Interview

Inspired by a Martin Luther King Jr quote about excellence in every task, Water Utilities Corporation CFO Thabang Mogodi is focused on developing people, modernising finance and helping build institutions that can thrive long after individual leaders have moved on.

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.

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.

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.

After stints at Deloitte and Standard Bank in Namibia, Pupkewitz Motors group CFO Peter Hiwilepo has built his career around using the tools he has – staying close to the work and making a difference where he is.

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.

After achieving her long-held ambition of becoming an audit partner, Jennifer Erasmus made the unexpected decision to leave the profession and chart a new course. Now, as CFO of Trellidor, she reflects on the career pivot that reshaped her ambitions, the realities of balancing leadership with motherhood and the legacy she hopes to build through people, process improvement and purposeful leadership.

From growing up in a Limpopo village to leading finance at the CCMA, Kedibone Mashaakgomo's journey has been defined by perseverance, purpose and a commitment to creating lasting impact. She reflects on overcoming academic setbacks, embracing digital transformation, mentoring future leaders and why true leadership is measured not by titles, but by the legacy left behind.

In a changing technology landscape, where strategic resilience and calibration remains key, iOCO is profitable, generating strong cash, growing organically and back on the front foot.

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.

From discovering a R41 million fraud scheme to finding simple operational changes that cut costs by 25 percent, Western Investments Group CFO Abrie Collard has built a career on analytical thinking, resilience and, above all, trust. He believes integrity is the quality that gives finance leaders lasting influence long after they leave an organisation.

Raised in Soweto, shaped by faith and strengthened through personal adversity, Dineo Molefe has built a finance career grounded in purpose rather than position. The MTN South Africa CFO reflects on leadership, lifelong learning, balancing motherhood with executive responsibility and why success is ultimately about becoming the person God created her to be.

Her mornings begin with Douwe Egberts and 94.7. Her days involve billion-rand water infrastructure decisions. Andisa Zinja, CFO of the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, leads with humour, humanity and the occasional well-placed meme.

From a small-town upbringing shaped by educators to leading finance and administration at the Bank of Namibia, Lloyd Londt has built a career defined by purpose, continuous learning and social responsibility. His journey demonstrates how finance leadership can be a powerful force for economic inclusion, sustainable development and meaningful societal impact.

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.

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.

After 18 years at Deloitte, where he rose from articled clerk to partner and helped shape the careers of some of Namibia’s leading finance professionals, Julius Nghikevali made a bold move into public service. Now finance executive at the Namibia Industrial Development Agency, he is focused on driving industrialisation, creating lasting economic impact and ensuring that career success never comes at the expense of family.

Relebohile Mosaletseng-Malahleha, Barloworld’s finance chief, navigated the company’s 123-year history through a transformative acquisition in 2025. Keeping the team intact and communication open were key as she oversaw the complex transaction. Her strong work ethic and relationships forged from an early age in Matatiele shaped her rise to finance leadership.

After a decade building his career in Europe’s automotive and medical device sectors, Christoph Scholz returned home to Namibia with a wealth of international experience. As CFO of Satcom Namibia, he is helping to steer one of Africa’s few military communications manufacturers through a period of rapid expansion, while modernising its finance function and preparing the business for its next phase of growth.

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.

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.

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.

SPAR Group CFO Megan Pydigadu says bridging the gap between strategy and execution is the modern CFO’s primary mandate. In this Q and A, Megan shares insights from the COO chair, a role she joined in 2023.

Success is not just hard work and long hours. 10X Investments CFO Jade Longano, says it's also about being at the right place at the right time.

Much Asphalt FD Tommie Koeries had a 10-year plan pinned to his cupboard when he was still at varsity. It included a gap year to gain experience and find a wife.

He memorised the Quran at 12, skipped a grade, and once went behind a café counter in Mauritius to show a barista how to steam milk properly. Finance boss Faheem Sarwan does not do half-measures – whether it's latte art, crisis management, or steering half a billion rand in revenue.

From banking to investment teams to a fintech operating across Africa, Jade Longano had done almost every other job before stepping into the CFO chair. She describes most of it as figuring it out as she went.

CFO Alex Smith walked into Edinburgh University planning to argue cases, he walked out ready to close them. The numbers, it turns out, had always had the stronger argument.

Afrirent CFO Shadi Makhuvele is preparing to deliver the Seven Sayings sermon this Good Friday, balancing her executive duties with deep community commitment. While the upcoming Easter period brings no real break for her family, the holiday offers a chance to reset together – complete with soccer, braais, and oxtail on Sunday.

From making history in Mbombela when she became a CFO at 26, to hailing from one of South Africa’s most storied dynasties, Mintek CFO Thembelihle Mjaji-Mbatha has dedicated her life to service in the public sector.

When 2025 CFO Awards nominee David Chadinha was eight years old, he set his sights on becoming a listed CFO. He achieved that dream at 35. But dreams don’t always pan out the way it’s envisioned. It takes discipline, resilience and people-first leadership that turns ambition into a dream realised.

