In September 2025, it was announced that Mazda Southern Africa’s Managing Director for eight years, Craig Roberts, would be leaving the company, paving the way for Bonite van der Merwe to take the reins.
She stepped into the role from her position as Head of Operations, Sales and Service, after serving the Japanese brand’s local arm for more than ten years in various senior organisational and management roles.
A qualified chartered accountant, Van der Merwe previously served as Finance Manager and Head of Finance and Corporate Affairs before taking on the Head of Operations role, and subsequently her latest post.
“Bonite, having been onboard with Mazda SA since the inception of Mazda SA as an Independent National Sales Company of Mazda Motor Corporation in 2014, is ideally positioned to assume the leadership role for Mazda in SA”, noted Roberts.
“Experience across all areas of the Mazda SA Business, as well as a strong commitment to Mazda’s Customer Centric and Human Centric values, will stand her in good stead to lead Mazda’s Business in the local Market.”
According to Van der Merwe, joining Mazda during its transition into an independent distributor represented an exciting opportunity for her to help build the business from the ground up.
“I played a key role in establishing the financial, governance, and operational frameworks that underpin Mazda’s long-term stability today.”
As she moved up the ladder, she gained a deeper understanding of the full value chain, including product planning, sales and customer experience, and dealer development.
“These experiences shaped my leadership philosophy and strengthened my passion for Omotenashi, Mazda’s principle of anticipating needs and exceeding expectations.”
Today, Van der Merwe leads Mazda Southern Africa with the vision of strengthening its product portfolio, supporting a profitable and future-ready dealership network and delivering a seamless customer experience.
Away from her role as Mazda Southern Africa MD, she serves as a Director of the Mazda Foundation NPC, supporting outreach initiatives that uplift communities across South Africa.
“Guided by a challenger spirit and deep belief in purpose-driven leadership, I remain focused on ensuring Mazda Southern Africa becomes stronger, more trusted, and more connected to its customers than ever before.”
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