About Us

Réan van Niekerk | Chairman and CEO

Chairman and CEO

Réan van Niekerk is an accomplished thought leader, technology architect, innovator, and serial entrepreneur who has successfully engineered multiple companies and solutions.

As the founder of Metacom, he has a strong foundation in highly complex systems across various industries and has served as the key architect and developer of numerous business and technology engineering communication systems throughout his 40-year career. Réan believes in the seamless integration of technology into our daily lives, to the point where it becomes invisible. He is passionate about technology innovation and building companies in the highly specialized ICT domain and related industries, with a strong focus on teamwork and supporting others to reach their full potential.

His passion for knowledge, aerobatic flying, sailing, surfing, scuba diving, exercising and adventures has stood him in good stead to live a rich and meaningful life, giving back to the community and assisting fellow human beings.

Craig Tate

Chief Executive Officer

Craig has spent his career building stuff - initially as a civil engineer in Africa, Europe and the Middle East and then as an investment banker and private equity investor to corporates globally. He has worked across industries with a primary focus on the technology, media and telecommunications space over the years.

Craig’s real passion, however, lies in helping people achieving their potential and in building effective teams.

In his spare time, he is a lover of family, the outdoors, sport and travel.

Marius Visser | Chief Marketing Officer

Chief Marketing Officer

Marius has been actively involved in the development and delivery of innovative solutions to the IT and Telecom industries for more than 25 years.

During this time, he has been responsible for the development and deployment of solutions ranging from managed telephony and transaction platforms to SD-WAN and more, across numerous countries.

He firmly believes in creating value through innovation, with a passion for addressing client needs and building strong relationships through meaningful engagement with clients and partners.

2001

A star is born | Metacom Incorporated

2002

Released our first GSM-enabled telemetry product, the MC201 for remote monitoring, meter reading and control.

2003

Metacom was the first company to establish Corporate Access Point Node (APN) infrastructure on both the MTN and Vodacom GPRS networks. We were at the forefront of establishing machine-to-machine GPRS communications.

2004

Launched the Cell PAD product for transferring financial data and credit card authorisations from EFT terminals, POS devices and ATMs to banks. The success of this implementation led the way for Eskom and other utilities to embrace our GPRS communications solutions. The MC402 Remote Router and the Base Router Server was launched for SCADA communication solutions.

2006

Our MC601 Intelligent Router offered seamless integration of Ethernet or Serial Port-based equipment for secure inter-company WAN communication. The MC601’s rapid deployment capability enabled a move away from limited fixed-line solutions by offering a secure and reliable alternative communications infrastructure.

2008

The MC402 Remote Router underwent a complete upgrade, allowing transparent IP-based communications to the serial port of legacy industrial equipment. Previously isolated equipment like RTUs, QOS monitors, protection equipment and controllers can now be securely accessed, with each device having its own IP address.

2009

Metacom expanded its Core MPLS Network to include satellite and ADSL technologies that will seamlessly interface and interconnect to the entire existing infrastructure. This offered our customers an even wider choice of communication network technologies to cover every possible location in the most cost-effective way.

2010

Introduced the MC602 Remote Satellite Solution, a shoebox-sized satellite ground station that can be quickly and easily installed at the most remote sites. By now there is at least one Metacom device in every town in South Africa, as well as on many farms and other rural sites.

2011

The MC604 (HSPA) Intelligent Router, the latest generation of our remote routers, comes with onboard intelligence offering advanced routing options so that it can operate securely and cost-effectively in any conditions. The MC604 can be programmed to follow client business rules, as well as remote updates and maintenance.

2014

Metacom acquires 100% of Stellenbosch-based hardware development company, Multenet making us the strongest player in South Africa in our market niche, serving financial, industrial and commercial clients who need reliable, secure, low-cost communications.

2015

Metacom’s new NanoPAD launched which offers faster, safer EFT transactions at a lower price.

2016

MC614 Intelligent Router launched to improve communication options to remote stores and branches. MC412 Intelligent Router platform unveiled.

2017

Managed Wi-Fi services together with retail analytics launched in order to provide our customers with a competitive advantage. MC712 and MC731 Multimedia players released, enabling quality retail radio and video content streaming.

2018

Metacom proudly launches the MC6000 Enterprise router as part of a nationwide rollout for one of our biggest customers, offering in-store connectivity, Wi-Fi, Multimedia & Audio from one device.

2019

Metacom officially launches the Metacom SD-WAN solution offering, a game changer for Metacom partners and clients, which extends our exciting product and solution offering to include a comprehensive managed VoIP solution.

2020

A year that will go down in the history books for all the wrong reasons – the devastating COVID-19 pandemic causes havoc. Metacom works with partners to minimize the impact and uses the opportunity to optimize and solidify services and internal structures. Employing a new managing executive and improving internal structures to ensure cost-effective services to our clients.

2021

Metacom rebrands, relaunches and reconnects with our clients through cost-optimised services, showing sustainable growth in a difficult COVID impacted market. Our focus remains firmly on making our clients radically successful by delivering cost-effective value. Metacom rolls out SD-WAN in forecourts across Africa and our store of the future environment is embraced by some of the largest quick service restaurant groups in Africa.

2022

Navigation Challenges and Fostering Growth. In 2022, amid global crises and pandemic repercussions, Metacom expanded its global reach to 18 countries with over 26,000 sites. Investments in research, automation, and people bolstered our resilience, while a proactive stock management strategy mitigated supply chain risks. Key insights underscored the need for tailored solutions, and innovative product launches marked our commitment to excellence. New products include: MC200 / MC250 Intelligent Routers, MC450 Remote Router, MC740 Media Player, and our newest Enterprise Router, the MC7000.

2023

Adapting to change, and delivering excellence. In 2023, Metacom adeptly tackled a turbulent market, expanding to 22 countries with 27,000+ sites. A reinforced delivery force, dedicated Customer Relationship Managers, and an ERP system enhanced efficiency. Our field automation application promised quicker, more efficient deliveries, and risk-focused procurement paid off. Investments in network infrastructure and revolutionary product launches, such as the new MC7000 and MC740, showcased our innovation through change. Upgrades to our client portal and cutting-edge solutions like MetaCloud Surveillance and MetaWAN reinforced our commitment to excellence. Though change and challenges, we continue to deliver.