The Black Management Forum says it views the appointment by MTN of Rob Shuter as CEO and president of the company as a serious blow to transformation.

The organisation says this appointment by MTN contributes to the steady decline in the number of black South Africans at the leadership helm in companies.

MTN announced the appointment of Shuter on Monday. MTN chairman Phuthuma Nhleko has been acting in the CEO role since last November when former CEO Sifiso Dabengwa resigned following the imposition of a $3.9bn fine on the group’s Nigerian subsidiary.

“The BMF’s position is informed by the clear reversal of black representation in Top JSE listed companies.

“There is a general unwillingness for transformation at top management level which has resulted in the decline in the number of black South African CEOs” BMF President Mncane Mthunzi said in a statement on Wednesday.

The organisation said MTN had squandered a good opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to transformation.

“Prior to this appointment‚ MTN had demonstrated exemplary leadership by successively having black CEOs”‚ Mthunzi said.