A new wave of senior appointments in 2025 highlighted the growing influence of women who are shaping technology strategy and operational transformation across major South African organisations.
CIO South Africa spotlights a series of senior appointments that showcase the growing influence of women in technology leadership. New CIO and executive roles at Rand Mutual Assurance, ABF Sugar, the Land Bank of South Africa and the National Health Laboratory Service reflect the expanding impact of women leading enterprise technology strategy operations and innovation.
Keneilwe Gwabeni joined Rand Mutual Assurance as group CIO
Keneilwe Gwabeni has assumed the position of group CIO at Rand Mutual Assurance following a tenure of more than two years at Assupol Holdings. She brings more than two decades of experience in the technology sector and has held leadership roles across multiple enterprise environments. The full article provides detail on her professional development and leadership trajectory.
Debbie Vermaak appointed CIO of ABF Sugar
Debbie Vermaak has taken up the role of CIO at ABF Sugar after spending more than 10 years with De Beers Group. She has been responsible for the development and execution of the organisation’s information technology strategy since September 2025. Additional information on her career progression is available in the related article.
Faith Burn named chief technology and operations officer at Land Bank
Faith Burn, an experienced information technology executive and the 2023 Public Sector CIO of the Year, has been appointed CTOO at the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa. Prior to this appointment she served as CIO at Eskom for five years. Her career overview is outlined in the full article.
Sylvia Sathekge appointed CIO of the National Health Laboratory Service
Dr Sylvia Sathekge joined the National Health Laboratory Service as CIO in May 2025 after serving at SNG Grant Thornton. She has been mandated to define and implement the organisation's information technology strategy and to strengthen its cybersecurity posture. Her career history is detailed in the accompanying article.
