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Executive Day 2026 brought together South Africa’s leading finance, IT and HR executives to explore how organisations can navigate AI adoption, leadership challenges and accelerating change without losing sight of their people.

Cell C CFO El Kope says leaders must break transformation into practical steps, communicate consistently and remain close to their people to build trust and keep teams moving through change.

Inspired by a Martin Luther King Jr quote about excellence in every task, Water Utilities Corporation CFO Thabang Mogodi is focused on developing people, modernising finance and helping build institutions that can thrive long after individual leaders have moved on.

Waterfall Chartered Accountants Chambers has secured its Diamond tier place at Africa's biggest Finance conference and expo, marking a first-of-its-kind partnership that brings together independent accounting firms under shared governance, quality and transformation standards.

Dawid Swart has joined legal tech company Afriwise as CFO, bringing experience from senior finance roles across technology and professional services businesses.

Tightening AI policies can create the very risks they are designed to prevent, as employees turn to unapproved tools when approved options fall short. Dheren Singh argues that CFOs need fit-for-purpose AI, stronger controls and clear accountability rather than blanket restrictions.

Polmed CFO Marinus Pretorius has secured a nomination for the 2026 CFO Awards, recognising his leadership and contribution to the finance function.

Altron Document Solutions brings six decades of expertise in document management, automation and digitisation to the 2026 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner.

Amanda February reflects on her journey from joining Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine-producing estate, in 2007 to becoming CFO, and the importance of financial sustainability, responsible stewardship and people-centred leadership.

As deputy CEO and CFO of Octodec Investments, Riaan Erasmus is redefining what it means to be a modern finance leader. From shaping long-term strategy and transforming the company's property portfolio to embracing technology and developing future talent, he believes today's CFO must be far more than a custodian of the numbers.

Motlalepula Ratlhagane, financial director at Manitou South Africa since 2022, has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, following finance leadership roles at Master Plastics, Astrapak and MultiChoice Africa.

Tevin Govender has taken on the role of regional CFO for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa at Estée Lauder, following almost four years in finance leadership roles at Coca-Cola.

Leading international management consulting firm Oliver Wyman has joined the 2026 Finance Indaba as a Gold partner, bringing its expertise in business transformation, sustainability and climate action to South Africa’s leading finance community.

Bridgestone CFO Mikaeel Tayob challenged leaders to move beyond gender stereotypes, listen to employees’ needs and create workplaces where people can perform at their best.

As FD of Harmony Gold, Boipelo Lekubo believes finance is about far more than delivering numbers. From investing in people and balancing growth with shareholder returns to navigating ESG, AI and one of the world's most capital-intensive industries, she explains why today's finance leaders must create value that extends well beyond the balance sheet.

Seasoned business lead Nonkululeko Gobodo has called on women leaders to embrace their authentic selves, recognise their strengths and use their collective power to create opportunities for the next generation of women in business.

More than 250 women executives gathered in Sandton for the 11th Annual Executive Communities Women’s Dinner, where leaders reflected on authenticity, visibility and the importance of being fully present in the workplace.

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) will join the Finance Indaba as a Gold partner, highlighting its role as an independent channel for taxpayers seeking redress outside of the South African Revenue Service's (Sars) complaint mechanisms.

Are the qualities often associated with women in leadership truly gendered, or simply human? Drawing on more than two decades of experience, this candid perspective explores the power of empathy, empowerment, cultural awareness and unexpected allies, and why women must learn to know their room, guard their energy and lead with their whole selves.

Ricardo Sardien has been appointed interim group chief executive officer at Old Mutual Botswana. He brings more than 16 years of experience across finance, operations, governance, risk management and strategic leadership to the role.

Away from billion-rand balance sheets and boardroom strategy, Old Mutual CFO Casper Troskie finds perspective at his home on a farm in Paarl, in the kitchen and on mountain bike trails. Those moments of calm, he says, have become essential to leading through an increasingly unpredictable world.

After stints at Deloitte and Standard Bank in Namibia, Pupkewitz Motors group CFO Peter Hiwilepo has built his career around using the tools he has – staying close to the work and making a difference where he is.

As Africa's ICT sector accelerates digital transformation, finance will play a pivotal role in ensuring that growth is matched by meaningful decarbonisation. Innovative funding models, strategic partnerships and renewable energy investments will be essential to unlocking a low-carbon future while expanding connectivity across the continent.

