Author: Caylynne Fourie

CFOs captivated by Nhlanhla Nene’s keynote at Finance Indaba Conversations launch

Former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene urged finance and government to work together.

Air Liquide CFO Taki Nkhumelani takes up European role

Air Liquide CFO Taki Nkhumeleni goes to Paris as the Europe LIM Program Director.

Global logistics property trends continue to reflect in Equites results, says CFO Laila Razack

The property fund has seen strong results from the attractive development pipeline of logistics properties.

Altron sells People Solutions business to focus on Altron 2.0 strategy, says Nicholas Bofilatos

The group CFO explains that Altron People Solutions doesn’t fit in the Altron 2.0 strategy of being capital light.

CFO Community Conversation reveals how CFOs can evaluate the ROI of enterprise software

Quantimetrics’s Bram Meyerson explains how CFOs can see the value for money when investing in software.

Prudent financial management pays off for Growthpoint, says CFO Francois Schindehütte

Francois explains that a strong balance sheet and liquidity demonstrates the sustainability of Growthpoint.

Nico Esterhuizen and David Brown explain how JAM South Africa had to step up during crises

The JAM CFO and country director unpack the NGO’s efforts to help South Africans in tough times.

Alaris Group’s customer-centricity pays off, says CFO Elsie Müller

The technology holding group has reported a HEPS increase of 50 percent.

RMI Holdings CEO and FD Herman Bosman says restructuring marks a significant milestone

The group plans to unbundle its Discovery and Momentum Metropolitan assets, along with a rights issue.

Bongi Ngoma looking forward to her new role as head of audit at AGSA

CFO Bongi Ngoma was promoted to head of audit at the Auditor-General of South Africa in June.

Stadio sees increased demand for higher education says CFO Samara Totaram

The group has reported an 11 percent increase in first semester students to for the six months ended 30 June.

Landi van Staden decided to remodel the CFO role during Covid-19

As the CFO of Cape Union Mart, Landi took the opportunity to mould the role to be more people-centric.

OneStream Software looking to new geographies for growth, says CFO Bill Koefoed

OneStream, which has seen massive success in its current geographies, is looking to expand into new geographies.

Sun International sees “credible results” as lockdowns ease, says CFO Norman Basthdaw

The hospitality company has seen significant improvements following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

CFO Ridwan Gany shares his lessons for making a strong entrance

The Petrocam CFO unpacks his experience of expanding into markets with dominant incumbents.

CFO Casper Troskie accredits Old Mutual results to “combination of right solution sets”

The group’s diverse business model enabled Old Mutual to deliver a solid set of half-year results.

CFO Community Conversation reveals what the future of aviation looks like

SAA’s Fikile Mhlontlo and Lanseria’s Mpolaheng Mohlopi unpack what the future of the aviation industry will look like.

Webinar proposes new mantra for finance: Connect, navigate, mediate and build resilience

PwC’s Grant Searle and Workday’s Zuko Mdwaba explore the six topics shaping CFOs’ agendas.

Group FD Arno Daehnke pleased with Standard Bank’s growth

Standard Bank Group has seen positive recovery in its financial results for the first half of 2021.

Visionary Woman Leader Inge Mulder paving the way for women

As the only female executive at SANRAL, Inge is passionate about empowering the women around her.

Tongaat Hulett CFO Rob Aitken unpacks climbing mountains “one step at a time”

Rob unpacked his journey over the past two years during a CFO Community Conversation.

Webinar reveals that digital transformation is an inclusive metamorphosis

Human-centric digital transformation elevates humans by helping them reclaim time to do strategic work.

Visionary Woman Leader Abigail Mukhuba taking on a whole new world

With a new job in a new industry and a new baby, Abigail has spent the last 18 months relearning.

What has been keeping CFO Bradley Wentzel up at night

Brad explains that, during the hard lockdown, he had to replan Douglasdale Dairy’s strategy daily.

Webinar reveals that digital transformation and support structures improves diversity

Leading women in finance and technology reveal that inclusion starts long before women enter the workforce.

Women’s Event reveals that women need to keep resetting boundaries

CFOs share how they have had to reset their boundaries since working from home.

Visionary Woman Leader: Zoliswa Mashinini isn’t just the CFO of G4S South Africa, but dons various different hats

Zoliswa has had to wear sales, risk and operation leadership hats throughout her career at G4S South Africa.

Nicholas Bofilatos ready to take Altron forward as its new CFO

Nicholas has played a key role in developing the new Altron 2.0 business strategy and is ready to take it even further.

Jodi Joseph, pivoting with style

Jodi Joseph, divisional executive at CaseWare Africa, Adapt IT, says women have the ability to set their own trajectory.

