Wiets Wiehahn, director of finance at the Studio 88 Group, has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards. He has held his current position since 2011 and previously worked at RMB Commodities and FirstRand Bank, where he completed his articles and qualified as a chartered accountant.

As artificial intelligence, automation and cloud technologies transform the finance function, today’s CFOs are expected to do far more than oversee the numbers. Joy Malete, regional finance director for Africa, Middle East and Asia Emerging at Sage, explains why finance leaders must balance innovation with governance, invest in strong data foundations and embrace technology as a strategic driver of resilience, insight and long-term business growth.

SimplePay has joined the 2026 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, bringing its commitment to simplifying payroll and reducing administrative burdens to Africa’s largest gathering of finance professionals.

Ranen Thakurdin has been appointed group CFO designate of Old Mutual and OMLACSA, succeeding Casper Troskie as group chief financial officer, subject to regulatory approval.

Ayanda Kotobe has joined Aquazania as CFO, after previously serving as finance director at RS South Africa.

After leaving the traditional corporate finance path, Johan Beetge-Rossouw discovered a greater purpose at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. Today, the CFO is using finance not only to ensure sustainability, but to help create opportunities for millions of young South Africans by turning strategy, partnerships and financial discipline into lasting social impact.

Executive Day 2026 brought together South Africa’s leading finance, IT and HR executives to explore how organisations can navigate AI adoption, leadership challenges and accelerating change without losing sight of their people.

Cell C CFO El Kope says leaders must break transformation into practical steps, communicate consistently and remain close to their people to build trust and keep teams moving through change.

Waterfall Chartered Accountants Chambers has secured its Diamond tier place at Africa's biggest Finance conference and expo, marking a first-of-its-kind partnership that brings together independent accounting firms under shared governance, quality and transformation standards.

Dawid Swart has joined legal tech company Afriwise as CFO, bringing experience from senior finance roles across technology and professional services businesses.

Polmed CFO Marinus Pretorius has secured a nomination for the 2026 CFO Awards, recognising his leadership and contribution to the finance function.

Altron Document Solutions brings six decades of expertise in document management, automation and digitisation to the 2026 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner.

Amanda February reflects on her journey from joining Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine-producing estate, in 2007 to becoming CFO, and the importance of financial sustainability, responsible stewardship and people-centred leadership.

As deputy CEO and CFO of Octodec Investments, Riaan Erasmus is redefining what it means to be a modern finance leader. From shaping long-term strategy and transforming the company's property portfolio to embracing technology and developing future talent, he believes today's CFO must be far more than a custodian of the numbers.

Motlalepula Ratlhagane, financial director at Manitou South Africa since 2022, has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, following finance leadership roles at Master Plastics, Astrapak and MultiChoice Africa.

Tevin Govender has taken on the role of regional CFO for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa at Estée Lauder, following almost four years in finance leadership roles at Coca-Cola.

Leading international management consulting firm Oliver Wyman has joined the 2026 Finance Indaba as a Gold partner, bringing its expertise in business transformation, sustainability and climate action to South Africa’s leading finance community.

Bridgestone CFO Mikaeel Tayob challenged leaders to move beyond gender stereotypes, listen to employees’ needs and create workplaces where people can perform at their best.

As FD of Harmony Gold, Boipelo Lekubo believes finance is about far more than delivering numbers. From investing in people and balancing growth with shareholder returns to navigating ESG, AI and one of the world's most capital-intensive industries, she explains why today's finance leaders must create value that extends well beyond the balance sheet.

Seasoned business lead Nonkululeko Gobodo has called on women leaders to embrace their authentic selves, recognise their strengths and use their collective power to create opportunities for the next generation of women in business.

More than 250 women executives gathered in Sandton for the 11th Annual Executive Communities Women’s Dinner, where leaders reflected on authenticity, visibility and the importance of being fully present in the workplace.

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) will join the Finance Indaba as a Gold partner, highlighting its role as an independent channel for taxpayers seeking redress outside of the South African Revenue Service's (Sars) complaint mechanisms.

Ricardo Sardien has been appointed interim group chief executive officer at Old Mutual Botswana. He brings more than 16 years of experience across finance, operations, governance, risk management and strategic leadership to the role.

Away from billion-rand balance sheets and boardroom strategy, Old Mutual CFO Casper Troskie finds perspective at his home on a farm in Paarl, in the kitchen and on mountain bike trails. Those moments of calm, he says, have become essential to leading through an increasingly unpredictable world.

