People moves

Lubabalo Lokwe has been appointed chief information officer (CIO) of Nelson Mandela University (NMU), supporting the institution’s Vision 2030 strategy.

The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa has announced the appointment of IT expert Unathi Thosago as its new CIO, effective January 2026.

AgrigateOne has announced the appointment of Avisca Venkanna as its new chief technology officer, where she will be responsible for leading the company’s IT strategy, technology execution and digital transformation initiatives.

Transnet Engineering has appointed Zinhle Nchoba as CIO, tasking her with leading the development and execution of the organisation’s IT strategy.

Sun International has appointed Leslie Peters as chief technology and product officer, reinforcing the group’s focus on digital growth and technology-enabled, customer-centric innovation.

The Central University of Technology has announced the appointment of cybersecurity specialist Galeboe Mogotsi as its new CIO, effective 5 January 2026.

Bayobab Africa, the MTN Group company responsible for its digital infrastructure portfolio, has announced the appointment of Rami Farah as chief information and technology officer, effective 1 January 2026.

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.

Mike Cross has stepped into the role of executive: chief technology officer at Namib Minerals, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the information and communications technology sector.

Media24 has confirmed the permanent appointment of Mergan Velayudan as chief technology and AI officer. His appointment follows a period as interim CIO that began in July 2025.

Eugene Van der Merwe has been announced as the newly-appointed CIO of Tiger Brands.

WeBuyCars has announced the appointment of Dr Wynand Beukes as deputy CEO, effective 1 January 2026.

AVI has announced the appointment of Mornè van Rensburg as its new CIO.

Hollard Insurance South Africa has announced the appointment of Thabo Modise as its new CIO.

Microsoft has announced the appointment of Vukani Mngxati as CEO of Microsoft South Africa, effective 1 October 2025.

Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) has announced the appointment of Keneilwe Gwabeni as its new group chief information officer.

With over 20 years of experience, Nicodemus (Nickey) Mannya will oversee the development and implementation of Westcon-Comstor Southern Africa’s cybersecurity and next gen solutions.

SAP has confirmed the appointment of Nazia Pillay as MD for SAP Southern Africa. Nazia stepped in as interim MD in March 2025 following the departure of CIO Awards judge, Kholiwe Makhohliso.

Debbie Vermaak has been appointed CIO at ABF Sugar. In this role, she will lead the development and execution of the company’s IT strategy.

Seasoned British American Tobacco’s (BAT) director of digital and information Javed Iqbal will lead the company’s finance function as the newly appointed interim CFO.