From structuring BEE transactions at Standard Bank to navigating the pressures of global healthcare, Mediclinic Group finance chief and 2025 Finance & Technology Award winner Jurgens Myburgh reflects on a target-setting mindset, leadership, legacy and why a winemaker’s parting words sum up his personal philosophy.

Spear Reit CFO and 2025 Young CFO of the Year Christiaan Barnard became the youngest financial director on the JSE at just 27 – and has spent the years since learning that knowing when to log off is just as important as knowing the numbers.

Kevin Jacoby, CFO of the City of Cape Town and 2025 CFO of the Year, steers an R84-billion budget – and he will tell you, without hesitation, that none of it would be possible without his wife.

From tax collector to FNB Eswatini CFO, ‘fairly chilled guy’ and Kaizer Chiefs supporter Njabulo Dlamini shares how grabbing opportunities has been crucial to his success.

Kim Bartman (KB), Kutula Miyeki (KM) and Saffiya Ismail (SI), EAs to top South African CFOs, reflect on what skills will keep EAs ahead in an AI-powered workplace. They point to AI mastery, data literacy and adaptability, and balancing tech know-how with people skills.

As artificial intelligence continues to transform the modern workplace, Kim Bartman (KB), Kutual Miyeki (KM) and Saffiya Ismail (SI), executive assistants to three of South Africa’s top CFOs are finding themselves at the centre of a profound shift,from task-driven support to strategic partnership.

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.

From the revenue service to conservation and now social justice, Soul City Institute CFO Dr Dumisani Dlamini has found a way to balance finance leadership with being a family man.

Alex Smith, CFO at e4, says innovation is a core priority, and while businesses and CFOs face pressure from a profitability perspective, letting innovation slip could come at a greater risk in the long run.

Oceana CFO Zaf Mahomed believes a holistic approach to employee health is crucial to fostering a healthy and supportive work environment.

Wesgro CFO Sandiso Gcwabe, 2024 winner of the Transformation and Empowerment Award at the CFO Awards, describes himself as principle-driven and is a firm believer that the right organisation with the right leader is key to being a success.

Neethling Prinsloo has joined Patagonia as chief financial and administration officer.

Mike Smits has been appointed as group managing director at payment solutions provider EFT Corporation, stepping out of his role as CFO.

Juliette Da Silva has been appointed as CFO for Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) South Africa.

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.

A key part of Ashona Kooblall’s role as executive director and group financial officer at iOCO is value creation and driving strategy focus.

Michelle Isaacs has been appointed as CFO for BP Southern Africa.

Top finance leaders got together in Cape Town to explore how emotional intelligence, effective communication and visionary leadership are redefining the role of the CFO.

Muneer Ismail will be joining FirstRand as group executive for corporate and enterprise banking.

Seacom has appointed Charl Slabbert as the group CFO.

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

Freddie Meyer has been appointed as CFO for renewable energy company Mulilo.

Nominations for the 2025 CFO Awards continue to pour in. Here’s your chance to showcase the finance executives who have shown impeccable leadership and innovation over the last year.

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.

Capitec CEO and co-founder Gerrie Fourie will step down from his role in July 2025.

Open communication to all stakeholders is key, outgoing CFO: Southern Africa for Godrej Consumer Products Emmah Makomva believes. It is key to everything she does, including the success of the company’s recent ERP changeover.

Riaan Koppeschaar will continue in his role as finance director for Exxaro, following the appointment of seasoned mining executive Ben Magara as CEO, effective 1 April 2025.

Gugulethu was previously the CFO for Sonae Arauco, where she was the finance head for almost three years.

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.

Kenny Fihla has been appointed as chief executive officer and executive director of Absa Group and Absa Bank. His appointment is effective from 17 June, subject to regulatory approval.

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.

Luke Woodford has been appointed as chief financial officer for FirstRand: Broader Africa.

Averen Deonanan has been appointed as the CFO of Smollan.

Yusuf Bodiat, head of finance and investment for African Risk Capacity, shares how committing to regular exercise has helped him build better habits and improve his overall wellbeing.

Johan Snyman has taken on the role of chief financial officer at leading independent diamond mining company Petra Diamonds.

Being an entrepreneur is part of his DNA, says Anchor Capital CEO Peter Armitage, a firm believer in helping people solve problems.

Nominations for the 2025 CFO Awards are now open. Here’s your chance to showcase the finance executives who have shown impeccable leadership and innovation over the last year.

As Men’s Health Month comes to a close, it’s important to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by male executives, particularly CFOs. While often seen as pillars of strength, these individuals may struggle with mental health issues due to the high-pressure nature of their roles.

Some of South Africa’s top CFOs - and their mentees - got together at a CFO Dinner to discuss how older and younger generations of finance leaders can build future-ready businesses for their employees.