Public Sector

CFO Kagiso Lerutla unpacks some of the initiatives that have contributed to the City of Ekurhuleni recently achieving its third consecutive clean audit.

Solomon Mphakathi battled to afford tertiary education when he was younger, but managed – through a combination of guts and determination – to attain his current role as business unit leader of finance at the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA).

Auditor-General of South Africa CFO Polani Sokombela unpacks the three biggest challenges the public sector faces when it comes to data analytics, and how solving these could unlock new opportunities for the industry.

Glen Zulu, the Information Regulator CFO, says her career growth in the public sector is rooted in her passion for what she does.

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) CFO Innocent Gumbochuma shares how he is shaping the financial trajectory of the organisation and has ambitions of setting it on a path of innovation, resilience, and diversified revenue streams.

Wesgro CFO Sandiso Gcwabe's journey within the public sector is anchored in a sense of purpose.

Langeberg Municipality CFO Mava Shude on his blueprint for sustainable governance.

Martin Buys steps into the role after CEO Andre de Ruyter resigned, and CFO Calib Cassim took his place.

The FEM CFO shares his concern for the future of small businesses amid increased loadshedding.

Four nominees will be competing for the coveted Public Sector CFO of the Year Award at the 2022 CFO Awards.

Cheryl Reddy believes that historic audit methodology is not solving government audit issues.

Sandile Mnguni told parliament that the floods had amounted to R3.9 billion in damages for the city.

Continental programme to address pressing need for funding local infrastructure and development projects.

The ETDP SETA CFO explains that learning and development is a finance leader’s armour.

Calib Cassim and Adrian Maizey reveal the near-death and resurrection of Eskom and Starbucks SA.

Yolande van Biljon, Fikile Mhlontlo, Calib Cassim and others share why they chose the public sector.

Public sector audit issues can be solved through appointing the right people, says Peet du Plessis.

Shabeer says the future of public sector audit is performance auditing, moving beyond a check-box mindset.

Makwetu passed away in hospital of stage 4 lung cancer as he neared the end of his term.

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni announced spending cuts to offset falling tax revenue in his MTBPS.

Amanda Tandiwe Nzimande will be taking over from Nomkhita Nqweni as the Solidarity Fund CEO.

Transnet has set up a loss control function, which will report to new group CFO Nonkululeko Dlamini.

Nomalungelo will be taking over from exiting CEO Thamsanqa Hlongwa.

Parliamentary committee recommends Tsakani Maluleke as next Auditor-General.

The integrity commission has asked David to step down for involving the Hawks in a family dispute.

Ahmed's exposure to the inner workings of government embedded a deep sense of responsibility.

Mark says that while Tito Mboweni's speech presented plans, there weren't any guidelines as to "how".

The QCTO CFO says CFOs need to take on the role of trauma surgeons and growth navigators.

Ashley anticipates budget cuts to be announced at minister Tito Mboweni's budget speech.

For ACCA-qualified Yvonne Soglo, no day in the job is the same in her role as director: provincial budget analysis at the National Treasury. Her responsibilities including supporting 12 finance teams in the Limpopo province to deliver on spending that matches their budgets.

The new council will be responsible for supporting government in repositioning state-owned enterprises.

Mphume will be taking over from Kabelo Lehloenya, who cited personal reasons for her resignation.

UCT GSB's Dr Tim London reveals the challenges André de Ruyter faces, and what all leaders can learn from this.

NECSA has also appointed a new representative of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Makgoba's appointment follows the resignation of Jabu Mabuza and makes way for a board restructure.

Mabuza apologised for Eskom's inability to meet the commitment it made to the president.

The Ministry of Public Enterprises made a surprise announcement of his appointment on Monday afternoon.

Public Sector CFOs have to deal with negative public perceptions, lack of resources and corruption.

The Goldman Sachs CEO urges businesses to work with government to create a better South Africa.

The settlement sees Regiments Capital selling its Capitec shares to the Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund.

The country's 164 days without load shedding have resulted in unexpected second-quarter GDP growth.

SAICA CEO Freeman Nomvalo and a team of specialists will establish the chief restructuring office at Eskom.

After joining the IDC in 2015, Nonkululeko transformed its long-term planning model and automated its financials.

IIA SA CEO Dr Claudelle von Eck says the grave situation has untenable consequences for the country.

The CEO's letter of resignation cites concerns around funding and slow decision-making processes.

His resignation will come into effect at end-July, and no interim CEO has been announced.

A report by the Public Protector claims Dondo Mogajane failed to disclose a criminal record.

The National Assembly has passed the Public Audit Amendment Bill, giving the AG's office greater clout.

Pravin Gordhan has shaken up the boards at Eskom, Transnet and SA Express, with several new appointments.

Judge Raymond Zondo is conducting a judicial inquiry and full investigation into state capture.

Other new interim board members are Louis Zeuner, Ursula Fikelepi, Edward Kieswetter and Dimakatso Matshoga.

Malegapuru Makgoba and Tshepo Mongalo will join the board of struggling, state-owned Eskom

The Post Bank should thus become first choice for government and the primary platform for government transactions

Earlier this year, Ramasela Ganda won the Public Sector CFO of the Year Award for her incredible accomplishments at Ekurhuleni Municipality. She dedicated the prize to “all public servants that serve us diligently and with honesty” and referred specifically to public sector CFOs who have “lost their lives because they said no to corruption”. Long eschewing a CFO role in the private sector, she left Ekurhuleni at the end of last year and started as CFO: rental and corporate service at Barloworld, which had been courting her for quite a while.

Navigating your way to success in the public sector is a matter of hard work, strategic thinking, a duty to serve, and – hopefully – uncompromising integrity, according to Ramasela Ganda and Rajesh Mahabeer. The two were sharing the stage as part of a panel discussion at the second annual Finance Indaba Africa, held in Johannesburg on 12 and 13 October 2017.

Corruption, slow turnaround times and lack of ethics are considered part and parcel of a career in the public sector, but if you stick it out, the personal rewards are worth it, say those who work in government. “It’s a roller-coaster!” Nichola Dewar, CFO of the SA Post Office, admitted to the rapt audience at Finance Indaba Africa on 12 October 2017. When the laughter died down, Nichola went on to say that she found it disconcerting writing a memo for a new laptop – a utility she could easily get in the private sector.

