The Presidency Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Presidency has 6 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, and advisory roles.

Driven by a commitment to national development, The Presidency is dedicated to fostering a united, democratic, and prosperous South Africa by addressing the legacies of apartheid and promoting inclusive growth.

Leadership Roles at The Presidency

  • Chief Financial Officer - Bahumi Matebesi
  • Special Adviser To President On Health - Salma Anas-Kolo
  • Spokesperson To the South African Deputy President - Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka - Denzil Taylor
  • Chief of Staff - Sifiso Ngcobo
  • Chief of Staff & The Presidency Minister - Sipho Mbele
  • Chief Operations Officer - John-Marcus Sarki
  • Bahumi Matebesi - Chief Financial Officer

    Bahumi Matebesi, the Chief Financial Officer at The Presidency, directs the fiscal strategy and financial operations of the government's executive management. Overseeing budget allocation and financial reporting, Matebesi ensures adherence to national financial regulations and promotes fiscal responsibility across all governmental departments. This leadership role involves managing public funds with integrity and transparency, directly supporting the constitutional mandate to redress poverty and underdevelopment. By optimizing resource utilization, Bahumi Matebesi drives financial sustainability for key government programs. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to financial planning and analysis, ensuring that public expenditure aligns with national development priorities and contributes to the eradication of inequality. Matebesi's expertise is critical in maintaining the economic stability necessary for achieving the nation's developmental goals.

    Salma Anas-Kolo - Special Adviser To President On Health

    Salma Anas-Kolo, the Special Adviser To President On Health at The Presidency, provides expert counsel on national health policy and strategy. Anas-Kolo guides the President's agenda on public health initiatives, focusing on improving healthcare access and outcomes for all South Africans. This advisory role involves analyzing health sector challenges and recommending evidence-based solutions to address disparities and enhance the healthcare system's effectiveness. By offering strategic insights, Salma Anas-Kolo supports the government's commitment to social development and the well-being of its citizens. The Special Adviser's contributions are critical in shaping health policies that align with the constitutional imperative to redress historical disadvantages and promote equitable access to essential services. Anas-Kolo's expertise directly informs initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation's health infrastructure.

    Denzil Taylor - Spokesperson To the South African Deputy President - Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

    Denzil Taylor, the Spokesperson To the South African Deputy President - Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka at The Presidency, manages public communication and media relations for the Deputy President. Taylor articulates the government's positions on key policy matters and ensures clear, consistent messaging to the public and international stakeholders. This role involves developing communication strategies that reflect the executive's priorities and foster public understanding of governmental initiatives. By facilitating transparent communication, Denzil Taylor supports the government's commitment to accountability and public engagement. The Spokesperson's responsibilities include responding to media inquiries, organizing press briefings, and disseminating information about the Deputy President's activities and policy directives. Taylor's efforts are vital in shaping public perception and reinforcing the government's developmental agenda.

    Sifiso Ngcobo - Chief of Staff

    Sifiso Ngcobo, the Chief of Staff at The Presidency, manages the executive office and coordinates the strategic initiatives of the government. Ngcobo ensures the efficient functioning of the President's office, facilitating communication and collaboration among various governmental bodies. This role involves overseeing policy implementation and advising on operational matters to support the national agenda. By streamlining administrative processes, Sifiso Ngcobo enhances the executive's capacity to address critical national challenges. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include managing schedules, preparing briefings, and ensuring that the executive leadership operates with maximum effectiveness. Ngcobo's strategic guidance is vital for translating policy objectives into tangible outcomes for the Republic of South Africa, directly contributing to the nation's progress.

    Sipho Mbele - Chief of Staff & The Presidency Minister

    Sipho Mbele, the Chief of Staff & The Presidency Minister at The Presidency, holds a dual mandate overseeing both the executive office's operational efficiency and ministerial responsibilities. Mbele directs strategic planning and policy execution, ensuring alignment with the government's developmental objectives. This position involves significant coordination across government spheres to implement programs aimed at redressing historical inequalities and fostering socio-economic development. By bridging administrative and policy functions, Sipho Mbele ensures that the executive's directives are effectively translated into actionable government initiatives. The Chief of Staff & The Presidency Minister's role is crucial for maintaining governmental coherence and driving progress towards a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa. Mbele's leadership supports the nation's commitment to inclusive growth and the eradication of marginalization.

    John-Marcus Sarki - Chief Operations Officer

    John-Marcus Sarki, the Chief Operations Officer at The Presidency, directs the operational framework supporting the government's executive functions. Sarki oversees the logistical and administrative infrastructure necessary for effective governance, ensuring that governmental operations align with national policy objectives. This involves managing resources and optimizing processes to enhance service delivery and program implementation across the Republic of South Africa. By focusing on operational excellence, John-Marcus Sarki contributes to the government's capacity to address poverty and underdevelopment. The Chief Operations Officer's purview includes ensuring the efficient functioning of key governmental facilities and support systems, facilitating the executive's ability to enact its mandate. Sarki's strategic oversight is fundamental to the smooth execution of national development plans.
    John-Marcus Sarki

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Presidency Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Presidency?
    The Presidency is led by Bahumi Matebesi (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Salma Anas-Kolo (Special Adviser To President On Health) and Denzil Taylor (Spokesperson To the South African Deputy President - Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka).
    Who is part of The Presidency’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Presidency includes leaders such as Bahumi Matebesi (Chief Financial Officer), Salma Anas-Kolo (Special Adviser To President On Health), Denzil Taylor (Spokesperson To the South African Deputy President - Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Presidency have?
    The Presidency has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Presidency’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Presidency includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Special Adviser To President On Health, Spokesperson To the South African Deputy President - Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & The Presidency Minister.