Vodacom Group CFO Raisibe Morathi shares what has been keeping her up at night

Digitisation and the Covid-19 pandemic are only some of the challenges Raisibe has faced this last year.

CFO Craig Miller proud of Amplats’s record contribution to South Africa

The group has spent R39.2 billion on its stakeholders and economic contributions for South Africa.

Distell proves its resilience despite alcohol bans and civil unrest, says CFO Lucas Verwey

Not only does the group expect revenue growth, its debt levels have also improved beyond pre-Covid-19 levels.

Tencent CFO Tramayne Monaghan introduces Telkom Music Powered by JOOX

The new music streaming app comes at a time when the cost of data “pinches hard”, says Tramayne.

Don’t underestimate the resilience and dedication of South Africans, says CFO Mark Gounder

Mark says the support Hulamin has received to resume operations is an example of the country’s resilience.

CFO Reeza Isaacs unpacks Woolworths’ new digital approach

Reeza believes that Woolworths’ investment into online services has pointed the business in a new direction.

Sage’s Jordaan Burger: Businesses to play a critical role in rebuilding South Africa

The Sage EMEA VP says South Africans can deal with adversity and will bounce back.

TFG on the road to recovery after civil unrest, says CFO Bongiwe Ntuli

Bongiwe says that TFG will start to rebuild and restock their stores that were affected by the recent civil unrest.

CFO Mark Stirton encourages South Africans to build a better tomorrow

Mark says that South Africans should work together during this time of civil unrest.

Sappi FD Pramy Moodley says despite disastrous state of affairs, there is hope

Sappi Southern Africa has suspended several of its operations due to the civil unrest across South Africa.

CFO and CHRO Community Conversation explores mental health during times of unrest

Dr Chris van Straten and Dr Stavros Nicolaou highlight the impact of Covid-19 and the civil unrest on mental health.

CFO Reeza Isaacs says Woolworths expresses sadness over civil unrest in South Africa

Eleven Woolworths stores have been looted and severely damaged in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, Reeza says.

CFO Kim McFarland shares Ninety One’s journey to a net zero emissions goal

Ninety One has an obligation to help curtail disruptive climate change and ensure sustainability, says Kim.

Tongaat Hulett CFO Rob Aitken: Refinancing debt facilities was critical to release a clean audit

Rob explains that it took extraordinary effort from the finance teams to refinance the debt facilities.

Podcast reveals that CFOs can identify opportunities and risks using cloud-based technologies

Sage’s Gerhard Hartman and AWCape’s Jeff Ryan explore the benefits of using cloud-based technologies.

Simon Adams and Brad Wentzel reveal how they learned to be flexible during lockdown

Simon and Brad explained what it took to shut down operations or to operate as an essential service.

CFO André du Plessis reveals that Capitec’s success is its client-centricity

CFO Community Conversation participants heard about the benefits of a client-centric business model.

CFO Yolande van Biljon says SABC’s profitability illustrates the potential for financial self-sustainability

The embattled broadcaster reported a monthly profit for April 2021 for the first time in five years.

CFO André du Plessis shares how Capitec took care of its clients during Covid-19

Capitec made sure to understand the impact of Covid-19 on its clients, and to act accordingly.

CFO Nick Thomson says Reunert continues to have a strong, un-geared balance sheet

Reunert has reported a significant recovery of its results due to its electrical engineering segment.

CFO Masibulele Dem says there is scope for improvement in Hulisani results

Masibulele explains that, while they continue to reduce costs, there is room for higher reductions.

Astral Foods reports an increase in revenue, despite the challenges of the last year

CFO Daan Ferreira says that Astral’s results were largely affected by increased feed costs.

CEO Mpho Mookapele uses her youth to lead the EWSETA

Mpho explains how she was recognised as a leader for EWSETA, despite her youth.

AEEI’s crisis management softened impact of Covid-19, says CFO Jowayne van Wyk

Jowayne says that cost and margin management minimised a more acute negative set of interim results.

CFO Kim McFarland says Ninety One kept focus despite the challenges of Covid-19

Ninety One saw positive results when asset prices recovered after the impact of Covid-19.

CFO Craig Miller charting a course at sea and in business

Craig has had to weather storms as he navigated Covid-19 and got his skippers license in 2020.

Mediclinic in a strong position despite Covid-19 impact, says CFO Jurgens Myburgh

The implementation of various liquidity preservation measures has left Mediclinic in a strong position.

Nopasika Lila says Barloworld’s recent acquisitions have started to pay off

Barloworld saw a 6.5 percent revenue increase, partially due to its two new acquisitions in 2020.