Leading financial software provider IDU will participate as a Silver partner at the 2026 Finance Indaba.

Former Discovery Health Medical Scheme CFO Joy Malete has been appointed regional finance director for Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific at Sage.

From working full-time while studying at night to supporting her family as a young adult and ultimately realising a childhood dream on her own terms, Nafisa Kistan's journey to becoming CFO of Kia South Africa is a testament to perseverance, adaptability and the belief that career success is built through resilience rather than a perfect plan.

Finance leaders gathered in Sandton as leading solution providers had just four minutes to showcase the ideas and technologies shaping the future of finance, from AI-powered automation to tokenisation and treasury innovation.

Tokenisation is rapidly moving from concept to reality, with South Africa helping to write the playbook for its development. According to Ninety One's head of corporates, Quaniet Richards, finance leaders who embrace the technology early could unlock faster settlements, stronger liquidity management and entirely new investment opportunities.

Polani Sokombela, CFO of the Auditor-General of South Africa, has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards in recognition of his leadership and longstanding contribution to the organisation. Having built his career at AGSA over nearly two decades, he has played a key role in strengthening the institution's financial stewardship and strategic direction.

Experienced finance executive Aneshree Naidoo has joined Bowmans as group CFO, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience across professional services, consulting and technology.

Decision Inc. group CFO Joanne Tanner has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards in recognition of her leadership and contribution to the finance profession. She joins a distinguished group of finance executives who will be celebrated at the awards gala on 26 November.

HRTorQue Outsourcing and Sail International have joined the 2026 Finance Indaba as Silver Partners, bringing their expertise in HR, payroll, tax and commercial advisory to Africa's leading finance event. Meet their teams alongside more than 3,000 finance professionals for a day of practical insights, networking and innovative solutions shaping the future of finance.

The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has appointed seasoned finance executive Maureen Manyama as chief financial officer, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience across state-owned entities, financial services and higher education.

The Botswana Gambling Authority has appointed Tshepang Magang as chief financial officer, elevating an experienced finance leader with more than 15 years of expertise in financial management, governance, risk and regulatory compliance.

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.

Sage has joined the lineup for the 2026 Finance Indaba as a Diamond partner, bringing its expertise in technology solutions that empower businesses to thrive.

Finance leaders at the first CFO Namibia Community Conversation agreed that today’s CFOs are expected to be agile strategists, while warning that persistent skills shortages and changing workforce expectations are making the role increasingly demanding.

From failing board exams and losing his mother just before qualifying as a CA(SA), to helping steer Proconics towards growth, CFO Bongani Ngcongo’s journey has been defined by endurance. Whether tackling the Comrades Marathon or difficult boardroom decisions, he believes resilience, integrity and purpose are what carry leaders through the toughest moments.

Eskom CFO Calib Cassim has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, recognising his exceptional leadership, resilience and more than two decades of service at South Africa's power utility, including his tenure as interim CEO during a pivotal period for Eskom.

As a Silver Partner of the 2026 Finance Indaba, SynergERP empowers organisations to achieve financial and operational excellence through intelligent business management solutions that simplify processes, improve efficiency and deliver greater financial visibility.

Chartered accountant Veliswa Rozani joins PPC Africa as executive director and chief financial officer, bringing more than two decades of financial leadership experience across multinational and South African businesses.

From geopolitical tensions and rising costs to the war for talent and the growing influence of AI, finance leaders gathered in Durban to unpack the challenges reshaping the CFO agenda. The discussion revealed how today’s CFO is increasingly expected to be a strategist, people leader and business partner, rather than simply the custodian of the numbers.

After taking the finance helm at Cell C in 2024, El Kope has been recognised among South Africa's leading finance executives with a nomination for the 2026 CFO Awards, celebrating excellence in finance leadership.

ACCA South Africa and McGeralds Entrepreneurship Centre, have joined the 2026 Finance Indaba as Platinum partners.

Discovery Green has appointed renewable energy finance specialist Daniel Zinman as its new chief financial officer, bringing two decades of project finance experience across the sub-Saharan African power sector.

University of Cape Town CFO Vincent Motholo has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, recognising his distinguished contribution to finance leadership, governance and the accounting profession.

Francois van Rooyen will succeed long-serving group CFO Jan Hofmeyr following a transition period, as OUTsurance opts for an internal leadership handover.

From overcoming academic setbacks to leading transformation at one of South Africa’s leading payment businesses, Derick Truscott has built a career defined by resilience and momentum. The Hyphen CFO reflects on early lessons in perseverance, the realities of modern finance leadership, and why growth often comes from staying the course when the road gets tough.

