Telecommunications group Vodacom has appointed Shameel Joosub as group CEO, succeeding Pieter Uys, who will step down at the end of March next year.

Uys is resigning from Vodacom after almost 20 years with the company, including four years as CEO.

Joosub, whose appointment would take effect from September to ensure a smooth transition, is currently the CE of Vodafone Spain.

He was previously the MD of Vodacom South Africa and a director on the Vodacom board from 2000 until 2010, prior to his transfer to Vodafone Spain.

"Vodacom is an outstanding company, and I am truly excited to be rejoining the team. The business has gone from strength to strength under Pieter's leadership, providing a robust platform for us to deliver world-class products and services to our customers," Joosub said.

Uys joined Vodacom in 1993 and led the development of the company’s network before being appointed as MD of Vodacom South Africa in 2001.

He became the Vodacom COO in 2004 and led the roll-out of 3G services across the group. Uys was appointed Vodacom group CEO in 2008.