By Nico van Burick
Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) now has an interim CEO after Dr Bethuel Nthangeni reportedly resigned due to health reasons.
Dr Jacob Modumo, previously head of production, marketing and public relations at OBP, will be the acting CEO until someone is permanently appointed.
The OBP says in a statement Modumo’s appointment was made in consultation with John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, and Modumo, who has more than 20 years of leadership experience, brings a wealth of experience and insight to his new role.
He is in the right position to lead the business through a period of transition. Modumo is committed to OBP’s values and to advancing the strategic objectives, as well as ensuring an excellent service is continuously delivered to all stakeholders, the statement said.
OBP says Modumo’s appointment reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining progress and stability during this important phase. Under his leadership, OBP aims to strengthen initiatives to meet the needs of communities, clients and partners.
OBP has been criticised for years for its poor service delivery and inability to supply enough vaccines. Last year, Steenhuisen committed to working with OBP to regain its former glory in the fight against animal diseases.
He undertook that a comprehensive development plan would be drawn up, and the plan will be reported on monthly.
This came after OBP failed to achieve even half of its target of R50 million in sales in the first quarter of 2024. Sales of the top 20 vaccines fell by 50%, while the production of these drugs only achieved 34.9% of the target due to supply chain problems.
In the fourth quarter, the sales target was R70 million, but only R44 million was achieved.
OBP says the board has now begun the process of finding a permanent CEO, who can lead the business into the next phase of growth and development. In the meantime, the board is confident that Modumo will manage OBP with skill and dedication.
