Who’s Speaking at HR Retail Africa 2026

Nonelela Xaba

Noni is a seasoned HR Executive with 19 years of experience at The SPAR Group, driven by a deep passion for people development. She began her career as a Training Officer at the South Rand Distribution Centre and progressed to Retail Training Manager, overseeing training and development for approximately 260 SPAR stores.

In 2013, Noni was promoted to head the Training and Development function for the South Rand Division before moving into a broader HR Manager role covering recruitment, talent management, compensation and benefits, industrial relations, and values and culture. She currently leads the Human Resources function for SPAR South Rand and serves on the Divisional Executive team.

Her responsibilities include divisional and HR strategy design and implementation, corporate social investment, and occupational health management. Noni leads a team of 17 HR professionals and is a committed mentor, with a strong focus on diversity, women, and youth development. She was the 2016 1st Runner-Up at the Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa Gauteng Woman Achievers Awards.

A seasoned speaker, Noni has addressed numerous events on topics such as change, social capital, and future-fit organisations. She is a wife and mother, with personal interests in theology-based research and writing.