Latest Articles

Your source for the latest news, expert insights and interviews.

Fathima Ebrahim’s purpose-driven rise to CFO of Rompco

Fathima Ebrahim, CFO of Rompco, charted her own path to success through grit, mentorship, and unwavering determination. She plays a strategic leadership role in one of Southern Africa’s most vital energy infrastructure projects – helping shape the region’s economic future through sustainable gas transmission.

Finance leaders step up to mentor the next generation

BP CFO Michelle Isaacs, Bidvest Protea Coin CFO Helen Yiga and Ashburton Investments CFO Meghna Ravjee are among a growing number of CFOs who believe supporting young professionals through mentorships is becoming a leadership priority.

CFO Anusha Ramraj reflects on lessons learnt in the BPO industry

CCI South Africa CFO Anusha Ramraj offers practical advice for women building careers in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. From embracing unexpected opportunities to advocating for others, she shares insights on growth, mentorship and representation in leadership.

People are a CFO’s strategic advantage

Jane Waters and Tracey Rowe, co-founders of fractional HR services company 52.com, explain why business is not just about the numbers for CFOs – it’s about unlocking the value of people.

SPARK Schools CFO Brad Wentzel sheds light on restomod, rebuilding and rebranding

In the workshop and in the workplace, rebuilding isn’t just about parts or performance, it’s about identity. Brad Wentzel, finance chief of SPARK Schools, draws parallels between restoring a motorcycle and reimagining a personal brand, offering reflections on craft, authenticity and the power of intentional reinvention.

Nedbank CFO Mike Davis champions strategy and sustainability

Nedbank CFO Mike Davis’s passion for his role is evident in his numerous achievements, including being crowned CFO of the Year at the 2024 CFO Awards – as well as awards for Compliance and Governance, and Strategy and Execution. It underscores Mike’s exceptional leadership and contributions to Nedbank’s success.

Yellow Card powers cross-border payments across 20 African markets

Yellow Card helps companies to move money that otherwise may be waiting in a queue for an extended period of time – and holding up capital is no businesses’ preference. CFO South Africa spoke to Mika Thompson, the company’s vice president of finance, about its operations in some of the most challenging markets globally.

Lessons in culture, EQ and collaboration from a CFO’s journey

Transitioning from professional services into a corporate CFO role reveals that technical expertise is only part of the equation. True success lies in emotional intelligence, collaborative leadership and a deep understanding of organisational culture.

CFOs need to act decisively when navigating global market volatility

Global markets are now driven more by political shifts than economic fundamentals, says Rico Ernst, CEO of Aurora Capital SA. With US president Donald Trump’s return reshaping trade dynamics, Rico believes CFOs must move beyond traditional models and manage risk through geopolitical awareness, liquidity planning and diversified portfolios.

CFO Day: Finance leaders delve into leading decisively in a volatile world

Peter Armitage, CEO at Anchor Capital, Tarryn Sankar, head of credit and investment research at Stanlib, and Christiaan Coetzee, national placement leader at Marsh, share how, while it can feel impossible to predict the future, CFOs can lead decisively by finding opportunity in risk.

CFO Riaan Davel sees ESG as central to DRDGold’s purpose

As the CFO of DRDGold, Riaan Davel’s mission is to help roll back the environmental legacy of mining. For the 2024 CFO Finance & ESG Award winner it’s not about how quickly the mining giant can make money, but about how long they can mine - without compromising the environment.

2025 CFO Day: Leading through crisis, complexity and change

CFOs Risto Ketola and Ashona Kooblall share how bold decisions, transparency and emotional intelligence helped their organisations recover from crisis. Talking at CFO Day at the Marriott in Melrose Arch, both stressed that today’s CFO must drive value, while leading with empathy and clarity.

2025 CFO Day: Transforming finance and embracing change

Top financial leaders from across South Africa gathered at this year’s CFO Day, a high-impact event focused on the evolving role of CFOs in business transformation, AI integration and strategic leadership. From candid panel discussions to collaborative group sessions, the day explored how finance leaders are driving value through communication, innovation and reinvention.

Caseware Africa joins 2025 Finance Indaba as Gold partner

Caseware Africa – a division of AdaptIT – has stepped into the spotlight as a Gold Partner at the Finance Indaba Network, bringing cutting-edge software solutions and decades of expertise to Africa’s biggest finance stage.

