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Takealot Group’s Zietsman Takes Helm, Driving Growth and Innovation

  • Leadership Transition: Frederik Zietsman assumes the role of Chief Executive at Takealot Group from February 1, 2024, consolidating leadership roles and streamlining operations.
  • Economic Impact: Takealot Group, comprising takealot.com, Superbalist, and Mr D, contributes significantly to the South African economy, creating 33,000 jobs, supporting 12,000 SMMEs, and making a substantial GDP contribution of over R19 billion.
  • Strategic Vision: The leadership changes reflect a commitment to focus on the flagship online marketplace platform, emphasizing support for SMMEs, and fostering growth under Zietsman's leadership, with Mamongae Mahlare driving opportunities as…
Published by
Miriam Matoma


In a strategic move to fortify its leadership structure and enhance its commitment to supporting Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), the Takealot Group has announced key executive changes set to take effect from 1st February 2024. Frederik Zietsman, currently serving as the Chief Executive of takealot.com, will ascend to the position of Chief Executive for the entire Takealot Group.

This transition will see the current Group CEO, Mamongae Mahlare, stepping into the role of Executive Chairperson of the Takealot Group. Concurrently, the current Chairperson, Kim Reid, will continue to contribute to the board as a director and serve as a strategic advisor to the Chairperson and Group CEO.

The leadership adjustments signify a consolidation of the takealot.com and group CEO roles, streamlining the management between the group and takealot.com. This strategic move aims to optimize resources and reinforce the company’s commitment to its flagship online marketplace platform.

Frederik Zietsman expressed his enthusiasm about the forthcoming responsibilities, stating, “I’m excited about the opportunity to continue building this great business, as well as continuing to work alongside Mamongae. We have strong and committed teams across our Group, and I believe that simplifying our structures will go a long way to building on their great work. Our future is clear. We are focused on enabling SMMEs and improving the lives of South Africans every day.”

With extensive experience in e-commerce, Zietsman is poised to steer the Takealot Group to new heights. His background as the Chief Executive of takealot.com positions him well to lead the entire group, ensuring a seamless transition that aligns with the company’s vision and strategic goals.

The Takealot Group, encompassing takealot.com, Superbalist, and Mr D, plays a pivotal role in the South African economy. The group has been instrumental in creating and supporting a substantial number of jobs, with operations accounting for 33,000 jobs across its various platforms. Moreover, an impressive 12,000 SMMEs are currently utilizing the group’s platforms, contributing significantly to economic growth.

The economic impact of the Takealot Group extends beyond job creation, with an overall GDP contribution exceeding R19 billion. The company has also demonstrated its commitment to fiscal responsibility by contributing over R2 billion in taxes. These figures underscore the company’s substantial contribution to the South African economy.

In light of the leadership changes, Mamongae Mahlare shared her vision for her new role as Executive Chairperson, stating, “My role as Executive Chair is about supporting the leadership to grow the business and on driving opportunities that move our group forward. I will also be collaborating with our stakeholders to champion the enablement of e-commerce and how we can accelerate SMME development in the digital economy to create much-needed jobs.”

Mahlare’s commitment to fostering growth and job creation aligns with the Takealot Group’s broader mission. The company sees the development of SMMEs as a cornerstone for economic progress, and Mahlare’s leadership in her new role will undoubtedly contribute to the realization of this vision.

Kim Reid, the outgoing Chairperson, acknowledged the significant contributions of Takealot to the South African business landscape, saying, “Takealot has built a strong brand in South Africa and has done so much to champion the establishment of the ecommerce category from the ground up. I remain committed and excited to continue working with Mamongae, Fred and the team in delivering on the possibilities within the Group and the opportunity to accelerate SMME development on our platforms, a cornerstone to further job creation in South Africa.”

Reid’s continued involvement as a strategic advisor highlights the collaborative approach the company is adopting to ensure a smooth transition and sustained growth. Her wealth of experience will undoubtedly be invaluable as the Takealot Group navigates the evolving landscape of e-commerce and continues its mission to empower businesses and enhance the lives of South Africans.

As the Takealot Group prepares for this leadership transition, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, job creation, and economic development in South Africa. Frederik Zietsman’s assumption of the CEO role, coupled with Mamongae Mahlare’s strategic leadership as Executive Chairperson, positions the company for continued success and positive impact in the South African business ecosystem.

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Miriam Matoma

Miriam is a freelance writer, she covers economics and government news for Rateweb. You can contact her on: Email: miriam@rateweb.co.za Twitter: @MatomaMiriam