Johannesburg – When South Africa's corporate travel spending is projected to grow 22% year-on-year (GBTA 2025), the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) positions local expertise as a competitive advantage in the battle for new economic realities of birth travel. As part of this strategy, Mummy Mafojane was appointed General Manager of FCM South Africa on April 1, 2025.
With extensive experience in corporate travel, Mafojane ensures that customer service remains at all the cores our team has to offer, while focusing on driving growth for both FCM and its clients.
Since joining FCM as a travel manager in 2014, Mafojane has steadily risen in leadership ranks and has held key positions such as area leaders and productive operations leaders. She has played a key role in enhancing operational efficiency, promoting seamless service delivery at scale, and implementing shocking client strategies within a multinational environment.
In her new role, Mafojane will focus on strengthening customer relationships and expand data-driven insights that will allow businesses to have stronger control over their global mobility programs.
“The Mummy is an exceptional leader who embodies everything that sets FCM apart,” said Bonnie Smith, retired general manager and newly appointed UK head of corporate travelers. “Her initial innovation and her passion for business insights ensure that she is ready to further enhance our brand.”
Mafojane highlighted the evolution of corporate travel in South Africa, focusing on the shift to a balance between innovative digital solutions and traditional service models.
“We have continued to see the fusion of technology and human expertise on business trips, and our role is to guide our clients through that transformation,” she said. “At FCM, we bring the best of both worlds. Cut-edge technology supported by experienced consultants who provide expert advice when it matters most.”
As corporate travel becomes more and more technology-driven, Maphojan is focusing on ensuring that digital transformation replaces (but not replacing) the human aspects of business travel management.
“Our customers are increasingly tech-savvy. They want a seamless and efficient booking experience that will make life easier,” she explained. “Our goal is to leverage technology in ways that enhance the customer experience, rather than replacing the human element, as corporate travel is about people and not just dealing.”
Another major trend that will shape the future of corporate travel is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in strengthening travel management services.
“AI will be a game-changer in how we coordinate our travel experiences, from predictive analytics to smarter, more aggressive service delivery,” Mafojane said. “However, what sets FCM apart is that we don't just rely on technology. These advancements combine the expertise of travel consultants, account managers and financial support teams to create a balanced service that truly meets the needs of our clients.”
Looking back at her appointment, Maphojan reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with existing clients and ensuring a seamless transition.
“Our clients are in good hands. I've been in relationships with many of them over the years, and this is simply about working with them at different leadership levels,” she said. “Together with my team, we will continue to provide outstanding service, take care of our travelers and focus on keeping our promises.”
To ensure a smooth leadership transition, Maphojan will work closely with FCM South Africa general manager Bonnie Smith before officially taking on her role on April 1, 2025.
“It's extremely exciting to step into my new role at Corporate Traveler UK,” Smith said. “I'm proud of everything I've achieved here over the years, but I know I'm leaving FCM in a capable hand with leaders who really understand what it takes to promote success.”
