There is a calm assurance in the way Sana-Ullah Bray speaks about people, culture and transformation at Sanlam Group. In a business navigating acquisitions, digital disruption and evolving workforce expectations, Sana-Ullah has emerged as a leader who combines strategic clarity with empathy and pragmatism.

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.

Palesa Matoli, the executive head of human capital and transformation at Bidvest Bank is living proof that young leaders can drive real, lasting change. Named the 2024 Young CHRO of the Year and recipient of the Transformation and Empowerment Award, she has a mission to create a culture of empowerment, inclusion and sustainable impact.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Gcobisa Ntshona, African Bank’s Chief People Officer, shares how she and her team drive growth and innovation with a transformative people-first approach.

Ignoring workplace bullying can have a detrimental impact on productivity and work performance. CHROs Boniwe Dunster, Palesa Matoli, Bess Kankolongo, Dr Ngao Motsei and Tantaswa Fubu talk about practical ways to eradicate bullying from the workplace and how best to create psychologically safe work spaces.

Nominations for the 2025 CHRO Awards are open!

Emelia Abotsi, newly appointed CHRO at Fuchs Electronics, leads transformation, inclusion and innovation, leveraging extensive HR expertise and visionary leadership.

Men’s health awareness month highlights more than physical wellbeing – it’s a reminder to prioritise mental resilience for a balanced, fulfilling life, writes international performance coach Alvin Govender. 

S’ne Magagula, CHRO at Tiger Brands, who recently earned the coveted title of 2024 CHRO of the Year, reflects on her journey and shares the core principles that have guided her and continue to inspire her transformative approach to leadership.

Lisa will be responsible for driving HR initiatives across the organisation’s operations.

Tiger Brands CHRO S’ne Magagula walked away with the prestigious honour of 2024 CHRO of the Year at the 'Oscars of HR', which took place on 14 November at the Polo Room, Inanda Club.

Momentum Corporate is leading the way in employee value and experience by sponsoring the prestigious 2024 Employee Value Proposition (EVP) Award at the 2024 CHRO Awards.

With just a few hours to go before CHRO South Africa announced the winner of the prestigious 2024 CHRO of the Year Award, judges James Ramakau, Caryn Baird and Tumelo Seaketso shared their thoughts on what it takes to scoop the most highly acclaimed award in the Southern Africa HR landscape.

MakwaIT, the sponsor of the 2024 HR & Technology Award, believes in redefining HR, merging cutting-edge tech with a people-first approach in order to elevate employee experience and business success in.

GIBS champions excellence in learning and development by sponsoring the 2024 CHRO Learning & Development (L&D) Award, reinforcing its mission to shape impactful, sustainable business leaders.

Kyle says he felt like he was stepping into a mission-driven opportunity to transform mobility access for underbanked individuals when he took up the role at Planet42 as head of people.

Curious about what’s on the bedside tables of top HR leaders? These CHROs share the books that have left a lasting impact, shaping their views on life, leadership and personal growth.

Mediclinic Southern Africa confirmed the appointment in a statement, adding that it was effective as of 1 September 2024.

Luyanda Finini, executive director of HR at the Eastern Cape Department of Health, believes being part of the public health sector speaks to his deep-rooted commitment to making a tangible difference.

Wilson, who joined the firm in October 2024, was previously the HR director at Sumitomo Rubber South Africa.

South Africa’s HR elite are set to converge at the 2024 CHRO Awards. With host Nicholas Goliath and a powerful performance by Musa Motha, the community will celebrate their resilience, transformation and leadership on 14 November.

This award honours leaders who demonstrate exceptional strategic vision, innovative thinking and a commitment to advancing the human resources function.

Despite the growing significance of Artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, Samad Masood, associate vice president at Infosys Knowledge Institute, says it’s time the focus shifts from AI itself to its implications for people.

Netstar's human capital executive, Phumzile Hlatshwayo, champions people-first leadership, high-performance culture, and engagement.

