Interview
A complete overview of interviews with South Africa's most prominent CFOs and FDs.
11 January 2021 Mariné van Brakel, CFO of the RCS Group, relishes the company’s enduring start-up culture. 08 January 2021 ACCA-qualified Jo talks about how the intentions behind our actions determine a much bigger success. 04 January 2021 RMB CFO Jaco van Wyk has FirstRand blood running through his veins after spending 18 years with the company. 03 January 2021 Finance leaders share how they have approached turnaround strategies, and led their teams through volatile times. 17 December 2020 A look back at some thoughts from our community on what makes a great CFO. 14 December 2020 Attacq CFO Raj Nana says the real estate market is keeping the company on its toes. 05 December 2020 Calib Cassim is the CFO who leads and oversees all aspects of the company’s financial strategy at Eskom. 30 November 2020 Distell group CFO Lucas Verwey relishes the strategic leadership and variety that his role offers him. 23 November 2020 Thabea Modise says she is a custodian of the public purse and must follow the rules. 16 November 2020 Shell financial advisor Sanda Mahlakahlaka has learned you can find game-changing people on the way to success. 09 November 2020 Rivasha Maharaj reflects on the journey to winning the Top Woman in Finance 2020 award. 02 November 2020 At the Finance Indaba, Telkom CFO Tsholofelo Molefe explained what it takes to be a woman leader. 26 October 2020 Unilever’s Mikateko Tshetshe shares her learning journey to the top during Finance Indaba Network. 19 October 2020 CFO Nolwazi Mamorare steering the University of Johannesburg through the Covid-19 storm. 12 October 2020 Jordaan Burger enjoys being the strategic finance leader within business management service Sage. 05 October 2020 RiSA CFO Nishal Lalla: Agility and resilience are key in an industry not likely to rebound quickly. 28 September 2020 Boipelo has a vision for improving the mining sector in South Africa through life-saving technology. 19 September 2020 For Anton, heading up finance at Shoprite during Covid-19 and IFRS 16 has been ‘interesting’. 13 September 2020 Deloitte Consulting Africa CFO Aneshree Naidoo returned to work from maternity leave during Covid-19. 04 September 2020 Hennie says that there’s a huge amount of change and vibrancy in the Santam business. 04 September 2020 Kennedy Chinganya, Altron Nexus FD, says education has been a game changer in his life. 28 August 2020 In an exclusive interview with CFO.co.za, Raisibe says she's looking forward to Vodacom's youthfulness. 27 August 2020 ACCA-qualified Innocent Gumbochuma runs his public sector organisation with a strong private-sector orientation. 13 August 2020 Laila says it's important for young women of colour to take up significant positions in corporate SA. 08 August 2020 Morris applies the same passion and intentionality he has for food, wine and the outdoors to his work. 01 August 2020 Omnia's Stephan Serfontein on implementing a turnaround strategy while stepping into FD role. 26 July 2020 Auvasha Moodley leads on the dancefloor as she does in life; with elegance and determination. 19 July 2020 She was under pressure to deliver life-saving gases, but denied her respite of running during lockdown. 10 July 2020 Pramy started working with numbers when she was young, helping out with the books for her family's farm. 06 July 2020 Ahmed's exposure to the inner workings of government embedded a deep sense of responsibility. 26 June 2020 Having the wisdom to make smart decisions is something Thobeka Ntshiza, CFO of Avis Fleet, values. 23 June 2020 For ACCA-qualified Yvonne Soglo, no day in the job is the same in her role as director: provincial budget analysis at the National Treasury. Her responsibilities including supporting 12 finance teams in the Limpopo province to deliver on spending that matches their budgets. 22 June 2020 Sean Doherty: "When things do eventually take a turn for the better, we can thrive together." 