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XOLANI MBAMBO

olani Mbambo, a seasoned executive, its then mining operation in Mpumalanga, and its He commented that navigating the effects of
was appointed the group chief executive gas exploration office in Gaborone. Covid-19 was very challenging from a business
officer of Grindrod Limited, a transport perspective. “Operational closures due to Covid-
Having worked as Grindrod’s Freight Services
Xand logistics company listed on the restrictions had the potential to negatively impact
CFO since 2013, Xolani accepted a group financial
Johannesburg Stock Exchange, on 1 January 2023. job security for our colleagues. So, to navigate
director role in September 2018. Transitioning from
Xolani is also a director of various businesses in this crisis, we, together with the management
the group financial director role of Grindrod Limited
which Grindrod has a shareholding including the team, implemented various cost containment
to CEO involved working in the operations at the
chairperson of Maputo Port Development Company. and cash preservation measures to ensure that
coal face, which was crucial in understanding the the business survived the impact of Covid-19,”
Xolani completed his primary education at Kwa- business. In February 2021, he returned to Freight explained Xolani.
Ngcolosi, outside Hillcrest, where he grew up. The Services to assume the CEO responsibilities and
area which is home to the famous Inanda Dam two years later assumed the role of CEO of Grindrod CLARITY OF PURPOSE
which is a stage two finish for the Dusi canoe Limited group. Given Xolani’s various roles in
marathon held annually in February. He then Grindrod, it is unsurprising that the accomplishment Xolani added, “What I’ve realised is that in all these
matriculated at uMqhawe High School. Xolani that makes him the proudest is his appointment as challenges, the clarity of purpose and strategy
secured a bursary to continue his studies at the Grindrod Limited’s first African CEO. combined with the culture of recognition for
University of Natal in Durban, where he obtained a Xolani says his purpose in this position is high performance is what really keeps the team
bachelor’s degree in education and a postgraduate aligned to that of the company he now leads. He motivated.”
diploma in accounting.
explained, “The purpose, particularly for Grindrod Speaking of who or what inspires him, Xolani
His studies did not end there as Xolani went on Limited is to promote Africa’s trade with the world says that it is undoubtedly a ‘who’, as he has been
and to touch the lives of the communities in inspired by his mother throughout his life.
to become a qualified chartered accountant
which we operate. That is what drives us. And I am
and completed the Advanced Management
hoping that is what drives all our employees and “My mother single-handedly raised three of us and
Programme from Harvard Business School. He is
colleagues throughout the organisation.” provided us with the best education she could
known for his integrity and ability to translate
afford. She made excellent choices for me at my
strategic themes into actionable strategic and
HARD WORK PAYS OFF younger age, and my two sisters’ education and
business plans. Xolani was nominated for the
progress in our careers. Unfortunately, one of my
2020 Chief Financial Officer Awards. Reflecting on the best advice he has ever received sisters passed on.”
and how it has influenced his journey, Xolani is quick
VARIOUS ROLES to respond with the words: “Hard work pays off.” POSITIVE IMPACT
Xolani has taken this advice to heart, which has
Coming from humble beginnings, Xolani com- Commenting on his vision for Grindrod in the next
mented that his first informal job was as a gardener steered his career well, noting that he has been five years, Xolani is enthusiastic about the company’s
in the suburb of Manor Gardens, a walking distance acknowledged for his many efforts and dedication future growth.
from the same university he would later attend. His over the years.
first formal job was when he secured employment Reflecting on what he recognises in successful He said, “Actually, it would be very fulfilling for me to
as an article clerk at Coopers and Lybrand, now people, he said they have a positive attitude. They see Grindrod becoming the largest listed company
known as PwC. are continuously looking for solutions and ways to in KwaZulu-Natal and achieving this through its
improve their work. This attitude impacts every- purpose of promoting Africa’s trade with the world.”
Prior to joining Grindrod in March 2013, Xolani spent thing in their lives, both on a personal front and in In addition, Xolani said, “Success is not only about
over a decade in the mining industry in various the work environment. “You can’t teach attitude and profits. We must uplift communities in and around
roles spanning accounting and finance, mining work ethic,” he explains. our operations and make a difference in society.”
project execution, mining business performance
analysis (iron ore, coal, and manganese), and coal While Xolani has faced several challenges over the In his concluding comment, Xolani says that his
marketing. During this time, he worked in Anglo years, the biggest challenge he has ever overcome motto echoes the advice that he values: “Hard work
American’s offices in Johannesburg and London, was undoubtably the impact of Covid-19 in 2020. beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
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