One of the largest African corporations, based in Cape Town. Originally a biotechnology firm, its success in developing the first cheap AIDS vaccine gave it considerable influence. It has worked closely with other African governments, often providing sophisticated health-care and biotechnology services in exchange for shares in state-held industries. As a result, it has quite diverse holdings.

Ithemba is a leader in the production of pharmaceuticals, tissue-engineered genemod organs, pharm animals, and gengineered insects. VeldtKorp is a subsidiary of Ithemba, usually kept at arm's length, which specializes in military, paramilitary, and performance-enhancing versions of these technologies.