Interview

Since joining Zeda, Dumisani Mlangeni has made great strides in the finance industry. He shares his journey from the classroom to working alongside the CFO.

Simbarashe Madzana has found his niche at Meals on Wheels Community Services, where he is finance director of the Western Cape region. A humanitarian at heart, here he shepherds money to greener pastures – the intended beneficiaries – and is accountable to various stakeholders.

CFO of Midvaal Zakhele Mhlongo is a master of clean audits. While his early accounting career was spent in the private sector, his passion for public service took over in 2004.

From a young age, Cell C CFO El Kope was inspired by those around her and knew she wanted to work in a field where she could help people grow, drive business success and contribute to the economy.

Stefan van Heerden, CFO of Microsoft South Africa, once dreamed of Olympic glory. The discipline and drive he developed on the track and the field have helped propel him to the C-suite – and his race has just begun.

Sheldon Friedericksen, former group CFO at FedGroup and 2021 Young CFO of the Year, is now making significant strides in high-risk investment as the founder of Archelon Private Capital.

At Executive Day 2024, Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub took attendees through what it takes for successful exco collaboration during an insightful panel discussion.

From shattering glass ceilings to empowering the next generation, Cheryl-Jane Kujenga shares her journey and advice for women who want success in the corporate finance industry.

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.

From grants manager to CFO, all it took was a leap of faith and the belief that leaving a permanent position for a contractual job can be the path to fulfilling your dreams.

A female CFO’s cultural intelligence edge crafts an unusual and successful path.

A journey of how a woman shattered the glass ceiling to prepare a future where more women will occupy leadership roles.

Inqolobane Investment Managers CFO Rowen Pillai has a winning approach to strategic financial leadership that is built on transparency, trust and collaboration to drive boardroom success and foster a culture of mutual respect and open communication.

The experienced finance expert is bringing his expertise to an insurer with a focus on ESG.

Having had to pay her way through university after her mom, who was single-handedly responsible for raising her and her older brother passed away, Romy Maree is now helping others who are also disadvantaged because of a lack of resources to enter the working world.

Poor infrastructure challenges are plaguing SA Inc, but CFO D’Shorne Human unpacks how SAFCOL’s diversifying strategy is helping the SOC continue crucial business operations, like automation and diversification.

As the CEO of Makwa IT, Christopher "Chris" Kistasamy outlines his goals to propel the ambitious and vibrant company onto a worldwide platform while honouring its African heritage.

Libstar CFO, Terri Ladbrooke, led her team through a treacherous period by trusting in the steadiness of numbers, as well as the power of agility and collaboration.

Optimi Group CFO Suloshini Singh shares her family’s resilient journey through life and how they were able to make it through the toughest ordeals because of the flexibility her work and studies were able to afford her.

CFO Zaf Mahomed reveals why balance sheet management and cash flow are the only tools you need to make your organisation’s profits grow. He uses his recent experience at Oceana Group as an example.

BMI Coverland CFO Tammy Narain explores some of the challenges the struggling manufacturing industry is currently facing, and explains why harnessing the power of synergies will save it.

As South Africa celebrates youth month, it is important to honour the contributions and potential of young leaders. In the world of finance, Aneshree Naidoo, CFO at Webber Wentzel and recipient of the 2023 Young CFO of the Year award, has already made a significant impact in her CFO roles and the industry - from the age of 27.

CFO Elisa Mkhize opened the doors of Soul Leadership Academy in January 2022 to address the still-limited access to quality education for disadvantaged students, and help grow a new generation of leaders for the future.

CFO Sharon Naidoo has spent the last three years transforming the finance function and overall business at TransUnion Africa.

CFO Isaac Malevu successfully made the switch from the private to the public sector when joining the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) four years ago. His hard work in leading the corporation through crises was ultimately what earned him the 2023 Public Sector CFO of the Year Award.

Vodacom Group CFO Raisibe Morathi shares her award-winning recipe for being an exemplary CFO after winning the 2023 CFO of the Year Award, revealing the “data” behind a good strategy, a good team and a good leader.

CFOs Irene Singo, D’Shorne Human and Devrani Moonsamy share what their boardroom engagements require from them, and what they require from the directors around the table.

Passionate about the opportunity technology can bring, 2023 Finance & Technology Award winner Jan Hofmeyr has been breaking the CFO mould at OUTsurance by driving the transformation of its finance department so it remains relevant in an increasingly digital future. He reveals how this change has affected the entire business.

Broadcasting, television, and media have changed significantly over the last couple of years as multiple crises and the increasing adoption of technology set new precedents for entertainment, says Urban Brew Studios CFO Lufuno Siphugu, who has creatively chartered a course through the industry.

Starting as a call-centre agent, Anusha Ramraj has climbed the ranks at CCI South Africa to CFO, and learned the importance of empowering people on the way.

As the CFO of SANEDI, Lethabo Manamela is at the coalface of looking at what the country and its citizens need to address the increasing energy challenges in South Africa.