Trained in Indian classical music, finance leader Ravi Rugbeer has performed on global stages and brings the precision of a drummer to the boardroom.

Around his 40th birthday, Patensie Citrus CFO Bennie Hancke found himself reflecting on his life’s work and journey. While he is professionally successful and settled, he realised that being comfortable can lead to complacency, replacing growth. This insight reignited his commitment to complete his chartered accountant qualification.

Karine’s start in finance was far from straightforward. Despite having lived in South Africa since her childhood, the DRC-born finance leader struggled to gain access to major audit firms.

From stumbling into an attempted coup in her second job, to a baptism of fire at Vodacom, financial director Kayley Beattie has mastered a work-life balance, from wearing many hats in her job, to making time for family and personal growth.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sanlam Investment Management CFO Taskeen Ismail has a refreshingly different take on leadership which benefits her team, her business and the people her industry ultimately serves.

Caseware Africa has launched its Cloud IFRS Financial Statements application, a streamlined cloud-based solution that helps finance teams produce more insightful financial reports with greater speed and collaboration.

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.

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.

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.

After playing a pivotal role in scaling and strengthening fintech company e4 through a period of significant growth as its CFO, Adri Führi decided to take a break. Now, the finance leader is back – in a new role and with renewed vigor.

Hannes Wessels, the general manager of Binance in South Africa believes that as traditional banking and decentralised finance (DeFi) evolve from competitors to collaborators, the opportunity to build a more inclusive, efficient, and dynamic financial ecosystem has never been greater. He shares why for CFOs and business leaders, the future lies in integration, leveraging the stability of traditional systems with the speed, accessibility and innovation of DeFi to unlock new markets and drive financial inclusion.

Standard Bank Group CFVO Dr Arno Daehnke says African banks must take the lead in mobilising capital for the continent’s infrastructure and climate transition, while also fostering strong internal cultures built on psychological safety.

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has unveiled a redesigned Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) syllabus to equip finance professionals with the skills needed for a fast-changing, technology-driven and sustainability-focused economy. The overhaul reflects shifting global labour trends, the growing impact of AI and the urgent need for strategic, analytical and human-centred finance leadership.

From her childhood in Lenasia shaped by a stay-at-home father and a determined mother, to steering financial turnarounds in the public sector, and now holding the CFO seat at the Market Theatre Foundation, Devi Padayachee’s career has been defined by resilience, diversity of experience and a deep belief in empowering others.

A strong sense of purpose has guided Ayanda Kotobe to the finance director’s chair at RS South Africa. She shares how her “why” keeps her grounded while driving ambition in a multinational environment.

Bonitas CFO Vurhonga Rikhotso embodies rigorous governance, coupled with a passion for fresh approaches that push finance forward. A chartered accountant with 16 years of experience in audit across both public and private sectors, Vurhonga leads with discipline, humanity and a taste for bold ideas that make healthcare more accessible.

From his roots in Pietermaritzburg to steering the financial strategy of one of South Africa’s boldest new insurance ventures as CFO of glu, CFO Jeshan Gajathar brings together technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and a values-driven approach to leadership, proving that finance is not just about numbers, it is about people, purpose, and building sustainable futures.

From humble beginnings in Mamelodi to boardrooms shaping South Africa’s renewable clean energy future, African Rainbow Energy CFO Nakedi Ramaphakela has carved out a career defined by resilience, vision, and purpose.

After years in South Africa’s biggest banks, Avashnee Ramdial took a leap into the unknown, joining Access Bank SA as CFO to help build it from the ground up. It’s a demanding journey of transformation, growth and grit, but one she’s embracing with tenacity.

As Joelene Pierce prepares to take the helm as CEO of KPMG in South Africa, her focus is on keeping trust the cornerstone of everything the firm does - and turning that into a competitive advantage. From 144 handwritten letters to one of the biggest jobs in town, she is ready to cement her legacy.

Ashburton Investments CFO Meghna Ravjee believes that successful businesses often invest in two important things: people and processes.

Sentech has appointed Clarinda Simpson as chief financial officer.

From a small Free State town to head of finance at Bidvest Protea Coin, Helen Yiga’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability and purpose. Drawing on over two decades of cross-industry experience, she blends sharp commercial acumen with a deep commitment to people, mentoring future finance leaders while steering the business through uncertainty, transformation and growth.

Morné van Tonder is not only a highly skilled CFO, but someone who has navigated profound personal highs and lows. The depth of empathy, resilience and practical good sense in his leadership goes beyond the numbers to define international success for Pragma.

As CFO of Metrobus, Luyanda Gidini brings a refreshing blend of creativity, precision and discipline to the financial helm of Johannesburg’s largest public transport company.

CFO Brenda Baijnath’s story is not just about breaking glass ceilings, it’s about reimagining the room entirely. From navigating cultural expectations to leading the financial strategy at Motus Holdings, Brenda’s journey is marked by courage, clarity and a fierce commitment to authenticity.

