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Standard Bank CFVO, Dr Arno Daehnke, who plays the cello and admires modern art, believes good leadership takes courage, curiosity, skill and heart.

Former Bidvest Protea Coin CFO Helen Yiga; Metrobus CFO Luyanda Gidini and aspiring CFO and 2025 trainee accountant Sitholile Sithole, share their journeys – from accounting students to chartered accountants. They also reflect on why the CFO role is more than just cool!

Rajiv officially heads up the finance department after serving two years as a fractional CFO.

Deloitte Africa’s Andries van den Berg, Financial Transformation Leader, and Anaplan EMEA MD Dayne Turbitt show how connected finance breaks down silos, links strategy to measurable value, and equips CFOs to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) CFO Okuhle Sidumane is confident that balance will be restored at the agency within the next three years, after a difficult financial year.

Thembelihle brings over 16 years of experience from the private and public sectors to her new role.

Cell C CFO El Kope isn’t easily fazed and is a firm believer in the ability to self-charge. She reflects on a career defined by challenging environments, cultural adaptability, and a leadership style that she describes as leading from the middle.

CFOs need to exercise their pivotal power to influence organisational strategy and to ensure that they curate and enforce pre-eminent mechanisms for sustainability and encourage active economic participation of all in the ecosystem.

Nelly Kiogora Toroitich takes on her new role in Johannesburg after serving as finance director at Unilever East Africa.

Former Bidvest Protea Coin CFO Helen Yiga; Metrobus CFO Luyanda Gidini and aspiring CFO and 2025 Global Changemaker Sitholile Sithole, share their perspectives on the transformation of the finance chief role, what the CFO of tomorrow might look like – and, is it a cool place to be?

From Cape Town to London and back, Michelle Isaacs’s 25-year journey with BP is a story of steady growth, intentional choices and unwavering support. Now CFO for BP Southern Africa (bpSA), she credits her servant leadership style and her husband’s selfless sacrifice, for helping her rise while staying true to her values.

From tax collector to FNB Eswatini CFO, ‘fairly chilled guy’ and Kaizer Chiefs supporter Njabulo Dlamini shares how grabbing opportunities has been crucial to his success.

CFOs across sectors are championing pragmatic, people-centred digital transformation, balancing AI, data innovation and trust with strong ethical leadership.

As 2025 draws to a close after a trying economic year, finance leaders across sectors are looking ahead to 2026 with a renewed focus on balance, execution and sustainable growth. Finance leaders share what they are hoping for in the year ahead.

Retail, engineering and mining finance leaders are demonstrating how purpose-driven strategies can accelerate sustainable growth and long-term organisational value.

From Mamelodi to the C-suite, South Africa’s leading women CFOs offered practical wisdom on mentorship, visibility, resilience and navigating power in modern finance.

From executive days to transformative summits, CFOs across South Africa debated growth, youth unemployment, sustainability and the evolving finance profession.

From conservation to social justice and multinational expansion, CFOs across South Africa are proving that strategy grounded in purpose can drive long-term value.

From green steel to sustainable finance, CFOs across South Africa are reshaping ESG delivery through long-term thinking, innovation and purpose-driven leadership.

Johan is an accomplished finance executive who most recently served as CFO at diversified agriculture group, Afgri.

Eswatini Revenue Service CFVO Dr Thobile Dlamini is redefining the CFVO role through her pioneering work in public-sector financial wellness. Her research, programmes and national outreach place employee wellbeing at the centre of financial leadership, creating a blueprint where stronger people drive stronger institutions and long-term fiscal health.

Lerena Olivier puts a high price tag on personal wellbeing – and as the CFO’s role extends to more than just number-crunching, self-care becomes critical to the overall performance of a business. For Pick n Pay’s finance chief, sustaining motivation is essential to moving forward with purpose and people remain at the heart of her leadership philosophy.

From performance guarantees to trade credit, Pieter Dingemans, head of credit specialties IMEA at Marsh, explains the benefits of freeing up capital for growth.

Gender-based violence (GBV) has become a defining corporate risk, demanding strategic financial leadership. CFOs are now central to reframing GBV as a material risk, a governance priority and a fiduciary obligation. Their role extends far beyond compliance, shaping how organisations quantify, manage and mitigate both the human and economic costs of GBV, writes Dumisani Dlamini, CFO at the Soul City Institute for Social Justice.

