Meet the Interim Executives of GR FIRST
The Interim Executive of GR FIRST brings together a distinguished group of leaders whose combined expertise spans governance, organisational design, financial oversight, brand strategy, technology innovation, agriculture, labour relations, and community development.
This collective strength positions GR FIRST to navigate its immediate priorities: strategic positioning, registration with the IEC, mobilisation of foundation members, and preparation for the General Assembly.
Their professional backgrounds reflect a shared commitment to ethical
leadership, transparent governance, and service to the broader Garden Route community.
The Interim Executive’s competencies include strategic governance, organisational restructuring, financial‑crime compliance, socio‑economic research, brand development, systems thinking, sustainable land stewardship, and community‑centred leadership.
These capabilities provide a strong foundation for building a credible, inclusive, and future‑focused civic movement.
Members are invited to review the profiles below and identify areas where they may contribute additional expertise—particularly in legal drafting, constitutional law, financial management, digital systems, data protection, fundraising, and event coordination—to strengthen the organisation during this formative phase.
Abbreviated Resumes of the Interim Executive of GR First
Executive Role:
Chairperson
Interim Member:
Max Modise
Resume
Max’s career centres on senior roles in brand leadership, marketing strategy, and sales management across banking, FMCG, logistics, and financial‑services transformation.
He built his foundation at Stellenbosch Farmers Winery (now Distell), progressing from sales to brand management and regional sales leadership, before moving into high‑impact marketing roles at Capitec Bank, Transnet National Ports Authority, and later leading the full repositioning and re‑branding of Ubank.
He has since served as Brand Director at KWV and now leads George Based Kathaka RAW Enterprises as Managing Director.
His expertise spans brand development, market strategy, organizational repositioning, and
commercial growth, making him a strong strategic contributor to GR FIRST.
Executive Role:
Secretary
Interim Member:
Dennis Farrell
Resume
Dennis has held senior leadership roles across the public, corporate and private sectors, He has chaired the George Business Chamber, served on the council and chaired the Audit and Risk Committee at South Cape College.
He sits on several boards and trusts, bringing deep governance, organizational design, and community‑focused leadership.
Internationally recognized by the Shared Services and Outsourcing Network (SSON) for excellence in service‑organization design and thought leadership.
He now focuses on community engagement, socio‑economic research, and building collaborative, trust‑based solutions that strengthen inclusive local economies.
My motto is “if it is to be – it is up to me”
Executive Role:
Treasurer
Interim Member:
Johan Grabe
Resume
Johan Grabe is a South African entrepreneur, software developer, and governance professional with over 40 years of experience spanning government, accounting, and technology.
He is the Founder and CEO of Novtel Software, a globally recognised company specialising in integrated rental management solutions for property, hospitality, and vehicle hire industries.
In 2021, he established Koingnaas Palms, a commercial Medjool date palm plantation in the Northern Cape. Johan is driven by Christian values, ethical leadership, and a personal motto: “There is always a solution.”
Executive Role:
Additional Member
Interim Member:
Tengo Dube
Resume
Tengo is an experienced agricultural entrepreneur and former senior HR leader whose career spans commercial farming, organisational development, and labour‑relations governance.
As co‑owner of Hansmoeskraal Farm since 2005, he manages diversified operations in poultry,
cattle, pigs, vegetation control, propagation, invasive‑species management, and plant‑health systems.
Before entering agriculture full‑time, he spent nearly two decades in human resources leadership at SAFCOL, Cape Nature Conservation, Volkswagen SA, and Phillips Carbon Black, where he led talent management, recruitment, labour relations, organisational change, and compliance with labour legislation.
His combined expertise in people management, conflict resolution, and sustainable land stewardship brings grounded, community‑centred leadership to GR FIRST.