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In a corporate environment, a name holds more than just a superficial label; it encapsulates the essence of a role or job function. More than a mere designation, a name establishes identity, shapes perceptions and serves as a primary identifier for customers, employees, shareholders and the business as a whole. The emotions that a name evokes can set expectations for multiple stakeholders, influencing what they anticipate from both individuals and departments.

Anticipation continues to build ahead of the 2026 HR Indaba, as Milpark Education comes on board as a Silver partner for the event on 20 October.

Born in Gauteng and shaped by years spent living in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, Alicia Dean learnt early that growth rarely follows a straight line. Movement, contrast and adaptation became familiar companions; themes that quietly echo through her work today as head of people and group services at Sola Group.

Growing up in a world where every cent counts, Salwa Albertyn, group HR executive at Empact Group, understands that people don’t just work for a title but work for a living, and advises CHROs to elevate payroll on their agendas.

The first CHRO summit of 2026 did more than kick off the CHRO event calendar; it was an eye-opener to the hidden realities of the workplace.

Last night’s CHRO South Africa Talent Tax Summit brought together senior people leaders for an honest, high impact conversation on the true cost of talent in today’s business environment.

It’s often said that every employee can be replaced, but doing so is costly. Research shows that hiring a new team member can amount to 50-200 percent of their annual salary, depending on the role. This makes employee retention a top priority for companies across all industries.

Sanchia Arendse has been promoted to head of people and culture at Stone Three, marking a new chapter in her journey with the organisation after almost three years of service.

In an industry where the primary goal is to produce sweetness for Mzansi, group HR executive Thembi Kumalo is focused on ensuring that same sweetness exists within the hallways and culture of the South African Sugar Association (SASA).

As nominations for the 2026 CHRO Awards officially open, we are putting a special spotlight on the young HR executives who are already leaving a lasting imprint on their organisations and the future of work.

Anticipation is building ahead of the 2026 HR Indaba, as BEE123 comes on board as a Gold partner for the event on 20 October.

Dean Naidoo has been appointed group HR director at Gemfields Group.

Tshepo Yvonne Mosadi has been appointed as HR director at RCL Foods, marking her return to the organisation after several years in senior executive people roles across multiple industries.

Vodacom Group has once again been certified and recognised as Africa's number one employer by the Top Employers Institute, marking its third consecutive win and reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering an exceptional employee experience.

Brigitte Da Gama doesn’t need coffee to stay energised, in fact, she gave it up six years ago. What keeps her going instead is the purpose for the work she does as group chief people officer at The SPAR Group.

Momentum continues to build around the 2026 HR Indaba, with Deel Local Payroll joining as a Platinum partner for this year’s event, set to take place on 20 October.

Sasria has announced the appointment of Shyless Nkuna-Shai as its new people management executive manager.

CHRO South Africa opened its first community conversation of the year with a dialogue that went straight to the heart of the profession. The session brought together two of the country’s most respected people and culture leaders to explore what it really takes to professionalise HR and rebuild trust at scale.

At the core of Rainbow Chicken’s transformation over the past four years lies a people-centred strategy, which has been key in effecting a strategic turnaround. In his 30 years in HR, this has been the most exciting and challenging transformation project chief people officer Barney Khumalo has ever worked on.

Partnerships continue to pour in for the 2026 HR Indaba, with Mancosa joining as a Silver partner for this year’s event, taking place on 20 October.

When you think of HR excellence in action, whose leadership immediately comes to mind? Well, now is your chance to let us know as nominations for the 2026 CHRO Awards are officially open until the end of March 2026.

Keshan Naidoo has been appointed HR director at Tri-Star Construction.

Partnerships are already pouring in for the 2026 HR Indaba, with The Sales Enablement Company joining as a Platinum partner for this year’s event, taking place on 20 October.

Momentum Group has promoted Njabulo Nyawo to chief people executive, where he will be responsible for the group’s people function.

When Nomfundo Vilakazi accepted the HR role at Dis-Chem Pharmacies, she was seven months pregnant, carrying not only the anticipation of new life but also the weight of a new professional chapter. She is now focused on reshaping the entire people and culture strategy at the second-largest retail pharmacy chain in South Africa, starting from scratch.

Alicia Dean, the head of people and group services at Sola Group, calls for a fundamental shift in how organisations think about talent in the renewable energy sector, particularly when it comes to project-based work.

Inspired Education Group has appointed Llewellyn Hunter as regional HR director for Africa

As Sappi nears its 90th anniversary in 2026, vice president of HR James Manana reflects on the choices that sustain its culture, and what it takes to build an inclusive, purpose-led workplace at global scale.

Norton Rose Fulbright has promoted Vanessa Hlatswayo to head of HR.

Group executive for HR at the SABC, Rachel Masuku, isn’t there just to keep things running. With the advent of bespoke and on-demand content providers, her focus is on preparing employees for the shift from traditional broadcasting to the new modern broadcasting world by creating a solid foundation – anchored in basics.