As a Gold partner at the 2026 Finance Indaba, AJM will showcase its specialist expertise in tax consulting and litigation, helping businesses and individuals navigate an increasingly complex tax environment.

Tshiamiso Trust CFO Edzani Muedi has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, recognising her diverse finance leadership experience across major organisations including GE, Sasol and iX Engineers, as well as her continued executive role in the trust and advisory space.

Veteran finance and audit leader Bongi Ngoma has been appointed deputy auditor-general at the Auditor-General of South Africa, bringing more than two decades of experience in finance, governance, auditing and organisational leadership to the role.

The future of work is no longer a distant concept but a reality unfolding today. This was the key message at Workday Horizon South Africa, where business leaders, technology experts and industry professionals gathered to explore how artificial intelligence, data and human potential can be combined to create more agile, productive and resilient organisations.

On Youth Day, leading CFOs and executives reflect on their journeys, offering powerful insights on ambition, resilience and the importance of building an “invisible CV” through consistency, confidence and courage.

Leading financial software provider 1.618 Technologies has signed on as a Gold Partner for the 2026 Finance Indaba, Africa’s premier finance conference.

Andile Dawn Mbatha, chief financial officer of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards. With a strong track record in finance, governance and public-sector leadership, she joins a distinguished group of finance leaders being recognised for their contribution to organisational excellence and people-centred leadership.

Seasoned finance executive and chartered accountant Sumari Coetzee has been appointed CFO of Sanlam Retail Affluent, bringing nearly two decades of experience across the financial services and insurance sectors.

Ombud Council head of finance Devrani Moonsamy has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, recognising her extensive public sector finance leadership across South Africa’s regulatory institutions, including previous senior roles at the Competition Tribunal and Competition Commission.

As a Diamond partner, iOCO Technology Group will showcase how innovative technology solutions are helping finance leaders enhance operational efficiency, strengthen security and accelerate business growth.

Recognised among South Africa’s leading finance executives, RH Bophelo CFO Yondie Metu has secured a nomination for the 2026 CFO Awards, highlighting her impactful leadership, extensive financial expertise and growing influence within the country’s finance sector.

TreasuryOne has joined the 2026 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, bringing its expertise in treasury solutions, market risk consulting and financial technology to one of the country’s leading finance gatherings. The event will bring together more than 3,000 finance professionals, CFOs and industry leaders for a day of networking, insights and innovation.

Woolworths group FD Zaid Manjra has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, recognising his extensive leadership experience across the retail and public sectors.

After more than two decades with the company, including nearly four years as CFO, Taryn Woodbridge reflects on a leadership journey shaped by financial acumen, operational excellence and a deep commitment to people, performance and trust.

South Africa’s leading finance executives gathered for an evening of candid reflection on the invisible pressures shaping modern business, from geopolitics and AI to culture, people and reputation. The conversation revealed a defining truth for today’s CFOs: resilience is no longer optional and adaptability has become the currency of survival.

Speaking at the recent CIO Day in Johannesburg, iOCO Technology Group CFO Ashona Kooblall said organisations must strengthen the strategic partnership between CFOs and CIOs to turn disruption into measurable business value, while managing risk and maintaining flexibility.

Attacq has appointed Peter de Villiers as CFO effective 1 June 2026, following his tenure as interim CFO and years of leadership in shaping the group’s investment strategy and portfolio management.

MyERP will join the 2026 Finance Indaba as a Silver partner, bringing its expertise in enterprise resource planning solutions and digital transformation to one of South Africa’s leading gatherings for finance professionals.

Absa group FD Deon Raju has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, joining leading finance executives in contention for the prestigious CFO of the Year title.

South Africa’s leading finance executives gathered in Johannesburg at the 2026 CFO Day for robust discussions on growth, efficiency, digital transformation and sustainable value creation in an increasingly complex business environment.

Minerals Council South Africa CFO Tima Norkie has highlighted the evolving role of CFOs as strategic enablers of growth, stressing the importance of balancing governance, risk management and business agility, at the 2026 CFO Day in Johannesburg.

Taryn Woodbridge has been appointed CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, following a career spanning more than two decades within the organisation.

Thiru Naicker will take over as Nampak’s CFO and executive director from 1 August, succeeding Glenn Fullerton.

Yoco co-founder Bradley Wattrus will once again take up the role as head of finance.

