Welcome to the 13th edition of the South African Business journal. First published in 2011, the publication has established itself as the premier business and investment guide to South Africa, supported by an e-book edition and website at www.southafricanbusiness.co.za.
A special feature in this journal focusses on the vital focus on infrastructure that is seizing the attention of the political and business leadership of South Africa. This is not the arena of endless talk shops. Rather, 160 CEOs of some of the country’s most influential companies are rolling up their sleeves and trying to make things work better. The article looks at steps being taken by a combination of the public and private sectors to beef up the country’s railways, ports and energy network. Crime is also under the spotlight. As this journal goes to print, South Africa will ascend to the presidency of the G20, a singular honour and an opportunity for the country to put its best foot forward. A brief overview of each of the country’s provinces is also provided.
South African Business is complemented by nine regional publications covering the business and investment environment in each of South Africa’s provinces. The e-book editions can be viewed online at www.globalafricanetwork.com. These unique titles are supported by a monthly business e-newsletter with a circulation of over 35 000. The Journal of Africa Business joined the Global African Network stable of publications as an annual in 2020 and is now published quarterly.
FOCUSGateway
FOCUSGateway AirportsAuthority LimitedProfiles of directors of the board of Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL), theentity that is responsible for Polokwane International Airport.Victor Xaba: Chairperson of the BoardVictor Xaba is a highly accomplishedprofessional with extensive experiencewithin the defence, aerospace, aviation andadvanced manufacturing sectors. He holdsa BTech in Quality Management, a NationalDiploma in Chemical Engineering and aDiploma in Advanced Project Management.Having held various technical and seniormanagerial positions, and with experience instrategic management, governance, businessprocessre-engineering and project management,he is well equipped to provide strategic leadership tothe GAAL Board to steer the entity towards growth.Mr Xaba brings well-rounded technical expertiseand aviation experience to the table, which isessential for the complex operations of PolokwaneInternational Airport. He serves as the Chairpersonof the Board and NOMCO, a role he has held sinceApril 2021, with his leadership term extendingthrough to September 2025. In this capacity, he playsa pivotal role in driving organisational excellence andoverseeing strategic initiatives. With a keen eye forquality assurance and a proven track record in projectmanagement, Mr Xaba continues to make significantcontributions, ensuring that both operational andproject outcomes meet the highest standards.Elia RamutandaElia Ramutanda is an accomplished andexperienced Aircraft Fleet Specialist. He holdsa BCom Honours in Transport Economics anda National Technical Diploma in MechanicalEngineering. His expertise in economicsand engineering, plus 27 years in aviation,positions him as a well-rounded leader tocontribute positively to the GAAL Board andto Polokwane International Airport.Mr Ramutanda serves as a Member of BOOC, aposition he has held since April 2021. His versatileSOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2025academic and technical background bringsinvaluable insights into the organisation’s decisionmaking,compliance to industry regulations andlatest trends in airport operations, ensuring that theairport thrives in a competitive landscape.Ngoako MangenaNgoako Mangena is a dynamic andaccomplished professional with diverseexpertise in administration and industrialpsychology. He holds a B-Admin Honours inIndustrial Psychology, providing him with a solidfoundation in both organisational developmentand human-resources management.Mr Mangena serves as a member ofmultiple committees including RHEMCO, NOMCOand BARC, where he has been actively involved sinceApril 2021. With a passion for improving workplacedynamics and enhancing employee well-being, MrNgoako Mangena is dedicated to fostering growth,development and effective leadership.Sekadi Phayane-ShakhaneSekadi Phayane-Shakhane is an accomplishedengineer with a strong academic foundationand specialised expertise in civil engineering.She holds a BSc in Civil Engineering and aMaster of Engineering in Transport Studies,equipping her with the technical skills andknowledge to contribute significantly toinfrastructure and transport development.Ms Phayane-Shakhane serves as a Chairpersonof RHEMCO and a member of BOOC, since April2021. In these roles, she leverages her engineeringKEYRHEMCO: Remuneration, Human Resource, Socialand Ethics CommitteeBOOC: Business Opportunities And OperationsCommitteeNOMCO: Nominations CommitteeBARC: Board Audit Risk Committee
