Former deputy president appointed to Mercedes-Benz SA board

 ·31 Jan 2024

South Africa’s former deputy president, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, has been appointed as an independent nonexecutive director of Mercedes-Benz SA (MBSA).

Mlambo-Ngcuka’s position on the board of directors will be effective from February 1, 2024, and will be for a period of 3 years.

This follows the resignation of former independent nonexecutive director, Nozipho January-Bardill.

MBSA said that the company wants the former deputy president to spearhead its Social Ethics Committee.

“Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka brings a wealth of experience to the board, having excelled across the private and public sectors, as well as within civil services in [South Africa] and abroad,” said chair of the MBSA board, Wilfried Porth in a statement.

“Her depth of expertise will undoubtedly and aptly contribute to the corporate governance of MBSA as the company navigates its automotive transformation, ensuring its long-term success,” he added.

Prior to this appointment, Mlambo-Ngcuka, who has a PhD in education and technology from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom, was the deputy president of South Africa from 2005 – 2008, minister of minerals and energy from 1999 – 2005, and deputy minister in the department of trade and industry from 1996 – 1999.

She had served as the executive director of UN Women from 2013 – 2021 and is the founder of the non-profit Umlambo Foundation.


Read: How much it pays to be on a company board in South Africa

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