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At the 2025 HR Indaba, senior HR professionals and legal experts called on leaders to move past symbolic gestures of inclusion and address the deep-rooted blind spots that undermine fairness in the workplace.

The 2025 HR Indaba saw HR leaders tackle neurodiversity, an often-neglected part of inclusion in the workplace. Speaking at a session titled Wellness spectrum toolbox: Supporting neurodivergent employees, Mmabatho Tlale, chief human capital officer at ZEDA; Felicity Ramiah, staffing manager at Rand Refinery and Phetheni Nkuna, director of employment law at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr; unpacked how organisations can create environments where neurodivergent employees thrive.

The role of human resources is changing faster than most leaders can keep up with. At the 2025 HR Indaba, Sage regional vice president for medium business Gerhard Hartman argued that the question is no longer whether to adopt technology but how to use it to drive value.

Zuko Mdwaba, JEM HR advisory board and investor; Selo Govender, Discovery executive head: talent, learning and leadership development; and Avanthi Parboosing, chief people officer, Life Healthcare; highlight the role of data analytics in helping companies make better decisions around employee wellness during a frank 2025 HR Indaba 2025 panel discussion.

The Sandton Convention Centre housed over 3,000 attendees for the 2025 HR Indaba, where senior HR executives from Standard Bank, SABC and Sanlam unpacked how people leaders have moved to steering business strategy and shaping organisational success.

With thousands of HR professionals in attendance at the 2025 HR Indaba, conversations about the future of work were impossible to ignore.

As global migration patterns continue to shape the world of work, HR professionals must prepare for the impact of brain drain on succession planning, said Michele Simpson-Crew, managing partner of academy at Busec Nova, at the 2025 HR Indaba.

At the 2025 HR Indaba, industry leaders Charlotte Mokoena, Lindiwe Miyambu, and Kyle Chetty unpacked how organisations can break down barriers and build collaborative cultures that drive performance and impact.

During a panel discussion at Africa’s biggest HR conference and expo, S’ne Magagula, CPO of Tiger Brands; KG Bako, managing executive: talent management & transitions at Absa Group; and Juba Mashaba, CPO at Cell C, spoke about how profit may keep the doors open, but highlighted purpose as what keeps people and organisations moving forward.

Clicks Group CEO Bertina Engelbrecht kicked off the 2025 HR Indaba with a captivating keynote address, sharing critical insights on the role of HR in supporting business in an unpredictable world.

When Dr. Mamello Masia joined McDonald’s South Africa as chief people officer, her first taste of leadership didn’t start in meetings, but behind the counter.

The future of work is here, driven by people and technology moving seamlessly together. According to Satish Naidoo, CEO of MyMobileZA, these smart solutions are transforming the way South African leaders connect, safeguard and grow their organisations.

The CHRO Community Conversations returned on 23 September after a short hiatus, coming back with a powerful call to rethink the relationship between people and technology in the modern workplace.

Udemy will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Gold partner.

Henley Business School will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

Nathan Digital SA will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

Academy Busec Nova International will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Gold partner.

Old Mutual will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Gold partner.

The Speakers Firm will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

PickUpSkills (Privatizz) will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

Remchannel will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

Nolo Thobejane has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for her role as chief people, culture and purpose officer at KFC Africa.

Momentum Corporate will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

In a world where success is often measured by constant acceleration, Angela Munger, now head of HR for the Middle East & Africa Region at Centurion Systems, chose a different path – a long sabbatical.

Set in an intimate and elegant setting in Westcliff, the CHRO Dinner held in partnership with Regenesys Education explored how academia and business can collaborate to prepare the next generation of HR professionals.

Lindiwe Miyambu has been appointed as chief people and marketing officer at AfroCentric Group, a role that brings together both culture and brand under one portfolio.

Netcampus Group will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

Milpark Education will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

iOCO Digital will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Platinum partner.

Automatic Data Processing (ADP) will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Gold partner.

Jem HR has joined the 2025 HR Indaba as a Gold partner.

Wits Plus has joined the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

Optimi Workplace has joined the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

MyMobile, powered by Samsung, has signed on as a Gold artner for the 2025 HR Indaba.

Trade Kings Group has appointed Hercules Duvenage as its group head of global HR business partnering. He joins the organisation with a career that spans more than 30 years across various sectors and settings.

Sage has joined as a Diamond partner for the 2025 HR Indaba.

Alaine Hendrickse, head of human resources and communications at Pepkor NexTech, uses his diverse set of experiences and expertise to prepare for the future whilst ensuring people are always prioritised first.

Sibonakaliso Shabangu has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for his role as director of global business services and HR at BASF.

South Africa’s payroll environment is evolving faster than ever, influenced by economic shifts, technological advancements and political change.