Libstar CFO Terri Ladbrooke reflects on her early years, career navigation and rise through the finance ranks. From a childhood in Pietermaritzburg to leading the finance function of a dynamic consumer goods group, her journey is one of determination, learning, and leadership through authenticity.

PepsiCo South Africa CFO Pankaj Chugh takes 150 to 200 mindful breaths a day, an essential part of a lifelong commitment to spirituality. It is this commitment, combined with his financial expertise, that has seen him drive digitilisation, data-led decisions and team development at one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies.

Sayurie Naidoo’s appointment as finance chief of Valterra Platinum coincided with another life-changing event – finding out she was pregnant with her first child. She has been instrumental in guiding Valterra Platinum through its demerger and subsequent listing on the London Stock Exchange.

Standard Bank CFVO, Dr Arno Daehnke, who plays the cello and admires modern art, believes good leadership takes courage, curiosity, skill and heart.

Former Bidvest Protea Coin CFO Helen Yiga; Metrobus CFO Luyanda Gidini and aspiring CFO and 2025 trainee accountant Sitholile Sithole, share their journeys – from accounting students to chartered accountants. They also reflect on why the CFO role is more than just cool!

Cell C CFO El Kope isn’t easily fazed and is a firm believer in the ability to self-charge. She reflects on a career defined by challenging environments, cultural adaptability, and a leadership style that she describes as leading from the middle.

Former Bidvest Protea Coin CFO Helen Yiga; Metrobus CFO Luyanda Gidini and aspiring CFO and 2025 Global Changemaker Sitholile Sithole, share their perspectives on the transformation of the finance chief role, what the CFO of tomorrow might look like – and, is it a cool place to be?

From Cape Town to London and back, Michelle Isaacs’s 25-year journey with BP is a story of steady growth, intentional choices and unwavering support. Now CFO for BP Southern Africa (bpSA), she credits her servant leadership style and her husband’s selfless sacrifice, for helping her rise while staying true to her values.

CFOs across sectors are championing pragmatic, people-centred digital transformation, balancing AI, data innovation and trust with strong ethical leadership.

As 2025 draws to a close after a trying economic year, finance leaders across sectors are looking ahead to 2026 with a renewed focus on balance, execution and sustainable growth. Finance leaders share what they are hoping for in the year ahead.

Retail, engineering and mining finance leaders are demonstrating how purpose-driven strategies can accelerate sustainable growth and long-term organisational value.

From Mamelodi to the C-suite, South Africa’s leading women CFOs offered practical wisdom on mentorship, visibility, resilience and navigating power in modern finance.

From executive days to transformative summits, CFOs across South Africa debated growth, youth unemployment, sustainability and the evolving finance profession.

From conservation to social justice and multinational expansion, CFOs across South Africa are proving that strategy grounded in purpose can drive long-term value.

From green steel to sustainable finance, CFOs across South Africa are reshaping ESG delivery through long-term thinking, innovation and purpose-driven leadership.

Lerena Olivier puts a high price tag on personal wellbeing – and as the CFO’s role extends to more than just number-crunching, self-care becomes critical to the overall performance of a business. For Pick n Pay’s finance chief, sustaining motivation is essential to moving forward with purpose and people remain at the heart of her leadership philosophy.

Zeda has appointed experienced finance leader Tsogo Rooi as its chief financial officer, bringing extensive expertise from the automotive and professional services sectors.

Senwes Group has announced the appointment of veteran chartered accountant Derek Engelbrecht as its chief financial officer, effective 6 January 2026.

Sandvik CFO Nerissa Jalim has built her career across logistics, manufacturing and industrial engineering. In this feature, she reflects on transformation in finance, digital evolution, sustainability and the purpose-driven leadership principles shaping the modern CFO.

From quiet getaways and “Friendmas” rituals, to big family spreads and overseas adventures, South Africa’s finance leaders are pressing pause to recharge, reflect and reconnect.

Pick n Pay has appointed seasoned financial leader Tina Rookledge to its executive team as part of a structured succession plan. She will step into the CFO role after the August 2026 AGM, taking over from long-serving finance head Lerena Olivier.

Tata International Africa Distribution has appointed seasoned finance executive Rochelle Gabriels as its CFO, marking her return to the corporate arena after a short career break.

Brand South Africa has appointed seasoned public-sector finance leader and 2025 CFO of the Year nominee Sherylee Moonsamy as its chief financial officer. With a career spanning senior roles across national institutions and municipal entities, she steps into the role with deep experience in governance, strategy and financial stewardship.