14 June 2020 Avashnee Ramdial has learnt that finance departments don't deliver well if their culture isn't cohesive and collaborative. She explained how she got this right as the CFO of Stanlib, based on a similar process in her prior role at Absa, and how she is keen to share the learnings from the hardships she has faced with other women in finance, in an interview with Georgina Guedes. 05 June 2020 Her love for numbers and sharp logic make Jo-Ann Pohl a natural dynamo in finance, but what has really made her an exceptional leader is her strong creative streak and ability to imagine fresh new possibilities for every scenario. 29 May 2020 Riaan is using his work ethic and hard-gained knowledge to rehabilitate areas historically damaged by mining. 22 May 2020 As the CFO of Nando's South Africa, Simon Adams stands behind the company's strategy to make South Africa a better place, whether it's through their chicken, their community projects or their investment into South Africa's local designers and artists. 17 May 2020 Rina started travelling for work, then made it her passion, and now feeds it back into her working world. 08 May 2020 Cedric Miller took on the role of group CFO of Altron in May last year after a long and fruitful career with Standard Bank. He's relishing getting to grips with the finances of an ICT empire, while playing an active role in delivering on CEO Mteto Nyati's vision for the transformation of Altron. 04 May 2020 Oceana Group has been prepared for Covid-19's entry into South Africa since the start of 2020. 25 April 2020 The Massmart CFO details the retailer's plans for a turnaround, boosting online and Africa, and now, Covid-19. 19 April 2020 My experience has shown me that if you lead with courage and empathy and have people at the heart of your business, the numbers usually work themselves out, says Deloitte Consulting CFO Aneshree Naidoo. 15 April 2020 I feel significant responsibility and accountability, the CEO-designate says. 13 April 2020 The dairy is operating as an essential service, but safety has been ramped up. 06 April 2020 As a millennial, her sense of calm about remote working is helping her team to cope and thrive. 27 March 2020 Megan stayed the course despite the challenges EOH faces, believing she can make a difference. 23 March 2020 Rian moved his family to the UK after the necessary travel became increasingly taxing on his family life. 16 March 2020 The French certification company's South Africa FD says her local team have a "can-do" attitude. 06 March 2020 Zaf relishes a challenge, and believes he's found a good one in the complex environment at Cell C. 01 March 2020 She took on the Implats CFO role during a restructuring, just as she fell pregnant. 21 February 2020 Ashley Wood's tactile relationship with the company's products gives her edge at the Sorbet Group. 16 February 2020 CFO Walter Leonhardt shares how Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa bounced back after three very difficult years. 10 February 2020 There is an opportunity for the private industry to invest in economic and infrastructure growth. 03 February 2020 Jason will build on his past experience and contribute to the company's growth in retail and financial services. 26 January 2020 Take risks, share ideas, and don't doubt yourself were high on the list of encouraging messages. 24 November 2019 Spear CFO Christiaan Barnard believes that the ethos of his school has defined his work ethic. 15 November 2019 The young CFO is a man of many talents, and he feels a powerful alignment with Letsema's values. 12 November 2019 The former Investec CEO says CFOs should take care not to damage positive organisational culture. 08 November 2019 During the 2015 #feesmustfall student campaign, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) lost only one academic day to the protest. This was because UJ was ahead of the game in financially supporting its students, owing, in large part, to the efforts of the team lead by Nolwazi Mamorare, who is today the university's CFO. She spoke to Georgina Guedes about the kind of difference that can be made if you have the will to do so. 03 November 2019 Standard Bank FD Arno Daehnke discusses African countries' buzz, innovation and work ethic. 