Leadership

Cell C CFO El Kope says leaders must break transformation into practical steps, communicate consistently and remain close to their people to build trust and keep teams moving through change.

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.

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.

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.

At a time when AI dominates headlines, the question of whether it is truly a business imperative, or whether organisations are simply chasing the next technological buzz, arose during a panel session at the 2025 Finance Indaba.

At the 2025 Finance Indaba, finance executives from iOCO revealed that they are making progress and rebuilding trust, as part of their turnaround strategy, following a particularly challenging period.

Mike Davis, group CFO at Nedbank, delivered the keynote address at the 2025 Finance Indaba, where he reflected on how resilience remains essential to the future of finance.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Aneshree and Nadia share their mentorship journey, highlighting valuable lessons and successes in leadership development and career growth.

Rowan de Klerk, CEO of the CFO Centre, unpacks why agility is a key skill for CFOs.

Maletsatsi and Irene share their transformative journey, highlighting the impact of supportive relationships on personal and professional growth.

This is a remarkable tale of ‘just a boy from KZN’ with a passion for education, philanthropy and social work.

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

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

Productivity SA CFO Okuhle Sidumane, Sappi Southern Africa CFO Pramy Moodley and BMI Coverland FD Tammy Narain explain how effective expectation management helps them ensure every engagement with their board is a success.

Standard Bank of South Africa’s Preshanta Govender reveals why she believes CFOs need to also become value managers in their organisations to navigate increasing challenges.

CFOs revealed that agility, ethics and adaptability are the key qualities that will enable finance teams to remain relevant in the future during CFO South Africa’s The People Power Reimagined Summit.

Making a difference in and having an enduring impact on people’s lives and broader society is CA Bonga Mokoena’s idea of being a good leader, and he tries to do this as the CEO of BDO South Africa.

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

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

Mathabo Makhaya has not only risen to senior management at Harmony Gold Mining but has also dedicated herself to driving change and equality in her industry and community.

Misson-driven Mbali Mabaso unpacks how she found purpose in developing young talent.

A Q&A with mentor Avashnee Ramdial and mentee Jalpa Desai about what they’ve learned from each other.

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

How South Africa’s women executives have approached challenges, and overcome them.

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

A Q&A with mentor Sharon Naidoo and mentee Pilka Lalloo about what they’ve learned from each other.

A Q&A with mentor Bongi Ngoma and mentee Tintswalo Masia about what they’ve learned from each other.

CFO Megan Pydigadu explains how she helped create awareness for people with disabilities in the workplace.

AFMS Group CFO Jamie Louw reveals how leaving behind your scarcity mindset can create new opportunities.

Top women executives find out the secrets behind three powerhouses’ rise to prominence.

Mandy Ramsden's story is of one woman’s ascent from male-dominated beginnings to the top of seven summits.

The women of the CFO/CHRO/CIO South Africa communities shared knowledge at a dazzling executive dinner.

Throughout her career, Thabelo Raphala has dedicated her focus on developing entrepreneurs.

Leigh Kretzschmar is determined to leave her mark as she becomes the first woman MD at Fireblade Aviation.

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

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

Top finance execs learn about leveraging and channelling their energy sources at CFO Summit.

Cape Town’s top CFOs reveal how they are making sure their people want to stay in their organisations.

The Mother City’s top CFOs unpacked the challenges SA is facing, and how to solve them.

Having made her own way into finance, Nokuzola hopes to make it easier for those who follow.

CFO Brad Wentzel shares a roadmap on how to ready your organisation for its change journey.

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

The AGSA’s Bongi Ngoma hopes to inspire other leaders to follow in her footsteps.

Simon Adams, Avashnee Ramdial and Craig Sumption unpack how they are building finance teams for the future.

Matimba Mbungela says teams of the future are made of leaders grounded to the present.

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

Metropolitan Retail CFO Etienne le Roux shares how he has married his passion with his leadership style.

The TWK Agri finance team’s motto for the new year is to be nothing less than their very best.

DHL Express CFO Craig Henery shares his top tips on being the best you in everything you do.

The group finance director at Momentum Metropolitan Holdings shares insights on walking away with the award.

Monde is proof that a CA qualification can open a world of opportunities.

Deloitte's Siliziwe Mafika reveals how CFOs can transition into their roles to take on these challenges.

The SAP Africa CFO reveals why women shouldn’t leave their jobs anytime soon.

Like building a motorcycle, you need to follow a service manual to be a great leader, says CFO Brad Wentzel.

Bongi Ngoma, Brad Wentzel, Mpho Mookapele and other leaders will reveal the characteristics of true leaders.