A career in finance is tough. A career in finance in the public sector is tougher! In this honest account of what it takes to build a successful career in the public sector, you’ll hear first-hand how exceptional finance professionals have thrived in some of the toughest circumstances. If you’re looking for inspiration or want perspective on your challenges, this is a Finance Indaba Africa session you cannot miss.

Ramasela Ganda is the first-ever municipal CFO to win at the CFO Awards. In Ekurhuleni Municipality, she introduced state-of-the-art technology and convinced politicians to not only focus the budget on social grants.

In response to overwhelming demand, CFO South Africa launched its public sector chapter in 2014 to give CFOs of departments, municipalities and other governmental bodies the opportunity to share knowledge, discuss challenges, network and listen to solutions that partner organisations have to offer. The chapter was quickly endorse by leading figures, including Minister for Finance in the Western Cape Dr Ivan Meyer.

Award-winning National Arts Council (NAC) CFO Dumisani Dlamini took time off his hectic schedule to share his experiences as a CFO in the public sector yesterday at the first City to City Public Finance session of the year which was held at the Menlyn Boutique Hotel in Pretoria on 15 February 2017.

Summer Place in Johannesburg was abuzz with excitement in May 2016, when Dumisani Dlamini scooped two of the most prestigious CFO Awards: Young CFO of the Year and Public Sector CFO of the Year. In an exclusive CFO South Africa event for public sector CFOs on 15 February at 15h00 in Pretoria, Dumisani will reflect on his journey, the lessons learnt and the road ahead. He will also share some tips that he has never shared before!

Public finance professionals are tasked with nation-building and ensuring economic progress and face a different set of challenges to their private sector counterparts.

CFO for the Johannesburg Metro Reggie Boqo has been nominated for the 2017 CFO Awards. The annual 'Oscars for South African CFOs', to be held on 11 May, recognises CFOs of listed companies, large corporations, state-owned entities and government institutions and awards them for outstanding performance and leadership.

Acting CFO for the Tshwane Metro Umar Banda has been nominated for the 2017 CFO Awards. The annual 'Oscars for South African CFOs', to be held on 11 May, recognises CFOs of listed companies, large corporations, state-owned entities and government institutions and awards them for outstanding performance and leadership.

Yimile Ngqele, Roads and Public Works department CFO for the Province of the Eastern Cape, has been suspended following allegations of financial mismanagement and poor performance, as well as alleged irregular expenditure incurred by his department. In his absence, Zoleka Madikazi has been appointed Acting CFO.

"I have, in the interests of good corporate governance, decided to leave my employ at Eskom from 1 January 2017," wrote Brian Molefe (pictured), CEO of Eskom, in a statement released today regarding his decision to leave the company. "I do so voluntarily: indeed, I wish to pay tribute to the unfailing support I have had since I took up office from the chairman, the Board and with those with whom it has been my privilege to work. Together we brought Eskom back from the brink. I will take time off to reflect before I decide on my next career move."

The South African Post Office has been beset by mismanagement and labour issues over the past few years, but CEO Mark Barnes and Postbank CFO Nichola Dewar have been credited with steering the organization into calmer waters. The pair discussed their efforts in a CFO SA session sponsored by KPMG and facilitated by CFO SA MD Graham Fehrsen at the Indaba Club in Johannesburg on 10 November 2016.

CFOs in the public sector have to be as skilled in the art of strategic relationship-building and diplomacy as they are with working with numbers, finance executives agreed in a breakaway session at the Finance Indaba Africa at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 14 October 2016.

The Finance Indaba Africa 2016 is almost upon us and it is time to start looking at what exactly lies ahead at the Sandton Convention Centre on 13 and 14 October 2016. Every day until the event, we will shine a light on the parts of the amazing programme. Today: Public Finance Leadership, a programme tailor-made for people with an interest in helping the country forward in the public sector.

From medical emergency drones, to self-driving vehicles to a Google Hangouts gathering of Archbishop Desmond Tutu in South Africa and the Dalai Lama in Tibet: technology makes amazing things possible, as long as we embrace it. During a breakfast event on 13 September 2016, the energetic futurist Craig Wing challenged, educated, inspired – and entertained – a group of CFOs and CIO from the public sector and asked them some hard questions about technology: “Do you see a threat or an opportunity?”

“Leaders are sometimes unable to act. They stand frozen with too much information. But in today’s world you need to be able to act fast. In the context of how quickly the world is moving, you cannot wait for new information and rest on your laurels. The next big thing will be for leaders to act on imperfect information,” says Craig Wing, partner at FutureWorld International, an organisation that helps corporates understand the emergent future and how technology will affect their businesses. Bursting with energy and ideas, Craig will be speaking at the upcoming public sector breakfast on 13 September, where he will talk about some of the game-changing technologies currently shaping our world, and how best to use these.

How can public sector CFOs benefit from technology and help government work smarter? That is the central question during the public sector CFO breakfast at Castello Di Monte in Pretoria on 13 September 2016. "CFOs are invited to extend the invitation to their CIO," says CFO South Africa MD Graham Fehrsen. "That means we're doubling the learning!"

“You have to be mindful of operating within the law at all times as a CFO in the public sector, because it’s your career on the line,” says Rendani Sadiki, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform CFO. “Colleagues may make requests that are outside the ambit of the law, but you have to explore the prescripts before you respond. You mustn’t just say no; you must bring a solution. That person might not be intentionally trying to break the law, they might just not be acquainted with those prescripts. So I rather try to advise them of their options.” The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform is mandated to create and maintain equitable land dispensation and acts as a catalyst in rural development to ensure sustainable rural livelihoods, which it does through various programmes and initiatives. Rendani oversees strategic financial management within the Department – a mandate she says is quite broad. “As the financial strategist, I have to develop and implement financial strategies to manage limited resources at our disposal so that the department is able to deliver the services efficiently and effectively, and within budget.” She also oversees the governance of the Department.

