As Chief Executive, Makwana's key responsibility was to lead the strategy development, positioning and structural alignment of the MFSA after the merger of ASOM, IMM and the DMA. This complex phase of the MFSA's development cycle was "successfully" completed in November 2004, according to a MFSA statement.
There are many in the industry that would disagree - saying the negative publicity over retrenchments at the MFSA, bitter infighting and behind the scenes wrangling over the Loerie Awards, and a lack of transformation in the industry - are not the hallmark of a successful year.
Jabu Mabuza, Chairman of the MFSA Board, thanked Makwana for his contribution over the past 18 months and wished him well for his future. "We look forward to a vibrant, united marketing industry, enabling brand South Africa to thrive," said Mabuza.
As of 1 February 2005, Makwana will be moving to Limpopo Province where he will take up a new corporate position, as well as manage his family business.
The MFSA Board announced that board member, Michelle Perrow, and strategic marketing consultant at MTN, Dee Blackie, have been appointed to steer the renewed marketing drive at the MFSA for the next six months - commencing January 2005.
And in what seems a direct response to concerns within the industry, the MFSA, seems to, finally, be consulting with the industry it serves, in trying to establish itself as a truly representative industry body - directed by the members it purports to serve.
In its statement released today, the MFSA has set out its key marketing focus areas for 2005:
Finally, the MFSA board will be reconstituted in January 2005 to ensure that it is more representative of the total marketing community in South Africa, according to the MFSA statement.
