Donovan Chimhandamba

Donovan commands more than 15 years of professional experience at senior levels in blue chip companies including Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC), Vesuvius International and Group Five. Donovan began his career as an Industrial and Manufacturing Engineer at Engen Petroleum Refinery in Durban, and progressed to occupy senior management roles that included roles as operations engineer, production manager, general manager and business development.

Under his leadership, the fund grew from zero to a portfolio size projected to be in excess of ZAR25 billion for some 27 projects.

In his role as CEO of Arkein Group, he led the construction of an early stage (venture capital) industrials portfolio, creating new companies with a potential balance sheet size in excess of ZAR5bn (US$625 million) by 2016. The Industrials portfolio is spread across South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe. Also in 2012 and 2013, he also led a number of private equity buy-out’s for a Community Trust totaling ZAR 1,2bn (US$150 million).

Donovan Chimhandamba was the Head of Strategic Projects Fund, a division of the National Empowerment Fund specializing in Venture Capital, Private Equity and Project Finance. Under his leadership, the fund grew from zero to a portfolio size projected to be in excess of ZAR25 billion for some 27 projects. Donovan has a solid track record in closing deals in sectors including mining, mineral beneficiation, chemicals, petrochemicals, telecommunications, renewable energy, infrastructure, healthcare and construction. He also presided over 12 boards and joint steering committees as a Chairman or non-executive director.