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The position has been vacant since the departure of Fékrou Kidane in March last year.

Tomas Sithole has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) since 1989 and Secretary General since 1997. He also has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) since 1993.

A member of various IOC commissions in the past, such as Sport and Environment (1997-1999), IOC Reform Commission 'IOC 2000' (1999) and Olympic Solidarity (as a representative of the Continental Associations) since 2000, he is currently a member of the Coordination Commission for the Games the XXVIII Olympiad, Athens 2004.

'Thanks to his extensive knowledge of the Olympic Movement and of National Olympic Committees' activities all around the world, together with his involvement and dedication in promoting sport in developing countries, Tomas Sithole was the ideal candidate for this job," said the IOC President, Jacques Rogge. 'My colleagues from the IOC administration and I are looking forward to working with him," he added.

Mr Sithole has accepted the position and will take up his new role by mid-February. Once fully on board, he will resign as an IOC member, NOC President and ANOCA Secretary General.

The Department of International Cooperation and Development strives, through its different projects, to use sport as a tool for social, economic and human development in disadvantaged communities and those in a crisis situation. It works towards the reinforcement of dialogue and international cooperation between those involved in sports management at both a national and world level, in particular the Olympic Movement, governments and international organisations. It is also responsible for the promotion of Olympism and its principles through Olympic education and culture worldwide.