Who Was Peter Matlare? Peter Matlare was a respected South African business leader best known for his role as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Absa Group Limited, where he oversaw the bank’s operations across several African countries. His career stretched across multiple sectors — including finance, media, telecommunications, mining and fast-moving consumer goods — making him one of the most versatile executives of his generation.
He built a reputation for strong leadership, a deep understanding of African markets, and a commitment to building sustainable businesses on the continent.
Peter Matlare Biography
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Matlare |
| Profession | Business Executive, Deputy CEO of Absa Group |
| Age at Passing | Late 50s |
| Wife | Nomvula Matlare |
| Children | Three daughters |
| Tribe | One of South Africa’s major black ethnic groups |
| Qualifications | BSc (Hons) Political Science; Master’s in Southern African Studies |
| Salary (Absa) | R20.009 million annually |
| Net Worth | Several million rand |
| Passed Away | 7 March 2021 |
| Known For | Leadership in Absa, SABC, Tiger Brands & Vodacom |
Early Life and Background
Peter Matlare was a South African national whose roots were connected to one of the major black ethnic groups in South Africa. Although he kept much of his childhood life private, he often credited his upbringing for shaping his passion for leadership and public service.
Age
Peter Matlare was in his late 50s at the time he passed away in March 2021.
Family: Wife and Children
Peter Matlare was married to Nomvula Matlare, his long-time partner who remained a strong pillar in his personal and professional journey. The couple was blessed with three daughters, and he was widely known as a devoted family man who valued his home life as much as his career.
Career Journey
Peter’s career began at The Urban Foundation, a South African think-tank dedicated to development and policy. He later joined Citibank, where he gained international exposure and built a solid foundation in global finance.
His professional path continued upward through several major organisations:
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Primedia – Served as Chief Operating Officer
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South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) – Appointed Group Chief Executive Officer, where he successfully steered the broadcaster back to profitability and boosted local content production
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Vodacom Group – Led strategy and business development
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Tiger Brands Limited – Served as Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the company’s expansion into new African markets
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Absa Group Limited – Appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, managing its African operations outside South Africa
His leadership style combined insight, calmness and high-level strategic thinking, earning him both continental and global respect.
Qualifications
Peter Matlare was well-grounded academically. His qualifications include:
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Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Political Science – University of Plymouth, UK
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Master’s Degree in Southern African Studies – University of York, UK
These academic foundations supported his broad understanding of governance, economics and social development.
Salary
During his tenure as Deputy CEO of Absa Group, his annual package was reported to be around R20.009 million, reflecting his experience and the scale of the responsibilities he handled.
Net Worth
At the height of his career, Peter Matlare’s estimated net worth was several million rand, largely accumulated from his executive roles, strategic board positions and decades of professional service across various industries.
Tribe
Although he did not publicly focus on ethnic identity, Peter Matlare is widely associated with one of South Africa’s major black ethnic groups. Like many leaders in corporate South Africa, he preferred to be recognised for his work rather than his tribe.
Passing
The Absa Group announced the passing of Peter Matlare on 7 March 2021, following COVID-19-related complications. His departure was deeply felt across the corporate world, as colleagues and industry leaders remembered him for his vision, humility and commitment to Africa’s economic advancement.
Legacy
Peter Matlare’s legacy is anchored in transformational leadership. He nurtured talent, expanded African businesses, promoted local content, and contributed to the growth of some of the continent’s most influential organisations. His work continues to inspire young African professionals and executives.
FAQs
Q: Who was Peter Matlare?
A: Peter Matlare was a South African corporate leader best known as Deputy Group Chief Executive of Absa Group, with senior roles at SABC, Vodacom and Tiger Brands.
Q: When did Peter Matlare pass away?
A: He passed away on 7 March 2021 from COVID-19-related complications.
Q: What was Peter Matlare’s education?
A: He held a BSc (Hons) in Political Science from the University of Plymouth and an MA in Southern African Studies from the University of York.
Q: Who is Peter Matlare’s wife and family?
A: His wife is Nomvula Matlare and they had three daughters.
Q: How much did Peter Matlare earn as deputy CEO?
A: Public reports list a remuneration figure around R20.009 million during his deputy CEO period. Remuneration packages can include bonuses and long-term incentives beyond base salary.
Conclusion
Peter Matlare’s life story is one of steady ascent, cross-sector leadership and deep commitment to Africa’s potential. From early work at Citibank and The Urban Foundation to transformational roles at the SABC, Vodacom and Tiger Brands, and ultimately to Absa’s executive ranks, Matlare combined strategic intelligence with humanity. His passing in March 2021 was a significant loss for the corporate sector — but his influence lives on through the institutions he helped shape and the leaders he mentored