28 October 2019 Need to fly a couple of executives into Lesotho to visit one of Premier's bakery operations? No need to book a commercial flight - CFO Kobus Gertenbach has achieved his lifelong dream of getting his pilot's licence and owning a light aircraft and is more than equal to the task. 20 October 2019 The Nkangala TVET CFO knows how devastating the impact of financial challenges can be on students. 27 September 2019 The Metropolitan Trading Company acting CFO's superpower is his ability to combine brains and heartfelt values. 22 September 2019 The young CFO says engaged staff who have clarity about the company's goals are motivated to excel. 14 September 2019 Alexander Forbes Group CFO Bruce Bydawell recently took a sabbatical to spend time working on European farms. As soon as he was appointed CFO on his return, he started planning for his succession by a black South African. He has singular view on his own role as CFO, and on life in general, which he shared with Georgina Guedes. 06 September 2019 One year after she was appointed as Group CFO of Sasfin, Angela Pillay chatted to Georgina Guedes about being part of CEO Michael Sassoon's new vision for the bank, and being able to deliver an excellent set of results in her first year. 01 September 2019 The Global Alliance Seguros SA CFO discusses the challenges of her role - which include cyclones. 23 August 2019 Verimark's Bryan Groome discusses the risks he took to open up opportunities for personal growth. 16 August 2019 Afrocentric Health CFO Hannes Boonzaaier is simple about his approach to helping the company to achieve a Level 1 rating: "You just look at what's got to be done and you do it." 08 August 2019 At the CFO Awards on 15 May 2019, Umar Banda walked away with the Young CFO of the Year Award, in recognition of the exceptional work he's doing at the City of Tshwane. He has addressed the City's illiquid position by finding innovative ways for the city to generate income, and he is excited about the establishment of a CA programme, which will bring much-needed skills to the field of public finance. 05 August 2019 Ralph says his curious mind has served him well as he's shifted industries twice in his career. 28 July 2019 Leslie says he hopes to use his international expertise to benefit South Africa in the years to come. 21 July 2019 The CFO of the DPSA says that he needs to safeguard the departments' limited budget. 12 July 2019 Grindrod's CFO believes in dynamic and diverse finance teams, which is aligned to the group's strategy. 07 July 2019 Senele says CFOs will continue to be asked to do more with less until the economy grows. 01 July 2019 Storme McDonald is the CFO of Corporate Banking at RMB. She is a passionate advocate of digital transformation and a lover of dogs, she tells CFO.co.za. 24 June 2019 Clinix Health Group CFO Elisa Mkhize thinks deeply about her role and her place in the world. She shares her mantras, professional vision and personal commitments with CFO South Africa. 14 June 2019 Sheldon tells Kate Ferreira about his stresses, stress-relieving activities and his long-term aspirations. 09 June 2019 The Premier FMCG CFO has the mantra of "build something, make it bigger, make it better." 03 June 2019 On 8 March, International Women's Day, Investec South Africa launched its "Women on the Rise" campaign, highlighting its relationship with women in business, education and sport. As part of the launch, Investec introduced the public to its newly appointed Specialist Bank CFO Marlé van der Walt. CFO South Africa spoke to her about her finance leadership experiences. 27 May 2019 "Never say die" is Nampak CFO Glenn Fullerton's approach to life. It served him well when he was told he would never return to work after a debilitating cycling accident in 2013. But this indomitable professional rose again to head up the finances of Africa's largest packaging company. Georgina Guedes chatted to him about how he got there and what he has learnt along the way. 20 May 2019 Sibanye-Stillwater is concluding its all-share bid for Lonmin. Charl is navigating the challenges. 13 May 2019 The VP Finance Africa at Unilever seizes every opportunity with both hands, lands and delivers. 