DAVID Brown, chairman of Northam Platinum, passed away on Sunday from a heart attack. He was only 59 years old.

David, a former CEO of Impala Platinum, was an independent non-executive on the Vodacom board.  He was well-known in the mining industry.  He served as CEO of Impala Platinum between 1999 and 2012.

Niall Carroll, former CEO of Royal Bafokeng Holdings had the following to say about David:

 “He had the courage to reset the relationship” (between the company and Implats).   He deserves tremendous credit for advocating this alignment of interests,” 

(https://www.miningmx.com/top-story/49884-david-brown-northam-chairman-and-former-impala-platinum-ceo-passes-away/)

Brown joined the Vodacom board in January 2012 and served as the chairman of the audit, risk and compliance committee from July 2013. He was appointed as the lead independent director in July 2020 and was a member of the remuneration committee. Vodacom paid tribute to him in the following statement:

“David was highly regarded and widely respected by his fellow board members.  Over a period of more than ten years, David made a significant contribution to the board having served Vodacom with impeccable measure and sound judgement,” 

(Staff Reporter:  https://techcentral.co.za/long-serving-vodacom-director-david-brown-passes-away/212355/)

David was a Chartered Accountant and completed his articles with Ernst and Young, graduating from the University of Cape Town.  

We extend our sincerest condolences to his wife Julia and the extended family.  David was clearly a dynamic leader and had an impact on many.  He will be sorely missed.