Leading financial software provider IDU will participate as a Silver partner at the 2026 Finance Indaba.

Former Discovery Health Medical Scheme CFO Joy Malete has been appointed regional finance director for Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific at Sage.

From working full-time while studying at night to supporting her family as a young adult and ultimately realising a childhood dream on her own terms, Nafisa Kistan's journey to becoming CFO of Kia South Africa is a testament to perseverance, adaptability and the belief that career success is built through resilience rather than a perfect plan.

Finance leaders gathered in Sandton as leading solution providers had just four minutes to showcase the ideas and technologies shaping the future of finance, from AI-powered automation to tokenisation and treasury innovation.

Tokenisation is rapidly moving from concept to reality, with South Africa helping to write the playbook for its development. According to Ninety One's head of corporates, Quaniet Richards, finance leaders who embrace the technology early could unlock faster settlements, stronger liquidity management and entirely new investment opportunities.

Polani Sokombela, CFO of the Auditor-General of South Africa, has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards in recognition of his leadership and longstanding contribution to the organisation. Having built his career at AGSA over nearly two decades, he has played a key role in strengthening the institution's financial stewardship and strategic direction.

As artificial intelligence transforms manufacturing, the greatest competitive advantage will not come from technology itself, but from finance leaders who know how to harness it.

Experienced finance executive Aneshree Naidoo has joined Bowmans as group CFO, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience across professional services, consulting and technology.

After achieving her long-held ambition of becoming an audit partner, Jennifer Erasmus made the unexpected decision to leave the profession and chart a new course. Now, as CFO of Trellidor, she reflects on the career pivot that reshaped her ambitions, the realities of balancing leadership with motherhood and the legacy she hopes to build through people, process improvement and purposeful leadership.

Decision Inc. group CFO Joanne Tanner has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards in recognition of her leadership and contribution to the finance profession. She joins a distinguished group of finance executives who will be celebrated at the awards gala on 26 November.

HRTorQue Outsourcing and Sail International have joined the 2026 Finance Indaba as Silver Partners, bringing their expertise in HR, payroll, tax and commercial advisory to Africa's leading finance event. Meet their teams alongside more than 3,000 finance professionals for a day of practical insights, networking and innovative solutions shaping the future of finance.

Soul City CFO Dumisani Dlamini believes corporate social investment should be measured by lasting social impact, not just money spent. Drawing on first-hand experiences from communities across South Africa, he explains why CFOs must look beyond the balance sheet and treat CSI as a strategic investment in sustainable change.

The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has appointed seasoned finance executive Maureen Manyama as chief financial officer, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience across state-owned entities, financial services and higher education.

The Botswana Gambling Authority has appointed Tshepang Magang as chief financial officer, elevating an experienced finance leader with more than 15 years of expertise in financial management, governance, risk and regulatory compliance.

From growing up in a Limpopo village to leading finance at the CCMA, Kedibone Mashaakgomo's journey has been defined by perseverance, purpose and a commitment to creating lasting impact. She reflects on overcoming academic setbacks, embracing digital transformation, mentoring future leaders and why true leadership is measured not by titles, but by the legacy left behind.

Zodwa Mbele, CFO and executive director at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards in recognition of her leadership and contribution to South Africa’s finance profession.

In a changing technology landscape, where strategic resilience and calibration remains key, iOCO is profitable, generating strong cash, growing organically and back on the front foot.

Sage has joined the lineup for the 2026 Finance Indaba as a Diamond partner, bringing its expertise in technology solutions that empower businesses to thrive.

Finance leaders at the first CFO Namibia Community Conversation agreed that today’s CFOs are expected to be agile strategists, while warning that persistent skills shortages and changing workforce expectations are making the role increasingly demanding.

From failing board exams and losing his mother just before qualifying as a CA(SA), to helping steer Proconics towards growth, CFO Bongani Ngcongo’s journey has been defined by endurance. Whether tackling the Comrades Marathon or difficult boardroom decisions, he believes resilience, integrity and purpose are what carry leaders through the toughest moments.

Eskom CFO Calib Cassim has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, recognising his exceptional leadership, resilience and more than two decades of service at South Africa's power utility, including his tenure as interim CEO during a pivotal period for Eskom.

