Industry body Business Unity South Africa (Busa) has announced the appointment of Nolitha Fakude as its new VP following the resignation of former VP Adrian Gore, who was recently appointed chairperson of business organisation Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA).

Fakude will serve as Busa VP for the remainder of the current presidency’s term, which will end in August 2027, with the option for reappointment for an additional three-year term.

Fakude is currently the chairperson of JSE-listed Anglo American South Africa and also serves on the boards of industry body Minerals Council South Africa, BLSA, financial services company Discovery and is the patron of the Guild Cottage Home for Girls.

Fakude has previously held positions on the boards of Anglo American, Anglo American Platinum (now Valterra Platinum), chemicals and energy company Sasol Mining, IT systems company Datacentrix Holdings, gold mining and exploration company Harmony Gold Mining Company, retailer Woolworths and the JSE.

She also previously served as the president of professional body the International Women’s Forum South Africa, Minerals Council South Africa and industry association the Black Management Forum.

“The Busa board could not have chosen a better and more suitable candidate for the role of VP. Ms Fakude is an experienced business executive with a distinguished leadership career in various large corporations and business associations over many years,” says Busa president Mxolisi Mgojo.

“Her experience in leading key organised business associations, including the Minerals Council and BLSA, will greatly benefit Busa, and we are grateful for her willingness to serve the business community in this capacity,” says Busa CEO Khulekani Mathe.

Fakude holds a BA (Honours) degree in psychology from the University of Fort Hare and completed the senior executive programme at Harvard Business School, in the US.

She has also received numerous awards including the 2004 Most Influential Businesswoman by business publication Financial Mail; the 2004 Impala Platinum Young Entreprenuer Award; the National Honour by the Golden Key Society of the University of Johannesburg; the 2023 Brigadier Stokes Memorial Award, the 2023 Unisa Chancellor’s Award for outstanding public service in business, education, community, government and empowerment; the 2024 Charlotte Maxeke Chairperson’s Award for exceptional leadership and significant impact on community development, embodying the spirit of positive change and social responsibility; and is a distinguished fellow of the National School of Government.