Zeda has appointed experienced finance leader Tsogo Rooi as its chief financial officer, bringing extensive expertise from the automotive and professional services sectors.

Senwes Group has announced the appointment of veteran chartered accountant Derek Engelbrecht as its chief financial officer, effective 6 January 2026.

Sandvik CFO Nerissa Jalim has built her career across logistics, manufacturing and industrial engineering. In this feature, she reflects on transformation in finance, digital evolution, sustainability and the purpose-driven leadership principles shaping the modern CFO.

From quiet getaways and “Friendmas” rituals, to big family spreads and overseas adventures, South Africa’s finance leaders are pressing pause to recharge, reflect and reconnect.

Pick n Pay has appointed seasoned financial leader Tina Rookledge to its executive team as part of a structured succession plan. She will step into the CFO role after the August 2026 AGM, taking over from long-serving finance head Lerena Olivier.

In a tightening economic climate, CFOs are being pushed to deliver more with less, and the message is clear: cash is king. Financial leaders must shift from static, budget-focused planning to a dynamic, cash-driven approach that prioritises agility, innovation and disciplined cost management.

Tata International Africa Distribution has appointed seasoned finance executive Rochelle Gabriels as its CFO, marking her return to the corporate arena after a short career break.

Brand South Africa has appointed seasoned public-sector finance leader and 2025 CFO of the Year nominee Sherylee Moonsamy as its chief financial officer. With a career spanning senior roles across national institutions and municipal entities, she steps into the role with deep experience in governance, strategy and financial stewardship.

Incoming Ekurhuleni city manager and 2025 CFO of the Year nominee Kagiso Lerutla reflects on his journey, the weight of public trust and how he plans to build a more agile, accountable and investment-ready city.

South Africa’s corporates hold record levels of cash, a sign of strength but also of deep-seated caution. Stanlib chief economist Kevin Lings says low growth, infrastructure constraints and accountant-driven leadership have shaped a conservative corporate culture. Unlocking this capital, he notes, will require renewed confidence, stronger partnerships, and a shift from risk avoidance to opportunity-led investment.

In the high-stakes world of finance, where precision and performance often overshadow personal wellbeing, mental health is not a luxury, it is a fiduciary duty. Experience within senior finance roles shows that strong support systems, including family, mentors and peer networks, can anchor a leader through intense professional pressure. These structures offer perspective, guidance and connection, ensuring that wellbeing is treated as a strategic imperative rather than an afterthought.

Core banking modernisation is no longer just a tech upgrade, it’s a strategic transformation shaping whether banks stay relevant in a digital, customer-driven era. Deloitte’s Dirk Kotzé says success hinges on clear alignment, disciplined measurement and strong CFO leadership. “Core modernisation is like steering the Titanic, once it’s moving, it’s hard to stop,” he warns.

In this exclusive Q&A, Sage vice-president for medium business, Africa & Middle East, Gerhard Hartman unpacks how AI, automation and real-time data are transforming the CFO’s role from historical reporter to strategic architect. Drawing on Sage’s latest research and success stories from ATKV, Wild Eye and Q4 Fuel, he explains why South African finance leaders are uniquely positioned to lead digital transformation, and what the CFO of 2030 will look like.

Sanlam Investment Management CFO Taskeen Ismail has a refreshingly different take on leadership which benefits her team, her business and the people her industry ultimately serves.

Westfalia Fruit Africa has appointed Bongani Manzi as its new finance director.

Caseware Africa has launched its Cloud IFRS Financial Statements application, a streamlined cloud-based solution that helps finance teams produce more insightful financial reports with greater speed and collaboration.

Massmart has appointed seasoned finance executive Tendani Sikhwivhilu as its new vice-president.

Nominations for the 2026 CFO Awards are officially open. This is your opportunity to honour the finance leaders whose vision, resilience and innovation have helped steer their organisations, and South Africa’s economy, forward over the past year.

The public sector was squarely in the spotlight at the 2025 CFO Awards, with City of Cape Town CFO Kevin Jacoby walking away with the CFO of the Year title – as well as the Compliance & Governance Award.

Workday Champions the changemakers driving agile, insight-led business transformation with their sponsorship of the Strategy Execution category at the 2025 CFO Awards.

Mental health is a critical foundation for effective financial leadership, influencing decision-making, resilience and long-term performance. Prioritising well-being isn’t a soft add-on, it’s an essential part of leading sustainably in high-pressure finance environments.

