endeavors.

To subscribe to Engineering News's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.