Dr Patrice Motsepe has stepped down as Executive Chairman of African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), ending his tenure as an executive director of the mining group with immediate effect.
The move, announced on Monday, follows amendments to the JSE Listings Requirements that came into operation on 16 February 2026. The revised rules stipulate that the chairperson of a listed company may no longer serve as an executive director. In compliance with the new governance standards, Motsepe has retired as Executive Chairman and as an employee of the company, but will remain on the board as non-executive Chairman.
Motsepe founded ARM and has served as Executive Chairman for many years, playing a central role in shaping the company’s strategy and growth across diversified mining assets. His transition formalises a separation between board oversight and executive management, in line with strengthened corporate governance requirements under the JSE’s Simplification Project.
David Noko will continue as Lead Independent Non-Executive Director, providing additional board oversight.
ARM also announced the appointment of Jacques van der Bijl as Chief Operating Officer with effect from 16 February 2026. Van der Bijl, a long-serving executive and mining engineer, takes on operational leadership responsibilities as the group navigates commodity price cycles and operational challenges in the sector.
The company said the leadership changes ensure regulatory compliance while maintaining continuity at board level. ARM remains focused on operational performance and shareholder value creation.