Championing inclusive, people-centred economic growth, Old Mutual Corporate has sponsored the Transformation & Empowerment Award at the 2025 CFO Awards.

Under the glittering Johannesburg skyline, the country’s top finance leaders gathered in the Polo Room at Sandton’s Inanda Club for the annual CFO Awards – a night of glamour, gratitude and inspiration. From powerful acceptance speeches to Akani Simbine’s moving fireside chat, the event honoured the people and purpose driving South Africa’s financial excellence.

Kevin Jacoby, CFO of the City of Cape Town, has been named South Africa’s CFO of the Year at the 2025 CFO Awards.

Barloworld has announced the appointment of Relebohile Mosaletseng Sehoole Malahleha as its new group finance director, effective 1 December 2025, following the retirement of Nopasika Vuyelwa Lila after a successful six-year tenure.

Etienne Raubenheimer, executive head and CFO of CFO Services at Outsourced CFO, believes the finance function has evolved beyond reporting and compliance. Today’s CFOs, he says, are strategic partners who create meaning, drive growth and help business leaders make better decisions.

The world of modern finance can feel like navigating an unfamiliar city with outdated tools. Taryn Salida, Head of Finance Solution SA for SAP Fioneer painted this vivid picture, recalling the days of paper maps and relying on a Golden Arrow bus schedule – often arriving late and having to make excuses.

“Don’t be like the person pushing a boulder uphill,” KC Rottok Chesaina, Chief IFRS Officer, Financial Minds, cautioned the finance industry at the recent Finance Indaba in Sandton. “Be curious about AI and take time to experiment with the technology in financial reporting.”

Grey Morley used live quizzes and practical examples to remind finance leaders at the recent 2025 Finance Indaba that insight is only powerful when it changes behaviour.

After serving as the company’s CFO for more than two years, Bryan has now been appointed as managing director of Reflex.

A panel of senior finance leaders discussed the challenges women face in reaching executive positions and strategies for success at the recent 2025 Finance Indaba during a session titled Beyond the glass ceiling: Tales from Women CFOs who broke the mould.

CFO Dineo Molefe has joined the group of nominees for the 2025 CFO Awards.

CFO Kagiso Lerutla has joined the group of nominees for the 2025 CFO Awards.

CFO Bongani Ngcongo has joined the group of nominees for the 2025 CFO Awards.

CFO Boipelo Lekubo has joined the group of nominees for the 2025 CFO Awards.

CFO Joy Malete has joined the group of nominees for the 2025 CFO Awards.

Industry experts Ashley Francis and Rob van den Wijngaard unpacked how leaders can transform complexity into clarity by using data as a compass, while keeping people and culture at the centre of digital transformation.

Astral Foods has announced that its CFO, Dries Ferreira, will step down from his role at the end of January 2026 to take up a new opportunity in the industrial sector.

As head of finance at Investec Life, Roxane Leita has spent nearly a decade shaping the finance function from the ground up. Her journey is one of precision, resilience, and innovation, balancing the centuries-old foundations of accounting with the dynamic possibilities of digital transformation.

At the recent 2025 Finance Indaba, DRDGold’s finance leaders revealed how their Workiva modernisation project turned reporting chaos into clarity – saving days of work, enhancing accuracy and turning accountants into strategic business partners.

At a time when shifting US policies continue to unsettle global markets, finance leaders discussed the effects of the US policy storm at the recent 2025 Finance Indaba during a session titled Playing the Trump card: How local businesses can navigate.

Three of South Africa’s leading CFOs shared what it truly means to balance leadership, life, liquidity and the relentless expectations of stakeholders at the recent 2025 Finance Indaba. Zaf Mahomed, CFO at Oceana Group, Riaan Davel CFO at DRDGold and Anbann Chetti, CFO at African Bank.

Regional vice president for Africa at AICPA & CIMA, Tariro Mutizwa, led a session at the 2025 Finance Indaba that challenged finance professionals to rethink what it truly means to be a business partner.

Barloworld has announced that group finance director Nopasika Lila will retire on 30 November 2025, following a successful tenure that began in 2019.

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) CFO Innocent Gumbochuma shares how trust, governance and human insight are anchoring the organisation’s digital transformation journey. As finance leaders embrace AI and blockchain, he emphasised that “trust is our currency in finance” and that technology must enhance, not replace, the human element.

