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Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) has appointed former SA vice president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka as an independent non-executive director with effect from 1 February.
Mr Mlambo-Ngcuka's appointment follows the resignation of Ambassador Nozipho January Bardile, effective 31 December. The German carmaker said in a statement that Mlambo Ngcuka will chair its social ethics committee.
“Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka brings a wealth of experience to the Board with an outstanding track record across the private and public sectors, as well as the civil service in South Africa and abroad,” said Wilfried, Chairman of the Board. Porth said in a statement.
“Her deep expertise will undoubtedly contribute well to MBSA’s corporate governance as we drive the transformation of the automotive industry and ensure long-term success.”
Mlambo-Ngcuka is a champion of women's rights, as evidenced by her affiliation with a variety of organizations working on education, social justice, women's empowerment and gender equality, the statement said.
In particular, she serves as the Executive Director of UN Women and is the founder of the Umlambo Foundation. From 2005 until 2008, Mlambo-Ngcuka served as Vice President of her SA. Previously, she served as Minister of Minerals and Energy from 1999 to 2005, and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry from 1996 to 1999. She also served as a member of Parliament from 1994 until 1996 when she was part of South Africa's first democratic government.
In addition to her career as a civil servant, Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka holds a PhD in Education and Technology from the University of Warwick in the UK.
“MBSA looks forward to benefiting from Dr Mlambo Ngcuka’s wealth of knowledge and experience as the company continues its journey into the South African automotive industry,” the statement read.