Leadership
Dr. Mandla Sizwe Vulindlela Ganstho – Non-Executive Chairman
Dr. Mandla Gantsho serves as the Group Chairman of the Ikusasa Group of Companies, bringing unparalleled expertise in infrastructure development finance and a profound understanding of Africa’s macroeconomic climate. A highly respected business leader, Dr. Gantsho is also a Founding Principal and Chairman of Africa Rising Capital. His illustrious career features landmark executive leadership roles, including Vice-President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), as well as CEO, Managing Director, and CFO of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). He has additionally driven strategic operations within global institutions like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and leading domestic enterprises such as Transnet and Engen.
An expert in corporate governance, Dr. Gantsho has chaired the boards of prominent corporations, including Sasol Limited, Impala Platinum Holdings Limited, Kumba Iron Ore Limited, and Ithala Development Finance Corporation Ltd, alongside serving on the board of Rand Merchant Bank. His strategic foresight has earned him consecutive appointments by four South African Presidents: Nelson Mandela (Finance & Fiscal Commission), Thabo Mbeki (Commission of Enquiry into the Depreciation of the Rand), Jacob Zuma (South African Reserve Bank Board), and Cyril Ramaphosa (leading a high-level business delegation to India). Dr. Gantsho is a Chartered Accountant (SA) who holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil. from the University of Pretoria, an M.Sc. from George Washington University, and a B.Com. (Hons) and CTA from the University of Cape Town.
Dr. Mandla Gantsho serves as the Group Chairman of the Ikusasa Group of Companies, bringing unparalleled expertise in infrastructure development finance and a profound understanding of Africa’s macroeconomic climate. A highly respected business leader, Dr. Gantsho is also a Founding Principal and Chairman of Africa Rising Capital. His illustrious career features landmark executive leadership roles, including Vice-President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), as well as CEO, Managing Director, and CFO of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). He has additionally driven strategic operations within global institutions like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and leading domestic enterprises such as Transnet and Engen.
An expert in corporate governance, Dr. Gantsho has chaired the boards of prominent corporations, including Sasol Limited, Impala Platinum Holdings Limited, Kumba Iron Ore Limited, and Ithala Development Finance Corporation Ltd, alongside serving on the board of Rand Merchant Bank. His strategic foresight has earned him consecutive appointments by four South African Presidents: Nelson Mandela (Finance & Fiscal Commission), Thabo Mbeki (Commission of Enquiry into the Depreciation of the Rand), Jacob Zuma (South African Reserve Bank Board), and Cyril Ramaphosa (leading a high-level business delegation to India). Dr. Gantsho is a Chartered Accountant (SA) who holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil. from the University of Pretoria, an M.Sc. from George Washington University, and a B.Com. (Hons) and CTA from the University of Cape Town.
Kakaza Mhlauli – Chief Executive Officer
Kakaza (KK) Mhlauli serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Ikusasa Group of Companies, leading Ikusasa Chemicals, Ikusasa International, and Ikusasa Water. Born in Cape Town, he was educated at Bishops Diocesan College before completing his post-matric studies at Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts, USA. He also holds a Management Development Program (FMP) Diploma from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) at the University of Pretoria. With over two decades of dedicated service in the water sector, KK previously spent 21 years at Protea Chemicals (Omnia Group), where he rose through the ranks from customer service to strategic leadership positions, including Business Manager for Water in South Africa and Business Development Manager for Water internationally.
KK brings deep operational expertise to Ikusasa, having managed a vast spectrum of supply chain, manufacturing, and client relations portfolios. Throughout his career, he has managed high-stakes chemical and water treatment partnerships for major institutional clients, including the City of Cape Town, Rand Water, Magalies Water, uMngeni Water, Chevron Refinery, and PetroSA. Notably, he has spearheaded large-scale bulk water contracts—such as the landmark supply of Ferric Sulphate to the City of Cape Town—dating back to 2002. At Ikusasa, KK continues to leverage his strong networks with municipal and engineering personnel to drive the group's chemical and water division growth. He balances his professional commitments between Johannesburg and Cape Town, where he resides with his wife and two daughters.
