New

As South Africa marks Youth Month, the conversation around youth development, unemployment, skills shortages, and future-ready leadership has never been more critical. Sandi Richardson, HR executive at RCS, Justin Hughes, Openserve’s executive for HR operations, and Vanessa Gibb, the people business partner at PNET, urge for strategic investments in young talent.

Burnout at senior leadership is the risk many overlook. Lana Hindmarch, co-founder of BREATHE, a leadership advisory firm that helps senior teams build burnout-proof high-energy cultures, explores how energy depletion quietly drains culture, trust, and performance, and why CHROs must act now.

After leading the people strategy for nearly 20 years at The Spar Group, Tembi Topham has stepped into a new role as HR executive for talent and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging (DEIB) at RCL Foods.

Nosipho Kunene, HR director for sub-Saharan Africa at Kimberly-Clark may not have made it to med school, but her role has seen her shaping the HR strategy across different regions for the multi-national personal care corporation.

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

Dennis Coetzee has been nominated for the 2025 CHRO Awards for his role as group executive for human capital at NWK Holdings.

Recruiting the right people has never been easy for South Africa’s small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), but according to Vanessa Gibb, the people business partner at Pnet, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Lipton Teas and Infusions has welcomed Sivena Manikam as its new head of people and organisation for Africa.

From dealing with unemployment and fake qualifications, to ethical concerns and misrepresentation, today’s hiring process can be full of risk for CHROs. Marosha Pather, HR and client service executive at Mettus, unpacks how HR leaders can screen candidates smarter.

Triple E Training has joined the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner, adding its name to the impressive line-up of exhibitors set to showcase at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 October 2025.

Akhona Qengqe, general manager at KFC Africa, has called on leaders to expand their conception of what HR is and what it can be. She highlighted this while speaking about her journey as the keynote speaker at CHRO Day held in Johannesburg recently.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles have evolved from a peripheral concern into a core component of business and investment strategy. Njabulo Mashigo, HR director for Vodacom, shares why ESG isn’t just about risk mitigation or investor relations – it’s a key driver of talent attraction and retention.

The University of Cape Town has welcomed Juliet Mhango as its new executive director for human resources, bringing with her years of experience across various industries, including telecommunications, financial services and healthcare.

Panellists at 2025 CHRO Day discussed the processes their organisations use to embed succession planning into everyday talent management, ensuring a steady pipeline of capable leaders.

Amanda Cusdin’s career spans continents, transformation initiatives and boardrooms. Today, as chief people officer at Sage, she leads 11,000 employees across the globe, but her journey began in a setting few would expect: amid the unrest of Northern Ireland's civil war.

The University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) will be joining the 2025 HR Indaba as a Silver partner.

Top HR leaders gathered at the Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch to share ideas on how the traditional HR playbook must evolve to ensure that it remains relevant and adaptable.

Inside the walls of the Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch, South Africa’s top HR leaders came together for 2025 CHRO Day on 28 May, diving into conversations centred on defining a new playbook in an era shaped by workplace change, digital transformation and a war in the fight for talent.

Arjo, a global supplier of medical devices and solutions, has appointed Shivani Naidoo as its new HR director in Africa, a move that marks the continuation of a journey rooted in healthcare and human impact.

The premium chocolate brand Lindt & Sprüngli South Africa has welcomed Zaidah as its new HR director.

Long before Sheryll Kisten stepped into her role as head of HR at STADIO Higher Education, her days were devoted to nurturing, advocating and learning – not in a corporate setting, but at home, beside her unwell son.

South Africa's most comprehensive recruitment platform returns with a Silver partnership for the 2025 HR Indaba.

A leader in higher education and skills development, Boston City Campus has joined the 2025 HR Indaba as a Gold partner.

Celeste Sirin, an employer branding specialist, speaker, facilitator and founder of Employer Branding Africa, calls on companies to match their external image with their internal reality.

As the world marked International HR Day on 20 May, Noreen MacPherson, a master HR practitioner and learning and development specialist at Maccauvlei Learning Academy, calls for a return to human-first leadership grounded in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, an African word meaning humanity to others.

A recent CHRO South Africa webinar led by Saul Symanowitz, BEE123’s director for strategic innovation, offered a breakdown of what HR leaders need to know and do before the next reporting window in line with the amended Employment Equity Act.

On 28 May HR leaders from across South Africa will gather at the luxurious Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch for CHRO Day, to share new ideas and talk next-level strategy.

As head of brand and people at Simply Black Media, Inge Wulff approaches human resources less like an admin task and more as a powerful function for shaping a thriving culture from the inside out.

