Brenda Lindiwe Mabaso-Chipeio

Brenda Lindiwe Mabaso-Chipeio (born 4 September 1969 in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal) is an International Trade expert, currently based in Pretoria, South Africa. She is also a successful business entrepreneur as well as a motivational speaker. She has an interest in investment facilitation work and seeks to expand her business ventures to this industry.

Born in Newcastle, part of Northern Natal, Mabaso is the fifth born of father John Tyrell Mabaso and Esther Thembi Mabaso (née Mavuso). During her toddler years, the Mabaso family migrated to Swaziland where her parents were on exile. It is in Swaziland that Mabaso established herself as a top-achiever in her local school, having been recognised as the best student in her class. Her achievements in sports during her senior school years also greatly contributed to her academic success later in life.

Mabaso completed her matric at Evelyn Bearing High School. She then completed a Diploma in Commercial Teaching from Swaziland College of Technology (SCOT); a Diploma in Small Business Management from Damelin, and a Diploma in Paralegal Studies (Law) attained from the University of Johannesburg. Her most notable academic achievement is the attainment of a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Durham University Business School in 1999. To date, Mabaso undertakes special Management and Strategic Course as part of furthering her expertise in corporate management.

Mabaso has extensive work experience in Tariff Investigations and SACU Relations, as she has spent the major and most recent part of her career at the International Trade and Administration Commission (ITAC).

She is also part of the Women in Management and Leadership Conference. In addition to her professional roles, Brenda also currently serves on the Families South Africa (FAMSA) Board of Directors.

East London Industrial Development Zone Corporation (ELIDZ)

Mabaso was a Business Development Manager at ELIDZ from September 2002 to December 2003. She was responsible for formulating and implementing the investment promotion strategy and assist with the development of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMME’s). During her tenure at ELIDZ, Mabaso facilitated a successful International Investor Conference. a sit managed to anchor tenants for the Industrial Development Zone (IDZ).

Trade and Industry (thedti – TEO)

Mabaso, as the resident Marketing Deputy Director during the period of August 2001 to February 2002, was responsible for designing, promoting and administering thedti incentives schemes. In addition, she was responsible for the management of external and internal relations as well as the overseeing of Pilot Projects.

Makhosini Secondary School

Mabaso practised as a Commercial Teacher from 1991 to 1994. During her teaching tenure, she achieved a 100% pass rate in all the subjects which she taught.