Kakaza (KK) Mhlauli serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Ikusasa Group of Companies, leading Ikusasa Chemicals, Ikusasa International, and Ikusasa Water. Born in Cape Town, he was educated at Bishops Diocesan College before completing his post-matric studies at Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts, USA. He also holds a Management Development Program (FMP) Diploma from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) at the University of Pretoria. With over two decades of dedicated service in the water sector, KK previously spent 21 years at Protea Chemicals (Omnia Group), where he rose through the ranks from customer service to strategic leadership positions, including Business Manager for Water in South Africa and Business Development Manager for Water internationally.
KK brings deep operational expertise to Ikusasa, having managed a vast spectrum of supply chain, manufacturing, and client relations portfolios. Throughout his career, he has managed high-stakes chemical and water treatment partnerships for major institutional clients, including the City of Cape Town, Rand Water, Magalies Water, uMngeni Water, Chevron Refinery, and PetroSA. Notably, he has spearheaded large-scale bulk water contracts—such as the landmark supply of Ferric Sulphate to the City of Cape Town—dating back to 2002. At Ikusasa, KK continues to leverage his strong networks with municipal and engineering personnel to drive the group's chemical and water division growth. He balances his professional commitments between Johannesburg and Cape Town, where he resides with his wife and two daughters.
Siyabulela Dandala – Commercial Director
Siyabulela Dumile Dandala serves as the Commercial Director for the Ikusasa Group of Companies, leading the strategic business architecture across Ikusasa Chemicals, Ikusasa Water, and Ikusasa International. With over 26 years of executive experience in chemical manufacturing, distribution, and water treatment, Siyabulela drives commercial growth, corporate strategy, and global regulatory compliance for the 100% black-owned enterprise. He holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Cape Town and a Management Development Programme Diploma (with distinction) from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School. Siyabulela has been a vital driver of the group's operations since June 2019, previously serving as the Sales Director and COO of Ikusasa Chemicals. His extensive corporate background includes a decade-long tenure at Protea Chemicals (Omnia Group), where he excelled as the Eastern Cape Sales Manager from 2008 to 2013 before being promoted to National Industry Manager for Heavy Manufacturing and Oil & Gas from 2014 to 2019. In that role, he successfully spearheaded major infrastructure projects—such as building the Ammonia 25% Solution Plant under budget in record time—expanded the regional Water Care business, and pioneered early green processing solutions for heavy industrial applications.
Throughout his distinguished career, Siyabulela has managed sophisticated, value-added chemical supply operations for blue-chip organizations and public utilities, including Sasol, ArcelorMittal, Chevron (Astron), PetroSA, the City of Cape Town, and various regional water boards. In his current tenure at Ikusasa, he has achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 quality certifications, introduced innovative green technologies to the wastewater portfolio, and engineered sustainable water solutions for the farming sector alongside NAMPO Cape. Beyond his industrial achievements, Siyabulela is an active entrepreneur and sports enthusiast; he formerly owned the popular Chilleks Place Restaurant and Sport Bar, which won Best Tshisanyama in South Africa at the Nando’s Tshisanyama Championships in 2013. He has also served on the executive committees of the Nelson Mandela Bay Football League and the Walmer Wales Rugby Club in Port Elizabeth. A dedicated philanthropist, he is the founder and executive director of the Sinazisi Foundation and sits on the boards of several non-profits focused on early childhood development, education, and rural community empowerment.
Siyabulela Dumile Dandala serves as the Commercial Director for the Ikusasa Group of Companies, leading the strategic business architecture across Ikusasa Chemicals, Ikusasa Water, and Ikusasa International. With over 26 years of executive experience in chemical manufacturing, distribution, and water treatment, Siyabulela drives commercial growth, corporate strategy, and global regulatory compliance for the 100% black-owned enterprise. He holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Cape Town and a Management Development Programme Diploma (with distinction) from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School. Siyabulela has been a vital driver of the group's operations since June 2019, previously serving as the Sales Director and COO of Ikusasa Chemicals. His extensive corporate background includes a decade-long tenure at Protea Chemicals (Omnia Group), where he excelled as the Eastern Cape Sales Manager from 2008 to 2013 before being promoted to National Industry Manager for Heavy Manufacturing and Oil & Gas from 2014 to 2019. In that role, he successfully spearheaded major infrastructure projects—such as building the Ammonia 25% Solution Plant under budget in record time—expanded the regional Water Care business, and pioneered early green processing solutions for heavy industrial applications.
