About GBS
At the heart of Global Business Solutions (GBS) lies the innovative convergence of Workplace Solutions, Leadership/EQ, and Digital Intelligence (AI).
We are not just consultants. We are architects of a resilient and dynamic future for your business.
We provide business solutions.
Empowering organizations to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape with a proactive and forward-thinking approach.
Visualising the future early on so that we design solutions that not only facilitate a smooth transition through change but also foster a culture of growth and personal mastery.
Committing to compliance to ensure that as our clients evolve, they do so with the confidence of legal and ethical integrity.
Our
Why
Our
Story
Global Business Solutions (GBS) is a leading Labour Law, Human Resources, and Labour Relations consultancy offering a diverse range of hybrid business solutions and services customised to meet the bespoke needs of the client. GBS is unashamedly client-centric and uses design thinking principles in crafting solutions. GBS is a business of consequence with a wealth of experience and expertise spanning more than 35 years since its establishment.
With a closely integrated national footprint of offices across South Africa and with partners in other global geographies, GBS is well-positioned to respond quickly and effectively to client’s needs by providing practical and sustainable solutions. Our client base includes the full range of private, public, governmental, and para-statal organisations from large blue-chip multinationals to small and medium-size enterprises as well as start-ups.
With a B-BBEE status of 125% (Level 2) (click here for our B-BBEE Affidavit) we practice what we preach and pride ourselves in creating pragmatic business solutions and transformed organisations despite the volatile and uncertain trading environment.
Our consulting and training services are designed to provide an end-to-end range of multidisciplinary solutions across labour law, human resources, and labour relations as well as associated workplace regulations such as BBBEE, C19, POPI, PAIA, and AARTO.
Meet Our Leaders
Discover the innovative minds steering our journey to excellence.
Chairman
Jonathan Goldberg (Aka Johnny)
Jonathan Goldberg is the Chairman of Global Business Solutions and a recognized authority in South Africa’s labour law and regulatory landscape. With over 30 years of experience, Jonathan has played a pivotal role in shaping labour relations, leading high-stakes negotiations at plant, industry, and NEDLAC levels. He is widely regarded as a trusted advisor and thought leader, providing strategic guidance to businesses navigating complex regulatory environments.
Johnny holds multiple advanced qualifications, including an MBA (Cum Laude) and an LLB, and is a Chartered Director with the Institute of Directors South Africa. His extensive experience and expertise have made him a sought-after speaker and consultant in the fields of labour law, business strategy, and transformation. Johnny's influence extends across various industries, where he advises on critical matters such as employment equity, wage negotiations, and business development.
As a Commissioner on the National Minimum Wage Commission and the Labour Market Convenor at NEDLAC, Johnny represents business interests in key social partner negotiations. He is also a member of the Employment Services Board and serves in various leadership capacities, helping shape policy and drive transformation initiatives at both national and organizational levels.
In addition to his advisory and leadership roles, Jonathan is a prolific lecturer, author, and mentor, sharing his insights with a broad audience through strategic interventions, public speaking engagements, and industry publications. His career is marked by a commitment to advancing business excellence and supporting organisations in achieving compliance, sustainable growth, and competitive advantage.
Joint-CEO
Thembi Chagonda
Thembakazi Chagonda is the Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions and one of South Africa’s foremost HR consultants, specializing in transformation, diversity, and skills development.
With over 20 years of experience in human resources, Thembi has become a trusted advisor to both national and multinational organizations on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), Employment Equity, and HR compliance.
Thembi holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree from Rhodes University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Labour Law. She has also completed an Executive Certificate at Columbia Business School and is an accredited Facilitator, Assessor, and Skills Development Facilitator.
Her leadership extends beyond consulting, serving as an Employment Equity Commissioner representing business interests at the Department of Employment and Labour.
Thembi’s expertise in recruitment, policy development, and strategic HR solutions is highly sought after. She plays a pivotal role in shaping employment equity strategies across various sectors and has a proven track record of driving transformation initiatives at some of South Africa’s leading companies. Thembi also serves on the boards of key industry bodies, including the Association for Skills Development in South Africa (ASDSA), and holds memberships with the Institute of Directors (IoD) and other prestigious organisations.
In her career, Thembi has consistently delivered impactful training, HR strategies, and thought leadership that supports sustainable growth and compliance in diverse workplace environments. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple nominations and awards, positioning her as a key influencer in the South African HR landscape.
Joint-CEO
John Botha
John Botha is the Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions and CEO of Circle and Square, bringing decades of expertise in workforce solutions, labour law, and strategic business leadership. With a career marked by early success, John became the Group Executive Director of South Africa’s largest JSE-listed workforce solutions company at just 31.
His credentials also include leading negotiations on key labour law amendments for business at NEDLAC and representing South Africa as a business delegate to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) over three consecutive years.
John holds a Business of Commerce Honours Degree, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Labour Law, and has further enhanced his strategic acumen with executive training from Columbia Business School in New York and a certificate in Design Thinking from MIT. His deep expertise in employment relations is reinforced by ministerial appointments to both the Employment Equity Commission and the Essential Services Commission, making him a recognized authority in shaping South Africa’s labour and employment landscape.
In addition to his leadership roles, John is a Certified Assessor and Moderator, with a proven track record in designing and implementing innovative HR strategies, labour law compliance programs, and business management practices. His extensive experience and strategic insights have positioned him as a trusted advisor to both local and multinational organizations seeking to navigate complex regulatory environments while driving organizational growth.
John is also a frequent speaker and contributor to industry forums, sharing his expertise in workforce transformation, leadership development, and business strategy. His commitment to excellence and transformative impact across the HR and labour relations sectors has made him a key figure in South Africa’s business community.
Let’s Work Together
We're nationally based across SA. We do not only provide local services but also have a portfolio of international clients.
Our head office is based in East London, EC.
E-Mail: info@globalbusiness.co.za
Tel: 043 721 1030