Incoming Ekurhuleni city manager and 2025 CFO of the Year nominee Kagiso Lerutla reflects on his journey, the weight of public trust and how he plans to build a more agile, accountable and investment-ready city.

South Africa’s corporates hold record levels of cash, a sign of strength but also of deep-seated caution. Stanlib chief economist Kevin Lings says low growth, infrastructure constraints and accountant-driven leadership have shaped a conservative corporate culture. Unlocking this capital, he notes, will require renewed confidence, stronger partnerships, and a shift from risk avoidance to opportunity-led investment.

Core banking modernisation is no longer just a tech upgrade, it’s a strategic transformation shaping whether banks stay relevant in a digital, customer-driven era. Deloitte’s Dirk Kotzé says success hinges on clear alignment, disciplined measurement and strong CFO leadership. “Core modernisation is like steering the Titanic, once it’s moving, it’s hard to stop,” he warns.

In this exclusive Q&A, Sage vice-president for medium business, Africa & Middle East, Gerhard Hartman unpacks how AI, automation and real-time data are transforming the CFO’s role from historical reporter to strategic architect. Drawing on Sage’s latest research and success stories from ATKV, Wild Eye and Q4 Fuel, he explains why South African finance leaders are uniquely positioned to lead digital transformation, and what the CFO of 2030 will look like.

Westfalia Fruit Africa has appointed Bongani Manzi as its new finance director.

Massmart has appointed seasoned finance executive Tendani Sikhwivhilu as its new vice-president.

Nominations for the 2026 CFO Awards are officially open. This is your opportunity to honour the finance leaders whose vision, resilience and innovation have helped steer their organisations, and South Africa’s economy, forward over the past year.

The public sector was squarely in the spotlight at the 2025 CFO Awards, with City of Cape Town CFO Kevin Jacoby walking away with the CFO of the Year title – as well as the Compliance & Governance Award.

Under the glittering Johannesburg skyline, the country’s top finance leaders gathered in the Polo Room at Sandton’s Inanda Club for the annual CFO Awards – a night of glamour, gratitude and inspiration. From powerful acceptance speeches to Akani Simbine’s moving fireside chat, the event honoured the people and purpose driving South Africa’s financial excellence.

Kevin Jacoby, CFO of the City of Cape Town, has been named South Africa’s CFO of the Year at the 2025 CFO Awards.

Barloworld has announced the appointment of Relebohile Mosaletseng Sehoole Malahleha as its new group finance director, effective 1 December 2025, following the retirement of Nopasika Vuyelwa Lila after a successful six-year tenure.

Etienne Raubenheimer, executive head and CFO of CFO Services at Outsourced CFO, believes the finance function has evolved beyond reporting and compliance. Today’s CFOs, he says, are strategic partners who create meaning, drive growth and help business leaders make better decisions.

After serving as the company’s CFO for more than two years, Bryan has now been appointed as managing director of Reflex.

CFO Dineo Molefe has joined the group of nominees for the 2025 CFO Awards.

CFO Kagiso Lerutla has joined the group of nominees for the 2025 CFO Awards.

CFO Bongani Ngcongo has joined the group of nominees for the 2025 CFO Awards.

CFO Boipelo Lekubo has joined the group of nominees for the 2025 CFO Awards.

CFO Joy Malete has joined the group of nominees for the 2025 CFO Awards.

Industry experts Ashley Francis and Rob van den Wijngaard unpacked how leaders can transform complexity into clarity by using data as a compass, while keeping people and culture at the centre of digital transformation.

Astral Foods has announced that its CFO, Dries Ferreira, will step down from his role at the end of January 2026 to take up a new opportunity in the industrial sector.

As head of finance at Investec Life, Roxane Leita has spent nearly a decade shaping the finance function from the ground up. Her journey is one of precision, resilience, and innovation, balancing the centuries-old foundations of accounting with the dynamic possibilities of digital transformation.

At the recent 2025 Finance Indaba, DRDGold’s finance leaders revealed how their Workiva modernisation project turned reporting chaos into clarity – saving days of work, enhancing accuracy and turning accountants into strategic business partners.

Experienced finance leader Zakariya Alli has been appointed as the new chief financial officer of Nexia SAB&T.

Newly appointed Planet42 CEO, Marc Alvey, is on a mission to make mobility more accessible through disciplined capital allocation, team empowerment and a people-focused leadership style. Marc was appointed as CEO of Planet42 as of 1 September, 2024.