Throughout his distinguished career, Siyabulela has managed sophisticated, value-added chemical supply operations for blue-chip organizations and public utilities, including Sasol, ArcelorMittal, Chevron (Astron), PetroSA, the City of Cape Town, and various regional water boards. In his current tenure at Ikusasa, he has achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 quality certifications, introduced innovative green technologies to the wastewater portfolio, and engineered sustainable water solutions for the farming sector alongside NAMPO Cape. Beyond his industrial achievements, Siyabulela is an active entrepreneur and sports enthusiast; he formerly owned the popular Chilleks Place Restaurant and Sport Bar, which won Best Tshisanyama in South Africa at the Nando’s Tshisanyama Championships in 2013. He has also served on the executive committees of the Nelson Mandela Bay Football League and the Walmer Wales Rugby Club in Port Elizabeth. A dedicated philanthropist, he is the founder and executive director of the Sinazisi Foundation and sits on the boards of several non-profits focused on early childhood development, education, and rural community empowerment.
Namhla Mhlauli – Chief Operating Officer
Namhla Mhlauli serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Ikusasa Group of Companies, transitioning into the executive role after successfully steering the group’s operational efficiencies as the Head of Business Improvement. Based in Sandton, Gauteng, Namhla is a highly analytical Industrial Engineer and certified Business Analyst with an exceptional track record of driving change management and operational excellence. Her expansive cross-sector experience spans production, packaging, transport and logistics, FMCG, supply chain, automotive, manufacturing, and mining environments. Known for her acute attention to detail, she excels at translating complex business requirements into high-yielding IT and workflow solutions, optimizing organizational productivity from the ground up.
Namhla holds a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) and a National Diploma in Industrial Engineering from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, alongside a Business Analyst Foundation certification from the Faculty Training Institute. Throughout her distinguished career, which includes key leadership roles such as Supply Chain Excellence Specialist and Acting Supply Chain Excellence Manager at ERG Africa, as well as an Industrial Engineer within the Business Excellence department at Denel Land Systems, she has specialized in the execution of high-stakes continuous improvement initiatives. Her core expertise encompasses supply chain optimization, operations management, vendor portal implementations, and data-driven supplier performance mapping. A champion for strict corporate compliance and quality assurance, Namhla spearheads Ikusasa's strategic procurement, quality management systems (QMS), and alignment with rigorous ISO standards to ensure the group operates at global peak efficiency.
Namhla Mhlauli serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Ikusasa Group of Companies, transitioning into the executive role after successfully steering the group’s operational efficiencies as the Head of Business Improvement. Based in Sandton, Gauteng, Namhla is a highly analytical Industrial Engineer and certified Business Analyst with an exceptional track record of driving change management and operational excellence. Her expansive cross-sector experience spans production, packaging, transport and logistics, FMCG, supply chain, automotive, manufacturing, and mining environments. Known for her acute attention to detail, she excels at translating complex business requirements into high-yielding IT and workflow solutions, optimizing organizational productivity from the ground up.
Namhla holds a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) and a National Diploma in Industrial Engineering from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, alongside a Business Analyst Foundation certification from the Faculty Training Institute. Throughout her distinguished career, which includes key leadership roles such as Supply Chain Excellence Specialist and Acting Supply Chain Excellence Manager at ERG Africa, as well as an Industrial Engineer within the Business Excellence department at Denel Land Systems, she has specialized in the execution of high-stakes continuous improvement initiatives. Her core expertise encompasses supply chain optimization, operations management, vendor portal implementations, and data-driven supplier performance mapping. A champion for strict corporate compliance and quality assurance, Namhla spearheads Ikusasa's strategic procurement, quality management systems (QMS), and alignment with rigorous ISO standards to ensure the group operates at global peak efficiency.
Kakaza Mhlauli – Chief Executive Officer
Kakaza (KK) Mhlauli serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Ikusasa Group of Companies, leading Ikusasa Chemicals, Ikusasa International, and Ikusasa Water. Born in Cape Town, he was educated at Bishops Diocesan College before completing his post-matric studies at Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts, USA. He also holds a Management Development Program (FMP) Diploma from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) at the University of Pretoria. With over two decades of dedicated service in the water sector, KK previously spent 21 years at Protea Chemicals (Omnia Group), where he rose through the ranks from customer service to strategic leadership positions, including Business Manager for Water in South Africa and Business Development Manager for Water internationally.
