The second edition of the 2025 CHRO South Africa magazine builds on a powerful start, placing HR firmly at the strategy table.
Gracing the cover is Brigitte Da Gama, group CPO at The SPAR Group whose ongoing transformational impact at SPAR proves that her 2020 CHRO Awards recognition for Transformation & Empowerment still echoes strongly.
Transformation takes many forms, and Barney Khumalo, CPO at Rainbow Chicken illustrates that through culture, resilience and purpose, as he helps steer one of the country’s oldest poultry producers towards a comeback.
We also hear from Rachel Masuku, group executive for HR at the SABC, who is bringing structure, stability and future-focused talent development to a brand preparing for its digital evolution. Her feature offers an honest look at getting the basics right while modernising the national broadcaster.
Other standout features include Paul Clegg, DHL Express SSA’s VP of HR, who highlights the systems, culture and consistency that have earned DHL a track record of award-winning employee engagement.
Retail makes another strong appearance, with Nomfundo Vilakazi, people and culture director at Dis-Chem Pharmacies, who has rapidly rebuilt the foundation of the HR function.
In addition to these powerful stories, this edition’s pages also reflect on the evolving career path from HR to CEO, with Bertina Engelbrecht, Jonathan Muthige and Akhona Qengqe proving that HR is becoming a valuable pipeline to the CEO seat.
And of course, the edition also revisits the highlights of the year gone by, celebrating the 2025 CHRO Award nominees, appointments and promotions in the industry, and featuring highlights from the Pitch Parade, CHRO Day, and exciting events such as the women’s event and exec day.