Top HR executives gathered to discuss navigating political instability, financial wellness and global tensions at an exclusive dinner at the Saxon Hotel hosted by Mercer South Africa and CHRO South Africa.

CHRO South Africa asks industry leaders about their most pressing concerns and how they are adapting to this new era of work and preparing organisations for an unpredictable future.

HR is the engine behind any thriving organisation, but managing HR in the public sector comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities, says CHRO of the Competition Commission, Londiwe Mncube.

Founder of The Human Touch Maggie Mojapelo gives insight into how she spent over five decades gathering knowledge, getting experience and making an impact in organisations worldwide with transformative HR.

Cell C CEO Jorge Mendes kicked off the HR Indaba 2024 with a powerful keynote address.

Atlas Finance human capital partner and team lead Barry Dell gives insight into how the shaping of people and culture is at the core of Atlas Finance’s 30-year success.

The higher education institution will be part of the partner line-up at the 2024 HR Indaba.

Seasoned HR executive Rachel Masuku has been appointed as the new group executive for HR as of 1 October 2024.

When Barry Dell reflects on his journey, it’s clear that his life’s work has been about more than just managing people – it’s been about nurturing potential.

At the first dinner for the year, CHROs gathered to discuss how rapidly developing technologies can enhance workforce capabilities, rather than simply replacing jobs, and how HR leaders should guide this transformation.

HR leaders share how they embrace the spirit of Heritage Day by fostering diversity, inclusion, and belonging in their workplaces, proving that true strength lies in unity through diversity.

Recently appointed as CHRO at Cricket South Africa, Devni Naidoo Ferdi reflects on how her passion for HR evolved from an unexpected start into a fulfilling and dynamic career.

Lisa Korol, regional HR manager for MEA at Axis Communications, suggests ways to cultivate a vibrant workplace culture.

The organisation will be joining the growing number of companies exhibiting at the 2024 HR Indaba.

Boniwe shares how she turned a chance encounter into a fulfilling career that is filled with resilience, passion, and is testament to her commitment to fairness.

The organisation recently published a celebration of 30 Years of Y’ello Culture and its impact on the HR landscape in the country.

South Africa’s top CHROs, CFOs, and CIOs came together at The Venue in Melrose on 5 September for Executive Day. This interactive event brought industry leaders together under the theme of “Connected Leadership,” fostering collaboration and dialogue among the nation’s foremost executives.

As HR executive for talent at RCL Foods, Sivena is tasked with transforming HR at the organisation through her innovative strategies, while also shifting the narrative from paper-pushers to strategic business partners.

At an exclusive Workday women’s luncheon, the Tiger Brands CHRO encouraged those in attendance to always lead with purpose, more so in male-dominated industries.

With a unique journey from computer science to human resources, Nomzabalazo Makubalo now thrives as Rand Merchant Bank’s chief people officer, championing people-centric organisational culture.

Mentor Rahab Matebane, executive director for human capital and facilities management at Mekan Group, and her mentee, Zanele Vilakazi, a human capital intern, share their experience on mentorship and what it has meant for them.

In a strategic move to bolster its leadership, e-motion consulting has announced the appointment of Themba Chakela as the new head of people, culture and change.

A Q&A with mentor Mamello Masia and mentee Mathapelo Chirwa, HR executive at Mowana Properties and senior HR manager at Mowana Properties respectively, about what they’ve learned from each other.

Yonela Ntsaluba, spokesperson for 2024 HR Indaba partner BEE123, looks at how technology is revolutionising compliance and transformation in South Africa.

The former HR director for the City of Cape Town joined the organisation in May 2024.

HR Director at Microsoft Africa and winner of the Talent Management Award at the 2023 CHRO Awards Sameera Mohamed speaks on ethical data and inclusive workplaces.

South Africa’s leading women CHROs and their mentees gathered to share knowledge and engage on what groundbreaking leadership means to them at the annual event.

The UCT Graduate School of Business will be showcasing its wide range of qualifications, from their top-ranked MBA to their suite of executive education short courses.