KK brings deep operational expertise to Ikusasa, having managed a vast spectrum of supply chain, manufacturing, and client relations portfolios. Throughout his career, he has managed high-stakes chemical and water treatment partnerships for major institutional clients, including the City of Cape Town, Rand Water, Magalies Water, uMngeni Water, Chevron Refinery, and PetroSA. Notably, he has spearheaded large-scale bulk water contracts—such as the landmark supply of Ferric Sulphate to the City of Cape Town—dating back to 2002. At Ikusasa, KK continues to leverage his strong networks with municipal and engineering personnel to drive the group's chemical and water division growth. He balances his professional commitments between Johannesburg and Cape Town, where he resides with his wife and two daughters.
Kakaza (KK) Mhlauli serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Ikusasa Group of Companies, leading Ikusasa Chemicals, Ikusasa International, and Ikusasa Water. Born in Cape Town, he was educated at Bishops Diocesan College before completing his post-matric studies at Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts, USA. He also holds a Management Development Program (FMP) Diploma from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) at the University of Pretoria. With over two decades of dedicated service in the water sector, KK previously spent 21 years at Protea Chemicals (Omnia Group), where he rose through the ranks from customer service to strategic leadership positions, including Business Manager for Water in South Africa and Business Development Manager for Water internationally.
KK brings deep operational expertise to Ikusasa, having managed a vast spectrum of supply chain, manufacturing, and client relations portfolios. Throughout his career, he has managed high-stakes chemical and water treatment partnerships for major institutional clients, including the City of Cape Town, Rand Water, Magalies Water, uMngeni Water, Chevron Refinery, and PetroSA. Notably, he has spearheaded large-scale bulk water contracts—such as the landmark supply of Ferric Sulphate to the City of Cape Town—dating back to 2002. At Ikusasa, KK continues to leverage his strong networks with municipal and engineering personnel to drive the group's chemical and water division growth. He balances his professional commitments between Johannesburg and Cape Town, where he resides with his wife and two daughters.
Siyabulela Dandala – Commercial Director
Siyabulela Dumile Dandala serves as the Commercial Director for the Ikusasa Group of Companies, leading the strategic business architecture across Ikusasa Chemicals, Ikusasa Water, and Ikusasa International. With over 26 years of executive experience in chemical manufacturing, distribution, and water treatment, Siyabulela drives commercial growth, corporate strategy, and global regulatory compliance for the 100% black-owned enterprise. He holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Cape Town and a Management Development Programme Diploma (with distinction) from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School. Siyabulela has been a vital driver of the group's operations since June 2019, previously serving as the Sales Director and COO of Ikusasa Chemicals. His extensive corporate background includes a decade-long tenure at Protea Chemicals (Omnia Group), where he excelled as the Eastern Cape Sales Manager from 2008 to 2013 before being promoted to National Industry Manager for Heavy Manufacturing and Oil & Gas from 2014 to 2019. In that role, he successfully spearheaded major infrastructure projects—such as building the Ammonia 25% Solution Plant under budget in record time—expanded the regional Water Care business, and pioneered early green processing solutions for heavy industrial applications.
Throughout his distinguished career, Siyabulela has managed sophisticated, value-added chemical supply operations for blue-chip organizations and public utilities, including Sasol, ArcelorMittal, Chevron (Astron), PetroSA, the City of Cape Town, and various regional water boards. In his current tenure at Ikusasa, he has achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 quality certifications, introduced innovative green technologies to the wastewater portfolio, and engineered sustainable water solutions for the farming sector alongside NAMPO Cape. Beyond his industrial achievements, Siyabulela is an active entrepreneur and sports enthusiast; he formerly owned the popular Chilleks Place Restaurant and Sport Bar, which won Best Tshisanyama in South Africa at the Nando’s Tshisanyama Championships in 2013. He has also served on the executive committees of the Nelson Mandela Bay Football League and the Walmer Wales Rugby Club in Port Elizabeth. A dedicated philanthropist, he is the founder and executive director of the Sinazisi Foundation and sits on the boards of several non-profits focused on early childhood development, education, and rural community empowerment.