From discovering a R41 million fraud scheme to finding simple operational changes that cut costs by 25 percent, Western Investments Group CFO Abrie Collard has built a career on analytical thinking, resilience and, above all, trust. He believes integrity is the quality that gives finance leaders lasting influence long after they leave an organisation.

As a Silver Partner of the 2026 Finance Indaba, SynergERP empowers organisations to achieve financial and operational excellence through intelligent business management solutions that simplify processes, improve efficiency and deliver greater financial visibility.

Chartered accountant Veliswa Rozani joins PPC Africa as executive director and chief financial officer, bringing more than two decades of financial leadership experience across multinational and South African businesses.

Raised in Soweto, shaped by faith and strengthened through personal adversity, Dineo Molefe has built a finance career grounded in purpose rather than position. The MTN South Africa CFO reflects on leadership, lifelong learning, balancing motherhood with executive responsibility and why success is ultimately about becoming the person God created her to be.

From geopolitical tensions and rising costs to the war for talent and the growing influence of AI, finance leaders gathered in Durban to unpack the challenges reshaping the CFO agenda. The discussion revealed how today’s CFO is increasingly expected to be a strategist, people leader and business partner, rather than simply the custodian of the numbers.

After taking the finance helm at Cell C in 2024, El Kope has been recognised among South Africa's leading finance executives with a nomination for the 2026 CFO Awards, celebrating excellence in finance leadership.

ACCA South Africa and McGeralds Entrepreneurship Centre, have joined the 2026 Finance Indaba as Platinum partners.

Discovery Green has appointed renewable energy finance specialist Daniel Zinman as its new chief financial officer, bringing two decades of project finance experience across the sub-Saharan African power sector.

Her mornings begin with Douwe Egberts and 94.7. Her days involve billion-rand water infrastructure decisions. Andisa Zinja, CFO of the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, leads with humour, humanity and the occasional well-placed meme.

University of Cape Town CFO Vincent Motholo has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, recognising his distinguished contribution to finance leadership, governance and the accounting profession.

Keeping up with IFRS updates as a CFO can feel wild because the standards evolve often, the documents are dense, and each change affects multiple parts of the reporting chain. The easiest way to stay on top of it is to break updates into three simple layers: what changed, why it changed, and what you actually need to do.

From a small-town upbringing shaped by educators to leading finance and administration at the Bank of Namibia, Lloyd Londt has built a career defined by purpose, continuous learning and social responsibility. His journey demonstrates how finance leadership can be a powerful force for economic inclusion, sustainable development and meaningful societal impact.

Francois van Rooyen will succeed long-serving group CFO Jan Hofmeyr following a transition period, as OUTsurance opts for an internal leadership handover.

From overcoming academic setbacks to leading transformation at one of South Africa’s leading payment businesses, Derick Truscott has built a career defined by resilience and momentum. The Hyphen CFO reflects on early lessons in perseverance, the realities of modern finance leadership, and why growth often comes from staying the course when the road gets tough.

As a Gold partner at the 2026 Finance Indaba, AJM will showcase its specialist expertise in tax consulting and litigation, helping businesses and individuals navigate an increasingly complex tax environment.

Tshiamiso Trust CFO Edzani Muedi has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, recognising her diverse finance leadership experience across major organisations including GE, Sasol and iX Engineers, as well as her continued executive role in the trust and advisory space.

Veteran finance and audit leader Bongi Ngoma has been appointed deputy auditor-general at the Auditor-General of South Africa, bringing more than two decades of experience in finance, governance, auditing and organisational leadership to the role.

The future of work is no longer a distant concept but a reality unfolding today. This was the key message at Workday Horizon South Africa, where business leaders, technology experts and industry professionals gathered to explore how artificial intelligence, data and human potential can be combined to create more agile, productive and resilient organisations.

On Youth Day, leading CFOs and executives reflect on their journeys, offering powerful insights on ambition, resilience and the importance of building an “invisible CV” through consistency, confidence and courage.

From structuring BEE transactions at Standard Bank to navigating the pressures of global healthcare, Mediclinic Group finance chief and 2025 Finance & Technology Award winner Jurgens Myburgh reflects on a target-setting mindset, leadership, legacy and why a winemaker’s parting words sum up his personal philosophy.

Leading financial software provider 1.618 Technologies has signed on as a Gold Partner for the 2026 Finance Indaba, Africa’s premier finance conference.