The role of HR has evolved significantly over the past few decades reflecting shifts in business strategy, business culture, leadership, digitisation, workforce and stakeholder expectations, and changes in the broader business landscape.

Nicolle Hugo has stepped into a new role as executive director for HR at iZi Group.

Dr Sane Ngidi has joined Imagine Worldwide as director of people.

Leading a business is fundamentally about leading people, and no one understands people better than HR leaders. And while the route to being CEO has traditionally come through finance, operations or strategy, HR has been standing quietly in the wings – until now.

Cell C’s listing towards the end of 2025 marked a journey shaped as much by people as by performance.

As Paul Clegg, vice president for HR at DHL Express SSA reflects on more than 30 years in HR, he’s also celebrating a personal milestone – 30 years of marriage. Over the same period, he’s built a career that spans continents, industries and the full spectrum of people management.

Regenesys Corporate Education CEO Nishen Munnisunker explains how the organisation is preparing leaders for a new era with AI-integrated development programmes, a dedicated school of AI, and a 2026 executive HR leadership development programme.

More than 3 000 HR professionals gathered at the 2025 HR Indaba, creating a space where ideas were tested, experiences shared and assumptions challenged.

CHRO South Africa looks back at some of the HR leaders who stepped into new roles in 2025, bringing fresh energy and vision to organisations across Mzansi.

As organisations reset their people strategies for the year ahead, Bianca Anthon, HR director at Illovo Sugar; Juan du Toit, CHRO at Master Drilling Group; and Emelia Abotsi, CHRO at Fuchs Electronics, share how they are turning 2025’s hard-won lessons into 2026 HR new year’s resolutions, shaped by the realities of the work ahead.

After 26 years with the same organisation, Salwa Albertyn has become more than just the group HR executive at Empact Group – she is one of the pillars holding it together, evolving alongside it, and driving its HR heartbeat.

Insaaf Daniels has been watching a quiet shift take place in South African workplaces. Amid rising living costs, high household debt and economic uncertainty, the head of human capital at redPanda Software says many employees are holding on tightly to their jobs, not out of loyalty, but out of fear.

Vodacom South Africa’s executive HR director, Njabulo Mashigo explains how the organisation has rewritten the script on workplace inclusion in South Africa by becoming the first organisation in the country to formally embed South African Sign Language (SASL) into the workplace.

Thabo Nkoane has been appointed as HR director at Komatsu Mining Corp. – Joy Global (Africa), adding to a career built across mining and industrial organisations.

In every South African boardroom, AI now sits somewhere between excitement and unease. The tools are already in the hands of your executives and high-potential talent. What is not always present is the leadership maturity, ethics and decision-making discipline to use those tools well.

For Amukelani Maphophe transformation isn’t a document or a programme, it’s what happens when people are trusted to bring their best to work. As the people and culture director at bp Southern Africa, she is helping lead a shift that puts empowerment at the centre of business performance.

When you think of HR excellence in action, whose leadership immediately comes to mind? Well, now is your chance to let us know as nominations for the 2026 CHRO Awards are officially open.

In many organisations, boardroom conversations are still dominated by numbers, performance and targets. Reports, dashboards and KPIs fill the agenda. Yet the conversations about people, culture and leadership are often the ones that are missing. And it is precisely those conversations that make the difference between surface-level change and sustainable growth.

Terryn Sithara Palani has taken on the role of chief people officer at Hollard Insurance, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience.

Phylla Jele’s journey has been shaped by people who crossed her path, handed her responsibility she didn't always feel ready for, and offered mentorship that stretched her beyond her own expectations. Now HR and transformation executive at e4 Strategic, she describes her story as a series of defining moments guided by leaders who saw her before she fully saw herself.

The first ever Durban CHRO Dinner unfolded on 27 November, gathering eThekwini’s top HR leaders around an elegantly set table at the Oyster Box.

As South African organisations enter the year-end planning cycle, artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted from prediction to practice, changing how employers design work, develop skills and reward performance.

No one knows exactly what 2026 will bring, but the forward-thinking companies are already experimenting, learning and adjusting, not because they’ve mastered AI or automation, but because they can see how quickly work, expectations and confidence levels are shifting.

Mandy Hudson has taken on a new chapter in her career, joining Sustainable Power Solutions as chief people officer.

While many organisations wait for end-of-year functions, Mandela Day or Heritage Month to showcase their commitment to inclusion, Salwa Albertyn, group HR executive at Empact Group, believes CHROs should be shaping the language of unity long before the calendar tells them to.

CHRO South Africa caught up with Jeanett Modise, Absa’s group chief human capital officer, fresh off her triple sweep at the recent 2025 CHRO Awards. In addition to taking top honours, Jeanett also took home the Talent Management and Learning & Development awards.

Vodacom South Africa’s executive HR director, Njabulo Mashigo, shares that the making of a great CHRO comes down to four qualities: having conviction, being relatable, the curiosity to experiment and trusting people. Get these right, and the rest follows.

