S.MAB Group has entered a new chapter in its 26-year journey with the appointment of Glad Dibetso as Chief Executive Officer. His arrival marks a significant moment of evolution for one of South Africa’s pioneering, black female-founded enterprises, a group that has spent more than two decades quietly shaping industries from healthcare and training to property and design.

Founded in 1999 by Snoekie Mabena-Saleh, S.MAB began as South Africa’s first black female-owned nursing agency in Tshwane. What started as a single healthcare placement company has since grown into a multi-sector organisation grounded in empowerment, innovation, and purpose. Snoekie was later joined by her daughter, Koketso Dibetso, who brought a new generation of leadership and ideas after completing her studies. Together, they’ve built a company that reflects both legacy and evolution, one that is proudly majority women-owned and women-led.

Now, with Glad stepping into the CEO role, S.MAB is poised to scale with renewed ambition. “Glad’s appointment as CEO reflects our commitment to growth, innovation, and opportunity,” said Snoekie, Chairperson of S.MAB Group. “Even as we evolve, S.MAB remains proudly majority female-owned and led. Our next chapter is about scaling with purpose, delivering excellent work for our clients while shaping the growth of the next decade.”

Glad brings with him a track record of leadership in transformation and growth across sectors. His focus is clear: to build a stronger, more connected organisation that bridges S.MAB’s foundation in healthcare with its expanding footprint across other industries. “As I step into this role, my vision is clear scale with impact,” he says. “We are building a more connected organisation that grows beyond today into the future of healthcare and beyond. Our immediate focus is expansion — opening new offices in Limpopo and Mpumalanga to bring our services closer to clients, while also launching innovative digital financial tools designed for healthcare professionals across South Africa.”

For S.MAB, growth has always meant more than physical expansion. It’s about creating opportunities, especially for the professionals and communities it serves. “As healthcare professionals take care of the nation, it’s our responsibility to take care of them,” Glad adds. “This next phase is about empowering professionals, building resilience, and strengthening the legacy we are all part of.”

Under its umbrella, the Group comprises several thriving divisions that reflect its depth and versatility:

• S.MAB Agency – the flagship division, connecting healthcare professionals to hospitals and clinics nationwide.
• S.MAB Training Academy – a premier flight attendant training institution with a 100% SACAA pass rate.
• S.MAB Properties – offering student accommodation and strategic property investments.
• S.MAB Designs – crafting premium uniforms and corporate wear with creativity and precision.

At the operational level, Koketso Dibetso transitions from CEO to Chief Operating Officer (COO), ensuring that the Group’s diverse businesses deliver on their promise of quality and innovation. “At S.MAB, our strength lies in the diversity of our brands and the impact they create,” she reflects. “Each business must grow, yes, but more importantly, it must serve. Our focus is consistent delivery, innovation, and care at the centre of everything we do.”

With a leadership trio that embodies continuity, experience, and renewal,  Snoekie Mabena-Saleh as Chairperson, Glad Dibetso as CEO, and Koketso Dibetso as COO, S.MAB Group moves confidently into its next decade.

More than a business story, this is a story about legacy, transformation, and the quiet power of vision — one that began with a single black woman entrepreneur in Pretoria, and continues today with a team intent on building a stronger, more inclusive future for South Africa.