Siyabulela Dumile Dandala serves as the Commercial Director for the Ikusasa Group of Companies, leading the strategic business architecture across Ikusasa Chemicals, Ikusasa Water, and Ikusasa International. With over 26 years of executive experience in chemical manufacturing, distribution, and water treatment, Siyabulela drives commercial growth, corporate strategy, and global regulatory compliance for the 100% black-owned enterprise. He holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Cape Town and a Management Development Programme Diploma (with distinction) from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School. Siyabulela has been a vital driver of the group's operations since June 2019, previously serving as the Sales Director and COO of Ikusasa Chemicals. His extensive corporate background includes a decade-long tenure at Protea Chemicals (Omnia Group), where he excelled as the Eastern Cape Sales Manager from 2008 to 2013 before being promoted to National Industry Manager for Heavy Manufacturing and Oil & Gas from 2014 to 2019. In that role, he successfully spearheaded major infrastructure projects—such as building the Ammonia 25% Solution Plant under budget in record time—expanded the regional Water Care business, and pioneered early green processing solutions for heavy industrial applications.
Throughout his distinguished career, Siyabulela has managed sophisticated, value-added chemical supply operations for blue-chip organizations and public utilities, including Sasol, ArcelorMittal, Chevron (Astron), PetroSA, the City of Cape Town, and various regional water boards. In his current tenure at Ikusasa, he has achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 quality certifications, introduced innovative green technologies to the wastewater portfolio, and engineered sustainable water solutions for the farming sector alongside NAMPO Cape. Beyond his industrial achievements, Siyabulela is an active entrepreneur and sports enthusiast; he formerly owned the popular Chilleks Place Restaurant and Sport Bar, which won Best Tshisanyama in South Africa at the Nando’s Tshisanyama Championships in 2013. He has also served on the executive committees of the Nelson Mandela Bay Football League and the Walmer Wales Rugby Club in Port Elizabeth. A dedicated philanthropist, he is the founder and executive director of the Sinazisi Foundation and sits on the boards of several non-profits focused on early childhood development, education, and rural community empowerment.
Namhla Mhlauli – Chief Operating Officer
Namhla Mhlauli serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Ikusasa Group of Companies, transitioning into the executive role after successfully steering the group’s operational efficiencies as the Head of Business Improvement. Based in Sandton, Gauteng, Namhla is a highly analytical Industrial Engineer and certified Business Analyst with an exceptional track record of driving change management and operational excellence. Her expansive cross-sector experience spans production, packaging, transport and logistics, FMCG, supply chain, automotive, manufacturing, and mining environments. Known for her acute attention to detail, she excels at translating complex business requirements into high-yielding IT and workflow solutions, optimizing organizational productivity from the ground up.
Namhla holds a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) and a National Diploma in Industrial Engineering from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, alongside a Business Analyst Foundation certification from the Faculty Training Institute. Throughout her distinguished career, which includes key leadership roles such as Supply Chain Excellence Specialist and Acting Supply Chain Excellence Manager at ERG Africa, as well as an Industrial Engineer within the Business Excellence department at Denel Land Systems, she has specialized in the execution of high-stakes continuous improvement initiatives. Her core expertise encompasses supply chain optimization, operations management, vendor portal implementations, and data-driven supplier performance mapping. A champion for strict corporate compliance and quality assurance, Namhla spearheads Ikusasa's strategic procurement, quality management systems (QMS), and alignment with rigorous ISO standards to ensure the group operates at global peak efficiency.
Namhla Mhlauli serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Ikusasa Group of Companies, transitioning into the executive role after successfully steering the group’s operational efficiencies as the Head of Business Improvement. Based in Sandton, Gauteng, Namhla is a highly analytical Industrial Engineer and certified Business Analyst with an exceptional track record of driving change management and operational excellence. Her expansive cross-sector experience spans production, packaging, transport and logistics, FMCG, supply chain, automotive, manufacturing, and mining environments. Known for her acute attention to detail, she excels at translating complex business requirements into high-yielding IT and workflow solutions, optimizing organizational productivity from the ground up.
Namhla holds a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) and a National Diploma in Industrial Engineering from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, alongside a Business Analyst Foundation certification from the Faculty Training Institute. Throughout her distinguished career, which includes key leadership roles such as Supply Chain Excellence Specialist and Acting Supply Chain Excellence Manager at ERG Africa, as well as an Industrial Engineer within the Business Excellence department at Denel Land Systems, she has specialized in the execution of high-stakes continuous improvement initiatives. Her core expertise encompasses supply chain optimization, operations management, vendor portal implementations, and data-driven supplier performance mapping. A champion for strict corporate compliance and quality assurance, Namhla spearheads Ikusasa's strategic procurement, quality management systems (QMS), and alignment with rigorous ISO standards to ensure the group operates at global peak efficiency.
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