Novartis South Africa has appointed seasoned Human Resources (HR) professional Sonwabo Maholwana  as its new Head of People and Organization. 

From the 1st of March this year, Maholwana will be joining the company’s South Africa leadership team, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in enhancing organizational culture, talent development, and legislative compliance.

"I am truly inspired by Novartis' vision of fostering an Inspired, Curious, and Unbossed culture where every individual can realise their full potential and bring their best self to work every day. As someone who is committed to creating a positive work environment, proactive engagement, participative leadership, and fairness, I am glad to be a part of a company that places such a high value on its employees,” says Maholwana.

He notes that he was drawn to the organization’s strong reputation for employee well-being and creating an inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. Notably, Novartis was named as the No. 1 Top Employer in the Pharmaceutical industry in South Africa. Furthermore, the company was certified as a 2023 Top Employer in South Africa and other African countries by the Top Employers Institute – an achievement which highlights the company’s commitment to being an employer of choice, he says.

"I could not have joined Novartis at a better time given the great shift in the world of work globally. Through its transformation journey, Novartis has displayed its commitment to drive innovation and performance for better patient outcomes whilst creating an exceptional work experience for all," said Maholwana.

The pharmaceutical company recently completed a year-long global restructuring and transformation journey aimed at simplifying its organizational structure, integrating its Pharmaceuticals and Oncology business units into its new Innovative Medicines business. As the organization looks ahead to the future, Maholwana looks forward to playing a role in shaping its culture which will create an enabling environment to win for patients and serve Novartis’ customers.  

"We are delighted that Sonwabo joins the company at this point of our transformation journey where we are looking to foster agility, innovation and growth. Maximising on the potential of this more streamlined structure and approaches such as our hybrid-working model, we are excited that he will help Novartis take these efforts forward," says Odile Pincemaille, P&O Head, MEA.

Maholwana has a Management Advancement Programme (MAP) Post Graduate qualification from Wits Business School, an Industrial Relations Programme Certificate from Wits Business School (WBS), and a Human Resources Management undergraduate qualification from Buffalo City College.  He is currently studying a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA) at WBS. In his spare time, he enjoys music, playing musical instruments and singing.