Graham Mears, CFO and partner at M&C Saatchi Abel, has gone from the big hole in Kimberley to a 17-year career in London, and has just implemented a massive MBO deal.

Bruce Bydawell has spent the last five years as the CFO of AlexForbes, implementing a new strategy for the company and transforming its finance function.

Sasfin Bank CFO Harriet Heymans’s leadership style has helped the company through some challenging times over the last year, and she’s empowering others to do the same.

Bestmed CFO Jessogan Chetty has spent the bulk of his career working in the education and health sectors, where he knows he can make a difference.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa CFO Taryn Woodbridge uses her unique culture to lead with diversity and unity.

As economic outcomes in South Africa weaken, Nedbank CFO Mike Davis explains what businesses and government can do to improve the country’s GDP growth.

Paul Masson pitched up at Deloitte for his articles 15 years ago in a lime green shirt, and still ensures he leads with his unique personality today as the CFO of Float.

Tinyiko Sihlangu has always been interested in understanding the entire workings of an organisation, not just the finances, and reveals how this helps her to add greater strategic value as the FD of Royal Bafokeng Holdings.

When it comes to being CFO of BDO South Africa, Daniel Botha not only tries to build a finance team fit for the future of the business, but for the future of the country as well.

AYO Technology Solutions’ CFO Pride Guzha has spent his first year in the role restoring the company’s reputation by focusing on reporting and collaboration.

After 12 years at Sanlam Investment Group, learning from the company’s CFOs, Colleen Wagner was ready to take the next step in her career and become a CFO too.

Elisa Mkhize joined Kiara Health in January 2021 to help the company implement new governance, processes and systems to help the business grow.

Prinisha Khoosal's people-centred approach as CFO at Bridgestone South Africa makes a compelling case for the importance of managing with emotional intelligence to drive excellence, and got her promoted to FD of its AME region.

African Bank’s new CFO, Anbann Chetti, explains how he changed the bank’s finance operating blueprint using three pillars of success, and most importantly, transparency with his team.

CFO Barbara Makhubedu learnt the value of support, determination and relationships from a very young age, and uses those same values as she leads finance at Liberty Two Degrees.

CFO Kagiso Lerutla unpacks some of the initiatives that have contributed to the City of Ekurhuleni recently achieving its third consecutive clean audit.

CFO Raisibe Morathi, CFO of the Year 2023 and winner of the Strategy Execution Award as well as the High-Performance Team Award, reveals how she balances technology and people to foster the ultimate digital, financial and cultural inclusion, as Vodacom Group transforms to become part of the digital revolution.

CFO J’shanthan Mudely explains how his detail-oriented approach to life, and an early brush with death shaped his journey to becoming head of finance for Image Guided Therapy at Philips.

Glen Zulu, the Information Regulator CFO, says her career growth in the public sector is rooted in her passion for what she does.

When Barloworld unbundled Avis Southern Africa, it was up to CFO Thobeka Ntshiza and the rest of the executive team to take Zeda on a journey to independence. In a CFO Magazine interview, Thobeka unpacks every twist and turn she faced on the way.

Discovery Health Medical Scheme CFO Joy Malete says that her rapid career progression has been the result of “divine orchestration”. Just 34, her success is rooted in curiosity, talent, and a true passion for what she does.

Having worked hard to qualify as a CA(SA), Rupesh Govan’s career took him into the banking industry and around the world. Now Investec’s FD, he reflects on how he got to be the leader he is today.

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s Walter Leonhardt will be retiring as CFO at the end of the year. During a tour of the factory, Walter recently chatted with CFO Magazine and shared what his final two years at the beverage manufacturer and distributor have been like, and what the future has in store.

CFO Mike Davis unpacks the exciting next steps in Nedbank’s evolution, which includes a unique approach to technology and a partnership with the government that might see South Africa into a better 2024, in a CFO Magazine interview.

Old Mutual CFO Casper Troskie explains how technology, trust and a lot of preparation can prepare any leader, and their organisations, for uncertainty.

With his roots and family in South Africa, Rick Martin knew he had to embark on a career back home after growing up in New Zealand. Now the CFO of Satrix, he hopes to have a positive impact on the country.

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) CFO Innocent Gumbochuma shares how he is shaping the financial trajectory of the organisation and has ambitions of setting it on a path of innovation, resilience, and diversified revenue streams.

Save the Children director of finance Hlobisile Nsibande shares the mission she is on to help give children a better chance of survival, protection, development and participation in society.

Scottish Gordon Traill reveals what it takes to lead an iconic South African business through tough times after a year as Clicks’ CFO.

CFO Joanne Tanner reveals how she is using her unique storytelling skills to help grow Decision Inc.

For Shabana Aboo Baker, becoming group financial director at Mustek has meant listening to her gut.

Wesgro CFO Sandiso Gcwabe's journey within the public sector is anchored in a sense of purpose.

Langeberg Municipality CFO Mava Shude on his blueprint for sustainable governance.

