About GBS

Jonathan Goldberg is the Chairman of Global Business Solutions and a recognized authority in South Africa’s labour law and regulatory landscape. With over 30 years of experience, Jonathan has played a pivotal role in shaping labour relations, leading high-stakes negotiations at plant, industry, and NEDLAC levels. He is widely regarded as a trusted advisor and thought leader, providing strategic guidance to businesses navigating complex regulatory environments.

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Johnny holds multiple advanced qualifications, including an MBA (Cum Laude) and an LLB, and is a Chartered Director with the Institute of Directors South Africa. His extensive experience and expertise have made him a sought-after speaker and consultant in the fields of labour law, business strategy, and transformation. Johnny's influence extends across various industries, where he advises on critical matters such as employment equity, wage negotiations, and business development.

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As a Commissioner on the National Minimum Wage Commission and the Labour Market Convenor at NEDLAC, Johnny represents business interests in key social partner negotiations. He is also a member of the Employment Services Board and serves in various leadership capacities, helping shape policy and drive transformation initiatives at both national and organizational levels.

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In addition to his advisory and leadership roles, Jonathan is a prolific lecturer, author, and mentor, sharing his insights with a broad audience through strategic interventions, public speaking engagements, and industry publications. His career is marked by a commitment to advancing business excellence and supporting organisations in achieving compliance, sustainable growth, and competitive advantage.

Thembakazi Chagonda is the Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions and one of South Africa’s foremost HR consultants, specializing in transformation, diversity, and skills development.

 

With over 20 years of experience in human resources, Thembi has become a trusted advisor to both national and multinational organizations on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), Employment Equity, and HR compliance.

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Thembi holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree from Rhodes University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Labour Law. She has also completed an Executive Certificate at Columbia Business School and is an accredited Facilitator, Assessor, and Skills Development Facilitator.

 

Her leadership extends beyond consulting, serving as an Employment Equity Commissioner representing business interests at the Department of Employment and Labour.

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Thembi’s expertise in recruitment, policy development, and strategic HR solutions is highly sought after. She plays a pivotal role in shaping employment equity strategies across various sectors and has a proven track record of driving transformation initiatives at some of South Africa’s leading companies. Thembi also serves on the boards of key industry bodies, including the Association for Skills Development in South Africa (ASDSA), and holds memberships with the Institute of Directors (IoD) and other prestigious organisations.

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In her career, Thembi has consistently delivered impactful training, HR strategies, and thought leadership that supports sustainable growth and compliance in diverse workplace environments. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple nominations and awards, positioning her as a key influencer in the South African HR landscape.

John Botha is the Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions and CEO of Circle and Square, bringing decades of expertise in workforce solutions, labour law, and strategic business leadership. With a career marked by early success, John became the Group Executive Director of South Africa’s largest JSE-listed workforce solutions company at just 31.

 

His credentials also include leading negotiations on key labour law amendments for business at NEDLAC and representing South Africa as a business delegate to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) over three consecutive years.

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John holds a Business of Commerce Honours Degree, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Labour Law, and has further enhanced his strategic acumen with executive training from Columbia Business School in New York and a certificate in Design Thinking from MIT. His deep expertise in employment relations is reinforced by ministerial appointments to both the Employment Equity Commission and the Essential Services Commission, making him a recognized authority in shaping South Africa’s labour and employment landscape.

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In addition to his leadership roles, John is a Certified Assessor and Moderator, with a proven track record in designing and implementing innovative HR strategies, labour law compliance programs, and business management practices. His extensive experience and strategic insights have positioned him as a trusted advisor to both local and multinational organizations seeking to navigate complex regulatory environments while driving organizational growth.

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John is also a frequent speaker and contributor to industry forums, sharing his expertise in workforce transformation, leadership development, and business strategy. His commitment to excellence and transformative impact across the HR and labour relations sectors has made him a key figure in South Africa’s business community.