Fathima Ebrahim, CFO of Rompco, charted her own path to success through grit, mentorship, and unwavering determination. She plays a strategic leadership role in one of Southern Africa’s most vital energy infrastructure projects – helping shape the region’s economic future through sustainable gas transmission.

Heading up finance at one of the country’s largest multinational companies is all about fine-tuning the systems to make the right business decisions for Sean Capazorio, group CFO for Aspen Pharmacare.

Innocent Gumbochuma, CFO of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), is a master of driving organisational efficiency, diversifying revenue, driving strategy and managing several responsibilities, in an environment filled with stringent public sector regulations.

Nedbank CFO Mike Davis’s passion for his role is evident in his numerous achievements, including being crowned CFO of the Year at the 2024 CFO Awards – as well as awards for Compliance and Governance, and Strategy and Execution. It underscores Mike’s exceptional leadership and contributions to Nedbank’s success.

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.

Mikaeel Tayob, regional CFO at Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE, is driven to transform not only businesses, but also the lives of individuals and communities.

Taryn Woodbridge, CFO at Mercedes-Benz South Africa, believes it’s important for people to understand the role they play as individuals in how they contribute to an organisation’s success.

As the CFO of DRDGold, Riaan Davel’s mission is to help roll back the environmental legacy of mining. For the 2024 CFO Finance & ESG Award winner it’s not about how quickly the mining giant can make money, but about how long they can mine - without compromising the environment.

Luke Woodford’s journey from part-time bank teller to CFO of FirstRand’s Broader Africa division is a story of purpose, grit and growth. Rooted in Johannesburg with early exposure to banking at FNB’s Cresta branch, his career has taken him across the continent – from Tanzania to Botswana – all while fuelling a lifelong commitment to financial inclusion.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

DRDGOLD’s head of finance Riaan Davel believes where there is mine waste, there is an opportunity for environmental rehabilitation. For the oldest mining company listed on the JSE, it’s about encouraging mining companies around the world to be more sustainable.

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.

Through her collaborative and inclusive leadership style, Abigail Mukhuba has helped Sanlam to deliver on the new accounting standard.

CFO South Africa recently caught up with Afrimat CFO Pieter de Wit to find out more about his plans for 2025 following the completion of his tenure as integration officer in the acquisition of Lafarge South Africa.

Morgan believes that with the right training and support, employees can effectively deliver on their mandate and fully use the advanced tools at their disposal.

Praneel Nundkumar, group CFO for Mr Price, is a results-oriented finance leader who champions a ‘commercial CFO’ approach. He believes that finance leaders must transcend traditional roles and actively partner with CEOs to drive strategic business outcomes.

Tessa Meyer, CFO at African Group Lubricants (AG Lubricants), says 2024 has given her great stories to tell around the braai, and she hopes to add more next year.

Okuhle Sidumane has her sights set on integration and good governance, as she begins her tenure as finance chief at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).

MTN Group CFO Tsholofelo Molefe is passionate about connecting Africa. As a key leader at MTN, she has played a pivotal role in expanding the organisation’s reach across the continent and empowering communities through digital solutions.

From his early days in the retail industry to his current leadership role, Praneel Nundkumar, group CFO for Mr Price, has had the rare opportunity to tap into his full set of capabilities. Appointed at the age of 39, he is also the group’s youngest exco member.

Tessa Meyer, African Group Lubricants’ CFO, has been in finance for over 12 years. Her biggest lessons from being in finance include “always ask why” and making sure plans are not too set in stone.

Eskom CFO Calib Cassim elaborates on his leadership lessons from his 22-year tenure at the state utility.

Nick Thomson will be leaving Reunert in the 2025 financial year after he has completed a successful handover to his successor, who has not yet been announced.

Discovery’s work culture thrives on collaboration, according to group CFO Deon Viljoen – and the design of its head office is a testament to this. And while the group offers various services, there is a golden thread that holds everything together.

CFO Joanne Tanner’s journey into the water polo world is a result of caring mothers who started a water polo team to find a way to connect with their 10-year-old boys more.

JSE CFO Fawzia Suliman’s key to work-life balance is “deciding which cylinders should burn brightest” at a given time. This approach gives her both the discipline and mental fortitude to lead her team in the fast-paced world of stockbroking – and fulfil her passion for endurance sports.

Investec senior executive officer, Darryn Solomon has been in the banking industry for over three decades. CFO South Africa spoke to Darryn about a new chapter in his Investec career which involves relocating to the UAE and setting up a new branch in Dubai.

When the CFO position is still calling your name, you answer the call, as Old Mutual's chief financial officer, Casper Troskie did in his extended CFO duties.

Calib Cassim, Eskom’s group CFO, describes the state utility’s dramatic turnaround and its plans for South Africa’s energy future.

After performing audits on a number of public entities, Angel Mhlambi-Nqikashe was eager to experience life on the other side - and understand why the institutions she was auditing were not implementing auditor recommendations. This was the first step towards her growth into the role of CFO at Mayibuye Transport Corporations.

Standard Bank CEO Funeka Montjane discusses the role of a CFO as a business integrator.

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.