Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
[email protected]
CALEDONIA Mining Corporation Plc has announced that its board chairman, Mr John Kelly, will step down from the position at the end of the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) on May 5, 2026, as part of the board’s succession plan.
In a statement, the mining group said Mr Kelly, who joined the board in May 2012 and has served as chairman for the past three years, will continue serving as a non-executive director if re-elected by shareholders at the AGM.
The company said this arrangement would ensure continuity while retaining the benefit of Mr Kelly’s experience and insight.
During his tenure as chairman, Mr Kelly oversaw a significant period of transition at the company, guiding the board in maintaining operational performance at Blanket Mine while supporting the advancement of Caledonia’s growth strategy.
Caledonia also announced that Mr July Ndlovu, currently an independent non-executive director, has offered to assume the role of chairman.
His appointment will be subject to election by the board immediately after the AGM in line with the company’s annual chairman election process.
The company said the appointment of the new chairman will be announced together with the AGM results.
Commenting on his departure, Mr Kelly said:
“It has been a privilege to serve as chairman over the past three years, and to have supported the company through a period of significant transition and change.
“Caledonia is well positioned for the future, underpinned by the strong performance of Blanket Mine and the progress being made towards Caledonia’s next phase of growth. I have no doubt that July as chairman will enhance the prospects for our continued success.
“I look forward to continuing to support the board and management as a non-executive director and to working closely with the new chairman.”
Mr Ndlovu praised Mr Kelly’s leadership, saying he was pleased that he would remain on the board as a non-executive director.
“I am honoured to be considered for the role of chairman at an important point in the company’s development.
“The business has strong operating foundations and a compelling growth opportunity in the Bilboes project, which has the potential to take Caledonia into its next stage of growth.”
Caledonia chief executive officer Mr Mark Learmonth said Mr Kelly’s leadership, governance oversight and strategic direction had been invaluable to the company.
He added that management was looking forward to working closely with Mr Ndlovu once he is formally elected as chairman as the company continues to advance its strategy, including the development of the Bilboes project.
“On behalf of the board and management team, I would like to thank John for his contribution and counsel over many years, and particularly for his stewardship as chairman over the past three years during a period of change for the company,” said Mr Learmonth.
