Anna Mokgokong: South African businesswoman behind billion-dollar investment group, CIH

When South African businesswoman Anna Mokgokong began trading sandwiches for cash during her primary school days, she was already demonstrating a commercial instinct that would later define one of South Africa’s most influential business leaders. What began as a lunchtime trade has since grown into a career that places her among South Africa’s most accomplished business figures, anchored by her role as co-founder and executive chairperson of Community Investment Holdings, a 100-percent Black-owned investment holding company she established in 1995 alongside Joe Madungandaba. At the time, Mokgokong was just under 40 years old.

The venture has grown into a diversified investment group with a consolidated turnover of more than R20 billion ($1.1 billion). Its operations cover healthcare, ICT, logistics, mining, power, and infrastructure across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. The group manages multiple subsidiaries and regional partnerships, focusing on sustained growth in key markets. Its structure allows strategic investments across sectors, enabling the company to capitalize on emerging opportunities while maintaining a broad presence in the region’s critical industries.

From Doctor to diversified investor

Before entering the boardroom, Mokgokong built a strong academic foundation that reflected both discipline and ambition. She attended St. Theresa’s High School in Manzini, Swaziland, before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Botswana. She later pursued medicine at the Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA), where she obtained her MBChB. Even during her medical training, her entrepreneurial instincts remained evident. She sold handbags to colleagues and lecturers, balancing academic rigor with business activity, an early sign of the blend of commerce and professionalism that would define her career.

Her professional life began in the 1980s as a community medical doctor, where she built a thriving practice and developed a reputation for dedication to healthcare access. Starting as a general practitioner and later specializing in family medicine, Mokgokong extended her influence beyond clinical work into broader healthcare initiatives aimed at improving access and quality of care. In 1987, she established a multi-purpose community clinic in Hebron, serving vulnerable populations from surrounding villages. As the first female doctor in the area, she filled multiple roles, including physician, counselor, and community leader. Her commitment to expanding healthcare services continued in 1992 when she opened a medical distribution company in Eswatini, followed by another in Pretoria, expanding access to pharmaceutical products.

These early ventures laid the foundation for her transition into large-scale business. In 1995, Mokgokong and Madungandaba founded Community Investment Holdings with a vision to become a prominent black economic empowerment participant in South Africa’s mainstream economy. Her leadership philosophy—“True leadership is about service. It’s about making a difference in the lives of others and leaving a legacy that others can build upon”—has shaped CIH’s strategy and growth. Under her stewardship, CIH has evolved into a diversified investment group with interests in healthcare, ICT, power, logistics, mining, and infrastructure. The group’s investments include Afrocentric Limited (Medscheme), Temo Coal, Jasco Electronics Holdings, Tamasa Investment Holdings, and property development assets. The company’s growth has enabled investments in healthcare services and facilities across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to job creation and economic development.

CIH diversifies across essential economic sectors

CIH’s healthcare portfolio remains one of its most established pillars, dating back to 1992 when black equity participation was introduced into the sector. Through Community Healthcare Holdings, the group invests in pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical equipment services, and healthcare administration, including stakes and partnerships with Netcare Limited, Adcock Ingram, and AfroCentric Investment Corporation Limited. The group’s hospital management assets include Pelonomi, Universitas, Port Alfred, and Settlers hospitals. Beyond healthcare, CIH expanded into ICT through investments in telecommunications and infrastructure companies, including Jasco Electronics Holdings and Dark Fibre Africa. Its power and energy portfolio includes partnerships with Schneider Electric SA and investments in cable manufacturing, oil and gas trading, and alternative energy through Tamasa Energy Group.

Mokgokong also guided CIH into mining, with interests spanning diamonds, coal, and base metals, including Golden Falls Mining and Seriti Resources. The group participates in coal trading and export markets, including supply channels linked to Richards Bay Coal Terminal. Logistics investments include transport and aviation services through holdings such as Putco and Crossroads Distribution Holdings, while infrastructure projects include the Tshwane International Convention Centre, Telkom/BCX headquarters precinct, and Tshwane House developments. Through Mesure facilities management, CIH provides operational services across commercial and infrastructure assets, reinforcing its diversified strategy across essential sectors of the economy.

Anna Mokgokong maintains influence in business and public service

Her career has also been marked by recognition and leadership roles across business, academia, and public service. Mokgokong became the first woman in South Africa to receive an honorary Doctorate in Commerce from the University of South Africa. She was named South African Businesswoman of the Year in 1999 and recognized among the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World in 1998. In 2018, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Premier David Makhura at the Township Entrepreneurship Awards, and in 2022 she received the Women Who Make A Difference Award in Las Vegas, selected from 7,800 women across 33 countries. In 2019, she became the third Chancellor and first female Chancellor of North-West University, underscoring her influence in education and leadership.

Her corporate experience spans listed and non-listed companies. She has served as a senior director at Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed Rebosis Property Fund and Jasco Electronics and as a non-executive director at Shoprite Holdings and Adcock Ingram. She is currently non-executive chair of Afrocentric Investment Corporation and chairs Seriti Coal, South Africa’s second-largest coal supplier, providing 30 percent of the country’s energy. Her public service includes roles such as deputy chairperson of the Independent Commission for Remuneration of Public Office Bearers, appointed by former President Thabo Mbeki between 2004 and 2009, and commissioner of the Interim National Defence Force Commission from 2009 to 2013.

CIH leadership fuels corporate transformation

Mokgokong’s business influence was also reflected in a major broadband infrastructure transaction. In November 2021, Vodacom made an offer to acquire a 30 percent stake in Community Ventures Investment Holdings (CIVH), a CIH subsidiary. Remgro, controlled by South Africa’s richest man Johann Rupert, holds a 57 percent stake in CIVH, while Maziv—established to facilitate the transaction—holds the assets of fibre network operator Vumatel and open-access backhaul provider Dark Fibre Africa.

The deal included commitments to expand broadband infrastructure in underserved areas and provide free services to schools and police stations. On July 8, 2025, the companies announced a settlement with the Competition Commission, allowing the regulator to withdraw objections. As part of the agreement, Vodacom reduced its option to increase its shareholding in Maziv from 40 percent to a maximum of 34.95 percent, while expanding capital expenditure commitments. Following the withdrawal of opposition, the Competition Appeals Court overturned the Tribunal’s decision and approved the transaction.

From her early days selling sandwiches to building a diversified investment group with turnover exceeding R20 billion ($1.1 billion), Mokgokong’s career reflects a consistent focus on service, business discipline, and long-term value creation. Her leadership at Community Investment Holdings has positioned the company across essential sectors of South Africa’s economy, reinforcing her role as one of the country’s most respected business leaders and a central figure in corporate South Africa’s transformation.