Retirement: ‘A long and mostly enjoyable journey’

Gerald Naidoo…“We executed our mandates with great success.”
Durban, KZN, SA – After 33 years at the Leather Bargaining Council and at the ripe age of 63 years, the curtains have finally come down. My stint as the General Secretary of the Council and Principal Officer of the Leather Industry Provident Fund comes to an end on 31 May 2024.
I had a long journey that was mostly enjoyable and at times challenging. I joined the Council in 1991 as an agent and became General Secretary in 2006 when my predecessor, Leon van Loggerenberg, retired.
I feel privileged to have worked with an amazing team and a Management Committee that stood by me and provided guidance and assistance where necessary. I believe that jointly we have executed our mandates with great success.
I hand over the baton to Ilhaam Ryneveld, who officially took over as General Secretary and Principal Officer of the Provident Fund with effect from 01 June 2024. Ilhaam is not new to the Council as she worked at the Eastern Cape office as an agent for about 18 years. I have full confidence in Ilhaam and believe she will execute her duties diligently and with great success. I will however stay until December 2024 to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
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