CFO Luke Woodford’s African journey – from bank teller to FirstRand finance chief

Luke Woodford’s journey from part-time bank teller to CFO of FirstRand’s Broader Africa division is a story of purpose, grit and growth. Rooted in Johannesburg with early exposure to banking at FNB’s Cresta branch, his career has taken him across the continent – from Tanzania to Botswana – all while fuelling a lifelong commitment to financial inclusion.

Sandvik CFO Nerissa Jalim sheds light on ESG innovation

Sandvik CFO Nerissa Jalim outlined her approach to sustainability in the mining sector at the Treasury Leadership Forum held in Johannesburg recently. She spoke of initiatives like green steel procurement, carbide recycling, and energy-efficient engineering solutions as part of the company’s broader ESG strategy to support cleaner, safer and more efficient mining operations.

Tania Daniels joins Genasys as CFO

The newly-appointed finance leader has a range of experience across small- and medium enterprises as well as non-profits and listed companies.

Staying ahead of transfer pricing: Key trends CFOs need to know

The transfer pricing environment in South Africa is changing rapidly, influenced by global regulatory changes, economic challenges and advancements in technology. And CFOs have a role to play in keeping their companies ahead of these shifts, ensuring compliance and effective risk mitigation.

Finance leaders look to the new generation at CFO summit

The voice of the younger generation was heard loud and clear at a recent CFO South Africa summit, held in the Mother City. JobJack's Zanli Botes and Oceana's Shaista Hendricks revealed how they believe finance leaders should build future-ready businesses for their employees.

Mitigating the escalating threat of fraud

Fraud incidents are rising worldwide. In Southern Africa, the Fraud Prevention Service reported a 32 percent increase in fraud cases for 2024. However, advanced software solutions can effectively combat this growing threat, enhancing profitability and supporting operational growth by streamlining processes to help companies bring products to market faster.

Support is key for CFO Taryn Woodbridge

Taryn Woodbridge, CFO at Mercedes-Benz South Africa, credits much of her success to having plenty of support and a willingness to grab opportunities.

2025 CFO South Africa summit: CFOs to look beyond the numbers

The Cape Town leg of the 2025 CFO South Africa summit will bring together some of the brightest finance minds in the country to delve into navigating the complexities of modern business, fostering collaboration and leading with agility in a rapidly changing business climate.

Failing forward fast: From flattered to flattened

I’ve had 10 years in the CFO seat and now after a short two-year hiatus, I am rejoining the CFO community. As I have been preparing to return, I have reflected on some of the challenges and experiences that led me to where I am today, and I am excited to share ways in which to fail forward fast.

CFO Brad Wentzel believes in a single focus

CFO South Africa spoke to Brad Wentzel, CFO of SPARK schools, about how the loss of a beloved pet led to some introspection on how stepping up as an executive may not always be possible, and how being vulnerable can also cultivate trust.

CFO Kush Padia’s life-long passion for numbers no short-term feat

Santam Re & International’s newly appointed CFO Kush Padia is racking up a number of career milestones - from being the first CA in his family to reaching his goal of becoming a CFO just shy of turning 31. Now he is focused on making his mark at the globally recognised reinsurer.

CFO Dinner: Adopting growth strategies in volatile times

An engaging group of leading CFOs got together at a CFO Dinner, where they debated issues of growth and sustainability amid geopolitical uncertainty, and how to deal with a new generation of finance professionals.

CFO Riaan Davel is mining for environmental gold

DRDGOLD’s head of finance Riaan Davel believes where there is mine waste, there is an opportunity for environmental rehabilitation. For the oldest mining company listed on the JSE, it’s about encouraging mining companies around the world to be more sustainable.

CFO South Africa’s cross-border payments webinar: nightmare or seamless UX?

In a recent CFO South Africa webinar, Cornelius Coetzee, country manager of South Africa at Verto, a global financial technology firm, and Yusuf Bodiat, the head of finance and investment for African Risk Capacity, discussed the challenges and opportunities of fintech solutions for cross-border payments in Africa

Mr Price’s Praneel Nundkumar explains the rise of the commercial CFO

Praneel Nundkumar, group CFO for Mr Price, is a results-oriented finance leader who champions a ‘commercial CFO’ approach. He believes that finance leaders must transcend traditional roles and actively partner with CEOs to drive strategic business outcomes.

The evolution of the CFO to CEO

Phryne Williams, founder and director of Capital Assignments explains why CFOs are an alluring and strategic choice for the role of CEO.

 

Top