"One of the challenges for corporate leaders is that often, they are not good communicators, or are not very effective communicators. They largely communicate via email, company newsletters or noticeboards, and PowerPoint presentations. To get the key message through you’ve got to be more creative than that and become a better storyteller,” says consultant and academic, Peter Christie, better known as Big Chief Talking Bull.

As a youngster, Peter Christie was enormously fond of Western movies, particularly those which featured North American Indians giving cowboys what he calls “a good klapping”. One movie in particular made a big impression on the youngster: The Great Sioux Massacre, where, at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, shaman Big Chief Sitting Bull led the defeat of General Custer and other troops of the US Army. Peter can still recall a gift he received from his parents at this time: a colourful North American Indian costume that included feathered headdress, leather-tasselled vest, moccasins and tomahawk. Needless to say it immediately became a firm favourite of the energetic six-year-old who, when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, answered without hesitation, “Big Chief Sitting Bull”. Peter being quite the chatterbox, his dad adapted this to “Big Chief Talking Bull”, and the name stuck. Peter has always had a liking for stories – reading them, telling them, watching them, and writing them. As an adult, he turned this talent into a career, establishing a successful consultancy that teaches business people how to unlock their storytelling potential in order to become better, more influential leaders.

“Sometimes we change just for the sake of changing, without understanding the drivers bringing about that change. But in order to deal with any change situation, you need to understand the reasons behind the change,” said Dumisani Ntombela, Academic Director at Worldsview Academy and an independent organisational development and strategic human resources management professional.

“To god be the glory. I don’t even have a speech, this is so unexpected,” said Dumisani Dlamini, CFO of the National Arts Council (NAC) of South Africa, and winner of two awards at the recent CFO Awards 2016, Young CFO of the Year (for finance leaders aged 40 or below) and Public Sector CFO of the Year. “This is to say to every black child, girl or boy, you can make it! This goes to all CFOS in government who are under political pressure or who are in a difficult environment – this is for you!"

Working in the public sector "isn't everybody's cup of tea", says Umar Banda, Acting CFO of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, because the environment – which can be quite politically driven at times – is sometimes difficult to navigate.

“The biggest challenge for public sector CFOs is supporting the mandate. Some mandates are unfunded or contradictory,” said one of the participants at last night’s round table for public sector CFOs, held at the Menlyn Boutique Hotel. The evening’s discussion centered on effective communication and reporting to stay in control, and posed the questions of whether or not the public sector CFO can be a true business partner, and whether it is possible to ever really have control of the business. See pictures from the event here.

A round table for public sector CFOs took a fascinating turn when one of the participants told how she had stood up against wrongdoing and taken her superiors to court. Hosted by CFO South Africa and partner KPMG the discussion on 15 March 2016 at the Marion on Nicol focused on leadership, and specifically asked whether good leadership and its relationship with fear.

British bank Barclays has announced plans to gradually reduce its majority stake in the group's African unit due to net losses having more than doubled last year.

Agility, customer-centricity and changing the way people see the public sector CFO were the central themes dominating the CFO public sector round table, held on 23 February 2016 at Summer Place in Hyde Park, Johannesburg. Moderated by Terrence Taylor, General Manager: Talent, Analytics, Leadership and Learning at Discovery, key speakers included Quentin Green, City Power CFO and Edson Magondo, Head of Public Sector KPMG, though the lively discussion elicited comment from nearly all attendees.

Proteas grow in tough terrain and a lot of patience is required before seeds can be harvested and sown again. There are surprising parallels with the growth of black accountants in South Africa – and with Edson Magondo’s own rise to prominence, as we discover during an exclusive interview with the man who heads the KPMG service offering for government, infrastructure and healthcare.

In an exclusive interview with CFO South Africa, Shabeer Khan, chief financial officer of the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), explains how he and his dedicated team managed to achieve a clean audit. Somewhere in Pretoria there is a big government department where the financial statements reported are of the highest quality, supply chain management legislation is adhered to and wasteful expenditure is a thing of the past. In September the Minister of Trade and Industry proudly announced that the dti had just received a clean audit for the 2014/15 financial year. He also deservedly deflected much of the praise to CFO Shabeer Khan and his highly committed team.

Since 2009 he was CFO at the National Treasury and in 2014 he even scooped up a CFO Awards nomination. Recently, Dalu Majeke has moved back to the Eastern Cape and joined the provincial treasury as head of department. “It is Buyelekhaya - ploughing back to home - for me," says Dalu, a staunch supporter of CFO South Africa, during this exclusive interview. Working at the National Treasury "was a game changer in my career", he says, but now it is time to help improve the Eastern Cape achieve "proper resource allocation and sustainable service delivery".

The Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance is looking at 'creative' ways to increase the tax base, including tyre and electricity levies, and is intensifying work on double taxation agreements and legislation, in the hope of discouraging multinationals from exploiting loopholes. That was the message of MP Des van Rooyen, chairman of the committee, during the recent Tax Indaba in Sandton.

The National Arts Council (NAC) of South Africa recently received a clean audit and was praised by the Auditor-General South Africa, Thembekile Kimi Makwetu. NAC CFO Dumisani Dlamini is one of our Expert Insight contributors. In this article he discusses 5 things that public sector CFOs should consider in the pursuit of a clean audit.

The Office of the Tax Ombud should become completely independent from SARS, according to Tax Ombud Bernard Ngoepe. The retired judge announced his demands in a keynote speech during the Tax Indaba at the Sandton Convention Centre on 7 September 2015.

For the first time since its inception in 1997, the National Arts Council (NAC) of South Africa has received a clean audit. The Auditor-General South Africa, Thembekile Kimi Makwetu, awarded the entity a clean audit for the 2014/2015 financial period and it was also announced that the NAC has also achieved 90 percent of the targets stated in its Annual Performance Plan.

Due to the huge success of our public sector chapter, CFO South Africa is proud to announce that we have scheduled no less than 9 events in 2015 and 2016 where finance leaders from departments, provinces and other government agencies can compare notes, learn from each other, network and have fun. The public sector initiative launched on 13 November 2014 and has been of great value to the participants and event partners like the National Treasury and audit firm SizeNtsalubaGobodo.

