By Simon Nare
Former National Treasury deputy director-general Mmakgoshi Lekhethe has made history after being appointed as the first woman CEO of the Industrial Development Corporation.
Her appointment was announced by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, who has hailed the deployment as a reflection of the government’s commitment to gender diversity in leadership roles.
“Ms Lekhethe’s extensive experience and leadership will undoubtedly advance the IDC’s critical role in driving industrial development and economic transformation,” Tau said in a statement.
He said Lekhethe was highly respected by her professional peers and would bring a wealth of knowledge and commitment to her new role.
Lekhethe was the deputy DG for asset and liability management in the National Treasury. She had previously served as acting deputy DG responsible for tax and financial sector policy.
She joined the National Treasury in 1996 and has represented South Africa on the boards of the African Development Bank, the New Development Bank and the World Bank.
Tau also announced the appointment of Mziwabantu Dayimani as CEO of the National Empowerment Fund.
The minister expressed confidence in Dayimani to steer the ship of the fund and achieve the institution’s strategic mandate.
“These appointments mark a new chapter for two pivotal institutions in South Africa’s development landscape. I am confident that both Ms Lekhethe and Mr Dayimani will drive impactful outcomes in their respective roles, strengthening the country’s economic transformation agenda,” he said.
The two were appointed after approval by Cabinet.
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