The world’s most trusted leadership company joins as a Gold partner for the 2025 HR Indaba.

Prudence Hlwempu, the newly-appointed human capital executive at Bidvest Vericon, says she is thrilled to have joined the organisation.

For Zizile Lushaba-Nyawo, human capital and skills development executive at Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA), blue-collar talent isn’t plan B but the future of South Africa’s talent pipelines, especially in the industrial sector.

Aba Ayirebi never imagined how different the progression of her career would be, having completed an undergraduate qualification in BA International Relations from the University of Stellenbosch. She took what she thought would be a short-term sabbatical from her postgraduate LLB studies only to come across an intriguing job posting that led her to Stor-Age Property REIT Ltd, where she has now built a 13-year career.

The provider of learning and development solutions is set to be part of the partner line-up at the 2025 HR Indaba.

The insurance giant joins an exciting line-up of exhibitors set to showcase at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 October 2025.

The countdown has officially begun for the 2025 HR Indaba, set to take place on 14 October at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Diana Johnson has been appointed as the new area HR director for APMEA South at British American Tobacco (BAT), a promotion that marks a significant milestone in her 17-year journey with the company.

HR leaders are learning to walk a fine line between embracing AI’s efficiency, while keeping people at the heart of automation. Sheryll Kisten, head of human resources at Stadio Higher Education, Sage CPO Amanda Cusdin and Stor-Age head of people Aba Ayirebi share practical steps leaders can take to upskill their teams in AI and data literacy.

Having served as HR director for Beiersdorf in both Southern Africa and later in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Aneesa Khan’s career has taken her to exotic locations. Through working across multiple countries and cultures, she’s been able to explore her interest in human complexity in ways she never imagined.

In a country where traditional healing is an essential part of culture, new regulations are guiding the use of traditional healer sick notes. Thato Makoaba, associate in employment law practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, unpacks how HR can integrate these certificates while staying legally sound and inclusive.

Verushka Ramsamuj has embarked on a new journey as the head of human resources at St Stithians College.

Cátia Teixeira, group executive head of human capital at MultiChoice Africa, has carved a unique path in the world of HR – one that’s as dynamic as it is inspiring. With a foundation in economics and an early career in finance at Deloitte Portugal, she never imagined she’d end up leading human capital across an entire continent.

CHRO and ESG lead at Vector Logistics Annelie Govender is among the HR leaders integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities into the DNA of their organisations. She highlights why embedding ESG is more important now than ever.

Nafisah Abrahams has been promoted to the role of chief of staff at AfricArena, a move that marks a milestone in her journey with the organisation, as this comes after serving as the operations project manager.

Taegan Devar, industrial psychologist and managing director of PeopleSmart, argues that while employee assistance programmes (EAPs) offer support, they’re just one piece of the puzzle.

Bianca Morgan has stepped into a new chapter of her HR career, taking on the role of head of people and organisation at Sandoz.

For Bolekwa Maseti, senior HR manager at the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), her passion for people dates back to her high school years. It’s a passion that has helped her build a decades-long HR career.

While mergers are typically driven by systems and strategy, Enid Lizamore, people director at Heineken Beverages, highlights how placing people and culture at the core of their integration journey became the true foundation for culture-building and long-term success.

Vector Logistics has announced the promotion of Kasavan Naicker to head of HR shared services.

At the heart of this year’s Radical Inclusion Summit, a powerful fireside chat between Old Mutual CPO Anusuya Govender and Regenesys Corporate Education CEO Nishen Munnisunker lit up the room, challenging what inclusion truly means.

Brenda Talazo didn’t plan on a career in human resources, but looking back, purpose had other plans, as it has become clear she was destined to lead in the field.

The CHRO South Africa Radical Inclusion Summit recently hosted a powerful panel discussion that delved into the crucial aspects of truly embedding company values into daily operations and effectively measuring the often overlooked concept of belonging.

HR leaders gathered at the CHRO Radical Inclusion Summit in Cape Town on 9 April not just to talk about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), but to explore ways to interrogate its true purpose and impact in the workplace.

KingMakers, a sports and digital entertainment platform company across the African continent, has announced the appointment of Keeran Subramony as the new group head of people.

As Kedibone Letsika, the people and culture director at JTI, describes it, for any organisation to thrive, investing in its people is no longer optional but essential.

Rebaone Maakelo, group HR director at Interwaste, describes his journey into human resources as a “funny story,” as he explains it with a chuckle – one that began in an unexpected wrong queue at university.

On 9 April, Cape Town will play host to the second summit of the year, and it's set to take diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) conversations to the next level.

