Race not an issue in CEO’s departure, Absa insists Board chair Wendy Lucas-Bull says first black CEO Daniel Mminele left over strategy issues 25 April 2021 - 19:21 Supporters of Daniel Mminele express their feelings over his surprise departure from Absa. The bank has rejected suggestions that race was a factor. Picture: ALON SKUY Absa chair Wendy Lucas-Bull has defended the banking group against perceptions that its first black CEO, Daniel Mminele, was forced out as a result of clashes with white executives. She reiterated on Sunday that his departure was a result of differences about the group’s future strategy, and was not due to any lack of commitment to transformation.