South Africa’s frontline is breaking under the weight of a cost-of-living crisis that shows no sign of easing.

The Courier Guy has welcomed Brigitte Padayachee as its chief people officer.

Aspen Holdings has appointed Siwe Sibeko as head of human capital.

Nedbank’s executive head of transformation, Kershini Govender, invites HR leaders to rethink what inclusion truly means in the modern workplace. She reflects on the disconnect between the performance of inclusion and the practice of it, and why South Africa holds a unique opportunity to get it right.

Held at the Polo Room at the Inanda Club, the 2025 CHRO Awards was a night of celebration that reinforced HR leaders’ commitment to positively impacting the lives of those they serve.

Absa’s group chief human capital officer Jeanett Modise was named 2025 CHRO of the Year, at a glamorous gala event last night. The accomplished executive also scooped the Talent Management and the Learning & Development awards.

During a chat with CHRO South Africa, Lorna Phipps, head of sales enablement at GIBS, reflected on the significance of sponsoring the Transformation & Empowerment Award at the 2025 CHRO Awards.

LRMG’s partnership with CHRO South Africa in sponsoring the 2025 HR & Technology Award is a natural alignment. The award recognises the CHRO’s expanding role in shaping the convergence of technology, talent and business outcomes – a space LRMG has long believed defines the future of work.

With just a few hours to go before the 2025 CHRO Awards, anticipation is building for a night that celebrates South Africa’s most inspiring HR leaders.

Perhaps part of the secret behind OUTsurance’s green and purple glow is not just great service or smart strategy, but also the CPO Suren Naidoo, who understands that humanity will always be the most powerful business model of all.

As the countdown to the 2025 CHRO Awards on 12 November begins, the proud sponsor of the Public Sector CHRO of the Year Award, Momentum Corporate, is saluting the HR leaders who shape not only their workplaces, but the very fabric of society.

Volkswagen Group Africa has announced the appointment of Satish Ranchod as its new HR director, marking a new chapter in a career that has spanned 36 years of dedicated service to the company.

The recent Community Conversation hosted by Dr Dieter Veldsman, chief scientist at AIHR, brought together top HR executives to confront the execution gap in HR, the space between great intent and actual impact.

As vice president of HR at Sappi Southern Africa, James Manana believes that businesses and HR don't just exist to make products or profits, but to make people better, wiser and more capable of shaping the society they live in.

Barry Dell, HR director at Atlas Finance, shares how culture should be lived in every branch, conversation and act of care that ripples from employee to customer.

Top HR execs shared their insights on effectively collecting and managing data to enable data-driven HR at the 2025 HR Indaba.

Preparing for a workplace that doesn’t yet exist but is already rewriting the rules of how HR professionals work, strategise, and lead demands new thinking, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt.

Graham Keatley has taken on a new role as head of people at Vitality.

For Ntsiki Williams, group HR executive at Bachique Investments, HR is more than just a career, it is a calling – a dynamic vehicle for social upliftment and tangible impact. As a self-described simple township girl, it's the blue-collar workers that remind her that a career path in human capital was the right call.

As South African corporates embrace new employment equity amendments, compliance company BEE123 encouraged more compliance amid its optimism that HR practitioners can meet new government targets. BEE123’s Saul Symanowitz and Adele Francis were addressing the 2025 HR Indaba.

During a panel discussion at the recent 2025 HR Indaba titled Transform or Avoid? Dealing with Toxic Workplace Cultures, Khabonina Ramoupi, group CPO at AECI, Reabetswe Motshegare, HR director at Scatec Sub-Saharan Africa and Boniwe Dunster, HR and industrial relations executive at Lanseria International Airport, reflected on what toxic cultures look like, how to spot the early warning signs and what role HR must play in addressing them.

Executive confidence was at the heart of a frank discussion about leadership at the 2025 HR Indaba by a trio of visionary leaders, each with a unique story of personal mastery and self-assurance.

Payroll is often overlooked, yet it forms the backbone of every successful HR strategy.

HR leaders shared what they must do now in preparation for the next decade at the 2025 HR Indaba, as the world of work is transforming fast – and artificial intelligence, automation and shifting employee expectations are redefining what it means to work, lead and belong.

Liberty Group South Africa has appointed David Selepe as senior specialist for human capital.

At the 2025 HR Indaba, the conversation around accountability took a sharp, introspective turn. In a packed Bill Gallagher Room, a panel of HR thought leaders, Dolores Mashishi founder and seasoned HR executive; and James Ramakau associate director: talent management at KPMG Africa tackled a hard truth: when employees fail, it often says more about leadership than about the individuals themselves.

Mismatched leadership is a hidden cost in the fiercely competitive world of rapid business expansion, where success is often measured by simple metrics like revenue growth, market share and operational efficiency, attendees at the 2025 HR Indaba heard.

At the 2025 HR Indaba, speakers challenged the myth of work-life balance, calling instead for intentional rest, focus and self-leadership.

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.