The Black Management Forum (the BMF) which is the foremost organisation in the development of managerial leadership and advancement for socio-economic transformation in South Africa is elated with the appointments of Saks Ntombela as the Hollard Insurance Group (Hollard) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Vuyani Jarana as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South African Airways (SAA).
“We would like to applaud the progressive and exemplary appointments made by Hollard and SAA. It is gratifying to us to see that there are still companies who regard transformation as a business imperative and continue to make concerted and deliberate efforts in ensuring that the transformation gains they have achieved as a company are not reversed,” says BMF President, Mncane Mthunzi.
The appointments of Ntombela and Jarana go a long way in dispelling the lack of black skilled professionals myth that Corporate South Africa continues to use as an excuse for not appointing black executives in these critical positions. “Hollard has demonstrated their seriousness about succession planning and respect for black talent and leadership. Ntombela’s appointment inspires us as black professionals that we have a future in these companies and that our talents can achieve greater heights,” Mthunzi added.
“Jarana’s appointment further dispels the phenomena that we have witnessed where black CEOs are replaced by white CEOs in companies led by our own black Chairpersons. Jarana’s appointment is motivating to us as SAA has not relied on cadre deployment but has appointed a competent and professional executive to lead and turn around the parastatal,” Mthunzi continued.
The Black Management Forum extended its well-wishes to Mr Ntombela and Mr Jarana and pledges its unwavering support to them and their businesses. Mr Ntombela will assume the role on 1 October 2017.