Admitting mistakes is not something we have come to expect from the governments. Lindy Bodewig, Chief Director at the National Treasury, admitted some mistakes were made while reflecting on the failure. These mistakes have provided national treasury with a much more sober and realistic outlook to the implications of implementing an ERP. During a candid round table with CFOs from the public sector, Bodewig charted the way forward and promised the anxious finance leaders light at the end of the tunnel.

Extra CFO South Africa Newsletter | Monday March 16 Learn how to succesfully move into Africa CFO Event Moving into Africa Thursday March 19th at the Michelangelo Hotel 16.00 - 20.00. Avoid the pitfalls - grab the opportunities. We will help you to explore the challenges and opportunities from regional tax developments with the foremost African tax specialists from KPMG. Tax strategies for growing your business in Africa. South African businesses are finding many opportunities to thrive within the developing markets in Africa. As as CFO there are many things to consider while planning for an international growth strategy. The key to success can be in the tax details. Join us to learn and share practical insight and cases that can help you take tackle your African tax strategy. Program: Start and Welcome CFO Event 16.00 - 16.45 Master Class 'Moving into Africa' 16.45 - 18.45 Presenters: • Greg Davis - CFO Africa Standard Bank • Devon Duffield - Chairman: Tax & Legal KPMG • Venter Labuschagne - Head: Trade & Customs KPMG • Richard Ndung’u - Partner and Head of Tax KPMG Kenya • Victor Onyenkpa - Partner KPMG Nigeria • Louison Kiyombo - Head of Tax and Legal KPMG DRC Panel: • Bikash Prasad - CFO Olam International • Sean Bennett - CEO UBS South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa • Colin Coleman - Head for sub-Saharan Africa Goldman Sachs CFO Public Round Table 'Change Management' 16.45 - 18.15 There is power in sharing stories and experiences with your peers. The challenges that face the CFO in the Public sector demands not only financial knowledge and expertise. Change management and empowerment are skills that will determine the future and success of the public organisation. In this round table we are going to discuss Change management and the role you can or want to play in continuous improvement. This exclusive get-together will offer you the unique opportunity to share your vision and ideas with top CFOs from the public sector. CFO Café 18.15 - 20.00 Join this event free of charge and don’t miss out on the CFO Event on Moving into Africa from 16.00 - 20.00 and register here. Sponsors CFO Event Moving into Africa & Round Table Public Finance: Continuous Professional Development Points Did you know all events of CFO South Africa are eligible for SAICA CPD points? By attending CFO South Africa's events and training courses you will stay compliant. CFO Awards 2015 - Reserve your table now Buy a table for the CFO Awards and meet South Africa's leading CFOs, demonstrate thought leadership, extend your network and develop business. You are seated with CFOs and finance directors from among others Advtech, Aveng, Barclays, Eskom, EOH, FNB, General Cable, Hollard, Liberty, Nedbank, Nissan, Novartis, Old Mutual, Standard Bank and Transnet. Are you a CFO? You are also more than welcome to join the CFO Conference preceding the CFO Awards dinner with your finance colleagues. Don't wait too long, first come, first served. Become a partner or attend with your finance team and RSVP here. For more information check out CFOAwards.co.za. Upcoming CFO South Africa Events Join the CFO Events with inspiring hosts and experts who will share their insights and experiences with you. Register now for these events and boost your company, network, career and knowledge. CFO South Africa Events in 2015 Mar 19 Johannesburg | Moving into Africa May 14 Johannesburg | CFO Awards 2015 June 25 Johannesburg | Capital & Finance July 30 Johannesburg | Corporate Growth Sept 17 Johannesburg | Digital Transformation Nov 19 Johannesburg | Risk, Compliance & Control Register now for one of the upcoming CFO South Africa Events. Please note that all our CFO South Africa events are for senior financial executives. CFO South Africa offers Platinum memberships to CFOs and finance directors. For more information please have a look here and contact Jurrien Morsch at [email protected]. Stay connected with CFO South Africa Follow CFO South Africa on Twitter and LinkedIn Stay up to date on what is happening in the world of finance by following us on Twitter @CFOSouthAfrica and LinkedIn. Next to that you can keep track of newly published interviews with CFOs and CEOs. Feel free to contact us Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Kind Regards, Melle Eijckelhoff Director CFO South Africa | [email protected]

Line managers in government departments, municipalities and other public institutions should prioritise financial management and public CFOs should help them with that, argues Dumisani Dlamini, CFO at the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC).