Head of finance Martin van der Walt hopes to change the mining industry by focusing on people and tech.

Taryn Augoustatos shares some of the challenges she’s faced as a non-techy, woman CFO in fintech.

Hitachi Energy FD Michelle Sampson talks about the advancement of women in finance.

Bryte Insurance CFO Yulandi van Dyk says it’s possible to achieve the triple bottom line.

CFO Adri Führi unpacks the two years of planning that went into e4’s recent acquisition.

Arno Daehnke unpacks what change-ready finance leadership looks like for a new world.

Nelisiwe Shiluvana has been appointed as the new group FD of Famous Brands.

Foskor’s CFO, Jubilant Speckman, maps out the technology and ESG blueprints that lead to success.

SAPRO CFO Jean Penhaligon talks about unleashing the potential of technology in auditing.

Tracker Connect CFO Clarissa Appana on stigma and re-entering the job market after a career hiatus.

Alvin Liew is sharing his experience working abroad with other CFOs who are also looking to move.

New mom and newly appointed Mars SA CFO Sasha Brown is excited about what comes next.

After almost 10 years at Investec Property Fund, CFO Jenna Sprenger has seen the business grow into its own.

Yvonne Dias is passionate about empowering women and has made sure there’s a place for them at Mint Group.

Logicalis CFO Seshnie Naidoo is living out her mom’s career aspirations, and making them her own.

Lehan le Grange reveals how he uses leverage to get the most out of his team at Ecentric Payment Systems.

African Leadership Academy CFO is building a sustainable organisation that benefits tomorrow’s leaders.

Aspen CFO Sean Capazorio unpacks how the tragedy changed his views on life and leadership.

Bidvest Financial Services CFO Tendani Sikhwivhilu shares his priorities for 2023.

After more than 12 years in a core finance role, this techie-at-heart has returned to his roots.

Johann Steyn started his first business at the age of 14. Today he is the CFO of Bridgement.

The seasoned finance exec made a public recording about his own transformation and empowerment journey.

The Bidvest Automotive CFO isn’t afraid of a challenge, and brings her fearlessness to her leadership role.

Toyota Tsusho Africa’s CFO says disasters are an unlikely catalyst for future clarity.

Nedbank Wealth CFO Nadia Schaerer believes that finance is the glue that holds business together.

Microsoft SA CFO Welela Dawit on being a mission-driven financial leader in Africa.

IPP Office’s head of finance Dzunani Makgopa on responding to South Africa’s power crisis.

An avid road runner, Grant uses his training techniques to be a strong leader at Capitec.

Grant Manicom shares how his entrepreneurial outlook has led to career success.

As CFO of a leading agro-forestry circular economy organisation, Cindy likes nothing more than solving puzzles.

Laila unpacks how Equites is using lessons from Covid-19 to navigate inflation spikes in SA and the UK.

The Bidvest Insurance CFO believes that he should be both receiving and giving value in everything he does.

During Covid-19, Christiaan learned how to keep calm and leverage relationships to overcome challenges.

The CTSE CFO first got an opportunity to learn through SAICA, and has kept on learning throughout his career.

Wonga head of finance Jody Baumgarten on navigating a crisis soon after acquiring a business.

Despite being smaller than most of its peers in the PGM industry, Siyanda is miles ahead.

The ABB South Africa CFO is passionate about fostering safer spaces for women in the workplace.

CFO Cynthia Pongweni argues that more women need to be brought to the table.

TFG recently acquired Jet and Tapestry, seeing it enter into the value and home markets.

Yvette Glass finds new purpose by shifting to the owner of Evac+Chair South Africa.

Thabiso loves working with start-ups, and finds it inspiring and motivating to be part of helping them grow.

SnapScan CFO Derick Truscott shares the right mindset for scaling a company.

Pramy started baking to manage stress, now she uses it to empower the women at Sappi Southern Africa.

As the CFO of Maserati, Nico works in a fast-paced environment, but uses his bushveld knowledge to navigate it.

Willa hopes to bring a unique flavour to the role, and help his new team grow.

Nishlan looks forward to what the future holds for Investec, and for technological advancements.

Bongi achieved excellence when she became the first public sector CFO to win the CFO of the Year Award in 2022.

The AFMS Group CFO believes learning and development is a business imperative for all finance leaders.

When Dawid Swart isn’t travelling the world, he’s trying to save it as Wetility’s CFO.

The 2022 High-Performance Team Award winner unpacks how she has created a winning team.

After several fruitful decades as JAM International, the dynamic NGO has rebranded to ForAfrika.

Yota first fell in love with Ford when she was eight years old, now she’s the motor company’s CFO.

The holding company has been acquired by Old Mutual Private Equity and will be delisting from the JSE.

The Liberty Two Degrees FD explains that the role of the CFO in challenging times is multipronged.

The AEEI CFO shares his biggest achievements, including starting his own spice and sauce business.

Jamie Louw, CFO at AFMS Group, says the company emerged from the pandemic with newfound purpose.