Ithala has appointed Mr Mpumzi Pupuma as the Chairperson of the Board to ensure that the financial institution continues to fulfil its fiduciary duty and improve its governance systems.

He holds a Master's in leadership (MBL) and a Bachelor's in Accounting Services. He brings much-needed independence and a wealth of experience having been in the business and banking industry for over 40 years. He has held different positions such as director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for different entities.

Mr. Pupuma has served as director and CEO in the following entities Standard Bank of Namibia; SBN Holdings: Unit Trust Management, STANLIB, Liberty Life, Standard Bank Insurance (Namibia); STANFIN (PTY) Limited; UFI and Liberty Holdings.

His journey as a director in the financial sector started at Get Ahead Financial Services. He was later appointed as a Senior Manager at Standard Bank, followed by an appointment as a provincial director by the same bank. He has been holding positions as a director since then.

Mr Pupuma started serving the Ithala board in 2020 and sits on the Risk and Capital Committee, Human Resources and Remuneration Committee, Audit and Compliance Committee, and Directors Affairs Committee.

"As Ithala SOC Limited management, we would like to welcome Mr. Pupuma as a Chairman of the Ithala SOC Limited board,” Says Dr. Thulani Vilakazi, CEO of Ithala SOC Limited.

“We do not doubt that he will be a great asset and steer Ithala towards the right direction in assisting us on our journey in shaping Ithala and ensuring that it continues to comply with all industry regulations while being in line with our mandate to make financial services easily accessible to ordinary South Africans," he added.