Leadership

Jesmane Boggenpoel

Independent Non-Executive Director

Jesmane Boggenpoel has extensive experience in private equity, entrepreneurship and global business engagement. Currently the Managing Partner of AIH Capital, she brings a wealth of expertise in driving investment strategies and fostering business growth. Previously, Jesmane served as Head of Business Engagement for Africa at the World Economic Forum (“WEF”) in Switzerland, where she played a pivotal role in promoting economic development across the continent. Jesmane serves on the boards of Spur Corporation, MTN South Africa, the agri-conglomerate ETG and The South African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. An advocate for diversity and inclusion, she is the author of My Blood Divides and Unites, and the creator of a popular Udemy course on race and gender inequality in the workplace. Recognised as a Young Global Leader by the WEF in 2013 and a BMW Foundation Responsible Leader in 2022, Jesmane is a thought leader in business, diversity, and leadership development. Jesmane holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelors of Accountancy from the University of Witwatersrand, a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University, and is a Chartered Accountant (SA).

Committee membership:
Chair of the Social, Ethics and Transformation Committee
Member of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee
Member of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee

Other listed company directorships:
Spur Corporation Limited

Chichi Maponya

Lead Independent Non-Executive Director

Chichi Maponya is a seasoned business leader with vast experience in retail, corporate governance, and international relations. As Chairperson of the Maponya Group, a diversified family-owned business, she oversees operations spanning mining, motor, agriculture, and food and clothing retail, including in the developing township economy in South Africa. She is a board member of the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa and Co-Founder and Chairperson of Africa Travel Retail & Afro Map Duty Free, a Pan-African duty-free and duty-paid retail business. Globally, Chichi served as Vice President of the World Investment and Trade Organisation and holds key memberships in international organisations like Airports Council International Africa and the Middle East Africa Duty Free Association. Her leadership extends to board roles at Maponya Motors Soweto (formerly Barloworld Maponya) and Maponya Medical Solutions, while she also serves as a trustee of several influential trusts, with a focus on skills development and entrepreneurship. A former Chair of Brand South Africa and former member of South African Tourism, Chichi remains committed to enhancing South Africa’s global business presence. Chichi holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Committee membership:
Chair of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee
Member of the Social, Ethics and Transformation Committee

Cindy (Hess) Robertson

Independent Non-Executive Director

Cindy (Hess) Robertson is a seasoned finance professional and accomplished director with extensive governance experience across several South African listed companies. She began her career as Finance Director at the National Ports Authority in Cape Town and has since held key finance roles in leading South African corporations, including Woolworths and Sea Harvest. Cindy is the former Chief Financial Officer of Pioneer Foods and Media 24, where she made significant contributions to the financial leadership of both organisations. For her outstanding work at Pioneer Foods, Cindy was nominated for the prestigious CFO Awards in 2016 and is a Choiseul Laurette (recognised as one of the top 100 young individuals who played a leading role in transforming Africa). She has also demonstrated her commitment to governance as the Vice Chair of Council and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at the University of the Western Cape. She currently serves on several non-profit charitable organisations, is the Vice Chairperson of the Finance Committee and member of the Audit and Risk Committee of the University of Cape Town and serves as Lead Independent Director on the Board of Rainbow Chicken Limited and Chair of their Audit and Risk Committee and member of their Remuneration Committee. Cindy’s depth of experience and financial expertise make her a respected leader in South African business and governance circles. Cindy holds a Bachelors degree in Accounting from the University of the Western Cape and a PGDA from the University of Cape Town, and is a Chartered Accountant (SA).

Committee membership:
Chair of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee
Member of the Remuneration Committee
Member of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee

Other listed company directorships:
Rainbow Chicken Limited

Dineo Molefe

Independent Non-Executive Director

Dineo Molefe is currently the CFO of MTN South Africa, where she has been instrumental in driving financial excellence, leading digitization efforts and strengthening governance through enhanced internal controls, while improving financial performance. Under her leadership, the finance function has evolved into a key strategic partner, aligning closely with broader business objectives. Before joining MTN, Dineo served as Managing Director at T-Systems, where she successfully guided the organisation through its transformative phase. With 28 years of experience, including 14 years in executive and director roles, Dineo brings deep expertise across industries such as telecommunications, FMCG, financial services and diversified investments. Her previous non-executive director roles include chairing audit committees at Thebe Investment Corporation, Spur Corporation Limited, Road Accident Fund, and Accentuate Limited, as well as serving as an audit committee member at CMH Limited and Clientele Limited. Her contributions in these roles have further solidified her leadership in strategy, business and corporate governance. A passionate advocate for education and gender equality in business, Dineo has founded several initiatives focused on empowering women and continues to mentor future female leaders. She also serves as a trustee for the Footprints 4 Sam Foundation, underscoring her commitment to social responsibility and community impact. Dineo graduated with Honours in Accounting from the University of South Africa, is a Chartered Accountant (SA), holds a MCom in International Accounting from the University of Johannesburg and completed an Advanced Management Programme in the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Committee membership:
Member of the Social, Ethics and Transformation Committee

Leon Lourens

Independent Non-Executive Director

Leon Lourens is a seasoned retail leader with over three decades of experience, including executive roles across multiple retail sectors. He served as CEO of Pepkor Holdings from December 2017 to March 2023, successfully overseeing its diverse portfolio of brands. Prior to this, Leon was COO of Pepkor and CEO of Pep Stores, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the Pep brand’s presence in Africa. Leon’s extensive operational and strategic expertise spans clothing, general merchandise, furniture, and fintech. During his tenure, he led several key corporate structuring activities (mergers and acquisitions), including the successful acquisition of Brazilian discounter Avenida. Leon is recognised for his leadership in crisis management, having navigated Pepkor Holdings through the COVID-19 pandemic and significant operational disruption from the July 2021 civil unrest in South Africa. Leon currently consults globally through Beragua, a global retail advisory services business. Leon holds a National Higher Diploma in Human Resources from Cape Technikon and a Bachelors of Commerce in Business and Marketing from the University of South Africa.

Committee membership:
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
Member of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee
Member of the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee