S.MAB Group, a pioneering business that began with S.MAB Agency, founded in 1999 by a black female entrepreneur who was later joined by her daughter after completing her degree, is entering a new chapter of growth with the appointment of Glad Dibetso as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This marks an exciting phase of expansion across the Group’s diverse businesses, which span healthcare, training, property, and design.
With over 26 years of impact across multiple sectors, S.MAB has built a reputation for empowerment, excellence, and innovation. The Group remains majority female-owned and female-led, with founder Snoekie Mabena-Saleh continuing as Chairperson, and former CEO Koketso Dibetso, who successfully led the business since 2019, stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to focus on operational delivery and innovation. Together, this leadership team blends continuity with new capacity to drive the Group into its next chapter.
“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 extensive leadership experience in scaling organisations and driving transformation, complementing S.MAB’s strong foundation as a pioneering, female-founded enterprise.
“As I step into the role of CEO of S.MAB Group, my vision is clear: scale with impact. We are building a stronger, more connected organisation that expands beyond today into the future of healthcare and beyond. Our immediate focus is opening new offices in Limpopo and Mpumalanga (Mbombela), bringing our services closer to the healthcare professionals and clients who trust us, and ensuring that excellence is within reach wherever it’s needed.
But growth for us is not just physical — it’s also digital. We will soon be launching innovative financial tools designed specifically for healthcare professionals across South Africa, helping them prepare for life’s emergencies and build long-term security for retirement. Because as healthcare professionals take care of the nation, it’s our responsibility to take care of them.
T”his is about more than growth. It’s about creating opportunities, empowering professionals, and ensuring that every step S.MAB takes strengthens the communities we serve and the legacy we are building together,” says Dibetso.
From its origins as South Africa’s first black female-owned nursing agency in Pretoria/Tshwane, S.MAB Group has expanded over the past 26 years into so much more:
- S.MAB Agency – a leading healthcare placement agency focusing on all healthcare professionals.
- S.MAB Training Academy – world-class flight attendant training with a 100% SACAA pass rate
- S.MAB Properties – student accommodation, rentals, and property investments
- S.MAB Designs – specialist in creating uniform and clothing design
“At S.MAB, our strength lies in the diversity of our brands and the impact they create. Through S.MAB Agency, we empower healthcare professionals with opportunities to serve where they are needed most. Our Training Academy continues to set the standard for excellence, equipping young people with world-class skills for aviation careers. And through S.MAB Designs, delivering premium uniforms and custom designs with precision, quality, and innovation. As COO, my focus is on ensuring that each of these businesses not only grows but delivers consistently, with innovation and care at the centre of everything we do.” – Koketso Dibetso, COO of S.MAB Group
With its new CEO driving growth, and female-led leadership guiding the Group’s vision, S.MAB remains dedicated to empowerment, innovation, and service excellence.