CFO South Africa Newsletter | Thursday February 26 Dear CFO South Africa Member, Read Exclusive CFO South Africa Articles Lifehacker Martijn Aslander warns CFOs for ‘weapons of mass disrupt... After dazzling the CFOs and other top finance professionals with a barrage of inspiring technological innovations, visionary speaker and entrepreneur Martijn Aslander sounded the clarion call for a people-centered digital revolution. “In the next ten years, the world will have changed more than it has in the last century.” CFO of the Week: Steven Whiley (Neotel): great CFOs take risks “A great CFO needs to have appetite for a certain level of risk,” says Steven Whiley, CFO at Neotel, South Africa’s second fixed line operator. Whiley is currently part if the negotiations for the sale of Neotel to communications giant Vodacom and has earned his stripes during a long and varied career as CFO in several industries. “The best CFOs can look at the balance sheet and understand from there what makes the business tick.” CFOs of Oceana, Spur and Ascendis Health speak to Awards judges Whether social investment is central to your business or not, it is undeniable that all companies have social touch-points, which mean that companies influence, and are influenced by the societies in which they operate. Read more exclusive articles on cfo.co.za - News: Shock after resgination SAB Miller CFO Jamie Wilson Register for CFO Event Moving into Africa Learn how to successfully move into Africa Thursday March 19th at the Michelangelo Hotel. A world of opportunities await innovative organisations in Africa and South Africa. As the pace of development into the rest of Africa gains momentum, more and more South African and international companies are considering expanding their businesses into the rest of the continent, the opportunities are rife. Learn from how to successfully move into Africa by sharing the best practices of Standard Bank's CFO Africa Greg Davis and other experts. Join this next CFO Event in Johannesburg. Join this event free of charge and don’t miss out on the CFO Event on Moving into Africa from 4pm - 8pm and register now: - March 19th at the Michalengelo Hotel Principal Sponsor CFO Event Moving into Africa: Continuous Professional Development Points Did you know all events of CFO South Africa are eligible for SAICA CPD points? By attending CFO South Africa's events and training courses you will stay compliant. CFO Awards 2015 - Reserve your table now Buy a table for the CFO Awards and meet South Africa's leading CFOs, demonstrate thought leadership, extend your network and develop business. You are seated with CFOs and finance directors from among others Advtech, Aveng, Barclays, Eskom, EOH, FNB, General Cable, Hollard, Liberty, Nedbank, Nissan, Novartis, Old Mutual, Standard Bank and Transnet. You are also more than welcome to join the CFO Conference preceding the CFO Awards dinner with your colleagues. Don't wait too long, first come, first served. Become a partner or attend with your finance team and RSVP here. For more information check out CFOAwards.co.za. Upcoming CFO South Africa Events Join the CFO Events with inspiring hosts and experts who will share their insights and experiences with you. Register now for these events and boost your company, network, career and knowledge. CFO South Africa Events in 2015 Mar 19 Johannesburg | Moving into Africa Apr 16 Johannesburg | Capital & Finance May 14 Johannesburg | CFO Awards 2015 July 30 Johannesburg | Corporate Growth Sept 17 Johannesburg | Digital Transformation Nov 19 Johannesburg | Risk, Compliance & Control Register now for one of the upcoming CFO South Africa Events. Please note that all our CFO South Africa events are for senior financial executives. CFO South Africa offers Platinum memberships to CFOs and finance directors. For more information please have a look here and contact Jurrien Morsch at [email protected]. Stay connected with CFO South Africa Follow CFO South Africa on Twitter and LinkedIn Stay up to date on what is happening in the world of finance by following us on Twitter @CFOSouthAfrica and LinkedIn. Next to that you can keep track of newly published interviews with CFOs and CEOs. Feel free to contact us Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Kind Regards, Melle Eijckelhoff Director CFO South Africa | [email protected] To control which emails you receive from CFO South Africa, please change your email preferences at cfo.co.za by selecting under settings "I do not want to receive emails from CFO South Africa | Finance Professionals South Africa"

Improving the quality of governmental accounting is as high on Dumisani Dlamini's agenda as successfully executing his new job as CFO of the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC). “I am extremely proud of my involvement as chairperson of audit committees in various municipalities. It is great to see those finance departments change for the better.”

CFO South Africa Newsletter | Thursday December 18 Dear CFO South Africa Member, Read Exclusive CFO South Africa Articles Minister Meyer endorses CFO South Africa’s public chapter “The public chapter of CFO South Africa is a great institution.” Those were the words of Dr Ivan Meyer, minister for finance in the Western Cape, when we spoke to him in the margins of the Risk, Compliance & Control Forum at the Cape Town Club last month. CFO Awards 2015 judged by impressive group of industry leaders One of the biggest success factors of the inaugural CFO Awards in May this year was the impressive panel of judges that was willing to interview and adjudicate each and every candidate for the various award categories. Not only CFO of the Year winner Simon Ridley (Standard Bank), but virtually all the other award nominees remarked what an honour it was to be judged by such an impressive group of industry leaders. Expert Insight: Explorer Martijn Aslander: we are living in a new renaissance In his latest book, Nooit Af, (Never Finished) which, as was the case with Easycratie (Easycracy) he wrote in tandem with Erwin Witteveen, Martijn Aslander is advocating a state of permanent beta. His argumentation follows from the way in which he interprets current trends in the network- and information society and topics such as self-direction and Quantified Self. ‘We’re living in a different world. The tools you need are available to anyone, even to young kids in Pakistan. You don’t need an expensive office to make a difference.’ Read more exclusive articles on cfo.co.za - Editorial: KPMG provides CFOs for JSE firms, Madonsela finds "improper conduct" Keynote Nicky Newton-King CEO JSE Discuss your agenda for 2015 As global economic growth recovers there will be opportunities and risks for South Africa's economy, CFOs must ensure that the financial choices you make maintain the recent gains in competitiveness. During the first CFO Events of 2015 we will discuss the new economy, value creation, complementary economics, networking, ideas to make te world a better place and we share smart ideas to improve your business. We offer a great opportunity to learn from your peers and get new ideas. Keynote by Nicky Newton King, CEO of the JSE She will discuss the comprehensive overview of the world today, as well as look forward on how she expects global trends, regional key challenges as education & skills development, African leadership will develop in the coming year as well as emerging issues that should be on the agendas of every CFO for 2015. Join this event free of charge with and don’t miss out on the first CFO Events of 2015 from 4pm - 8pm and register now: - February 17th at the JSE, register here. - February 19th at the Cape Town Club, register here. Partners CFO Events Get Smart in 2015: Continuous Professional Development Points Did you know all events of CFO South Africa are eligible for SAICA CPD points? By attending CFO South Africa's events and training courses you will stay compliant. Join the ultimate peer to peer advisory network Various CFOs and finance directors from Eskom, Nedbank, Transnet, SAB, Nike, Standard Charered Bank, Hollard, Absa, Business Connexion and Super Group are members of CFO South Africa. Your peers understand best the issues you face and the challenges that impact your business. Together you will share your experiences at CFO South Africa’s events and help you advance in your career, company and knowledge. Get introduced to experienced colleagues that are happy to share their knowledge with you. Peer-to-peer consulting is by far the best and most cost effective way to help you solve problems. Are you interested? Please see our membership page for more information here. Upcoming CFO South Africa Events Join the CFO Events with inspiring hosts and experts who will share their insights and experiences with you. Register now for these events and boost your company, network, career and knowledge. CFO South Africa Events in 2015 Feb 17 Johannesburg | Get Smart in 2015 Feb 19 Cape Town | Get Smart in 2015 Mar 19 Johannesburg | Moving into Africa Apr 16 Johannesburg | Capital & Finance May 14 Johannesburg | CFO Awards 2015 July 30 Johannesburg | Corporate Growth Sept 17 Johannesburg | Digital Transformation Nov 19 Cape Town | Risk, Compliance & Control Register now for one of the upcoming CFO South Africa Events. Please note that all our CFO South Africa events are for senior financial executives. CFO South Africa offers Platinum memberships to CFOs and finance directors. For more information please have a look here and contact Jurrien Morsch at [email protected]. Stay connected with CFO South Africa Follow CFO South Africa on Twitter and LinkedIn Stay up to date on what is happening in the world of finance by following us on Twitter @CFOSouthAfrica and LinkedIn. Next to that you can keep track of newly published interviews with CFOs and CEOs. Feel free to contact us Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Kind Regards, Melle Eijckelhoff Director CFO South Africa | [email protected]

