Mercedes-Benz SA Appoints Former Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, to its Board

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former deputy president of South Africa, has been named an independent non-executive director at Mercedes-Benz SA (MBSA). Her term on the board of directors will commence on February 1, 2024, and will span three years.

This appointment follows the resignation of the previous independent non-executive director, Nozipho January-Bardill.

MBSA has expressed its desire for Mlambo-Ngcuka to lead its Social Ethics Committee.

Wilfried Porth, Chair of the MBSA board, in an announcement, stated;

Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka brings a wealth of experience to the board, having excelled across the private and public sectors, as well as within civil services in [South Africa] and abroad.

Her depth of expertise will undoubtedly and aptly contribute to the corporate governance of MBSA as the company navigates its automotive transformation, ensuring its long-term success.

Before this appointment, Mlambo-Ngcuka, a PhD holder in education and technology from the University of Warwick in the UK, served as South Africa’s deputy president from 2005 to 2008, minister of minerals and energy from 1999 to 2005, and deputy minister in the department of trade and industry from 1996 to 1999.

She was also the executive director of UN Women from 2013 to 2021 and is the founder of the non-profit organization, the Umlambo Foundation.