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Datatec chief executive Jens Montanana has increased his shareholding in the company to R2.5 billion ($141.8 million), according to stock exchange filings released this week.
Montanana now controls 18.33% of the Johannesburg-listed ICT distribution group, ahead of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), which holds 16.74%. The PIC, Africa’s largest asset manager, was Datatec’s top shareholder as recently as last year.
Independent technology analyst Irnest Kaplan said Montanana’s decision underscored his knowledge of the sector. “He is an extremely experienced operator. He knows the markets, the global vendors and has a good feel for the direction of the industry,” Kaplan said.
The share purchases come as Datatec’s latest results show mixed performance. Revenue for the year to February 2025 fell 8.8%, which the company attributed to the way software and services are recognized over time rather than upfront. Gross profit rose 5.6%, and adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization climbed 28.2%.
Kaplan said Datatec remains a key distributor in the local and international market. “It understands the reseller landscape and provides an important link for global vendors. The company has also shifted toward software, which delivers higher margins,” he said.
Montanana echoed that view in May, telling investors that demand for networking and cybersecurity was rising as artificial intelligence and connected communities drove infrastructure needs. “Increasing IT complexity is driving demand in areas where we have deep domain knowledge,” he said.
Montanana’s remuneration this year is set at $8.2 million, equal to about R144.7 million at current exchange rates of R17.64 to the dollar. The package includes base pay, pension, medical and other benefits, as well as performance-linked incentives.
Founded in 1986, Datatec operates in more than 50 countries. Its Logicalis and Westcon International divisions provide integration, managed services and technology distribution, with a focus on cloud, networking and cybersecurity.
Datatec’s investor relations team described Montanana’s latest share purchase as modest. “Jens has always been a big shareholder, so there has been no significant change,” the company said in a written response.
