Kwazi Mabaso is the new Chief Executive Officer of Grindrod Limited, effective from the 1 December 2025.
Mabaso was the CEO of Grindrod Terminals.
He has a strong track record in cross-border leadership, stakeholder management, and large-scale project delivery.
The group said in a statement, “he brings a global perspective and deep experience within African markets. This unique combination has seen him play a central role in driving Grindrod’s strategy, transformation, and growth, including the significant mergers and acquisitions concluded this year.”
Microsoft South Africa also announced Vukani Mngxati as its Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft South Africa, effective on the 1 October 2025.
Mngxati will lead Microsoft’s South African operations, driving initiatives that support the country’s digital and AI transformation journey. Leveraging the foundation built, he will focus on expanding cloud infrastructure, growing AI skills in local communities, and building partnerships that align with South Africa’s national development goals.
He has more than 25 years of experience in enterprise modernisation and strategic innovation to lead Microsoft’s involvement in the country’s digital and AI transformation, preparing businesses to be future ready. He has held several leadership positions at Accenture, most recently as Chief Executive Officer and Board Chairman, and pursued an entrepreneurial venture of his own earlier in his career.
Naim Yazbeck, President of Microsoft Middle East and Africa, said “South Africa is at the heart of Microsoft’s vision for inclusive digital transformation, and our commitment to empowering every organisation with the transformative power of AI has never been stronger. Vukani’s appointment reflects our deep investment in the country and I am confident in his ability to lead Microsoft South Africa into its next era of innovation and growth. Under his leadership, we will continue to partner with public and private sector customers, partners and communities to unlock new opportunities, accelerate economic progress, and ensure that the benefits of technology are felt by all.”
Lillian Barnard, is now the new Chief of Enterprise Partners, for Microsoft Middle East and Africa, responsible for accelerating growth with enterprise partners in the region.
