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.
Zodwa Mbele is a chartered accountant (SA) and seasoned finance executive who serves as chief financial officer and executive director at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). Before her appointment as CFO, she spent a year as DBSA’s general bank manager. She previously served as CFO and executive director of Alexkor SOC.
Mbele is a qualified CA(SA) and has completed the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School.
Dubbed the “Oscars of Finance”, the CFO Awards continues to celebrate leaders who raise the bar for people leadership in South Africa across listed companies, large corporates and government institutions.
The 2026 nominees will be celebrated at a gala event on 26 November, where winners across multiple categories, including the CFO of the Year title, will be announced.