Despite her rural upbringing, pure grit and determination helped Mavis to reach her goals.

With a leadership philosophy of creating more than you consume, Zizipho is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs.

Hulisani Bridget Ramugadi, the CFO of the Companies Tribunal, continues to learn and flourish in the public sector.

She is a weightlifter and a former powerlifter, but says she is often a firefighter at work as well!

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

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

Babalwa discusses the demands of finance and data analytics and achieving that elusive work-life balance.

A webinar with business leaders examines how to help women advance in their careers.

For group reporting manager Maruschka du Plessis, Sedibelo is an empowering work environment.

Tania Theron is equally dedicated to uplifting the underprivileged and helping her clients to grow their money.

The annual CFO and CHRO South Africa Women’s Dinner left attendees feeling inspired and recognised.

The South African CA talks about her life in San Francisco, and the journey that took her there.

Top CFOs reveal how their organisations are creating new job opportunities across the country.

He encourages CFOs to beef up their AI, blockchain and automation knowledge for better results.

The Douglasdale Dairy CFO explains that it is up to finance leaders to always keep learning and imparting new knowledge.

The ETDP SETA CFO explains that learning and development is a finance leader’s armour.

Pilanesberg Platinum Mines FM Lebo talks about motherhood, management, and the mining industry.

The TechnoDyn Group CFO unpacks why purpose-driven leadership has been attracting new interest.

Carolina explains that continuous learning and personal development will help CFOs stay skilled for the future.

The NYDA CFO outlines ways to empower young people – and how they can determine their own destiny.

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

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

Yvonne Ayson, Hyundai’s finance GM is passionate about cars and proud to be a woman leader.

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

The head of risk management and audit strategy at Discovery Health is also the founder of Boss Babes of South Africa.

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

Tendai Matore is no stranger to challenges, and he has learnt to face it head-on.

The newly appointed CFO of CFAO Equipment SA is looking forward to the learnings the new role brings.

Calib Cassim and Adrian Maizey reveal the near-death and resurrection of Eskom and Starbucks SA.

Clarissa told CFO Day attendees that Lafarge is on track with digital innovation, but is not moving fast enough.

The global speaker laid down four provocations to change the way finance drives the growth of their organisations.

Mike Davis, CJ Kujenga and Masibulele Dem reveal that ESG is more than just climate change.

South Africa’s top business leaders reveal the four skills they look for in their CFOs at CFO Day.

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

As the longest-held al-Qaeda captive, Stephen reveals that self-control was the best tool in his arsenal.

Finance leaders discussed how their companies are dealing with the evolution of automation.

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

George de Beer, Abigail Mukhuba, Adri Führi and more reveal how they are meeting their people’s needs.

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

Yolande van Biljon, Fikile Mhlontlo, Calib Cassim and others share why they chose the public sector.

Outgoing CFO of Astral Foods Daan Ferreira says finance has evolved into a more rewarding field.

Deon Fredericks, Group Financial Director (FD) of Famous Brands Ltd on leading through change.

Nal’ibali CFO Saleem Mukuddem talks about his illustrious career and why his work is so rewarding.

TWK CFO unpacks the lessons he has learnt on optimising the opportunities in agriculture to attain financial success.

Tonia explains that gender equality in corporate leadership is not an obscure and idealistic concept.

In 2019, Adrian was tasked with a mission to rescue 13 Starbucks Southern Africa stores.

From mentorship, to courage, to integrity; CFOs agreed that the role of a leader is to add value to all stakeholders.

CFO Thembi Mazibuko says this achievement is proof that Masslift is committed to real transformation.

Olivia Serithi, Casper Troskie and Nerissa Jalim reveal the true value of a people-oriented approach.

The best CFOs understand that a vital part of their role is actively empowering people.

Lucas Ndala believes that, during times of change, people have to consider what legacy they are building.

Working out when to call an end to a system – and embrace the benefits – is up to the CIO ànd CFO.

This International Accountants Day, we celebrate the CFOs who have redefined the accountancy role.

Workday's Fred Portal unpacks how Covid-19 has forced organisations to accelerate their digital transformation strategies.

Mark has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, from selling caps on the beach as a child to now building a megacity.

The SOLA Group CFO shares why renewable energy is important to him, and how the industry is booming.

As the group’s first in-house CFO, Jono has been building a strong financial team within iKhokha.

Lindiwe believes she is living proof that you don’t have to be mean to lead effectively.

The CFO of Redefine Properties says being a finance leader echoes the values he was raised with.