Annual Employment Conference

More about the industry-leading speaker lineup:

Thembi Chagonda

Joint-CEO of Global Business Solutions & Employment Equity Commissioner

Thembi is a key advisor to several national and multi-national organisations on their employment equity strategies, policy development, and compliance, as well as a Commissioner representing business in the Employment Equity Commission.

Jonathan Goldberg

Chairman of Global Business Solutions

Johnny has led labour law for 30 years, negotiating at plant, industry, and NEDLAC levels. He advises clients on regulatory changes and is a sought-after speaker. Key roles include Commissioner on the National Minimum Wage Commission, Labour Market Convenor at NEDLAC, and representative on the Employment Services Board. He is also a Chartered Director of the Institute of Directors South Africa.

Prof. Haroon Bhorat

Professor of Economics and Director of the Development Policy Research Unit at UCT

An economist with a PhD in Economics from Stellenbosch University has published over 150 academic journal articles, book chapters, and working papers, and co-authored two books on labour market and poverty issues in SA.

Kholo Kunene

Africa Human Resources Director - Nissan Africa RBU & Board Member NSA

Kholo is an experienced HR executive with nearly 24 years in HR management across various industries, including telecommunications, FMCG, and mining. She specialises in HR strategy, talent acquisition, change management, and organizational design, with a proven track record in leading large-scale projects and transformations.

Abey Kgotle

Executive Director of Human Relations and Corporate Affairs at Mercedes-Benz South

Abey has over 20 years of executive experience across various industries, specializing in strategic HR management, labour relations, advanced negotiations, community investment, corporate communication, and stakeholder relations. At Mercedes-Benz South Africa, he has led transformative initiatives, including developing a digital HR organization. He also serves as the Chairperson of AMEO, the Automobile Manufacturers Employers Organisation of South Africa.

John Botha

Joint-CEO of Global Business Solutions, CEO of Circle And Square & Former EE Commissioner

John Botha is a highly regarded leader in workforce solutions, labour law, and strategic business transformation. As Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions, he brings decades of experience and has shaped South Africa's labour and employment landscape through his roles on the Employment Equity Commission and Essential Services Commission.

Dr. Mark Bussin

Chairman of 21st Century

Chair of 21st Century, Professor, and C-suite executive with extensive experience across 5 universities. Authored 22 textbooks, published 68 articles, and co-founded a 21st Century consultancy serving JSE-listed companies.

Sarah Luthuli

Executive Director: HR and Transformation - MAN Automotive Pty LTY

With nearly three decades of experience across mining, chemicals, oil & gas, and the automotive industries, Xoli Sarah Luthuli is a powerhouse in HR leadership, transformation, and strategic business development. Currently serving as the Executive Director of HR & Transformation at MAN Automotive South Africa, she has been an integral part of executive leadership teams, shaping commercial and people management strategies.

A Stanford Business School Leadership Programme graduate and an INSEAD International Executive Programme alumna, Xoli has held multiple non-executive directorships, including at The Aurum Institute, MAN Truck & Bus Centurion, and NAAMSA.

Don't miss the opportunity to gain insights from her wealth of experience in executive leadership, transformation, and workforce strategy!

Nick Job

Director at Moore Debt Advisory Services

Moore Debt Advisory is a leading South African financial services firm that specialises in raising capital for South African mid-market clients. With over 25 years of South African and global investment banking experience as head of various debt-focused transaction teams at Investec, Standard Chartered, and HSBC. Nick looks to utilise his holistic understanding of the capital markets to assist clients in getting the best-priced funding, from the best sources, on the best terms.

Saul Symanowitz

Director: Strategic Innovation, BEE 123

An experienced attorney in the B-BBEE advisory space. He is a thought leader on the subject and has presented, lectured, and written extensively on B-BBEE and transformation. Saul assists businesses and organizations of all sizes with their B-BBEE compliance requirements.

Craig Kirchmann

Managing Director: Kirchmanns Inc.

Craig is an experienced Attorney and Labour Law Specialist who has represented major corporations across South Africa. He was the instructing attorney in the Free-Market Foundation case and the Assign Services Constitutional Court case.

Courtenay Botha

GBS AI Head & Consultant

She is a forward-thinking professional, who leverages AI to drive business solutions and transform processes. As a thought leader, she shares insights on AI in human resources and business operations.

Dr Simon Du Plooy

Portfolio Manager at Corion Capital

Over 20 years of experience in financial markets and is responsible for Corion’s strategic and tactical asset allocation. In this role, Simon is instrumental in allocating over R13bn of investments among different local and global equities, bonds, commodities, and fixed interest.

Grant Wilkinson

Executive, Global Business Solutions

Grant is an admitted attorney with a wide range of experience in both consulting and training. Grant’s focus areas are: Labour Law, industrial relations, legislative development, commercial law, consumer protection, corporate governance, and human resource