Post-Covid, there really is no definite answer as to what works best for organisations when navigating Hybrid 3.0, says panel at CHRO Solutions Summit.

The second instalment of the CHRO Solutions Summit inspired the HR community with cutting-edge innovations and insightful discussions.

Bronwyn's transition from law to leading HR initiatives has showcased her unwavering dedication to justice in numerous ways.

Rishi is looking forward to enhancing workplace culture by focusing on inclusivity, growth, and retention at PEP.

FranklinCovey South Africa, a name once synonymous with the “7 Habits” framework, is making a robust re-entry into the South African market. This reintroduction is marked by a significant transformation from a company known primarily for its motivational seminars to a dynamic leader in organisational change and development.

With this past week being observed as Corporate Wellness Week in South Africa, CHRO South Africa explores how programmes are emerging as crucial tools for addressing a range of workforce challenges, from reducing absenteeism to boosting morale and productivity.

Rizwana is being recognised for her work as the group executive for HR at Capitec Bank, a position she has held since 2021.

Melody, along with other nominees, will be celebrated during a gala ceremony at The Polo Room in Sandton on 14 November 2024.

The education institution is throwing its weight behind the anticipated event.

The company will be part of a line-up of partners exhibiting at the HR Indaba on 8 October.

June, celebrated as Youth Month in South Africa, shines a spotlight on the pivotal role young people play in shaping the nation's future. During this vibrant month, CHRO South Africa spoke to HR leaders offering invaluable insights on career advancement, leadership development, and driving industry transformation, empowering the next generation to take charge and make a lasting impact.

Shalini, along with other nominees, will be celebrated during a gala ceremony at The Polo Room in Sandton on 14 November 2024.

Sharon Taylor, chief people and culture officer at Standard Bank shares the secrets behind creating a future fit team, in an organisation that spans across 20 African countries and five global financial centres and has 10,001+ employees.

Savina Harrilall, who has been the CPO for Mukuru since 2022, has been nominated for the 2024 CHRO Awards.

The Bidvest Bank’s executive head for human capital and transformation is in the running for top honours at the year-end extravaganza.

The CHRO at global trade credit insurer Coface, is the latest to be nominated for the prestigious awards.

Celeste moves on from Illovo Sugar, where she was the HR director for the past eight years.

The Transnet CPO is now in the running for an award at the Oscars of HR in November.

From overcoming personal adversity to envisioning a future of agile work, Norah Sehunoe, executive head for human capital at Santam Insurance shares more about her 20 years of servant leadership and how she is on a mission to inspire growth and empowerment in others.

The CPO at giant retailer Mr Price Group is the latest to be nominated for the prestigious awards.

Dr Simi Ramgoolam sheds light on the distinctive nature of HR within a multinational mining company, and how the HR agenda directly influences and contributes to the broader mining community, illustrating how the company’s people strategies extend beyond internal operations.

The vice president of human resources at PepsiCo South Africa, Annalize Van Der Waal, is the latest HR leader to join the list of leaders competing for the CHRO of the Year title.

Tebogo is the latest HR executive to join the list of nominees for these prestigious awards.

Sonwabo has been leading the human capital for the organisation’s business banking division since 1 May.

Juliette Bourne, head of HR at Edward Snell & Co., believes diversity in the independent spirits sector has become increasingly pivotal.

Under the theme “the Change Exchange”, South Africa’s leading HR professionals gathered on 16 May for CHRO Day at The Leonardo in Sandton.

Anita takes over from Nomaxabiso (Norma) Teyise who is now the group executive for human capital at Lesaka Technologies.

John will be joining RBS from his previous role as head of people and culture at Xneelo.

The 2021 Young CHRO of the Year says she is delighted to join an organisation that is big on driving change.

CHRO South Africa explores the harmony of music and community with the head of HR at Northam Platinum.

Desereé, whose appointment is effective 1 May 2024, moves from her previous position as executive head for human capital at RBS Insurance Brokers.

