Telkom Group Chief Executive Officer Serame Taukobong received total compensation of R24.03 million ($1.46 million) for the 2026 financial year, reflecting a lower performance-based payout compared with the previous year.

His total compensation fell 27.2 percent from R33.29 million ($2.03 million) in the previous year, largely because fewer long-term incentive shares vested during the period, highlighting the company’s performance-based pay structure.

The value of vested long-term incentive shares declined to R3.54 million ($216,060) from R13.36 million ($813,758) a year earlier. His remuneration package also included a base salary of R10.47 million ($637,619) and a short-term incentive of R10 million ($609,050).

The structure reflects Telkom’s approach of linking executive rewards to business performance, shareholder returns and long-term value creation.

Revenue growth supported by consumer and fiber businesses

Under Taukobong’s leadership, the Johannesburg-based telecommunications company posted stronger financial results for the year ended March 31, 2026, as growth in its consumer business and Openserve fiber network offset continued weakness in parts of its enterprise division, BCX.

Revenue rose to R44.48 billion ($2.72 billion) from R43.88 billion ($2.67 billion) a year earlier. Data revenue increased 7.6 percent to R26.6 billion ($1.62 billion), representing almost 60 percent of total revenue. The higher contribution from data services helped balance softer demand from some enterprise customers while supporting Telkom’s continued investment in broadband and fiber infrastructure.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 5.8 percent to R12.48 billion ($760.1 million), with the EBITDA margin improving to 28.1 percent. Telkom attributed the gains to disciplined cost management, with operating expenses falling 1.1 percent, and improved efficiency across its network and support operations. Profit from continuing operations rose 5.9 percent to R3.55 billion ($216.2 million).

The board declared a final ordinary dividend of R2.70 ($0.16) per share, up 65.7 percent from the previous year. The payment falls within the company’s dividend policy of distributing 40 percent to 60 percent of free cash flow. Telkom said stronger cash generation and improved operating performance supported the higher shareholder payout.

Telkom’s business and Taukobong’s leadership

Telkom is one of South Africa’s largest telecommunications and information technology companies, providing mobile, broadband, fiber and enterprise technology services through its Consumer, BCX and Openserve businesses.

Taukobong was named group chief executive-designate in August 2021 and assumed the role on Jan. 1, 2022. He joined Telkom in June 2018 as chief executive of its Consumer business, overseeing the company’s mobile and fixed-line operations.

Before joining Telkom, he held senior leadership roles at General Electric Africa and MTN Group, where he served as chief executive of MTN Ghana. His earlier career included leadership positions at Unilever, SAB and M-Net.

Under Taukobong, Telkom has focused on expanding mobile connectivity, broadband access and fiber infrastructure as demand for digital services accelerates across South Africa.