Jabu Moleketi nominated as PPC chairperson

South African cement producer PPC said Jabu Moleketihas been nominated for the position of chairman

of the board to succeed its current chairman Peter Nelson, as it aims to align the board with its strategic priorities.Moleketi is currently chairman of mobile phone network operatorVodacom Group and has served on numerous boards such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Brait SE,Remgro, Nedbank Group and MMI Holdings.

“The Company wishes to inform shareholders that it is in discussions with its largest share-holders with regard to aligning the composition of the board with its strategic priorities,” PPC said in a statement, without saying who had nominated Moleketi.

Shares in PPC rose 1.27% to 8 rand at 1451 GMT following the announcement.The firm, with operations in six countries across Africa, said nominations will be evaluated and appointments made soon.Bloomberg, quoting unnamed sources, had said earlier Prudential Investment Managers South Africa Pty Ltd, PPC‘s second largest shareholder, had sent a formal request to PPC demanding chairman Peter Nelson‘s removal.

“Under the leadership of Peter Nelson, the PPC Board of directors has successfully led the Company through a period of significant headwinds,” PPC said. Having achieved a number of significant milestones and stabilised the business, the Board has now turned its attention to the future ambitions of the Company.”In February Johan Claassen was appointed permanent group Chief Executive after the abrupt resignation of then CEO Darryll Castle.