Successful technology projects in finance start with a clear vision and strong alignment between strategy, technology and data, said Stefan van Heerden, CFO of Microsoft, at the recent 2025 Finance Indaba. He and fellow panellists Morne van Tonder of Pragma and Jofi Alexander of Anaplan agreed that success depends on a solid business case, scalable platforms, AI-driven agility and empowering people to embrace transformation.

As organisations grapple with mounting reporting demands, AI offers efficiency gains, but only when implemented with robust governance frameworks

As digital transformation reshapes retail, cash still plays a vital role in store operations. For CFOs, the challenge is managing this complexity efficiently. Modern cash automation solutions, ranging from smart safes to front-office recyclers, offer a holistic way to streamline cash handling, minimise risk and improve financial visibility.

Experienced finance leader Zakariya Alli has been appointed as the new chief financial officer of Nexia SAB&T.

Finance leaders gathered at the 2025 Finance Indaba for ACCA and McGerald’s Entrepreneurship Centre session to explore how the CFO role is transforming into that of a CVO, with a focus on purpose, sustainability and strategic value creation.

Sage regional vice president for medium business in Africa and the Middle East, Gerhard Hartman, led a lively session at the 2025 Finance Indaba where he urged finance leaders to view technology not as a threat, but as a tool for reinvention.

Newly appointed Planet42 CEO, Marc Alvey, is on a mission to make mobility more accessible through disciplined capital allocation, team empowerment and a people-focused leadership style. Marc was appointed as CEO of Planet42 as of 1 September, 2024.

At the 2025 Finance Indaba, Mercedes-Benz CFO Taryn Woodbridge shared how empowering finance teams to experiment with artificial intelligence (AI) tools, without waiting for IT, sparked a cultural shift, reduced fear of digitalisation and boosted efficiency across the organisation.

At a time when AI dominates headlines, the question of whether it is truly a business imperative, or whether organisations are simply chasing the next technological buzz, arose during a panel session at the 2025 Finance Indaba.

A session themed Connected planning at the 2025 Finance Indaba highlighted the struggle of endless spreadsheets, disconnected teams and the constant scramble to align numbers across departments that finance leaders face.

Modern finance leaders need to concentrate less on spreadsheets and more on the people who make up their team – and themselves.

Whether acquiring physical assets, consultancy firms, or building in-house solutions, return on investment remains the critical measure of success.

At the 2025 Finance Indaba, Acumatica’s regional head Bernard Ford delivered a thought-provoking session on how artificial intelligence is reshaping business at lightning speed, and why CFOs must act now to harness its power rather than fear it.

Analytix Engine CEO Pravin Burra led a session at the 2025 Finance Indaba where he invited the audience to think of revenue assurance as a science.

At the 2025 Finance Indaba, finance executives from iOCO revealed that they are making progress and rebuilding trust, as part of their turnaround strategy, following a particularly challenging period.

At the 2025 Finance Indaba, senior finance leaders shared their insights on how to build agile, innovative teams that embrace change. From hiring for emotional intelligence to fostering psychological safety and modernising systems, CFOs unpacked what it truly takes to future-proof the finance function.

During the session themed Beyond compliance: The strategic value of B-BBEE, Jodi Joseph, CEO of BEE123, engaged the audience at the fully packed 2025 Finance Indaba in a live poll to gauge their perceptions of B-BBEE, asking attendees to share the first word that came to mind when they heard the word B-BBEE.

Mike Davis, group CFO at Nedbank, delivered the keynote address at the 2025 Finance Indaba, where he reflected on how resilience remains essential to the future of finance.

SAP Fioneer joins the 2025 Finance Indaba as a Platinum partner, leading the next generation of financial services through open, technology-powered innovation designed to create a resilient and connected ecosystem.

After playing a pivotal role in scaling and strengthening fintech company e4 through a period of significant growth as its CFO, Adri Führi decided to take a break. Now, the finance leader is back – in a new role and with renewed vigor.

As a Silver partner of the 2025 Finance Indaba, SynergERP helps organisations achieve operational excellence through intelligent business management solutions that streamline processes and enhance financial visibility.

Bastion, in partnership with Workiva, joins the 2025 Finance Indaba as a Platinum partner, transforming stakeholder communication through integrated reporting and award-winning design that builds trust and transparency across audiences.

Anchor Capital joins the 2025 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, offering agile and personalised wealth management solutions that combine global expertise with deep local insight to drive long-term investment success.

