MCLI Chairperson

South African Chairperson - Dr. Mathews Phosa

Dr Mathews Phosa was born in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga (formerly the Eastern Transvaal) on 1 September 1952.

He was educated at Maripi High School in Acornhoek. Mathews holds B Proc and LLB degrees from the University of the North (Turfloop) in 1977. He served his legal Articles of Clerkship at the well known law firm Godfrey Rabin Attorneys from 1979 to 1981.

He was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Law by Boston University (USA) in 1995. Mathews subsequently established the first black owned law practice in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga in 1981 and worked as a partner until 1985 when he was forced into exile.

In 1994, Mathews was appointed the first Premier of the Mpmumalanga province following the establishment of democracy in South Africa. During his term he distinguished himself as one of the most successful provincial Premiers. In 1999, Mathews retired from government politics to pursue a career in business.

 

Other Positions

Dr. Phosa is currently also serving as:

• President of Chambers of Commerce and Industry South Africa (CHAMSA)
• Member of AHI (Die Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut) Council
• Member of AHI (Die Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut) Board of Trustees
• Member of BUSA Council (with effect 2 November 2006)
• Former President of AHI (20 October 2005 – 19 October 2006)
• South African Chairperson of MCLI (Maputo Corridor Logistics Initiative)
• Chairperson of Council of the University of South Africa (UNISA)
• An elected member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC)
• Chairperson of Innibos Arts Festival
• Chairperson of Special Olympics South Africa
• Trustee of Pan African Parliament Trust
• Member of the Centre for Constitutional Rights established under the FW de Klerk Foundation
• Serves on the Advisory Board of the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa
• Professor Extraordinary School of Management, University of the Free State (1 Jan 2007 to 31 Dec 2009)
• Member of the Board of Trustees of The Black Tie Ensemble
• President of the South African Mozambique Chamber of Commerce (SAMOZACC)

Mathews sits on various boards of listed and unlisted companies. Mathews was awarded the BBQ Businessman Award 2006 (Black Business Quarterly). Mathews' passion includes writing Afrikaans poetry, public speaking, reconciliation in business as well as reading biographical, management and motivational books and magazines. Mathews is married to Pinkie Phosa and has 3 children, Moyahabo, Tshepiso and Mathlatse.