Andile Dawn Mbatha, chief financial officer of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards. With a strong track record in finance, governance and public-sector leadership, she joins a distinguished group of finance leaders being recognised for their contribution to organisational excellence and people-centred leadership.

After 18 years at Deloitte, where he rose from articled clerk to partner and helped shape the careers of some of Namibia’s leading finance professionals, Julius Nghikevali made a bold move into public service. Now finance executive at the Namibia Industrial Development Agency, he is focused on driving industrialisation, creating lasting economic impact and ensuring that career success never comes at the expense of family.

Seasoned finance executive and chartered accountant Sumari Coetzee has been appointed CFO of Sanlam Retail Affluent, bringing nearly two decades of experience across the financial services and insurance sectors.

Relebohile Mosaletseng-Malahleha, Barloworld’s finance chief, navigated the company’s 123-year history through a transformative acquisition in 2025. Keeping the team intact and communication open were key as she oversaw the complex transaction. Her strong work ethic and relationships forged from an early age in Matatiele shaped her rise to finance leadership.

Ombud Council head of finance Devrani Moonsamy has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, recognising her extensive public sector finance leadership across South Africa’s regulatory institutions, including previous senior roles at the Competition Tribunal and Competition Commission.

After a decade building his career in Europe’s automotive and medical device sectors, Christoph Scholz returned home to Namibia with a wealth of international experience. As CFO of Satcom Namibia, he is helping to steer one of Africa’s few military communications manufacturers through a period of rapid expansion, while modernising its finance function and preparing the business for its next phase of growth.

As a Diamond partner, iOCO Technology Group will showcase how innovative technology solutions are helping finance leaders enhance operational efficiency, strengthen security and accelerate business growth.

CFO Aneshree Naidoo has two signatures. One moves markets. The other moved a boy to write: Smiles so bright, they can destroy the darkness. She uses both daily.

Spear Reit CFO and 2025 Young CFO of the Year Christiaan Barnard became the youngest financial director on the JSE at just 27 – and has spent the years since learning that knowing when to log off is just as important as knowing the numbers.

As finance leaders step beyond traditional stewardship roles, they are increasingly shaping enterprise strategy, driving digital transformation and helping organisations navigate uncertainty.

Recognised among South Africa’s leading finance executives, RH Bophelo CFO Yondie Metu has secured a nomination for the 2026 CFO Awards, highlighting her impactful leadership, extensive financial expertise and growing influence within the country’s finance sector.

TreasuryOne has joined the 2026 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, bringing its expertise in treasury solutions, market risk consulting and financial technology to one of the country’s leading finance gatherings. The event will bring together more than 3,000 finance professionals, CFOs and industry leaders for a day of networking, insights and innovation.

Today’s business environment is no longer defined by a single shock but by ongoing geo-political events shaping the macro-economic environment. Businesses are operating amid a polycrisis, with renewed uncertainty in the Middle East adding pressure to an already challenging environment.

Woolworths group FD Zaid Manjra has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, recognising his extensive leadership experience across the retail and public sectors.

After more than two decades with the company, including nearly four years as CFO, Taryn Woodbridge reflects on a leadership journey shaped by financial acumen, operational excellence and a deep commitment to people, performance and trust.

South Africa’s leading finance executives gathered for an evening of candid reflection on the invisible pressures shaping modern business, from geopolitics and AI to culture, people and reputation. The conversation revealed a defining truth for today’s CFOs: resilience is no longer optional and adaptability has become the currency of survival.

Speaking at the recent CIO Day in Johannesburg, iOCO Technology Group CFO Ashona Kooblall said organisations must strengthen the strategic partnership between CFOs and CIOs to turn disruption into measurable business value, while managing risk and maintaining flexibility.

Attacq has appointed Peter de Villiers as CFO effective 1 June 2026, following his tenure as interim CFO and years of leadership in shaping the group’s investment strategy and portfolio management.

MyERP will join the 2026 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, bringing its expertise in enterprise resource planning solutions and digital transformation to one of South Africa’s leading gatherings for finance professionals.

Kevin Jacoby, CFO of the City of Cape Town and 2025 CFO of the Year, steers an R84-billion budget – and he will tell you, without hesitation, that none of it would be possible without his wife.

Absa group FD Deon Raju has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, joining leading finance executives in contention for the prestigious CFO of the Year title.

South Africa’s leading finance executives gathered in Johannesburg at the 2026 CFO Day for robust discussions on growth, efficiency, digital transformation and sustainable value creation in an increasingly complex business environment.

