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.
We’ve also seen HR leaders embrace well-deserved promotions, new opportunities, and take career leaps that reflect both personal growth and professional courage.
Duke Mgaga appointed CPO at Parliament of South Africa
Parliament’s newly appointed chief people officer, Duke Mgaga, brings more than two decades of experience in strategic human resource management to one of the country’s most important institutions.
Read more: CPO Duke Mgaga to help shape Parliament’s people practices
Dr Candice Hartley joins Eskom
A familiar and respected figure in the CHRO community, Dr Candice Hartley stepped into the role of chief people officer at Eskom Holdings after serving as an executive partner and head of human capital at KPMG.
Read more: Dr Candice Hartley joins Eskom as CPO
Julia Modise joins Sun International
Julia Modise was appointed HR director at Sun International, following more than three years as group HR director at BMW Group South Africa.
Read more: Julia Modise moves from BMW SA to HR director role at Sun International
Clicks Group appoints Bridget Makhura
The Clicks Group announced Bridget Makhura as its new CPO, following her nearly 11-year tenure at AB InBev Africa, where she most recently served as vice-president of people.
Read more: Clicks Group appoints Bridget Makhura as CPO
Old Mutual Bank promotes Nomaswazi Ngwane
After four years as human capital executive for the mass and foundation cluster, Nomaswazi Ngwane was promoted to chief people experience officer at Old Mutual Bank.
Read more: Old Mutual Bank promotes Nomaswazi Ngwane to chief people experience officer
Phuti Ramagoshi promoted to HR executive
Just a year after joining CBi-electric: low voltage as senior HR business partner, Phuti Ramagoshi was promoted to HR executive.
Read more: CBi-electric: low voltage elevates Phuti Ramagoshi to HR executive role
Lindiwe Miyambu joins AfroCentric Group
Lindiwe Miyambu took on a dual portfolio as chief people and marketing officer at AfroCentric Group, uniting culture, brand and people strategy. The 2025 Public Sector CHRO of the Year joined from the Auditor-General of South Africa, where she served as CPO.
Read more: Lindiwe Miyambu takes on chief people and marketing role at AfroCentric Group
Dr Phumzile Mmope joins Western Cape government
Dr Phumzile Mmope stepped into the role of chief director of people training and empowerment within the Western Cape government’s Department of the Premier.
Read more: Dr Phumzile Mmope joins Western Cape government as chief director of people training and empowerment
Zaidah Samuels joins Lindt South Africa
Premium chocolate brand Lindt & Sprüngli South Africa welcomed Zaidah Samuels as its new HR director following her 12-year tenure at AVI, where she served as head of HR.
Read more: Zaidah Samuels makes sweet career move to HR director at Lindt South Africa
UCT appoints Juliet Mhango
The University of Cape Town appointed Juliet Mhango as executive director for human resources, strengthening its leadership with a CHRO who has operated across telecommunications, financial services and healthcare.
Read more: UCT appoints Juliet Mhango as the new executive director for HR
Sivena Manikam joins Lipton Teas and Infusions
Lipton Teas and Infusions welcomed Sivena Manikam as head of people and organisation for Africa, a role aligned with her passion for purpose-led leadership.
Read more: Sivena Manikam takes on head of people and organisation role at Lipton Teas and Infusions
Satish Ranchod promoted to HR director
After 36 years with the company, Satish Ranchod was appointed HR director at Volkswagen Group Africa, marking a milestone in a career that began as a graduate trainee in 1989.
Read more: Satish Ranchod in the driver's seat at Volkswagen Group Africa
Brigitte Padayachee joins The Courier Guy
The Courier Guy appointed Brigitte Padayachee as chief people officer, bringing with her extensive consulting and corporate HR experience.
Read more: Brigitte Padayachee appointed as CPO at The Courier Guy
Terryn Sithara Palani joins Hollard Insurance
Closing out the year, Terryn Sithara Palani was appointed chief people officer at Hollard Insurance.
Read more: Terryn Sithara Palani takes up CPO role at Hollard Insurance
