Interview
A complete overview of interviews with South Africa's most prominent CFOs and FDs.
29 July 2021 Travis Fisher is not your typical accountant – he’s also a professional waterskier. 26 July 2021 Reeza believes that Woolworths’ investment into online services has pointed the business in a new direction. 19 July 2021 Otsile explains that a secondary listing option creates an alternative trading venue so investors have choice. 12 July 2021 Rochelle has driven change throughout her career with a focus on people, processes and technology. 07 July 2021 Business is becoming increasingly complex, and audit needs to evolve accordingly, says PwC’s Dion Shango. 28 June 2021 The CFO says regulation, governance and compliance can be a competitive advantage. 21 June 2021 Deon Smith, CFO of Thungela Resources, shares his playbook on how to go through a demerger during a pandemic. 14 June 2021 Capitec made sure to understand the impact of Covid-19 on its clients, and to act accordingly. 31 May 2021 Craig has had to weather storms as he navigated Covid-19 and got his skippers license in 2020. 27 May 2021 Grant Greeff talks about closing down his first business during Covid-19 and venturing into a new one. 24 May 2021 Group CFO at e4, Adri Führi says embracing innovation is key to cultivating success. 20 May 2021 The Juwi EMEA FD’s ability to easily connect with different types of people has turned out to be an asset. 17 May 2021 Harmony Gold FD Boipelo Lekubo shares her enthusiasm for the direction the CFO role is taking. 13 May 2021 Innocent says running a restaurant is a completely different occupation from finance and lets him be creative. 10 May 2021 The Sappi CFO and his team introduced a new strategy that steered the company through the Covid-19 crisis. 09 May 2021 Senele is passionate about providing a safe and nurturing environment for the young children of Osizweni. 06 May 2021 Explore Ai CFO Richard Labuschagne explains how spreading his wings powered his abilities and career. 04 May 2021 Murad uses his finance knowledge to steer the research and development committees at Sygnia. 02 May 2021 BAIC CFO Buhle Hanise’s story of success drives her to pull up other aspiring female CAs. 29 April 2021 Finding success as an outsourced CFO gives Bonnie the space to co-create thriving businesses. 26 April 2021 A proponent of digital tech as a key enabler, Mark talks about Mr Price’s recent acquisitions and growth opportunities. 22 April 2021 ETDP SETA CFO Nonhlanhla Mona-Dick takes her inspiration in hope and empathy from Maya Angelou. 19 April 2021 The violence incidents experienced by some Kumba employees during lockdown spurred Bothwell into action. 15 April 2021 Jen explains some of the benefits of going on a digital transformation journey to transform the finance function. 12 April 2021 Megan Pydigadu reveals some of the lessons learnt from EOH’s pre-pandemic liquidity crisis. 08 April 2021 As the CFO of the SABC Yolande van Biljon is part of the team responsible for steering the broadcaster back to financial sustainability. 05 April 2021 CFO Pieter de Wit sees the value of soft skills in contributing to a company’s success. 01 April 2021 Elena believes that people should be empowered to be able to deal with challenges. 29 March 2021 Pieter highlights the double challenge of acting as CEO and running finance during a pandemic. 22 March 2021 Riaan explains how Exxaro used drones during Covid-19 lockdown level 5 for remote stockpile assessment. 18 March 2021 Sedibelo Platinum Mines CFO Elmarie Maritz sees the mining industry as an opportunity for women. 15 March 2021 The Absa FD and 2020 CFO of the Year gives insight into his career with the bank. 11 March 2021 Calgro M3’s CFO Waldi Joubert shares his formula for meeting challenges head-on. 10 March 2021 Krish says he leaves on a high, with the eThekwini Municipality's finances doing better than ever. 08 March 2021 Jarred knew from a young age that he wanted to be an entrepreneur instead of a cog in the machine. 04 March 2021 Since 2008, Nerissa Jalim has been a volunteer at NPO Eden Little Society in Gauteng. 01 March 2021 Riaan believes businesses that offer an unforgettable and authentic service experience will thrive. 25 February 2021 FEM CFO Yusuf Bodiat has faced many challenges in his career, but kept going despite being knocked down. 22 February 2021 DoughGetters’ Murray Barnetson makes a case for taking care of yourself to avoid burnout. 15 February 2021 Nick shares his thoughts on life, legacy, and longevity as he prepares for retirement in two years. 08 February 2021 Tramayne knew from his days auditing Spree.co.za that he wanted to work in the tech space. 01 February 2021 On 6 December 2020, Nico took the opportunity of eased lockdown restrictions to get married. 25 January 2021 Tiffany has gone through life chasing new opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to her. 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.SAPRO’s Travis Fisher lets the water lead the way
CFO Reeza Isaacs unpacks Woolworths’ new digital approach
A2X CFO Otsile Matheba shares how Africa’s second biggest stock exchange is changing the game
Imperial’s Logistics Africa CFO Rochelle Gabriels leads with humility, authenticity and agility
Audit must change alongside business, says CEO of PwC Africa
Transaction Capital’s Sean Doherty sees good value in creating transparency and trust
Deon Smith unpacks the establishment of Thungela Resources in a Covid-19 recovery world
CFO André du Plessis shares how Capitec took care of its clients during Covid-19
CFO Craig Miller charting a course at sea and in business
Grant Greeff, the entrepreneur who doesn’t give up
Adri Führi on thriving in a high growth environment
Carlos Mateos Duran makes his adventurous spirit the building blocks of his career
Boipelo Lekubo embracing the evolving CFO role
CFO Innocent Gumbochuma’s restaurant shifts his focus away from finance
CFO Glen Pearce: Weathering Covid-19 with a new strategy and strong team
CFO Cares: Senele Mbatha giving hope to his community
Richard Labuschagne: The chief explorer who isn't afraid to chart a new course
Murad Sirkot, the CFO changing the face of investment in South Africa
Buhle Hanise: The smart extrovert driven by purpose and making an impact
How Bonnie Cornish-Bowden re-imagined her career by going solo
Mark Stirton: making the CFO the chief futurist officer
CFO Nonhlanhla Mona: An accountant with a big soul
Bothwell Mazarura reveals why the fight against gender-based violence is so important to him
Jen McDonald making the digital transformation case at Deloitte Africa
The Covid-19 crisis was not Megan Pydigadu’s first liquidity rodeo as EOH group FD
Yolande van Biljon steering the SABC to independence
Afrimat CFO Pieter de Wit: Strategy and emotion are key to a company’s success
Elena Papamitrodous: The FD who thrives on developing of others
Life Healthcare CFO Pieter van der Westhuizen: At the frontline in a medical crisis
FD Riaan Koppeschaar explains how Exxaro is using new tools for old jobs
CFO Elmarie Maritz on nurturing women in mining
Absa's Jason Quinn: The CFO with staying power
How Waldi Joubert is boldly embracing leadership
eThekwini CFO Krish Kumar set to retire after 40 years of service
Fundrr CFO Jarred Noche doesn’t want to be just another small fish
Serving others is what drives Nerissa Jalim, Cargo Carriers CFO
CFO Riaan Verbeek on embracing technology and doing business unusual
When the going gets tough, the tough get going
Murray Barnetson: From burnout to buoyant CFO
Reunert CFO Nick Thomson reflects on a decades-long career
Tramayne Monaghan: The unexpected accountant
JAM CFO Nico Esterhuizen gets married during Covid-19 lockdown
Tiffany Boesch: Ask and you shall receive
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
