Africa’s leading farm, Crookes Brothers, mourns loss of CFO and director Farzanah Mall

Crookes Brothers, one of Africa’s leading agribusiness groups, is mourning the deaths of Chief Financial Officer Nigel Naidoo and independent non-executive director Farzanah Mall. The company confirmed that Naidoo passed away on March 7, 2026, while Mall died two days earlier on March 5.

Both executives played important roles in shaping Crookes Brothers’ financial strategy, governance framework, and ethical oversight. Their deaths mark a significant loss for the agribusiness group as it reflects on the contributions of two leaders who helped strengthen board accountability and financial stewardship.

Nigel Naidoo helped shape financial strategy
Nigel Naidoo joined Crookes Brothers in 2014, bringing extensive experience in corporate finance and financial management. Over more than a decade with the company, he became a central figure in the group’s financial leadership.

In May 2021, Naidoo was appointed Chief Financial Officer and joined the company’s board of directors. In this role, he helped guide financial planning, strengthen governance practices, and oversee capital allocation across the agribusiness group’s operations.

Naidoo also served on the Social and Ethics Committee, where he contributed to strengthening the company’s compliance framework and corporate responsibility policies.

Colleagues widely respected his professionalism, steady leadership, and commitment to maintaining financial discipline within the organization.

Farzanah Mall strengthened governance oversight
Farzanah Mall joined the Crookes Brothers board in 2021 as an independent non-executive director.

She chaired the company’s Audit and Risk Committee, playing a key role in strengthening financial transparency and oversight within the group. Mall also served on the Social and Ethics Committee, where she contributed to board discussions on corporate accountability and ethical leadership.

Her experience in governance and risk management made her a trusted voice on the board, particularly in matters related to regulatory compliance, risk oversight, and internal controls. Board members described her counsel as thoughtful, strategic, and deeply valued.

Board expresses condolences
In a statement, the Crookes Brothers board extended its condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of both executives.

“Both Nigel and Farzanah were outstanding professionals whose service, insight, and dedication significantly advanced the interests of Crookes Brothers,” the company said.

“Their contributions to the company’s governance, financial stewardship, and strategic oversight will be deeply missed.”

Legacy within African agribusiness
The passing of Nigel Naidoo and Farzanah Mall represents a significant moment for Crookes Brothers, one of the continent’s most prominent farming enterprises.

Through their work in financial management and corporate governance, both leaders helped reinforce the institutional foundations that support the company’s long-term growth and accountability.

Their legacy will continue to shape the company’s governance culture and leadership standards within Africa’s agribusiness sector.