In a country where every greeting, proverb, or shared meal carries echoes of heritage, HR leaders such as Tembi Topham, HR executive for talent & D&I at RCL Foods; Phil Tshikotshi, vice president of HR at Startek; Khululiwe Nxumalo, head of people, culture and learning at Starbucks South Africa; and Angela Munger, head of HR for the MEA region at Centurion Systems, are finding ways to let heritage breathe throughout the workplace.

Nexio South Africa has appointed Amanda Ncube as its new executive head of HR.

Factorial has signed up as a Gold partner for the 2025 HR Indaba.

Discovery has signed up as a Platinum partner for the 2025 HR Indaba.

Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator has joined as a Gold partner for the 2025 HR Indaba.

Regent Business School has signed up as a Silver partner for the 2025 HR Indaba.

Top Employers Institute has signed on as a Gold partner for the 2025 HR Indaba.

Awetomate has signed up as a Silver partner for the 2025 HR Indaba.

YuLife has signed up as a Silver partner for the 2025 HR Indaba.

The Social Craft has signed up as a Gold partner for the 2025 HR Indaba.

Diversifi has signed up as a Silver partner for the 2025 HR Indaba.

MasterStart has signed up as a Silver partner for the 2025 HR Indaba

VKB Group’s chief people officer isn’t just nurturing future leaders as a part-time university lecturer. He’s also cultivating talent in the agricultural space, assisting in growing his company’s own impressive crop of people.

As companies rethink how they attract, hire and retain talent, Agata Lech, the partner marketing manager at Factorial, highlights the importance of creating a seamless employee journey, one where every step from hire to onboarding to development is purposeful.

Michelin’s SSA HR director, Elmarie Roberts, highlights how the company is driving sustainable growth and development in Africa through its Vision Africa 2030 strategy.

Sana-Ullah Bray has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for his role as the group executive for human capital at Sanlam.

Londiwe Mncube has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for her role as CHRO at the Competition Commission of South Africa.

SAP has joined the 2025 HR Indaba as a Platinum partner.

BEE123 has confirmed its Gold partnership for the 2025 HR Indaba

William Radcliffe has come on board as a Silver partner for the 2025 HR Indaba.

Assore Group has announced the appointment of Vanisha Balgobind as its new HR executive.

Jeanett Modise has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for her role as the chief human capital officer at Absa Group.

As a new market entry into South Africa, Equinix offered Devashni Rajdave, HR country lead, a rare opportunity to build a people function from the ground up, one rooted in feedback, accountability and authentic leadership.

Workforce readiness has long been measured in terms of skills, systems and strategy, but in today’s world, none of these matter without inclusion.

Pindiwe Gida has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for her role as the chief officer for human capital and corporate services at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

Celeste Sirin, an employer branding specialist, speaker, facilitator and founder of Employer Branding Africa, takes us inside the world of Gen Z, offering a rare perspective on how this generation is navigating a workplace unlike any other.

Sakeena Adams has been promoted to regional people director for Africa & Middle East (AME) at Sage, marking a new chapter in her journey as a people-first leader in the region.

Standard Bank Group's chief people & culture office Sharon Taylor believes that executive alignment is less about everyone agreeing on everything and more about building the trust to argue, decide – and then stand united.

HR Manage Software (People Resolutions), will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

LexisNexis will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Gold partner.

Andrew Millson has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for his role as managing executive for human capital and sustainability at Food Lover's Market Holdings.

Football enthusiast and Sanlam Investments chief human capital officer Sipho Gumbi sees the asset management industry as a catalyst not only for direct employment, but also as a tool for empowering people in disadvantaged communities.

Under the Executive Communities banner, the 2025 Executive Day brought together South Africa’s leading CHROs, CIOs and CFOs for an event focused on rethinking the social contracts that hold our society and workplaces together.

Lumenii will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

Evalex will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Gold partner.

After more than 17 years of service, Charleigh Williams has been appointed HR director at Continental.

Deel Local Payroll will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Gold partner.

When Sandi Richardson thinks back on her journey in HR, she goes back to a 15-year-old girl trying to choose between PR and HR while navigating high school subject choices.

Lindiwe Miyambu has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for her role as CPO at the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA).

As HR steps into a data-driven future, data has become the lens through which HR can spot opportunities, anticipate challenges, and manage talent effectively.

Kirsty Phaal, senior vice president of people & culture at NTT DATA., in Middle East and Africa, has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 CHRO Awards.

MANCOSA will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

Ayanda Mbanga Communications will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

Bridging & Associates will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

Workday will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Gold partner.

Saint-Gobain HR director Menushka van der Westhuizen takes a trip down memory lane to reflect on where it all began. From joining Cadbury’s graduate programme after university to leading the people function in the tough manufacturing industry.