Glencore Ferroalloys has announced the appointment of Tshidi Anya as their new chief people officer.

Salwa Albertyn, the group human resources executive of Empact Group, believes that a thriving workplace goes beyond competitive salaries and benefits. According to her, employees no longer just seek a paycheque - they seek purpose, appreciation, and a sense of belonging.

The countdown to the 2025 CHRO Awards has officially started, as nominations continue to pour in for this prestigious event.

Mentorship, at its best, is a transformative relationship that shapes careers and lives, and the dynamic between Julia Modise, group HR director at BMW, and Reabetswe Regina Motshegare, HR director at Scatec, has been a testament to this.

Mainstream Renewable Power has announced the promotion of Lindsay Burgess to the role of group head of human resources.

Employer branding is often reduced to catchy slogans and polished posts, but listening remains the most powerful element. Celeste Sirin, CEO of Employer Brand Africa, details the significant impact of truly hearing employees.

HR leaders are always seeking ways to streamline processes, boost efficiency, and enhance employee experiences, but outdated onboarding and training methods often create backlogs that slow down both new hires and HR teams.

From a young age, the CHRO and ESG lead at Vector Logistics, Annelie Govender found herself in the role of advisor, the one people turned to for guidance.

Lindani Dube has been appointed as the CHRO at TransUnion Africa and the TransUnion Global Capability Centre Africa.

Rebaone Maakelo has been appointed as the group human resources director at Interwaste, where he will oversee the entire HR value chain for Interwaste Holdings and its subsidiaries across South Africa and Mozambique.

Group chief HR officer Humsha Ramgobin believes that progressive HR practices are essential for driving innovation in an ever-changing industry. At Mediclinic, this vision is put into action through three core pillars: leadership development, workforce agility, and technology-driven innovation.

Sonia Tshabalala’s career in human resources has never been just about policies and processes but about people, impact, and transformation.

A look at the first CHRO dinner of the year that took place at The Saxon in Sandton.

Top HR leaders gathered on 13 March, for a thought-provoking discussion over an exclusive dinner on the country’s digital skills shortage, at the elegant Saxon Hotel.

As AI continues to transform workplaces, HR leaders face the uncertainty of integrating its efficiency while preserving the human-centric nature of their roles. Amanda Cusdin, chief people officer at Sage, shares how AI can enhance HR functions, the challenges of implementation, and the essential skills HR professionals can develop to be able to navigate AI while keeping the human touch at the center of their work.

Daserie Moodley is set to lead HR initiatives at Nutun.

On the back of International Women’s Day in early March, Cebile Xulu, HR director at Mondelēz International, shares how one of the world’s largest snack companies has transformed their workforce to ensure equitable gender representation, particularly at senior management levels.

For Kedibone Letsika, HR is more than policies and procedures; it's about people, strategy, and creating meaningful change in the workplace.

Chantelle Blandin de Chalain is set to drive the people strategy and organisational development in a new role at LRMG.

With over 26 years at Empact Group, Salwa Albertyn has stepped into a new leadership role as the group human resources executive.

While the mid-career stage is often characterised by experience and accumulated expertise, it can also be a breeding ground for profound uncertainty.

Kate Shead's journey to HR executive at Telviva, formerly Connection Telecom, is a testament to a deep-seated passion for people. While her early life found her navigating her career in a different field, it was a pivotal role she had as a PA to an HR director in the late 1990s that supported and ignited her true calling.

The field of executive coaching is undergoing a transformation, driven by technological advancements and a deeper understanding of human potential. While AI and digital platforms make their mark, the core of transformative coaching remains deeply human.

The experienced communication professional is looking forward to supporting the provincial government through people practices and best practice in public sector training.

Fostering a culture of continuous learning has become essential for organisations aiming to thrive, adapt, and build organisational success.

Leading HR executives from Exxaro, YUM! and Bidvest Bank discussed innovative career pathways, personalised development and future-proofing workforces in today’s workplaces.

Futurist Bronwyn Williams explored Gen Z’s workplace behaviours, unemployment challenges and the need for transformative employer relationships.

Khabonina Ramoupi, group chief people officer at AECI, is shaking up the culture at the company and managing change in a business that has been around for 100 years.

The CHRO Apex Talent Summit, held on 20 February 2025, brought together some of the brightest minds in HR and business leadership to unpack the evolving world of talent management.

A look at the first CHRO summit of the year.

Nomaswazi has been the human capital executive within the bank for four years.

