Ephraim Phando Legoale is not your typical numbers-driven executive. Although he’s absolutely committed to good governance, what sets Ephraim apart is his genuine warmth, his passion for his work, and his moves on the dance floor.
Ephraim Legoale, CFO North West COGTA, says his passion for finance started from an early age. “Ever since high school, when we had to pick our subjects, I was drawn to accounting,” he shares with a smile. “Something about working with figures, making projections, seeing the story behind the numbers – it just clicked with me.”
It felt only natural for Ephraim to pursue a BCom in accounting, auditing, and management after school, followed by a BCom (Hons) in financial management. He completed his studies when he became a fully registered professional accountant with SAIPA (South African Institute for Professional Accountants).
Even as he diligently pursued his academic goals, Ephraim never lost sight of the importance of balance. “Proper planning of activities is key,” he often says. “Getting work done is important, but mental and physical well-being are of utmost importance.”
This philosophy is a common thread throughout Ephraim’s life, both inside and outside of the office. You’ll find him spending his free time at the gym (confessing his love for aerobics), on the volleyball or tennis court, or embracing the joy of traditional dance. These activities aren’t just for fun – they’re a nod to his heritage, a way to stay grounded, and a tangible demonstration of his commitment to a balanced approach. “It’s all about balance, right?” he’ll say with a grin. “You’ve got to make time for the things that bring you joy.”
This dedication to balance isn’t just a personal motto – it’s a cornerstone of Ephraim’s leadership style. Ask him about his approach, and you’ll hear him using words like “"collaboration,” “empowerment,” and “open communication”. “To build a strong team,” he explains, “everyone needs to feel heard, valued, and equipped to contribute their best. That means providing the right training, creating a supportive environment, and celebrating successes together.”
But for Ephraim, great leadership runs deeper than just management tactics. “You are a true leader if you inspire your subordinates and see them grow within their careers. Be selfless, humble, and work hard,” he says.
Ephraim’s career has been marked by opportunities to hone his skills and step up to increasingly complex challenges. One of his early, formative experiences involved leading the annual financial statements (AFS) preparation. “That was eye-opening,” he remembers. “It showed me how important it is to get the numbers right, not just for the sake of it, but for building trust and making sure decisions are based on solid ground.”
Navigating different systems and processes – it felt like hacking through a jungle at times
It was this commitment to accuracy and transparency that stood Ephraim in good stead when he took on the role of CFO at North West COGTA. “Talk about a crash course!” he laughs, recalling his early days at COGTA. “But it has been an incredible learning experience that taught me about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of building strong relationships.”
Navigating the complexities of public sector finance proved to be both demanding and incredibly rewarding. “There’s so much potential within the public sector,” Ephraim says. “Especially in working with national and provincial treasuries, legislatures and audit committees – there’s real opportunity for growth.”
His dedication and innovative approach to leadership have not gone unnoticed. In July 2024, Ephraim was honoured as the Public Sector Leader of the Year at the National Oliver (Nedbank) Top Empowerment Awards. This recognition speaks volumes about his impact and the respect he’s earned within the industry.
One area where Ephraim particularly shines is in his passion for fostering successful public-private partnerships (PPPs). "When you have both sides genuinely invested in a project’s success, magic happens,” he explains. “It becomes about more than just shared resources – it’s about shared vision, shared goals and a shared determination to make a difference.”
He points to a challenging asset management reconciliation project as a prime example. “Navigating different systems and processes – it felt like hacking through a jungle at times,” he laughs. “But seeing that unqualified audit report at the end? Incredibly rewarding!”
That project, fraught with potential pitfalls, highlighted not only Ephraim’s ability to navigate complexity, but his belief in the power of collaboration. “The private sector has a sense of urgency, a laser-like focus on efficiency – there’s so much we can learn from each other,” he notes. “And when you combine that with the public sector’s commitment to serving communities? You can achieve truly remarkable things.”
This collaborative mindset doesn’t overshadow Ephraim’s understanding of the challenges inherent in public-private partnerships. He’s keenly aware of the need for transparency and accountability, particularly when it comes to public funds. “Procurement in the public sector has its own set of rules and for good reason,” he acknowledges. “We ensure transparency and deliver value by adhering strictly to the PFMA, Treasury Regulations, National Treasury instruction notes and, above all, our country’s Constitution. Specifically, Section 217, which mandates fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective procurement.”
We need to break down silos between government departments, foster genuine partnerships across all sectors
At the heart of it all, Ephraim’s drive comes back to a single core principle – making a real difference. “It’s not just about the numbers,” he explains. “It’s about the impact. How can we use the resources at our disposal to uplift communities, support meaningful initiatives and truly change lives? That’s what makes me excited to come to work every day.”
And as for the future? Ephraim’s excitement is contagious. “The role of a CFO is evolving,” he explains, already looking ahead. “We need to think bigger picture, be more commercially minded – anticipating challenges, embracing innovation, and working alongside other leaders to drive sustainable growth.”
He’s particularly enthusiastic about the increasing focus on ESG (environmental, social, governance) principles in finance. “They’re not just boxes to tick. These principles are critical tools. They help us assess sustainability, maximise profit opportunities and achieve real, lasting success.”
His passion for South Africa’s future is equally evident. “We face real challenges, no doubt about it,” he acknowledges. “But I also see incredible potential. The key? Collaboration. We need to break down silos between government departments, foster genuine partnerships across all sectors, and tap into the incredible energy and ingenuity that exist within our communities. That’s how we build a brighter future for every South African.”
For Ephraim, being a CFO is about so much more than balancing the books. It’s about using his platform, his expertise, and his genuine passion for good to build a better tomorrow. And whether he’s carefully considering budgets or losing himself in the rhythm of a traditional dance, one thing is certain – Ephraim finds his rhythm, and his purpose, in making a difference.
