By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Khulekani Mathe is going to take the leadership reins at Business Unity SA (Busa) in January 2025 when the current CEO, Cas Coovadia, retires.
Coovadia was appointed as chief executive in 2020 after serving 15 years as managing director of the Banking Association of SA (BASA).
Mathe was appointed as deputy chief executive in February 2023.
The board of directors on Wednesday announced changes to the executive leadership of Busa in a statement.
His responsibilities within Busa have included supporting the CEO, enhancing policy coordination and improving operations.
“In his new role as CEO-designate, Khulekani will work closely with the outgoing CEO to ensure an orderly transition.”
“The board is grateful to the outgoing CEO for leading the organisation during one of the most challenging times, having joined in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic in April 2020 and successfully steering it to this point,” says Busa president Mxolisi Mgojo.
Over the past year, Coovadia has overseen the partnership between government and business on resolving the energy crisis, addressing the transport and logistics crisis as well as crime and corruption, under the auspices of Business for South Africa (B4SA) – a Busa platform – bringing together South African business leaders to address urgent national challenges and drive economic recovery.
“The board welcomes Khulekani in his new role and has full confidence in his ability to lead the organisation during this challenging time. And we wish Coovadia well in his retirement,” adds Mgojo.