06 May 2019 Gideon is always up for a challenge, and speaks about personal growth and empowering others. 29 April 2019 Great CFOs must be entrepreneurial, says Kantar's Inacio dos Santos, CFO Africa & the Middle East 21 April 2019 Tryphosa reveals how she sets the financial strategy for a pan-African business with challenges at home. 15 April 2019 CFOs must be agile, adaptable and hands-on, says Ravi Singh, CFO of Liberty Africa Insurance. 07 April 2019 Roxane Leita joined Investec Life only four months after the insurer was launched. 01 April 2019 "CFO Clean Audit" reveals how at a smaller agency, she can expand her breadth of focus. 22 March 2019 The FD is completing Stanford's Emerging CFO course, to support his focus on staying relevant. 10 March 2019 CFO South Africa introduced the two CFOs to clear up who's who in the Jaco Maritz zoo. 03 March 2019 Six years down the line, Barry reflects on his first challenging year as Didata's CFO. 24 February 2019 The Telkom CFO says: "You need to act beyond reproach, never compromise your integrity." 17 February 2019 Whether she's running Nedbank Group finance or a marathon, Raisibe Morathi gets the job done. 10 February 2019 The FD tells how she joined Comair to simplify her life, then her career took off. 03 February 2019 AstraZeneca's Osman Mia is expanding his skills set and industry understanding in the UK. 27 January 2019 Jaco Maritz has 18 years of mining experience, but he's proudest of the people he's developing. 18 January 2019 Delivering a stronger finance team, ensuring a succession path and enjoying the fine local gins
11 January 2019 Jaco Maritz, Syspro CFO, believes that South Africa does not lag behind its global tech counterparts. 09 December 2018 The CFO Award winner says to treat people respectfully, be interested, and not make assumptions. 03 December 2018 CFO South Africa asked the insurance CFO about his role driving the group's FinTech revolution. 23 November 2018 Sasol's CFO explains what any good CFO can learn from American football: defence and offence. 16 November 2018 The finance boss reveals how the schooling group is growing from 3 to 80 schools in just 11 years. 11 November 2018 The CFO believes servant leadership creates purpose for people, empowering them to innovate at work. 04 November 2018 The pharmacy group CFO must feel comfortable he's delivering to the best of his abilities. 28 October 2018 Capitec CFO André du Plessis talks about loan desirability, motorbikes and the bank as his baby. 21 October 2018 Otsile Matheba believes the new exchange will overcome the challenge of competing with a monopoly. 12 October 2018 Leaders must be conscious of the impact they have on other people, says Afrox FD. 16 September 2018 Growth in the mining industry will benefit all of South Africa, says DRDGOLD LTD CFO Riaan Davel. 09 September 2018 Thabo Phokane, Servest CFO, has big plans, including continuing to drive the company's transformation journey. 31 August 2018 Award-winning eThekwini CFO Krish Kumar says he has no sympathy for those who get caught. 23 August 2018 Recently appointed Afgri CFO says that she's working hard to learn the ropes of the agriculture industry. 19 August 2018 AngloGold Ashanti CFO and winner of four CFO Awards discusses work, women, ethical leadership and family this Women's Month. 07 August 2018 "I believe in the mantra: in year one you learn, in year two you deliver your best, in year three you make sure you have a successor in place before you target a more challenging opportunity and elevated role." 27 July 2018 "Finance needs to position itself to make sense of all of these new disruptors and technological developments." 20 July 2018 "This adds perspective on a short-term, day-to-day basis when decision-makers within organisations
are faced with choices," says Philip Nottingham, a.b.e. Construction Chemicals CFO. 16 July 2018 "We forward-hedge where we can but need to carefully manage our budgets and allow for exchange rate volatility." 07 July 2018 Sean Capazorio's Finance Transformation Award winner speaks to us about the global success of Aspen Pharmacare, the role of finance and how he managed to turn the numbers from cold figures into good stories. 29 June 2018 "More and more companies are looking at how they can exploit technology to increase their competitive edge." 25 June 2018 "The bulk of my team is female. If I reflect on how well the finance function operates, I think this has a lot to do with their diverse views."Mariné van Brakel: Leading finance at RCS Group