“The public chapter of CFO South Africa is a great institution.” Those were the words of Dr Ivan Meyer, minister for finance in the Western Cape, when we spoke to him in the margins of the Risk, Compliance & Control Forum at the Cape Town Club last month. “With the current international financial climate we need financial resilience and this CFO forum confirmed to me that the CFOs we have, both in the public sector and in the private sector, have a lot of resilience to build the strong institutions that are necessary for a constitutional democracy.”

CFO South Africa Newsletter | Thursday December 11 Dear CFO South Africa Member, Read Exclusive CFO South Africa Articles Take a selfie: what’s lacking on the CV of the CFO? Why are CVs of many CFOs ill-prepared, full of mistakes and lacking relevant information? In this Expert Insight Fowzia Gamiet, Senior Associate: Financial Recruitment at CA Global Finance answers this question and tells Chief Financial Officers how it’s done. CFO of the Week: Shabeer Khan (DTI): CAs should consider the government While Shabeer Khan, Chief Financial Officer of the dti, admits to dreaming of becoming an astronaut, a Formula One racing driver and even a fireman as a young boy, he would now like to encourage young Chartered Accountants (CA’s) to take the route that he has taken. At the age of 34 he confesses to having considered other career prospects but working for Government was a conscious decision for him and he assures us that nothing compares with the daily fulfillment he gets from his current role. Master Class Kerry Jenkins, Head Regulatory and Compliance KPMG: "G... Good governance is good for business, was the underlying message of the Master Class hosted by Dr Kerry Jenkins, head of the Regulatory and Compliance unit at KPMG, at the CFO South Africa Event Risk, Compliance & Control Forum at the Cape Town Club last week. Dr Jenkins said given the plethora of laws, regulations and a number of pending changes , it was easy for a CFO to feel overwhelmed by what that they were now expected to know. Read more exclusive articles on cfo.co.za - Editorial: Sony CFO Kenichiro Yoshida as role model & common CV mistakes Keynote Nicky Newton-King CEO JSE Discuss your agenda for 2015 As global economic growth recovers there will be opportunities and risks for South Africa's economy, CFOs must ensure that the financial choices you make maintain the recent gains in competitiveness. During the first CFO Events of 2015 we will discuss the new economy, value creation, complementary economics, networking, ideas to make te world a better place and we share smart ideas to improve your business. We offer a great opportunity to learn from your peers and get new ideas. Keynote by Nicky Newton King, CEO of the JSE She will discuss the comprehensive overview of the world today, as well as look forward on how she expects global trends, regional key challenges as education & skills development, African leadership will develop in the coming year as well as emerging issues that should be on the agendas of every CFO for 2015. Join this event free of charge with and don’t miss out on the first CFO Events of 2015 from 4pm - 8pm and register now: - February 17th at the JSE, register here. - February 19th at the Cape Town Club, register here. Partners CFO Events Get Smart in 2015: Continuous Professional Development Points Did you know all events of CFO South Africa are eligible for SAICA CPD points? By attending CFO South Africa's events and training courses you will stay compliant. Join the ultimate peer to peer advisory network Various CFOs and finance directors from Eskom, Nedbank, Transnet, SAB, Nike, Standard Charered Bank, Hollard, Absa, Business Connexion and Super Group are members of CFO South Africa. Your peers understand best the issues you face and the challenges that impact your business. Together you will share your experiences at CFO South Africa’s events and help you advance in your career, company and knowledge. Get introduced to experienced colleagues that are happy to share their knowledge with you. Peer-to-peer consulting is by far the best and most cost effective way to help you solve problems. Are you interested? Please see our membership page for more information here. Upcoming CFO South Africa Events Join the CFO Events with inspiring hosts and experts who will share their insights and experiences with you. Register now for these events and boost your company, network, career and knowledge. CFO South Africa Events in 2015 Feb 17 Johannesburg | Get Smart in 2015 Feb 19 Cape Town | Get Smart in 2015 Mar 19 Johannesburg | Moving into Africa Apr 16 Johannesburg | Capital & Finance May 14 Johannesburg | CFO Awards 2015 July 30 Johannesburg | Corporate Growth Sept 17 Johannesburg | Digital Transformation Nov 19 Cape Town | Risk, Compliance & Control Register now for one of the upcoming CFO South Africa Events. Please note that all our CFO South Africa events are for senior financial executives. CFO South Africa offers Platinum memberships to CFOs and finance directors. For more information please have a look here and contact Jurrien Morsch at [email protected]. Stay connected with CFO South Africa Follow CFO South Africa on Twitter and LinkedIn Stay up to date on what is happening in the world of finance by following us on Twitter @CFOSouthAfrica and LinkedIn. Next to that you can keep track of newly published interviews with CFOs and CEOs. Feel free to contact us Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Kind Regards, Melle Eijckelhoff Director CFO South Africa | [email protected]

While Shabeer Khan, Chief Financial Officer of the dti, admits to dreaming of becoming an astronaut, a Formula One racing driver and even a fireman as a young boy, he would now like to encourage young Chartered Accountants (CAs) to take the route that he has taken. At the age of 34 he confesses to having considered other career prospects but working for Government was a conscious decision for him and he assures us that nothing compares with the daily fulfillment he gets from his current role. The perception is that working for government can be a risky career choice but Khan says that working for the government provides an opportunity where you can enhance your skills and make a real contribution to your country. Khan currently leads a team of 90 people and was the only CA within the dti when he joined in 2013.

