Interview

You don't have to love basketball to understand what excites Nyameka Semenya, senior HR director at NBA Africa. For her it’s all about what happens when thousands of strangers rally behind one team, young people discovering a new sport, and communities finding connection by a shared love of the game.

Jabu Mahange, group HR executive at Famous Brands, sees policies as only valuable when they help a business perform, not when they are treated as immovable rules, filed neatly in ring binders and dusted off when something goes wrong.

Karen Hammond, group head of people at Meridian Group, learned one of life's most important lessons at an early age by realising that difficult circumstances do not have to define your future. After losing loved ones while she was still young, she could easily have allowed hardship to shape the direction of her life. Instead, those experiences gave her a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Vicky Koekemoer, CHRO at Ignition Group, doesn't describe herself as a risk taker anymore. These days, she says motherhood has made her far more cautious and measured.

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.

Sifiso Gasa once prepared himself to be a teacher, then a lawyer, before ultimately finding his calling in the space between both: working with people. Today, as CHRO at Röhlig-Grindrod Logistics South Africa, he leads the people agenda for a business of around 600 employees, but his journey to the executive table started in the unglamorous trenches of HR.

The hardest part of growing a global company is not opening new markets. It is making sure people in those markets still feel they belong to the same organisation. That is the challenge Vera Solomatina is helping to solve as SVP of people and culture at inDrive.

For many in the C-suite, ambition is oxygen. It fuels late nights, important decisions and the quiet promise to never fall short. For Ditsheoana Modise, now chief people and business enablement officer at Sun International, that drive once led to a wall that nearly cost her health.

As someone who values nature and time outdoors, Dr Leigh Adams sees people much like evolving landscapes, purposefully unique, each shaped over time and able to thrive in the right conditions.

To understand Lindiwe Miyambu is to understand the legacy of a nurse and a pastor. Growing up in a home with parents defined by these two vocations, the 2025 Public Sector CHRO of the Year was raised in a household and a broader community where service was a way of life.

When it comes to imagining the workplace of tomorrow, Steven Teasdale doesn’t just think outside the box. He wants to rebuild the box, upgrade it and make it human-centred.

The enticing smell of Pedros Chicken might hit you the moment you walk into a store, but the heart and culture of the brand is quietly grilled behind the scenes, headed up by its people chief Naeem Timol.

Food Lover’s Market managing executive for people and sustainability Andrew Millson shares his approach for success in retail HR.

Hope Lukoto, CHRO at Openserve, shares how her first few months have been a mix of listening, learning and plotting the path forward.

Empathy in leadership must never be mistaken for leniency; rather, it strengthens accountability and trust in organisations, says Ghouwah Allie, HR executive at iOCO.

To mark the end of international women’s month, CHRO South Africa revisits conversations with four women CHROs who gave us the unfiltered truth about climbing, leading and thriving in the world of HR.

There is always a box of tissues on Meko Magida's desk, and he says it is not there by accident.

DPD Laser CPO Solly Mathebula believes culture speaks long before leadership does. In a business once defined by silence, silos and strain, he chose engagement as the turning point.

Mondelēz International produces some of the world’s most loved snacks, and behind every launch and every production line is a team of people making it happen, while Cebile Xulu, Mondelēz International sub‑Saharan Africa’s senior people director, focuses on putting those people first.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the world of business, leadership often boils down to numbers and strategies – but Peter Champion, group HR executive at Cashbuild, knows that people are needed for a strong business foundation.

Duke Mgaga, CPO for Parliament of South Africa, fosters a people-first culture. He says the human capital strategy should be an enabling one and cannot work in isolation.

Heidi Kornmuller, head of talent at Coronation Fund Managers, has been with the fund management company for over two decades and she remains as committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace as she did on her very first day.

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.

Traditional HR aside, a strong focus on people has become increasingly important, especially in AI times, says Braintree’s head of human capital Angela McMean.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nkirote Njiru, CHRO for Old Mutual East Africa, shares how being tasked with culture integration became a career-defining pivot.

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

From taking inspiration from her mother and grandmother on how to overcome adversity to better understanding the challenges of women in the workplace, Deloitte’s chief people officer, Lungile Mahluza, is determined to make a contribution that will outlive her.

Palesa Matoli, the executive head of human capital and transformation at Bidvest Bank, who recently took home both the 2024 Transformation & Empowerment Award and the Young CHRO of the Year Award, shares her approach and leadership style.

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.

Mmabatho Tlale, ZEDA’s chief human capital officer, is a doer who is not afraid to get her hands dirty. Part of an exco made up predominantly of black women, she says this strategy is an intentional one to empower women in the car rental sector.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet Raymond Muthama, the CHRO at Zamara based in Nairobi, Kenya. A visionary HR leader who transforms workplace culture, combining business acumen with a passion for people to create synergy and lasting success writes Muriel Adhiambo.

Dr Sane Ngidi, HR lead for Africa at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is committed to Africa, and passionate about the impact industrial and organisational (I/O) psychologists can make in the world of work.

Melody, who loves HR for helping people grow, thrives in challenging roles, and values lifelong learning.

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.

Leaving her travel job behind, Heléne Smuts founded Credo Growth to help companies enhance team dynamics and tackle HR challenges. Despite her career shift, her passion for travel remains a significant influence.

Head of transformation, people, and culture at MiWay Insurance, Nomvula “Nomie” Nxumalo’s outspoken nature has helped her transform her career and influence change for other professionals across multiple industries.

Philip Morris International HR director Lynn Kleinsmith shares how her diverse HR background prepared her to steer the organisation through a major transition.

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.

CEO of the Citizen Leader Lab, Komala Pillay, shares her journey from being an engineer to becoming a pioneer in using HR for good, with the goal of improving the lives of the country’s most vulnerable communities.

Shoprite's chief people officer, Athene Mazijk, discusses her journey of gratitude and purpose, emphasising heartfelt leadership as she navigates corporate challenges.

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.

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.

Tebogo Maenetja’s path to becoming MTN SA’s CHRO is a testament to her determination and passion for empowering others.

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

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

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.

Nomaswazi Ngwane, human capital executive at Old Mutual’s mass & foundation cluster, believes in the power of nurturing people so that they can help build a company and contribute towards its success in an ever-changing time.

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.

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

At Redefine, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace isn’t just a mandate – it’s a core value embedded within the fabric of the organisation, explains Renske.

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

With a passion for bringing young African voices to the forefront, Coca-Cola Africa’s vice president for people and culture Shalini Bhateja, is taking the African talent agenda forward.

Vicky Tlhabanelo, HR executive at Royal Bafokeng Platinum Mines, may have fallen into HR by accident, but she takes her job so seriously she has been kilometres underground at the mine.

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

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.

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

Stellenbosch University’s newly appointed chief director of human resources, Miriam Hoosain, says her curious nature thrives in academia.

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.