Fabian Zimpande ‘Zakes’ Msimang is no longer the Chairperson of the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD) of South Africa due to ‘changing personal circumstances.’
Msimang became a board member of AMD while he was representing Swatek Aerospace and Defence, which specialises in the design and manufacturing of electrical components for military, aerospace, automotive, mining, and other applications. However, Swatek currently describes itself as an African women-led enterprise, and it appears Msimang is no longer representing the company.
Msimang was elected as the Chairperson of AMD earlier this year. However, in a letter to all AMD members and stakeholders on Friday 6 June, Executive Director Sandile Ndlovu stated that Msimang had stepped down from his position with effect from Thursday 5 June.
“A change in the personal circumstances of the General have necessitated that he vacates this position,” Ndlovu said of the former Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), who served in that capacity between 2012 and 2020 before retiring and moving into the private sector.
“We acknowledge and sincerely thank Lieutenant General (ret) Msimang for his dedication, leadership, and valuable contributions to AMD over the course of his tenure,” Ndlovu added.
In accordance with AMD’s governance protocols, the Vice Chairperson, Nico Troosheide (Managing Executive: GAC Laser), will assume the responsibilities of the Chairperson in an acting capacity until the Board decides on the way forward.
“We are committed to ensuring continuity in leadership and the uninterrupted execution of AMD’s strategic priorities,” Ndlovu concluded.
AMD will shortly hold its annual general meeting, where new leadership can be expected to be elected.
