Strategy

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.

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.

Lerena Olivier puts a high price tag on personal wellbeing – and as the CFO’s role extends to more than just number-crunching, self-care becomes critical to the overall performance of a business. For Pick n Pay’s finance chief, sustaining motivation is essential to moving forward with purpose and people remain at the heart of her leadership philosophy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Oceana CFO Zaf Mahomed believes a holistic approach to employee health is crucial to fostering a healthy and supportive work environment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

At the SOE’s results presentation, Transnet group CFO Nosipho Maphumulo said the state-owned entity’s fortunes were starting to improve.

After a challenging year for Oceana, the company is reporting improved revenues and headline earnings, which group CFO Zaf Mahomed says is largely due to the company’s diversification strategy.

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) CFO Innocent Gumbochuma shares how he is shaping the financial trajectory of the organisation and has ambitions of setting it on a path of innovation, resilience, and diversified revenue streams.

SA CFOs reveal the impact the country’s power crisis is having on people, business, and the economy.

Group CFO Zaf Mahomed explains that the recent US debt refinance will strengthen Oceana’s balance sheet.

TransUnion CFO Sharon Naidoo reveals how to survive a recession with the right purpose, vision and mission.

CFO Zaf Mahomed explains that Oceana’s recent record half-year results affirms the business’s health and strength.

Barloworld Group FD Nopasika Lila unpacks the company’s recent interim results.

Transunion CFO Sharon Naidoo unpacks how to create a smooth sail in rough seas by investing in untapped markets.

Lehan encourages leadership to provide guidance to their teams in order to triumph over new challenges.

The GWK CFO says she’s ready to take on any challenges the new year may bring, including loadshedding.

The vice president of finance shares his top three tips on maintaining a positive outlook in the new year.

Toyota Tsusho Africa’s CFO says disasters are an unlikely catalyst for future clarity.

CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises.

On 16 November, CFOs were encouraged to be innovative leaders in this new era of disruption.

CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises.

CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises.

CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises.

CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises.

Zaf Mahomed, Deepa Sita and Bothwell Mazarura will unpack growth, M&A and tough turnarounds.

The group FD explains that the insurer has been enhancing its operational and technological environment.

The REIT has resumed its dividends and plans to roll out the next phase OF Waterfall City.

The CTSE CFO first got an opportunity to learn through SAICA, and has kept on learning throughout his career.

CFO SA and Standard Bank dinner unpacks the advantages of Africa’s local supply chains.

Top CFOs unpack what the ingredients are to achieve growth, and the obstacles they face on the way.

Despite macro-economic challenges and volatile market conditions, Sanlam’s solvency has remained strong.

A CFO SA and Coupa dinner reveals the CFO’s role in creating an antifragile organisation.

Implats’ recent acquisition of a further 1.36 million shares takes it another step closer to acquiring the entirety of RBPlat.

DRDGold reported a profit and its 15th consecutive dividend despite various socio-economic challenges.

Despite facing various operational disruptions, Sibanye was able to turn a profit of R12.3 billion.

Adrian says the company’s continued success is because of the hard work of its people during a challenging year.

The stock exchange hopes to change and simplify the exchange process through its recent funding round.

TFG recently acquired Jet and Tapestry, seeing it enter into the value and home markets.

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

Leading CFOs share how they are enabling their finance teams and readying them for the future.

The CFO has become a business enabler and one of the primary drivers of future development and success.

Companies have been reviewing their business structures, and cutting the fat is resulting in leaner operations.

Empowered investment holding company’s R1.6 billion expansion into the convenience fuel retail sector.

Companies have been reviewing their business structures, and cutting the fat is resulting in leaner operations.

Monthly online deliveries increase tenfold over two years and insurance range extends to gap cover.

Companies have been forced to review their business structures, including shedding non-core assets.

Companies have been forced to review their business structures, including their asset strategies.

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

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

Laila explains that the property industry is benefiting from retailers looking to strengthen their supply chains.

The financial manager, like the REIT he works for, believes in continuous growth and improvement.

The gold mine has been upgraded from a BBB- rating to a BB+ rating by S&P Global Ratings.

After improving its financial and capital allocation, Sibanye’s credit rating has been upgraded to Ba2.

Charl enjoys calculating new strategies both in the Sibanye Stillwater boardroom and on the shooting range.

Dashni unpacks how Exxaro used the global economy to transition from recession in 2020, to growing in 2022.

This will further accelerate the business’ impressive track record, says CFO Mark Stirton.

