Ata Capital, a South African private equity firm, has appointed Mamedupi Matsipa as its Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Lelo Rantloane who has been at the helm since he founded the company 10 years ago.

Matsipa has started transitioning into her new role and will fully assume office on February 1, 2021.

Matsipa’s track record of success began at Accenture South Africa as a management consultant.

She then spent eight years with FirstRand Group, primarily as an acquisitions and leveraged finance solutions expert at Rand Merchant Bank.

This was followed by a stint at Goodwell Investments as an Investment Associate, helping to deliver impact investments in a venture capital context. Mamedupi holds a BComm. (Hons) Information Systems and an MBA.

The trajectory of her career has made her the natural successor to Lelo; she is well-respected in the industry and Ata Capital is excited to have found such a strong female candidate to fulfil this key role. 

Matsipa is extremely optimistic about this next chapter for Ata Capital and the change in executive leadership.

He is committed to facilitate a smooth transition for Mamedupi and provide support on specific projects as required.

He will remain on the Board of Ata Capital as an Executive Director and Chair of the Investment Committee.

“It is an honour to be asked to take up the reins as CEO of Ata Capital,” commented Mamedupi.

“I have had the benefit of working with and learning from Lelo for several years now, and I am confident that I can carry forward his original vision and guide the company as we continue to deliver lasting stakeholder value, even in these uncertain times,” she added.

“Mamedupi is an ideal successor to build on what we have already accomplished. Under her leadership we hope to hone our strategic direction, grow and develop the next phase of the company’s growth. It will be an honour to assist her as we strengthen our partnerships and build new relationships,” commented outgoing CEO, Lelo Rantloane.

Imogen Mkhize, Chairperson of the Ata Capital Board, expressed her gratitude to Lelo Rantloane for an immensely successfully first ten years for the company, and reiterated the Board’s absolute confidence in the selection of Mamedupi Matsipa as his successor.

Ata Capital’s latest fund, Ata Fund 3 reached final close on December 31, 2020, and the company is now actively fulfilling its investment mandate in addition to having recruited new private and institutional investors.