Rhett Finch credits his early success to his team at King Price Insurance

Rhett shares how he fast-forwarded his career from King Price’s CFO to deputy-CEO before the age of 40.

CFO Waldi Joubert unpacks Calgro M3’s return to profitability after three challenging years

The group’s gross profit margin has recovered to 12.3 percent as a result of its new strategy aimed at sustainability.

CFO Ntobeko Nyawo says Redefine will focus on liquidity

Ntobeko says Redefine is in a strong position to benefit from future growth in the property sector.

Dineo Molefe says that CFOs need to intentionally invest in their futures during podcast

As the world of work changes, CFOs need to rethink their skills and the talent that they bring into business.

Sam Hopwood: CFOs are playing the same game, but the pitch has changed

The Mars South Africa CFO believes that CFOs need to be much more agile in the new world of work.

CFO Innocent Gumbochuma’s restaurant shifts his focus away from finance

Innocent says running a restaurant is a completely different occupation from finance and lets him be creative.

CFO Glen Pearce: Weathering Covid-19 with a new strategy and strong team

The Sappi CFO and his team introduced a new strategy that steered the company through the Covid-19 crisis.

Kobus Gertenbach shares his vision for Premier FMCG as its new CEO

Premier FMCG has appointed its group CFO Kobus Gertenbach as its new CEO.

Jen McDonald making the digital transformation case at Deloitte Africa

Jen explains some of the benefits of going on a digital transformation journey to transform the finance function.

KPMG SA partners with ABASA to provide market exposure to smaller black-owned firms

KPMG South Africa is the first, and only, big auditing firm to enter into an agreement like this.

eThekwini CFO Krish Kumar set to retire after 40 years of service

Krish says he leaves on a high, with the eThekwini Municipality's finances doing better than ever.

Fundrr CFO Jarred Noche doesn’t want to be just another small fish

Jarred knew from a young age that he wanted to be an entrepreneur instead of a cog in the machine.

Government approves appointment of Nomkhita Mona as SAPO CEO

Along with SAPO, the Passenger Rail Agency South Africa will also be getting a new CEO.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going

FEM CFO Yusuf Bodiat has faced many challenges in his career, but kept going despite being knocked down.

South Africa heightens focus on promises vs delivery after SONA

The State of the Nation Address reveals plans for economic growth and recovery.

Travers Cape is ready for the next step in his career as CFO of Nu-World

Nu-World Industries has appointed Travers Cape as its new CFO and interim company secretary.

Netstar launches online telematics training hub for finance and insurance professionals

New CPD programme allows financial services providers to complete online training courses.

Glen Pearce most proud of Sappi’s ability to respond to challenging environment

Sappi’s profitability in all reporting segments exceeded expectations in the FY2021 first quarter.

The impact of Covid-19 on financial reporting (Part 1)

SoluGrowth unpacks how your business’s accounting is likely to be affected by Covid-19.

Pieter de Wit urges people to focus on the positive

The Afrimat CFO says that the biggest lesson from 2020 was that the business environment keeps changing.

JAM CFO Nico Esterhuizen gets married during Covid-19 lockdown

On 6 December 2020, Nico took the opportunity of eased lockdown restrictions to get married.

Technology, part of the CFO’s DNA, says Dumisani Dlamini

Dumisani says that technology has become an integral part of his role as the CFO of SANParks.

Discovery Health’s Brett Tromp hopes to have an impact in 2021

The CFO looks forward to giving people hope again and making others see the value of their health.

This year’s first CFO Community Conversation affirms “local is lekker” for SA business

TFG CFO Bongiwe Ntuli shared how the company has put their employees first, even during Covid-19.

The 21st century “big picture” for CFOs seeking to nurture strategic value

Professor Peter Goss unpacks the call for CFOs to adopt a strategic financial governance outlook.

2020 taught CFO Lerena Olivier that teamwork really is everything

The Pick n Pay CFO urges people to use the teamwork of 2020 to take on 2021.

Tiffany Boesch: Ask and you shall receive

Tiffany has gone through life chasing new opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to her.

Waldi Joubert looks forward to seeing people thrive again in 2021

The Calgro M3 CFO encourages leadership to support those on their journey back to ‘normality’.

DTIC CFO Shabeer Khan welcomes the digital world

As an accounting professional, Shabeer quickly realised the value that technology brings to businesses.

Capitec CFO Andre du Plessis loves and embraces technology

Andre has gone completely paperless, replacing documents and books with his iPad.

Demand for corporate contingency planning heats up

The past few months have brought the importance of corporate contingency planning into sharp focus.