According to Anja van Beek, talent strategist, leadership & HR expert, and executive coach, the women balancing nappies, deadlines, schoolwork and dinner duties develop resilience, emotional intelligence and the ability to make sharp decisions under pressure.

Luyanda Finini has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for his role as director of strategic HR planning and organisational development at the Eastern Cape Department of Health.

CBi-electric: low voltage has announced the promotion of Phuti Ramagoshi to the role of HR executive.

Gcobisa Ntshona has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for her role as the group chief people officer at African Bank.

Pnet has secured its place as a Gold partner for the upcoming 2025 HR Indaba, set to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 October 2025.

CompCare Medical Scheme has secured its position as a Silver partner for the 2025 HR Indaba, taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 October 2025.

Alexander Forbes has secured its position as a Gold partner for the 2025 HR Indaba, taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 October 2025.

Madelein du Plessis, sub-Saharan Africa HR head for Bayer, began her career in a place few would imagine – the South African army. At just 19, she was tasked with leading, training and connecting with people from every background, age and belief system.

HR executives reflect on the women who became models of impactful leadership, courage and empathy on their journey – leaving behind lessons that still inform how they make decisions today.

Bronwynne Bester has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for her role as chief people officer at Oceana Group.

Libstar has appointed Genevieve Jozaffe-Naidoo as its new group people executive.

Norah Sehunoe has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for her role as the executive head of human capital at Santam Insurance.

Mercer has secured its spot with a Platinum partnership for the 2025 HR Indaba, taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 October 2025.

Enterprises University of Pretoria (Enterprises UP) has secured its place as a Gold partner for the upcoming 2025 HR Indaba, set to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 October 2025.

Imagine a world where talent, technology, and data align effortlessly. This was the central theme at Workday Horizon South Africa, as the event took attendees on a journey through milestones that show how organisations can soar with one unified platform to manage people, finance, and AI.

Growing up in the East Rand, Melissa Wilkinson saw first-hand how access to electricity and basic needs could mean the difference between opportunity and limitation. Now as CPO at Pele Energy Group, she’s building talent pipelines the renewable energy sector desperately needs, opening doors for women to lead in spaces that once shut them out – and dismantling barriers with every watt of power generated.

This National Women’s Day, we’re not just celebrating women leaders but listening to them, as HR leaders Nosipho Kunene, HR director at Kimberly-Clark; Brenda Talazo, VP of HR and business enablement at Saab South Africa; Venesa Lubisi, head of HR at Giesecke+Devrient ZA; and Opila Moodley, executive HR director HR Africa at Estée Lauder Companies, reflect on the evolving role of women in leadership and the unique strengths they bring.

The 2025 Executive Communities Women’s Dinner did not just fill The Maslow Hotel in Sandton with executives, but also with the kind of energy that only comes when women from three of South Africa’s most powerful communities come together.

Zamafuze Ngcobo has stepped into the role of chief people officer at BankservAfrica.

Masenyane has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for her role as group executive of HR at PPS.

As the world of work changes rapidly, executive assistants (EAs) and CHROs are experiencing a transformation in their roles with AI models making massive advances in streamlining tasks and enhancing decision-making.

JobJack has been confirmed as a Gold partner for the 2025 HR Indaba, taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 October 2025.

Tiger Brands CPO and the 2024 CHRO of the Year S’ne Magagula shares the company’s bold transformation journey, focusing on people strategy, leadership and agility to drive business performance, employee engagement and a culture of innovation.

SA Business School has been confirmed as a Silver partner for the 2025 HR Indaba, taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 October 2025.

Trevor Dale has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for his role as head of HR at Raubex Group.

Ntiyiso Consulting Group has appointed Ndabezitha Mabaso as its new chief people officer, bringing with him nearly two decades of experience in HR across South Africa’s legal, public and private sectors.

As the 1 September deadline for submitting the updated five-year Employment Equity (EE) plan approaches, industry leaders Elanie Kruger, group CHRO at Tsebo Solutions Group; Kyle Wesemann, transformation executive at LabourNet; and Nicol Myburgh, head of HR services at CRS Technologies, highlight both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

As alcohol and cannabis use continues to rise, substance abuse is becoming harder to ignore. Nadeem Mahomed, director in the employment law practice at CDH, unpacks the growing risks of substance abuse in the workplace and explains the need for employers to implement clear, fair policies.

Capitec group HR executive Rizwana Butler shares how putting technology at the forefront of everything the company does is key to keeping the organisation relevant, while empowering employees and helping them realise their dreams.

Every second counted at the CHRO Solutions Summit held at The Venue in Melrose Arch, with only four minutes on the clock for partners to pitch their innovative solutions to top HR leaders.