The HR community delves into practical ways to eradicate bullying from the workplaces and how best to create psychologically safe workspaces.

Incoming CEO of Quantumed Avian Bell shares how a positive organisational culture, strong skills transfer and a solid succession plan enabled him to rise to the top rung of the corporate ladder.

HR experts lean in and unpack how Africa will be a contributor to the future global workforce.

Deb, who is the CHRO at Nedbank, joins the list of leaders competing for the CHRO of the Year title.

2023 CHRO Awards nominee Cindy Botha joined the online casino software providers in April 2024.

Ashika says she lives by Madiba’s sentiment that education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.

Netcare’s Dr Nceba Ndzwayiba shares how being a self-funded student taught him about vision, passion, dedication, discipline and humility.

Pedros Flame Grilled Chicken’s group HR head joins the race for the 2024 CHRO of the Year Award.

Yolanda Manganye, Momentum Metropolitan’s human capital executive, discusses aligning organisational purpose, leveraging Africa’s youthful talent, and bridging the skills gap.

Focusing on the ESG agenda is the right thing for organisations concerned about the sustainability of the world, say HR leaders.

2023 CHRO Awards nominee Tshidi Anya takes the helm as CHRO for ISN Medical, a medical diagnostic solutions company based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Implementing technology in order to increase efficiency and productivity is not so clear-cut in the HR world, says the panel during the 2024 CHRO Smart Work Summit.

The human aspect of transformation will prove to be more challenging than the technological aspects - and HR leaders will be leading the revolution in this regard.

Zanele, who will be delivering the keynote address at the CHRO South Africa Smart Work Summit in Cape Town, uses key unlearning principles to help organisations with adapting to new ways of work.

Believe in yourself, believe in your abilities and make space for others – this is what leading women CHROs say the theme means to them.

Sandi Richardson, HR executive at RCS, shares her remarkable journey in HR, marked by resilience, empathy, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

The former Altron HR head will now lead human capital at Altron Digital Business after the merger.

At an open-mic session at the recent Community Conversation, CHROs took time to share what topics they would like to explore in order to shape the agenda for the year ahead.

At the recent CHRO Skills Summit, HR leaders discussed talent management hacks that enable HR practitioners to operate more efficiently and effectively.

On 21 February, the country’s most sought after HR minds gathered at 39 Melrose Boulevard in Melrose Arch. The focal point of their gathering? A pressing concern for HR leaders everywhere: the persistent challenge of skills scarcity.

Bernadine Symonds is looking forward to assisting IFS to consolidate, standardise, optimise and build a scalable and robust HR function.

Building a strong employer brand and getting it noticed is one of our highest priorities, says Dennis Coetzee.

Tshepo Yvonne Mosadi aims to champion HR excellence at Daybreak.

Incoming HR head at Kukhanya Energy Services Nokukhanya Mkhize plans to illuminate lives through HR leadership.

Lee Watts, chief human resources officer at Kurtosys, delves into his journey into the field of HR, the evolving role of CHROs in response to automation, remote work, and the gig economy, and the leading trends shaping HR in 2024.

HR leaders offer insights into the evolving HR landscape, and the trends they anticipate will dominate 2024.

Incoming global CHRO at iSON Xperiences Dr Zain Reddiar looks forward to a new challenge.

Hellen is now the senior HR director role Arabian Peninsula for Hilton, based in Dubai.

Reabetswe earmarks building the leadership pipeline at all levels as top of her agenda as she takes on the new role.

Devandre Lawrence, recently appointed as head of HR at Pernod Ricard South Africa & Inverroche, explores his remarkable career voyage, riding the waves of triumphs and tribulations and his vision for the future of HR.

Realigning HR priorities, reinventing with a focus on driving value and stepping up to champion meaningful change in the world of work are three key trends that will inform the 2024 HR landscape.

Nomaxabiso (Norma) Teyise has been appointed group executive for human capital at fintech company Lesaka Technologies.