A complete overview of interviews with South Africa's most prominent CFOs and FDs.
Having recently stepped into the FD role, Anabel is looking forward to navigating the changing property industry. As the CFO, Chrisanthi has been instrumental in cementing Access Bank’s South African footprint. As the CFO of Cape Union Mart, Landi took the opportunity to mould the role to be more people-centric. Faheem recognised that every business required an accountant and chose to become a CA. The Petrocam CFO unpacks his experience of expanding into markets with dominant incumbents. Ushana Amichand reflects on her learnings about trust during her stint as a relatively young CFO. Women should be given opportunities with full confidence that they are going to achieve and deliver, says Nopasika. The Dimension Data MD believes that the empowerment of both women and men should be addressed. Tamuka shares how he and his finance team navigated the challenges of the last year together. As the only female executive at SANRAL, Inge is passionate about empowering the women around her. Nerissa Chetty discusses how managing expectations helped her to fulfil work and personal responsibilities. With a new job in a new industry and a new baby, Abigail has spent the last 18 months relearning. Zoliswa has had to wear sales, risk and operation leadership hats throughout her career at G4S South Africa. Veliswa has played a critical role in the merger of Barloworld Motor Retail and NMI Durban South Motors. Travis Fisher is not your typical accountant – he’s also a professional waterskier. Reeza believes that Woolworths’ investment into online services has pointed the business in a new direction. Otsile explains that a secondary listing option creates an alternative trading venue so investors have choice. Rochelle has driven change throughout her career with a focus on people, processes and technology. Business is becoming increasingly complex, and audit needs to evolve accordingly, says PwC’s Dion Shango. The CFO says regulation, governance and compliance can be a competitive advantage. Deon Smith, CFO of Thungela Resources, shares his playbook on how to go through a demerger during a pandemic. Capitec made sure to understand the impact of Covid-19 on its clients, and to act accordingly. Craig has had to weather storms as he navigated Covid-19 and got his skippers license in 2020. Grant Greeff talks about closing down his first business during Covid-19 and venturing into a new one. Group CFO at e4, Adri Führi says embracing innovation is key to cultivating success. The Juwi EMEA FD’s ability to easily connect with different types of people has turned out to be an asset. Harmony Gold FD Boipelo Lekubo shares her enthusiasm for the direction the CFO role is taking. Innocent says running a restaurant is a completely different occupation from finance and lets him be creative. The Sappi CFO and his team introduced a new strategy that steered the company through the Covid-19 crisis. Senele is passionate about providing a safe and nurturing environment for the young children of Osizweni. Explore Ai CFO Richard Labuschagne explains how spreading his wings powered his abilities and career. Murad uses his finance knowledge to steer the research and development committees at Sygnia. BAIC CFO Buhle Hanise’s story of success drives her to pull up other aspiring female CAs. Finding success as an outsourced CFO gives Bonnie the space to co-create thriving businesses. A proponent of digital tech as a key enabler, Mark talks about Mr Price’s recent acquisitions and growth opportunities. ETDP SETA CFO Nonhlanhla Mona-Dick takes her inspiration in hope and empathy from Maya Angelou. The violence incidents experienced by some Kumba employees during lockdown spurred Bothwell into action. Jen explains some of the benefits of going on a digital transformation journey to transform the finance function. Megan Pydigadu reveals some of the lessons learnt from EOH’s pre-pandemic liquidity crisis. As the CFO of the SABC Yolande van Biljon is part of the team responsible for steering the broadcaster back to financial sustainability. CFO Pieter de Wit sees the value of soft skills in contributing to a company’s success. Elena believes that people should be empowered to be able to deal with challenges. Pieter highlights the double challenge of acting as CEO and running finance during a pandemic. Riaan explains how Exxaro used drones during Covid-19 lockdown level 5 for remote stockpile assessment. Sedibelo Platinum Mines CFO Elmarie Maritz sees the mining industry as an opportunity for women. The Absa FD and 2020 CFO of the Year gives insight into his career with the bank. Calgro M3’s CFO Waldi Joubert shares his formula for meeting challenges head-on. Krish says he leaves on a high, with the eThekwini Municipality's finances doing better than ever. Jarred knew from a young age that he wanted to be an entrepreneur instead of a cog in the machine. Since 2008, Nerissa Jalim has been a volunteer at NPO Eden Little Society in Gauteng. Riaan believes businesses that offer an unforgettable and authentic service experience will thrive. FEM CFO Yusuf Bodiat has faced many challenges in his career, but kept going despite being knocked down. DoughGetters’ Murray Barnetson makes a case for taking care of yourself to avoid burnout. Nick shares his thoughts on life, legacy, and longevity as he prepares for retirement in two years. Tramayne knew from his days auditing Spree.co.za that he wanted to work in the tech space. On 6 December 2020, Nico took the opportunity of eased lockdown restrictions to get married. Tiffany has gone through life chasing new opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to her. Mariné van Brakel, CFO of the RCS Group, relishes the company’s enduring start-up culture. ACCA-qualified Jo talks about how the intentions behind our actions determine a much bigger success. RMB CFO Jaco van Wyk has FirstRand blood running through his veins after spending 18 years with the company. Finance leaders share how they have approached turnaround strategies, and led their teams through volatile times. A look back at some thoughts from our community on what makes a great CFO. Attacq CFO Raj Nana says the real estate market is keeping the company on its toes. Calib Cassim is the CFO who leads and