BMF loses yet another managing director

This means each MD, on average, managed to hang on to the job for only 19 months. Maweni is due to step aside at the end of the month, after being at the helm for only a year.

Though the former managing directors parted ways with the forum for different reasons - which include greener pastures - Sowetan understands that some because of what some in the organisation describe as "uneasy" relationships with the forum's presidents.

Sowetan understands that Maweni has completed the handover process but still occasionally reports in at the forum's head office in Rivonia, Johannesburg.

Maweni left after he and the current president, Bonang Mohale, apparently had a fallout over Maweni's performance, resulting in Mohale recommending to the BMF board that Maweni should receive a zero bonus for his efforts.

However, Maweni told Sowetan this week: "I remain a committed and loyal member of the BMF - and the forum has got a huge role in bringing about a socio-economic transformation."

Loggerheads

Rumours surfaced this week that Maweni and Mohale did not see eye-to-eye over the forum spearheading the campaign to have black business rejoin forces with established business.

Black business embarked on an exodus from Business Unity SA (Busa) in 2011, a campaign that was led by BMF, following an outcry that the views of black business in Busa were largely ignored.

A source said Mohale was in favour of the Black Business Council returning to Busa - or an apex structure - while Maweni was not.

Mohale has declined to comment, and referred Sowetan to a BMF statement.

The statement speaks glowingly about Maweni's achievements and - in also announcing his resignation - says in part: "Maweni has decided to step down as of August 31, after creating a conducive environment for the BMF to obtain a positive cash flow, repair a long period of accounting troubles at the company and return it to a sound financial footing.

"Under his leadership, the BMF now has the ability to meet its operational and financial obligations," the statement reads.

Part of his successes include buying a property on behalf of the BMF, where its offices are housed, and initiating programmes within the company that improved employee competencies and boosted morale.

"During his tenure the BMF SME was launched, while individual membership has grown by 80%, with corporate membership increasing by over 320%.

"Part of his legacy at the BMF includes hosting and organising the corporate update events and annual conferences which tackled tough issues such as systemic corruption. Under Maweni, the BMF witnessed over 500 members benefiting through a Harvard Management programme," the statement added.

Source: Sowetan via I-Net Bridge