Meroonisha Kerber stresses the importance of being community-minded

The Implats CFO urges people to lend a helping hand to the most vulnerable people in our society.

A look back at the role of technology in finance

CFOs share their top tips on how to innovate, and be more effective and competitive.

It’s not all work – there’s some play too

CFOs share how they spend time away from the office, indulging some of their other passions.

2020’s Community Conversations gave CFOs a space to learn and share

We look back at the value that finance professionals found in gathering online to share and discuss challenges.

Internal auditing in the spotlight

The new CEO of the IIA SA believes the time is right to elevate the role of the internal auditor.

Discovery Bank appoints Hylton Kallner as new CEO

Hylton Kallner has been appointed as the new CEO of Discovery Bank, taking over from Barry Hore.

MC Mining acting CEO Brenda Berlin resigns

Brenda Berlin has resigned as the acting CEO and executive director of MC Mining.

Impala Platinum CFO Meroonisha Kerber takes on role of debt officer

Meroonisha Kerber will serve as Implats’ debt officer along with her role as the company’s CFO.

Ntobeko Nyawo to step in as Redefine Properties CFO

Ntobeko Nyawo will be taking over as Redefine’s CFO from Leon Kok, who will become the COO.

Webinar reveals that automation has made way for upskilling employees

SoluGrowth CFO Francois Burger: People who’ve been replaced by automation are moving up the ladder.

Pepkor chair Jayendra Naidoo to step down

Pepkor Holdings chair Jayendra Naidoo stepping down at the end of his term on 30 November.

Cheques to be discontinued in South Africa

Cheques will no longer be used in the South African national payment system.

Astral Foods reports strong revenue despite Covid-19 impact on selling prices

CFO Daan Ferreira says that while selling prices increased, it wasn’t enough to cover operating costs.

Ninety One maintains earnings and declares dividend despite challenging conditions

CFO Kim McFarland says the half-year ended 30 September was a period of intense client activity.

Public sector CFOs offer their respects to the deceased Auditor-General

CFOs who worked with Kimi Makwetu in the public sector share their memories of the Auditor-General.

Should you let things slide or demand respect in the workplace?

CA Irene Chikobvu explains that you need to balance your reactions to conflicts in the workplace.

Old Mutual appoints Olufunke Ighodaro as independent non-executive director

Former Tiger Brands CFO Funke Ighodaro will serve on Old Mutual’s audit, actuarial and risk committees.

Fruits of Eskom cost savings will only materialise after 2021

CFO Calib Cassim describes these savings as critical, particularly in light of Covid-19’s impact on Eskom.

Finance Indaba leaderboard winners grateful for win in an extremely challenging year

Nico Pretorius, Phindile Majikijela and Marizane Meyer are delighted by the challenge outcome.

You need the right combination of qualifications, experience and ambition to become a CFO

Unilever’s Mikateko Tshetshe shares her learning journey to the top during Finance Indaba Network.

Mazars rebrands to celebrate balanced growth and successful expansion

The company’s rebrand helps present Mazars more consistently across the globe, say co-CEOs.

Transcend Residential Property Fund appoints CFO Myles Kritzinger as new CEO

Myles will be taking over from Solly Mboweni, who has stepped down as CEO to fulfil another role.

PPC hopeful for recovery of cement industry in South Africa

PPC has reported a group revenue decline of two percent following a challenging financial year.

SAVCA appoints Natalie Kolbe and Sthembile Nkabinde as board directors

JSE CFO Aarti Takoordeen talks people-friendly policies

CFOs share how their people-friendly policies, like parental leave, have changed from traditional policies.

TreasuryONE Automation and Automation Anywhere join the Finance Indaba Network

TreasuryONE Automation and Automation Anywhere have signed up together as a Gold Partner.

Finance in the family (Part 6): Three generations of accountants

Both Glenn and Lauren Fullerton were influenced by Glenn’s father to pursue a career in finance.

The Supreme Court of Appeal rules in favour of Altron over telecoms tender

Technology group Altron wins court ruling against Tshwane over multi-billion rand contract.

Capitec Bank sees recovery in the second quarter results, ending August

Capitec’s operating profits and headline earnings were heavily impacted by Covid-19 in the first quarter.

Finance in the family (Part 5): The Ntshiza squad

Thobeka and Zamani Ntshiza started their relationship over the phone. Now they have five children.

Harmony Gold FD Boipelo Lekubo lets no opportunity go to waste

Boipelo has a vision for improving the mining sector in South Africa through life-saving technology.

Finance in the family (Part 4): The Sappi Southern Africa CFO and the tax lecturer

Pramy and Kreesan Moodley graduated the same year at the same university, but only met years later.