CFO South Africa Newsletter | Thursday December 4 Dear CFO South Africa Member, Read Exclusive CFO South Africa Articles CFOs in the winelands - Platinum Member and VIP Tour “It’s very interesting that when you look at some of the international benchmarks, South Africa is ranked tenth in the world when it comes to protecting investors from directors. That’s a CFO’s responsibility,” said Wesgro CEO Nils Flaatten. Flaatten said this showed SA’s CFOs were serious about their jobs and that there was a regulatory framework to support them. CFO of the Week: Austin McDonald (Promasidor): choose the consumer over the product When Austin McDonald became a Chartered Accountant, he was already “the world’s worst engineer”. Although he is a self-professed “maverick” the Finance world has clearly suited him much better than engineering did, especially after he joined the family’s business: Promasidor. Now his CV boasts a successful rescue operation, a handsome R9 billion annual turnover and unequalled insight into African opportunities. “When looking at African countries, be consumer driven and not product driven,” he advises. Editorial: The power of a CFO, Moving into Africa & what to think of brain... Yesterday I had the privilege of chatting to Casper Troskie, the experienced CFO of Liberty Holdings. He re-affirmed what CFOs have started telling me over the last year or so: communication skills are a crucial asset for a Chief Financial Officer or Finance Director these days. Whether talking to investors, customers, unions, analysts or the general public, a simple, transparent, unison message from the board – and all other employees of a company– is very important. These days, particular attention is being paid when a CFO opens his or her mouth. A CFO that can communicate clearly and confidently is therefore in an extremely powerful position. Read more exclusive articles on cfo.co.za - Expert insight: Stanford Payne: Does a CFO on ‘sabbatical’ actually have burnout? Join CFO Events Get Smart in 2015 in JHB & CT Discuss your agenda for 2015 As global economic growth recovers there will be opportunities and risks for South Africa's economy, CFOs must ensure that the financial choices you make maintain the recent gains in competitiveness. During the first CFO Events of 2015 we will discuss the new economy, value creation, complementary economics, networking, ideas to make te world a better place and we share smart ideas to improve your business. We offer a great opportunity to learn from your peers and get new ideas. Keynote by professional lifehacker Martijn Aslander Our new network society demands that we work faster and more efficient in a world where competing is done with knowledge. Martijn offers tools to do this, such as lifehacking and how to utilise a great network. Lifehacking: tracing information, organizing, filtering and sharing it in a way where you keep track of it all. Martijn is a Dutch national and a very experienced speaker at several Forums as CFO Day the Netherlands and the Public Finance Conference. Join this event free of charge with and don’t miss out on the first CFO Events of 2015 from 4pm - 8pm and register now: - February 17th at the JSE, register here. - February 19th at the Cape Town Club, register here. Partners CFO Events Get Smart in 2015: Continuous Professional Development Points Did you know all events of CFO South Africa are eligible for SAICA CPD points? By attending CFO South Africa's events and training courses you will stay compliant. Join the ultimate peer to peer advisory network Various CFOs and finance directors from Eskom, Nedbank, Transnet, SAB, Nike, Standard Charered Bank, Hollard, Absa, Business Connexion and Super Group are members of CFO South Africa. Your peers understand best the issues you face and the challenges that impact your business. Together you will share your experiences at CFO South Africa’s events and help you advance in your career, company and knowledge. Get introduced to experienced colleagues that are happy to share their knowledge with you. Peer-to-peer consulting is by far the best and most cost effective way to help you solve problems. Are you interested? Please see our membership page for more information here. Upcoming CFO South Africa Events Join the CFO Events with inspiring hosts and experts who will share their insights and experiences with you. Register now for these events and boost your company, network, career and knowledge. CFO South Africa Events in 2015 Feb 17 Johannesburg | Get Smart in 2015 Feb 19 Cape Town | Get Smart in 2015 Mar 19 Johannesburg | Moving into Africa Apr 16 Johannesburg | Capital & Finance May 14 Johannesburg | CFO Awards 2015 July 30 Johannesburg | Corporate Growth Sept 17 Johannesburg | Digital Transformation Nov 19 Cape Town | Risk, Compliance & Control Register now for one of the upcoming CFO South Africa Events. Please note that all our CFO South Africa events are for senior financial executives. CFO South Africa offers Platinum memberships to CFOs and finance directors. For more information please have a look here and contact Jurrien Morsch at [email protected]. Stay connected with CFO South Africa Follow CFO South Africa on Twitter and LinkedIn Stay up to date on what is happening in the world of finance by following us on Twitter @CFOSouthAfrica and LinkedIn. Next to that you can keep track of newly published interviews with CFOs and CEOs. Feel free to contact us Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Kind Regards, Melle Eijckelhoff Director CFO South Africa | [email protected]