For many organisations, attracting, developing and retaining top talent feels like an ongoing challenge. But what if the real problem isn’t the talent itself – but the unseen gaps in your strategy?

With each new year comes a new level of responsibility for Nerisha Kistan. In January 2024, she stepped into the role of HR Director at Canon EMEA, and by January 2025, she was also promoted to the title of statutory director.

As workplaces continue evolving, talent remains at the heart of every successful organisation.

Lettie-Basani Phume, the group human capital executive at Momentum Group, believes that delivering an exceptional client experience starts with an exceptional employee experience. Speaking to CHRO South Africa, she explains what it takes to help people feel supported, the company’s focus areas for the future, and initiatives aimed at developing women executives.

Tebogo will be using her skills to drive effective operations and organisational effectiveness at Nyanza Light Metals.

As the role of executive coaching evolves, CHROs planning to hire coaches in the new year have a number of factors to consider.

Head of human capital for Axiz, Robert Nkuna, says he has been privileged to work with many CEOs through mergers and acquisitions on his HR journey. This, he believes, has given him a solid foundation.

Linda Keun has been promoted to chief people officer at The Catalyst Group.

Middle managers play a vital role between decisions taken at executive level and their implementation on the ground, says Dolores S Mashishi, managing director: HR solutions, and advisor and executive coach at DSM Advisory.

The executive head of human capital for Santam, Norah Sehunoe, believes in a holistic and strategic approach to the employee experience. CHRO South Africa spoke to Norah about being an employer of choice, nurturing staff, and focus points for the year ahead.

Zenobia Mothilal’s journey to HR leadership at Pepkor Lifestyle is one of resilience, determination and breaking barriers. As a woman who defied societal expectations, Zenobia Inspires young women to chart their own paths, overcome obstacles, and embrace their unique strengths.

JJ Van der Walt, legal counsel for employment law at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, unpacks why a recent Constitutional Court judgment has put the spotlight on retirement age, agreed upon retirement age, and how that is interpreted.

HR executives say the employment equity bill marks a pivotal step in South Africa’s journey toward a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

Bertus Jacobs, the new head of people at Multi-Media, says he likes to create impactful solutions that empower individuals and strengthen organisations.

Head of people and performance for the Cotton On Group’s Africa’s market, Portia Sithole is steering the entity towards a future where human capital is valued and nurtured.

A new year often means a new start and a new way of doing things. This is as applicable in the C-suite as it is within the rest of the organisation. And, while CHROs often consider EAPs and wellness programmes for their teams and the wider organisation, executive health is also an important focus area.

Menushka van der Westhuizen is the new human resources director for South Africa at Saint-Gobain.

JJ Van der Walt, legal counsel for employment law at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, unpacks key provisions of the bill.

Eskom’s new people chief, Dr Candice Hartley, says it is a great honour to join the utility's giant in navigating the complexities of the energy sector and striving towards a sustainable future.

With a career spanning several industries and countries, Raubex’s group HR head, Trevor Dale, approaches the discipline with pragmatism and a deep commitment to employee wellbeing and organisational efficiency.

In part two of this two-part article, Old Mutual Corporate’s Kim-Lee Wentzel-Ricketts, Nabeela Noorani and Samantha Jagdessi share five ways to mitigate the shock of retirement and bring the reality closer to expectations.

Leading HR executives got together to discuss some red hot topics currently dominating the people agenda within their organisations.

Nomsa Mngadi has been appointed as head of people services: Southern Africa at De Beers Group.

Exxaro CPO Joseph Rock’s love for travel initially brought him to South Africa’s vibrant shores. But it wasn’t just the breathtaking landscapes or the diverse cultures that captivated him. It was the phenomenal people that captured his heart and motivated him – and his family – to call the country home for the past 25 years.

Many retirees face a massive gap between their retirement dream and their lived retirement reality. In part one of this two-part article, Old Mutual Corporate’s Kim-Lee Wentzel-Ricketts, Nabeela Noorani and Samantha Jagdessi share which assumptions often go awry and how behaviours as well as expectations can be shifted.

Duke Mgaga has been appointed as the chief people officer at the Parliament of South Africa.

Leading HR executives got together to discuss some red hot topics currently dominating the people agenda within their organisations.

Lindiwe Miyambu, chief people officer at the Auditor-General South Africa, is transforming the way the public sector entity operates.

Empathy and prioritising people will no doubt continue to be top of mind for the people agenda for 2025.

All things tech dominated CHRO conversations in 2024 – balancing AI with the human touch, for one, will no doubt continue to dominate in the new year.

CHRO South Africa spotlights the headline-grabbing moves that shook up the HR world this year!