The zinc resources company has invested R7 billion in a new expansion project in the Northern Cape.

The PGM markets have seen a massive uptick in demand due to Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Eric van der Merwe says 4Sight has turned its focus to retaining talent in the technology sector.

Abigail explains that Sanlam’s focus on shared value creation has ensured consistent solid results.

The GVK-Siya Zama CFO explains that the construction industry is expected to grow by 6.2 percent.

Group CFO Tsholofelo Molefe says the acquisition fits into MTN’s plan to prioritise investments in its network.

Punki says Absa’s new strengthened balance sheet gives it a strong base to navigate new challenges.

The CFO explains that the group’s efforts to grow its client base have proven fruitful, and continue.

The pharmaceutical company has launched its own health insurance offering, Dis-Chem Health.

The REIT has ramped up its renewable energy plans with yet another sustainability-linked note.

Greg Booyens says Emira’s main growth area is in US markets, as local markets experience continued pressure.

He explains how Imperial plans to change the ESG narrative for the logistics and freight industries.

The new strategy will give individuals, SMEs and the planet the opportunity to thrive, he says.

Malcolm explained in a webinar that automation has improved Retailability’s reconciliation processes.

How Douglasdale Dairy is changing the narrative for a traditionally non-sustainable industry.

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

These CFOs all had to, and continue to, navigate the supply chain challenges that came with Covid-19.

Arno explains that Standard Bank plans to turn its focus to the environment and new ecosystems.

CompariSure has raised R15 million from HAVAÍC and 4Di Capital in a funding round.

The acquisition will see Liberty become a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Bank.

The Petrocam CFO believes challenger brands across industries have an opportunity to make inroads today.

Smollan Group has acquired the Argility Technology Group in a move to expand its global offering.

The coal miner has reported a R2.67 billion revenue for the half-year and plans to diversify more.

We take a look at some of the companies that managed to turn a loss into a profit.

These are the big M&A stories that grabbed the attention of our community this year.

These are the companies that are growing and generating revenue, despite pandemic challenges.

The group has seen growth in its operating income and across its various revenue streams for the year.

Sound financial management helps to ensure the survival and resilience of an organisation, says Soraya.

The group has risen to the challenges of toughened environments and reported a revenue of R575 million.

Netcare saw a nine percent profit margin for hospital and emerging services, and over six percent for primary care.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies CFO Sandile Ntsele on finding success in new territories.

Jurgens explains that Mediclinic has seen a return to pre-pandemic level revenues in the last six months.

The pulp and paper company reported a profit of $13 million for 2021, after a $135 million loss in 2020.

Afrimat’s three business segments saw a return to pre-Covid-19 volumes of operation.

The CFO explains that the new model will be offset by savings in network capex, lease payments and more.

Omnia has sold 90 percent of its stake in Umongo Petroleum as part of its new turnaround strategy.

The technology services group has reported a R1.3 billion loss in 2020 to R150 million profit in 2021.

CFO Nicholas Bofilatos explains that the group had been negatively impacted by two of its operations.

CFO Charl Keyter said that the mine is looking to further invest in its green-metal portfolio.

CFO Laila Razack says the loan forms part of Equites’ focus to becoming a globally relevant REIT.

The group has seen positive profit growth from R296 million to R492 million for its 2021 half-year results.

The foodservice group reported a R4.8 billion profit after difficult second and third quarters in 2021.

Francois explains that a strong balance sheet and liquidity demonstrates the sustainability of Growthpoint.

As the CFO, Chrisanthi has been instrumental in cementing Access Bank’s South African footprint.

The Petrocam CFO unpacks his experience of expanding into markets with dominant incumbents.

Turrito Networks’ Brian Timperley reveals why cutting the business down to size is a smart growth tactic.

Standard Bank Group has seen positive recovery in its financial results for the first half of 2021.

Rob unpacked his journey over the past two years during a CFO Community Conversation.

Recent civil unrest has highlighted the need to ensure business operations can be maintained as far as possible.

The group has spent R39.2 billion on its stakeholders and economic contributions for South Africa.

Veliswa has played a critical role in the merger of Barloworld Motor Retail and NMI Durban South Motors.

Not only does the group expect revenue growth, its debt levels have also improved beyond pre-Covid-19 levels.

Brydon Report author believes focus needs to be on restoring trust in capital markets globally.

Emira Property Fund has raised R805 million in sustainability-linked debt as part of its growing ESG focus.