South African executive Vuyo Kahla earns $1.5-million salary in 2023

Mfonobong Nsehe -

South African executive Vuyo Kahla, serving as executive director and executive vice president at Sasol Limited, earned a total compensation of R27.81 million ($1.47 million) in 2023 from the global chemicals and energy company.

This marks a notable increase of 21.06 percent from his previous year’s package of R22.97 million ($1.21 million), highlighting his significant role in leading the group’s operations.

Kahla’s 2023 compensation comprised a base salary of R7.76 million ($0.41 million), a performance-based short-term incentive of R4.24 million ($0.22 million), and a long-term incentive of R14.68 million ($0.77 million).

From Transnet to Sasol: Kahla’s journey in leading strategy and sustainability unit

Sasol Limited, established in South Africa in 1950, is renowned for its expertise in developing and selling technologies for valuable products such as fuels, chemicals, and clean electricity. With a global workforce of 31,270 individuals and operations spanning 32 countries, Sasol is dual-listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.

Kahla, who joined Sasol in 2011, is currently executive vice president for strategy, sustainability, and integrated services. Formerly the company secretary until 2019, he became a director on the Sasol Board in November 2019.

Prior to his role at Sasol, Kahla held positions at Transnet SOC Limited and Standard Bank. He has also contributed to various roles in the South African government and is actively engaged in leadership programs at the University of Cambridge. Furthermore, he chairs the Council of Rhodes University in South Africa.

Kahla’s dual role: executive and investor in Sasol Limited

Under Kahla’s leadership, Sasol’s revenue increased by 6.21 percent from R272.75 billion ($14.40 billion) in 2022 to R289.69 billion ($15.29 billion) in the 2023 financial year.

Additionally, the group’s assets grew 3.4 percent, rising from R419.55 billion ($22.15 billion) in 2022 to R433.84 billion ($22.91 billion) in 2023.

In addition to his executive role, Kahla holds a 0.0018-percent stake in Sasol Limited – equivalent to 11,495 ordinary shares, presently valued at R1.76 million ($0.92 million) – thereby aligning his interests closely with the company’s ongoing success.