Minerals Council South Africa CFO Tima Norkie has highlighted the evolving role of CFOs as strategic enablers of growth, stressing the importance of balancing governance, risk management and business agility, at the 2026 CFO Day in Johannesburg.

Taryn Woodbridge has been appointed CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, following a career spanning more than two decades within the organisation.

Thiru Naicker will take over as Nampak’s CFO and executive director from 1 August, succeeding Glenn Fullerton.

SPAR Group CFO Megan Pydigadu says bridging the gap between strategy and execution is the modern CFO’s primary mandate. In this Q and A, Megan shares insights from the COO chair, a role she joined in 2023.

Yoco co-founder Bradley Wattrus will once again take up the role as head of finance.

Strategic finance and advisory firm Pragmatic Thinking adds its name to the impressive lineup of partners gearing up for the 2026 Finance Indaba taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 22 October.

FirstRand Namibia CFO Lizette Smit once imagined a very different career as a chef. Instead, she found her way into finance, where curiosity, resilience and a willingness to keep pushing herself shaped a career that has already included one CFO role at 27 and another at one of Namibia’s biggest banks

Trellidor has announced the appointment of Jennifer Erasmus as its chief financial officer and executive director, effective 1 July.

Success is not just hard work and long hours. 10X Investments CFO Jade Longano, says it's also about being at the right place at the right time.

Preshanta Govender has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards for her role as chief finance and value management officer at Standard Bank South Africa.

Claims and ancillary services provider Brolink has announced the appointment of Lerato Luula as its new chief financial officer, with effect from April.

“Leave a place better than you found it.” This simple mantra drives CFO Ratang Icho-Molebatsi’s approach to her role. Whether she is advocating for a stronger community of CFOs in Botswana or investing in professional coaching, her focus remains on building systems and people that thrive long after her tenure.

JSE-listed mining group Tharisa has announced the appointment of Jacques Breytenbach as its new chief finance officer designate, with effect from 1 May.

Much Asphalt FD Tommie Koeries had a 10-year plan pinned to his cupboard when he was still at varsity. It included a gap year to gain experience and find a wife.

For most CFOs, revenue risk is framed in familiar terms: macroeconomic conditions, tariff decisions, credit control and collection strategies. Yet, as Kevin Jacoby, CFO of the City of Cape Town, makes clear, there is a far more operational but equally powerful lever at play: service delivery quality.

Nilisha Padayachee has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards for her role as chief financial officer at Bidvest McCarthy.

Ricardo Sardien’s rise to CFO is a testament to the power of structured discipline and the relentless pursuit of personal growth over environmental odds. He demonstrates that leadership is built through incremental improvement and the wisdom to prioritise effectiveness over simply being right.

After an impressive eight-year climb through the ranks from project accountant, globally-experienced CA(SA) Melani De Castro has officially stepped into the chief financial officer role at JSE-listed group Crookes Brothers.

Mutual financial services company PPS adds its name to the impressive line-up of partners gearing up for the 2026 Finance Indaba taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 22 October.

He memorised the Quran at 12, skipped a grade, and once went behind a café counter in Mauritius to show a barista how to steam milk properly. Finance boss Faheem Sarwan does not do half-measures – whether it's latte art, crisis management, or steering half a billion rand in revenue.

The CFO South Africa Cape Town Summit returned to the Mother City on 16 April, bringing together the city’s finance leaders in the elevated calm of 180 Lounger.

During an exclusive dinner in Johannesburg about the art of scaling in a rapidly changing world, the conversation shifted to how businesses are adapting to Gen Z’s in the workplace and in the markets.

From Kitchener in Canada to Dublin in Ireland before landing a plum job as chief financial officer of the Namibia Institute of Pathology, Scholastika Mwetulundila’s meteoric career path is not what she thought it would be.

From banking to investment teams to a fintech operating across Africa, Jade Longano had done almost every other job before stepping into the CFO chair. She describes most of it as figuring it out as she went.

On 16 April, the CFO South Africa community will gather at 180 Lounger in Cape Town's CBD for an exclusive summit titled NextGen Finance. The event will bring together the country's most influential finance leaders to discuss the evolution of finance.

Fully accredited tuition provider IBTC adds its name to the impressive line-up of partners gearing up for the 2026 Finance Indaba taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 22 October.