iOCO CFO Jo-Ann Pohl: Choose ethics, choose sustainability
Jaco van Wyk on being the CEO’s business partner
Varied approaches to companies’ successful turnaround strategies
Leadership and excellence part of the CFO role
How prioritising through a tough year has kept Attacq healthy
Calib Cassim, the conductor inside Eskom’s financial engine room
Lucas Verwey: Distell’s strategic finance leader
City of Joburg’s Thabea Modise on accountability as the key to her success
Using mentorship to navigate a non-linear career
How driving culture became an award-winning action
Tsholofelo Molefe urges women to stand their ground
You need the right combination of qualifications, experience and ambition to become a CFO
UJ CFO Nolwazi Mamorare: No student should be left behind
Sage financial director Jordaan Burger on finance beyond the numbers
Music industry CFO: Festivals, tours, live shows all cancelled under Covid-19
Harmony Gold FD Boipelo Lekubo lets no opportunity go to waste
How early challenges prepared Shoprite CFO Anton de Bruyn for Covid-19
Deloitte's Aneshree Naidoo on integrating motherhood, wellness and leadership during a pandemic
Santam CFO Hennie Nel on always chasing change
ACCA qualification has made Kennedy Chinganya think like an entrepreneur
Raisibe Morathi reveals what drove her to accept the Vodacom CFO role
Innocent Gumbochuma: The 'finance truth-teller'
Equites CFO Laila Razack: Representation matters
How having multiple interests gives KoneCranes CFO Morris Zack the edge
Omnia brought back to life and now on solid footing
DPD Laser CFO Auvasha Moodley making the right moves
How running has helped Air Liquide FD Taki Nkhumeleni through tough times
Sappi SA CFO Pramy Moodley: Understanding the power of numbers helps you lead
Having a role to play in the public sector machine is an honour for NCT CFO Ahmed Moolla
Thobeka Ntshiza shares the experiences that have made her into a "discerning" leader
National Treasury's Yvonne Soglo has a calling for public service
Transaction Capital to protect welfare of people in taxi industry says CFO Sean Doherty
Stanlib CFO Avashnee Ramdial gets candid about culture
Shifting with purpose, iOCO group CFO Jo-Ann Pohl's tale of how to make smart moves
CFO Riaan Davel: An eco-champion for DRDGold
Nando's CFO Simon Adams says "Make South Africa a better place!"
Bravo Group CFO Rina van der Merwe: Bitten by the travel bug
CFO Cedric Miller tasked with turning Altron around
Oceana Group's Trevor Giles: We knew Covid-19 was coming
Massmart's Mohammed Abdool-Samad gets involved when the times are tough
Aneshree Naidoo: Covid-19 calls for authentic, courageous and timely leadership
Mpumi Madisa reveals what it takes to get to the top spot at Bidvest
Douglasdale Dairy CFO Bradley Wentzel reveals the inner workings of operating during lockdown
Lisa Cherry is the FD Heidelberg Graphic Systems needs right now
EOH CFO Megan Pydigadu on finding a way to build a sustainable business
Hans Merensky CFO Rian du Toit on managing the demands of a multi-continental role
Bureau Veritas FD Emilie Bigot: A passion for numbers, business and art in South Africa
Cell C CFO Zaf Mahomed on what it takes to turn a company around
New job, new baby - Meroonisha Kerber's got this
Get the scoop on Sorbet: Meet the CFO behind the growing beauty brand
Walter Leonhardt: How CCBSA used the sugar tax to their advantage
Five CFOs share the challenges and opportunities they are currently faced with
HomeChoice CFO Jason Wright: Career advancement with a company on a growth trajectory
Five CFOs reveal the advice that they would share with their younger selves
The CFO who has made relationships the backbone of his success
Letsema's Katlego Tlale discusses personal and business growth and learning Japanese
Stephen Koseff: CFOs must be careful when imposing financial discipline