oversees all aspects of the company’s financial strategy at Eskom. Distell group CFO Lucas Verwey relishes the strategic leadership and variety that his role offers him. Thabea Modise says she is a custodian of the public purse and must follow the rules. Shell financial advisor Sanda Mahlakahlaka has learned you can find game-changing people on the way to success. Rivasha Maharaj reflects on the journey to winning the Top Woman in Finance 2020 award. At the Finance Indaba, Telkom CFO Tsholofelo Molefe explained what it takes to be a woman leader. Unilever’s Mikateko Tshetshe shares her learning journey to the top during Finance Indaba Network. CFO Nolwazi Mamorare steering the University of Johannesburg through the Covid-19 storm. Jordaan Burger enjoys being the strategic finance leader within business management service Sage. RiSA CFO Nishal Lalla: Agility and resilience are key in an industry not likely to rebound quickly. Boipelo has a vision for improving the mining sector in South Africa through life-saving technology. For Anton, heading up finance at Shoprite during Covid-19 and IFRS 16 has been ‘interesting’. Deloitte Consulting Africa CFO Aneshree Naidoo returned to work from maternity leave during Covid-19. Hennie says that there’s a huge amount of change and vibrancy in the Santam business. Kennedy Chinganya, Altron Nexus FD, says education has been a game changer in his life. In an exclusive interview with CFO.co.za, Raisibe says she's looking forward to Vodacom's youthfulness. ACCA-qualified Innocent Gumbochuma runs his public sector organisation with a strong private-sector orientation. Laila says it's important for young women of colour to take up significant positions in corporate SA. Morris applies the same passion and intentionality he has for food, wine and the outdoors to his work. Omnia's Stephan Serfontein on implementing a turnaround strategy while stepping into FD role. Auvasha Moodley leads on the dancefloor as she does in life; with elegance and determination. She was under pressure to deliver life-saving gases, but denied her respite of running during lockdown. Pramy started working with numbers when she was young, helping out with the books for her family's farm. Ahmed's exposure to the inner workings of government embedded a deep sense of responsibility. Having the wisdom to make smart decisions is something Thobeka Ntshiza, CFO of Avis Fleet, values. 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. Sean Doherty: "When things do eventually take a turn for the better, we can thrive together." 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. 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. Riaan is using his work ethic and hard-gained knowledge to rehabilitate areas historically damaged by mining. 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. Rina started travelling for work, then made it her passion, and now feeds it back into her working world. 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. Oceana Group has been prepared for Covid-19's entry into South Africa since the start of 2020. The Massmart CFO details the retailer's plans for a turnaround, boosting online and Africa, and now, Covid-19. 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. I feel significant responsibility and accountability, the CEO-designate says. The dairy is operating as an essential service, but safety has been ramped up. As a millennial, her sense of calm about remote working is helping her team to cope and thrive. Megan stayed the course despite the challenges EOH faces, believing she can make a difference. Rian moved his family to the UK after the necessary travel became increasingly taxing on his family life. The French certification company's South Africa FD says her local team have a "can-do" attitude. Zaf relishes a challenge, and believes he's found a good one in the complex environment at Cell C. She took on the Implats CFO role during a restructuring, just as she fell pregnant. Ashley Wood's tactile relationship with the company's products gives her edge at the Sorbet Group. CFO Walter Leonhardt shares how Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa bounced back after three very difficult years. There is an opportunity for the private industry to invest in economic and infrastructure growth. Jason will build on his past experience and contribute to the company's growth in retail and financial services. Take risks, share ideas, and don't doubt yourself were high on the list of encouraging messages. Spear CFO Christiaan Barnard believes that the ethos of his school has defined his work ethic. The young CFO is a man of many talents, and he feels a powerful alignment with Letsema's values. The former Investec CEO says CFOs should take care not to damage positive organisational culture. 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. Standard Bank FD Arno Daehnke discusses African countries' buzz, innovation and work ethic. 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. The Nkangala TVET CFO knows how devastating the impact of financial challenges can be on students. The Metropolitan Trading Company acting CFO's superpower is his ability to combine brains and heartfelt values.Octodec FD Anabel Vieira rethinking the property game
Chrisanthi Michaelides, the steadfast CFO behind Access Bank’s acquisition of Grobank
Landi van Staden decided to remodel the CFO role during Covid-19
BDO head of assurance Faheem Hoosen was inspired to become a CA by his entrepreneurial family
CFO Ridwan Gany shares his lessons for making a strong entrance
Open communication makes for efficient teams says Sphere CFO Ushana Amichand
Visionary Woman: CFO Nopasika Lila says the world is conspiring for your success
Visionary Woman Nompumelelo Mokou says empowerment should not be limited to gender
Tamuka Mpofu talks about adventure, creativity and the future of fintech
Visionary Woman Leader Inge Mulder paving the way for women
How Ubank’s Nerissa Chetty navigates the work-life balance
Visionary Woman Leader Abigail Mukhuba taking on a whole new world
Visionary Woman Leader: Zoliswa Mashinini isn’t just the CFO of G4S South Africa, but dons various different hats
Visionary Woman Leader: CFO Veliswa Rozani delivers the sale of Barloworld Motor Retail
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