Page Automation joins the 2025 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, empowering South African businesses with advanced systems integration and automation solutions that drive efficiency and performance.

Fasken joins the 2025 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, delivering forward-thinking legal and commercial solutions that help businesses navigate complex regulatory landscapes with creativity and confidence.

Khumalo Xaba Xulu Auditors (KXX) joins the 2025 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, combining auditing excellence with digital innovation to offer transparent, high-quality financial solutions that build trust and accountability.

SAIPA joins the 2025 Finance Indaba as a Gold partner, continuing its mission to advance South Africa’s accounting profession through transformation, advocacy and continuous professional development for over 10,000 members.

PPS Insurance Company joins the 2025 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, serving South Africa’s graduate professionals with tailored insurance, investment and healthcare products built on a unique mutual profit-sharing model.

TruCloud ERP joins the 2025 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, delivering flexible, cloud-native enterprise solutions that help modern businesses scale efficiently and operate securely in the digital era.

As a Silver partner at the 2025 Finance Indaba, ADP continues to redefine the future of work with innovative, people-centred HR and business solutions backed by more than 75 years of global expertise.

Expeditus, a Gold partner in the 2025 Finance Indaba line-up, is empowering organisations to harness the power of data through world-class business intelligence and analytics that transform information into strategic growth.

Binance joins the 2025 Finance Indaba as a Gold partner, driving the global digital finance revolution through a comprehensive cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem that empowers users to participate in the evolving digital economy.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has announced the appointment of Valdene Reddy as its new group chief executive officer, effective 1 April 2026.

EFT Corporation has appointed seasoned finance leader Adri Führi as its new group chief financial officer, effective immediately.

Hannes Wessels, the general manager of Binance in South Africa believes that as traditional banking and decentralised finance (DeFi) evolve from competitors to collaborators, the opportunity to build a more inclusive, efficient, and dynamic financial ecosystem has never been greater. He shares why for CFOs and business leaders, the future lies in integration, leveraging the stability of traditional systems with the speed, accessibility and innovation of DeFi to unlock new markets and drive financial inclusion.

Standard Bank Group CFVO Dr Arno Daehnke says African banks must take the lead in mobilising capital for the continent’s infrastructure and climate transition, while also fostering strong internal cultures built on psychological safety.

Putprop has appointed Alicia Nolte as its new executive director and financial director, effective 1 January 2026, succeeding James Smith who is retiring.

NTT Data has appointed Jafar Kuruniyan as chief financial officer for its Middle East and Africa (MEA) operations.

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has unveiled a redesigned Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) syllabus to equip finance professionals with the skills needed for a fast-changing, technology-driven and sustainability-focused economy. The overhaul reflects shifting global labour trends, the growing impact of AI and the urgent need for strategic, analytical and human-centred finance leadership.

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

ShareForce has joined the Finance Indaba as a Gold partner, showcasing its innovative incentive plan technology and global reach as part of the VAT IT Group, the world’s largest RegTech organisation.

Signature Business Solutions has signed on as a Silver partner for the Finance Indaba, bringing its proven expertise in bridging the gap between business and technology through software, advisory, and tailored services.

Decision Inc. has joined with the Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, leveraging its expertise in technology and business transformation to help organisations drive innovation and deliver meaningful change.

Cloud-based ERP leader Acumatica has joined the Finance Indaba as a Platinum partner, showcasing its scalable business management solutions designed to help companies streamline operations and gain real-time insights.

Gripp Advisory, a specialist in governance, risk, and internal control solutions, has partnered with the Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, bringing its tailored business advisory expertise to Africa’s largest finance event.

CFOs Lerena Olivier of Pick n Pay and Sayurie Naidoo of Valterra Platinum share how automation and AI are transforming finance from transaction-driven to insight-led, with technology reshaping not only processes, but also culture and strategy.

From her childhood in Lenasia shaped by a stay-at-home father and a determined mother, to steering financial turnarounds in the public sector, and now holding the CFO seat at the Market Theatre Foundation, Devi Padayachee’s career has been defined by resilience, diversity of experience and a deep belief in empowering others.

SimplePay has joined the 2025 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, bringing its commitment to simplifying payroll and reducing administrative burdens to Africa’s largest gathering of finance professionals.

Following the merger between Canal+ and Multichoice Group, Nicolas Dandoy has been appointed chief financial officer, succeeding Timothy Jacobs.