background to provide strategic guidance, ensuringthat organisations that she serves meet their goalsefficiently and effectively in the ever-evolving sectorsof civil engineering and transport.With a focus on sustainable development andinnovative solutions, Ms Phayane-Shakhane continuesto make impactful contributions to the advancementof infrastructure and transport systems, underscoringher commitment to excellence in her field.Advocate Edward NkhangelweniLambaniAdv Edward Nkhangelweni Lambaniis a distinguished legal professionalwith extensive expertise in corporateand commercial law. He holds an LLMin Property Law and another LLM inAdministrative and Municipal Lawobtained distinction, LLB, and BProc,alongside advanced diplomas in Company Law andClose Corporation Law. His profound knowledge andexperience in these fields have established him as a keyfigure in the legal community.Currently, Edward serves as a Board Member andthe Chairperson of BOOC. He is also a Member of theNOMCO, contributing valuable insights and leadershipto both roles. Adv Edward Nkhangelweni Lambaniis known for his strategic legal acumen, leadershipabilities and commitment to upholding the higheststandards of corporate governance. His dedicationto enhancing legal practices and promoting ethicalbusiness conduct makes him a respected figure in boththe legal and corporate sectors.Salome MabilaneSalome Mabilane is a highlyskilled financial professional witha strong academic foundation incost and management accountingand information systems. Sheholds a BTech Degree in Cost andManagement Accounting, along witha Certificate in Information Systemsand Technology. She pursued a B-Compt Accountingfor three years (non-degree purposes), furtherstrengthening her expertise in financial managementand accounting practices.Ms Mabilan currently serves as a Board Member,the Chairperson of BARC and a member of RHEMCO.With her deep understanding of financial strategy, riskmanagement and governance, she has become a keydecision-maker in her roles. Her passion for ensuringeffective financial oversight and operational efficiencyhas made her an invaluable asset to the Board andcommittees she serves. Her commitment to excellenceand ethical leadership continues to make a positiveimpact in her field.Dr Natalie SkeepersDr Natalie Skeepers is a highly accomplishedprofessional with a strong academicbackground in health, safety and environmentalmanagement. She holds a PhD and an MPhil, aswell as a Master’s degree in Health and SafetyEnvironment. Her academic achievements andextensive expertise in her field have positionedher as a leading authority in promoting safe andsustainable practices across industries.Dr Skeepers serves as a member of RHEMCO andBOOC. With a commitment to improving organisationalhealth and safety standards, Dr Skeepers plays a pivotalrole in shaping policies and initiatives that safeguardboth people and the environment. Her leadershipand in-depth knowledge make her an invaluablecontributor to the strategic decision-making processeswithin her roles. Dr Skeepers’ dedication to advancinghealth, safety and environmental goals continues todrive positive change in the sectors she serves.Suren MaharajSuren Maharaj is a qualified CharteredAccountant with extensive qualifications inBusiness Administration and Accounting. Heholds a Master’s in Business Administration(MBA), a BCom degree and an HonoursB-Compt degree. Mr Maharaj’s diverse academicbackground, combined with his professionalexpertise has made him a trusted expert infinancial management, strategy and governance.He serves as a member of BARC and BOOC.With a strong focus on financial oversight, corporategovernance and risk management, Mr Maharaj playsa key role in shaping the financial and operationalstrategies of the organisations he supports. Hisdeep understanding of accounting principles,combined with his leadership skills, makes him aninvaluable asset to the board and committees heserves on. Suren continues to drive value through hiscommitment to excellence and strategic insight inthe financial sector. ■87 SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2025
