Cell C CFO, El Kope, Bidvest Protea Coin CFO, Helen Yiga and Bonitas Medical Aid CFO, Vurhonga Rikhotso share some heartfelt lessons for young women dreaming of executive finance roles, offering guidance rooted in self-belief, mentorship, resilience and the power of collective progress.
In a business world still striving for gender parity at the highest levels, three accomplished South African chief financial officers reflect on their own growth as women in finance and offer powerful advice to inspire the next generation of female leaders.
Helen Yiga, CFO of Bidvest Protea Coin, believes that confidence and perseverance are key to reaching the top. “Don’t hold yourself back. Believe in yourself, surround yourself with people who also believe in you, your biggest cheerleaders,” she says.
Drawing from an African proverb, Helen likened career growth to “eating an elephant, bite by bite”. She encourages young women to take one step at a time, work hard, ask questions and learn continuously. “Before you know it, you’ll have achieved your goal,” she reflects, recalling how she once found in her old journal a dream she had already fulfilled – becoming a financial director.
For Vurhonga Rikhotso, CFO of Bonitas Medical Aid, embracing discomfort is part of the journey. “Take as many opportunities as you can, even if they’re scary,” she advises. Vurhonga cautions against self-doubt, reminding women that growth often feels uncomfortable.
“If you are no longer uncomfortable, then it means you’re no longer growing,” she adds.
Learning from others
El Kope, CFO of Cell C, shares a deeply personal message to “the young girl sitting somewhere” with big ambitions: “It’s possible”. She stresses the value of learning from others’ experiences rather than solely from one’s own mistakes, urging aspiring leaders to seek guidance from mentors, friends, and family.
“You don’t have to trailblaze mistakes. Use others’ journeys to guide you,” she says.
El also emphasises the importance of delivering results in a healthy, collaborative way – and embracing one’s authentic self. Beyond gender-focused initiatives, she calls for balanced empowerment of both boys and girls, highlighting that partnership between men and women is essential for the next generation of leaders.
“Part of my success has come from brilliant male and female mentors. It’s about bringing as many like-minded people on the journey as possible,” she adds.