CFO South Africa Newsletter | Thursday November 27 Dear CFO South Africa Member, Read Exclusive CFO South Africa Articles CFO South Africa launches public finance chapter Heeding a call many Chief Financial Officers in the public sector have made over the last year or so, CFO South Africa has established a separate chapter for public CFOs. The Public Finance Chapter will give CFOs of departments, municipalities and other governmental bodies the opportunity to share knowledge, discuss challenges, network and listen to solutions that partner organisations have to offer. CFO of the Week: Talelani Enos Ramaru (Cosatu): learning from other CFOs is very val... “A platform like CFO South Africa is very useful,” says Talelani Enos Ramaru, Chief Financial Officer at The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). “There is a lot of innovation happening and as a CFO you have to know about it,” says Ramaru, who is proud of the work he has done to bring stability to the trade union federation’s finance team. The CFO’s approach to analysing an M&A transaction An Expert Insight by Johann de Lange, founder of M&A advisory firm Pollination Capital* M&A transactions are game changers for companies. They are usually large transactions when compared to other capital investments and tie up substantial resources and focus. They are normally also closely tied to the strategic direction of a company. The many unknowns represent an increased risk environment for the acquirer. Read more exclusive articles on cfo.co.za - Editorial: Twitter CFO blunders, public South African CFOs unite Join CFO Events Get Smart in 2015 in JHB & CT Discuss your agenda for 2015 As global economic growth recovers there will be opportunities and risks for South Africa's economy, CFOs must ensure that the financial choices you make maintain the recent gains in competitiveness. During the first CFO Events of 2015 we will discuss the new economy, value creation, complementary economics, networking, ideas to make te world a better place and we share smart ideas to improve your business. We offer a great opportunity to learn from your peers and get new ideas. Keynote by professional lifehacker Martijn Aslander Our new network society demands that we work faster and more efficient in a world where competing is done with knowledge. Martijn offers tools to do this, such as lifehacking and how to utilise a great network. Lifehacking: tracing information, organizing, filtering and sharing it in a way where you keep track of it all. Martijn is a Dutch national and a very experienced speaker at several Forums as CFO Day the Netherlands and the Public Finance Conference. Join this event free of charge with and don’t miss out on the first CFO Events of 2015 from 4pm - 8pm and register now. - February 17th in Johannesburg, register here. - February 19th in Cape Town, register here. Partners CFO Events Get Smart in 2015: Continuous Professional Development Points Did you know all events of CFO South Africa are eligible for SAICA CPD points? By attending CFO South Africa's events and training courses you will stay compliant. Join the ultimate peer to peer advisory network Various CFOs and finance directors from Eskom, Nedbank, Transnet, SAB, Nike, Standard Charered Bank, Hollard, Absa, Business Connexion and Super Group are members of CFO South Africa. Your peers understand best the issues you face and the challenges that impact your business. Together you will share your experiences at CFO South Africa’s events and help you advance in your career, company and knowledge. Get introduced to experienced colleagues that are happy to share their knowledge with you. Peer-to-peer consulting is by far the best and most cost effective way to help you solve problems. Are you interested? Please see our membership page for more information here. Upcoming CFO South Africa Events Join the CFO Events with inspiring hosts and experts who will share their insights and experiences with you. Register now for these events and boost your company, network, career and knowledge. CFO South Africa Events in 2015 Feb 17 Johannesburg | Get Smart in 2015 Feb 19 Cape Town | Get Smart in 2015 Mar 19 Johannesburg | Moving into Africa Apr 16 Johannesburg | Capital & Finance May 14 Johannesburg | CFO Awards 2015 July 30 Johannesburg | Corporate Growth Sept 17 Johannesburg | Digital Transformation Nov 19 Cape Town | Risk, Compliance & Control Register now for one of the upcoming CFO South Africa Events. Please note that all our CFO South Africa events are for senior financial executives. CFO South Africa offers Platinum memberships to CFOs and finance directors. For more information please have a look here and contact Jurrien Morsch at [email protected]. Stay connected with CFO South Africa Follow CFO South Africa on Twitter and LinkedIn Stay up to date on what is happening in the world of finance by following us on Twitter @CFOSouthAfrica and LinkedIn. Next to that you can keep track of newly published interviews with CFOs and CEOs. Feel free to contact us Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Kind Regards, Melle Eijckelhoff Director CFO South Africa | [email protected] To control which emails you receive from CFO South Africa, please change your email preferences at cfo.co.za by selecting under settings "I do not want to receive emails from CFO South Africa | Finance Professionals South Africa"

A stark reminder that ‘living the brand’ is not only important for CEOs and marketing gurus came this week when Twitter CFO Anthony Noto accidentally tweeted sensitive information about a pending acquisition. If the CFO doesn't know how to use his own product, how should the rest of the world? It is an important lesson for CFOs in South Africa and around the globe: know your own business! A public mistake, like the Twitter gaffe, can have a major impact on your bottom line.

Heeding a call many Chief Financial Officers in the public sector have made over the last year or so, CFO South Africa has established a separate chapter for public CFOs. The Public Finance Chapter will give CFOs of departments, municipalities and other governmental bodies the opportunity to share knowledge, discuss challenges, network and listen to solutions that partner organisations have to offer.

“What makes me get out of bed in the morning is the contribution that I think I can make to the plight of the unemployed in South Africa,” says Vuyo Mafata, CFO at the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). In this interview Mafata talks about the challenges of being a CFO in a governmental organisation and the exciting responsibility he has of managing an investment portfolio of more than R100 billion.

Popularly referred to as “CFO Clean Audit”, Rofhiwa Irene Singo leads the Finance Department at the Department of Mineral Resources, and has a remarkable story of perseverance to tell. Irene, as she prefers to be called, has been instrumental in turning around the failing financial reporting at three public institutions and prides herself in having achieved these under very difficult conditions. “I always knew that I could do it, hard and smart working paid the price. The name CFO Clean Audit resonates well with me and I like it,” she says.

Last Thursday and Friday were such busy days for the directors and editor of CFO South Africa, that we didn't really have time to reflect yet – but what days they were! First of all there was the Digital Transformation event in the Tintswalo at Waterfall hotel, which probably was our BEST attended function so far. “After two years of building a network, our initiative proves to be exactly what Chief Financial Officers and Finance Directors in South Africa are yearning for,” say founders Alex van Groningen en Melle Eijckelhoff. “This is the only independent platform that enables finance leaders to engage in in-depth peer to peer discussions, learn about the latest trends and participate in high level networking.”

It is widely agreed upon that what South Africa needs is inspiring leaders, most of all in the public sector and at parastatals. That this country is not short of the individuals who have been cut from the right cloth, became once again apparent during our recent meetings with Rofhiwa Irene Singo and Tsholofelo Molefe. These two impressive ladies have made the Chief Financial Officer role their own at the Department of Mineral Resources and at public electricity utility Eskom and both contribute to a better South Africa to the best of their capabilities.

“I am never jealous of CFOs in the private sector, but I am just happy that they are there so I can follow them and learn from what they are doing right”, says Dalu Majeke, CFO at the National Treasury.

“Having passion and resilience, even during tough times, are qualities I really admire in CFOs,” says Dalu Majeke, the CFO of the Treasury in South Africa. As the finance man of the country’s finance department, he knows what it’s like to work under pressure. “We don’t value popularity in the department, but we want to be able to present a stable financial framework in trying times.”