University of Johannesburg's Nolwazi Mamorare: The power of purpose
Moving into Africa CFO Award winner discusses connecting with Africa
Premier CFO Kobus Gertenbach's dream of flying
From Petrol attendant to CFO: Martin Maepa's triumph over poverty
Luyanda Gidini - The socially conscious CFO intent on giving back
National Real Estate CFO Roelof Dednam bucks tradition and changes rules
Alexander Forbes Group CFO Bruce Bydawell keeping it real
Angela Pillay: Happy to be telling Sasfin's "good news" story
Being a CFO is all about being flexible and able to adapt to change says Nilza Mngomezulu
Youngest CFO of a listed company: Acting as an FD gave me the launchpad I needed
Afrocentric Health CFO explains how the company achieved a Level 1 BEE rating
City of Tshwane CFO Umar Banda empowering the youth
Ralph Mupita, MTN's problem-solving CFO of the Year
New Development Bank CFO Leslie Maasdorp talks about living a life with purpose
Masilo Makhura does his best to ensure no funds are wasted by public officials
Hooked on economics: Grindrod's Xolani Mbambo
Discovery Vitality's CFO Senele Mbatha: We need to be slick, efficient, smart and relevant
RMB Corporate Banking CFO Storme McDonald on banking, digitisation and dogs
Clinix CFO Elisa Mkhize: To yourself be true
Be patient and enjoy the journey, says Fedgroup CFO Sheldon Friedericksen
Premier CFO Kobus Gertenbach focuses capex on the things that matter the most
Investec Specialist Bank CFO Marlé van der Walt: "I thrive on change"
Nampak CFO Glenn Fullerton's remarkable journey to recovery after a cycling accident
CFO Charl Keyter: Presiding over Sibanye-Stillwater's Lonmin acquisition
Mikateko Tshetshe's hunger for personal development
10 questions for FirstRand CFO for Rest of Africa Gideon Joubert
Kantar's Inacio dos Santos on consolidation and managing the growth of the CFO role
CFO Tryphosa Ramano on successes and struggles in Africa
Ravi Singh: Working in Africa keeps finance flexible
Investec Life head of finance says it's not often you get to help start a new insurer
Irene Singo's first 100 days at the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency
Afrimat's Pieter de Wit opens up about strategy, growth and learning
Jaco Maritz, Syspro CFO, meets Jaco Maritz, Acacia CFO
Barry Curtin's notes from the deep end at Didata
Tsholofelo Molefe explains how she said no to Gupta and co while at Eskom
Raisibe Morathi: Set yourself a goal and you'll probably achieve it
Comair's Kirsten King: Flying high and staying grounded
Osman Mia, area CFO-in-waiting to a global pharmaceutical business
Acacia CFO Jaco Maritz on personal growth, people development and mountain biking
Udayan Sen reflects on his time as CFO of BP Southern Africa
Syspro CFO: SA is forging ahead in the tech space
ITL CFO Peter Walsh: "Successful transformation requires an all-in attitude"
Nine questions for OUTsurance CFO Jan Hofmeyr
CFO Paul Victor on Sasol's strategy and rand hedging programmes
The rise and rise of Curro: CFO Bernardt van der Linde explains
FutureLearn's Logamal Ramiah believes leaders are there to serve
Dis-Chem's Rui Morais: "I am my own harshest critic"
Capitec's CFO: "You need to see your clients to see what they need"
A2X CFO: It's tough being up against the JSE
Matthias Vogt: The effort of my people makes me a successful leader
Mining must work closely with government says DRDGOLD CFO
Servest's new CFO's vision for taking the company forward
eThekwini's Krish Kumar opens up about his zero tolerance for corruption
Afgri CFO Rivasha Maharaj: time for women execs in agriculture
Christine Ramon: Empowering women leaders
Pushpender Singla, Vedanta Zinc CFO, says he is committed to growth in Africa
Technology is disrupting every function, every capability, says Riaan Koppeschaar, Exxaro Resources FD
Employees should treat the company's resources as their own, says a.b.e. Construction Chemicals CFO
Exchange rate volatility is our biggest risk, says Jonathan Murphy, CFO of Big Concerts
8 questions for Aspen CFO Sean Capazorio
Tech is a game changer, says Elvin de Kock, CFO of Etion Limited
A CFO must have great interpersonal skills, says Craig Coltman, CFO of De Beers Consolidated Mines
