BP Southern Africa Ltd has announced the appointment of Taelo Mojapelo as its new Chief Executive Officer effective from yesterday, June 1, 2020. She replaces Priscillah Mabelane.

Mojapelo has a Masters degree in Environmental Engineering from Cambridge University and an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science. She joined the company from Mondelez in April, and served as the Head of Commercial Optimisation and Supply for Southern Africa. She has also held several supply chain roles in South African Breweries, Kellogg’s and DHL.

In the press release by BP South Africa, the bpSA Board Chairperson, Adv. Thandi Orelyn said, “bpSA has made great progress in transforming our business into a market-leading fuel and convenience retailer in South Africa, and we are confident that Taelo’s strong leadership and proven FMCG operational experience will help us build on this momentum.”

The Board Chairperson also thanked Priscillah Mabelane for her time with the company: “On behalf of the bpSA board and the entire business, I would also like to thank Priscillah Mabelane for her outstanding contribution to the organisation over the past nine years including the past three years as CEO. Her dedication to the business, coupled with her commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, has been remarkable. She will be missed by colleagues and business partners alike and we wish her well in her future endeavours.”

Priscillah Mabelane Heads to Sasol

Chemicals and energy group, Sasol, has also announced the appointment of Priscilla Mabelane as the new Executive Vice President of its energy business, replacing Maurice Radebe, who will retire from Sasol on September 30, having been with the company since January 2004.

The qualified chartered accountant and Southern Africa’s  first black female CEO’s appointment with Sasol comes into effect on September 1^st. She will also serve as a member of the company’s group executive committee.

The official announcement by Sasol read: “Mabelane has a strong corporate track record and has successfully managed large, mid and downstream operations in both the UK and South Africa. She brings broad international leadership and a track record of leading and enabling transformation, with an emphasis on retail and operations, cost management, strategic planning and governance to Sasol.”

Sasol President and Chief Executive Officer, Fleetwood Grobler, said, “We are delighted to have a leader of Priscillah’s calibre join Sasol. We wish her a long and illustrious career with us and look forward to benefiting from her extensive business and leadership experience.”

He also thanked the soon-to-retire Maurice. “On behalf of the Sasol Limited Board and the GEC, I would like to thank Maurice for his commitment to Sasol and unfailing support in leading the Energy Business. We wish him all the best in his upcoming retirement.”

Maurice Radebe said, “I thank Sasol for a wonderful career and challenging opportunities presented to me.  I look forward to spending time with my family and focusing on my passion to develop young leaders as I retire from Sasol.  Given Priscilla’s extensive local and international experience, I am confident she will lead Sasol’s Energy Business to new heights, ensuring we continue to play a leading role in transformation of the sector and supporting Sasol’s transition to a lower-carbon economy.”