By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Henry Brink.
The Logistic group Grindrod has announced that Cheryl Carolus and lead independent director, Nkululeko Sowazi, will be retiring from the board in June 2026.
Following Grindrod’s AGM on 3 June 2022, Mike Hankinson retired as director and Chairman of the Board of Grindrod Limited. Mike has handed over the torch to Cheryl, who was appointed to the board of Grindrod as an independent non-executive director effective from 01 October 2021.
In a statement, the group said, “it extends its sincere appreciation to Cheryl and Nkululeko for their considerable and enduring contribution to Grindrod over many years of dedicated service. Their leadership and stewardship have played a key role in reinforcing the strength of the Group’s governance foundations, navigating complex strategic projects and positioning the Company for sustainable long-term growth.
“The group added that it welcomes Hubert Brody, Mary Bomela, Themba Mkhwanazi and Naidene Ford-Hoon, who will be onboarded as independent non-executive directors of the company, with effect from 1 May 2026.”
“These appointments reflect the high calibre of leadership and integrity sought at board level to further strengthen an already effective and engaged board,” the group said.
“The Board confirms that an independent Fit and Proper assessment was conducted on the appointees, and that the Board is satisfied with the outcome of these assessments. The Group also confirms that the appointees have affirmed their integrity in terms of the information contained in the director’s declaration.”
The appointments will be put to shareholders for election at the upcoming annual general meeting (AGM) to be held on 11 June 2026.
Carolus has a long history of serving on the boards of nonprofit organisations such as International Crisis Group, Soul City, World Wide Fund for Nature, the British Museum, and the South African Constitution Hill Education Trust and was South Africa’s High Commissioner to the UK from 2001 to 2004.
She has also served on the boards of numerous listed companies, including Gold Fields, De Beers, and Investec.
She was awarded an honorary doctorate in law from the University of Cape Town for her contribution to freedom and human rights and the French National Order of Merit by the government of France.