Top35 - 2020 Judging Pack PDF

2020
JUDGING PACK
1 Manuel Rodriguez
2 Arun Varughese
3 Byron du Plessis
4 Kevin Ssemwogerere
5 Rochelle Murugan
6 Cyril Madiba
7 Mbalenhle Zulu
8 Angella Makowe Mutonhora
9 Manqoba Kubheka
10 Scott Needham
11 Swati Safeda
12 Petri Basson
13 Ebrahim Tootla
14 Hendrik Spies
15 Mahomed Sader
16 Precious Mdlalose
17 Divyesh Joshi
18 Ricardo Mantovani
19 Babalwa Gova
20 Dana Pretorius
21 Mandy Muchnick
22 Nancy Chakabuda
23 Haneke van Zyl
24 Tramayne Monaghan
25 Joy Malope Malete
26 Adam Kajee
27 Ntokozo Mojapelo
28 Mojalefa Reginald Mosala
29 Thabo G. Mongatane
30 Millycent Mashele
31 Andrea Angelique Klassen
32 Nomonde Mdingi
33 Fulufhelo Siphuma
34 Mutondi Mashamba
35 Rolihlahla Vuzane
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
3 impact on others in
business
develop
impact on business
- how the skills of the person influence the business
- business growth:
1. is the model replicable (applied in other areas)
2. is the model scalable (economies of scale)
3. is the model sustainable in the long term
FRESH THINKING
influence
impact on society INNOVATION
- the impact of the person on society
- how they make a difference CREATIVE
lead
impact on others in business
- leadership skills
- how that has an influence on others in the business
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
CRITERIA excellent very good GOOD FAIR
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
PRESENTATION 9-10 8 6-7 0-5
OVERALL IMPRESSION 9-10 8 6-7 0-5
MANUEL RODRIGUES
34 years old
CFO, AFRICAN OPERATIONS AND

MD  FOR MOZAMBIQUE,
MATSWANI CAPITAL
Short Profile
Manuel Rodrigues is the perfect mix between born achiever and community improver. He obtained both
his law degree and CTA cum laude and was placed among the Top 10 in his ITC board exam. He became
a managing director at Escolha Do Povo (EDP) at the age of 29.
Today, he is a partner and director at Matswani Capital, a venture capital firm with widespread
investments across various industries ranging from agro processing and underground coal mining to bulk
fuel distribution across Africa.
At Matswani Capital, Manuel is strategic in the outlook of the business. He not only heads up the finance
function for the entire Africa region but is also responsible for operations in the Mozambican EDP project.
‘Escolha Do Povo’ (EDP) means ‘The People’s Choice’ in Portuguese. This was a brown fields project and
Manuel often expresses his pride on what they were able to build in a space where there was nothing,
raised all the necessary funding, obtained government support and approvals, and put in place the
necessary infrastructure for a commercial hatchery, maize and feed milling operation.
The infrastructure allows for the maximum production of half a million day-old chicks per month which
are distributed into the local market along with a chicken feed that EDP produces. This enhances the
livelihood of small-scale farmers, as they grow the birds under the supervision of EDPs training and
continuous development programme. The grown birds are sold by the small-scale farmers in the market,
thereby yielding a return on investment every 35 days. There is always a conundrum between the bottom
line and community development, and Manuel has cracked the code to achieve both.
This project has a wide-scale and growing social impact on: 

55 000 regional maize farmers − EDP buys millions of kilograms of maize from these farmers each year. 
14 000 soya bean farmers − EDP has been financing the fertilizers and seeds and providing training to
those farmers. The product is also purchased from the farmers and used in EDP’s feed production.
7 000 families to whom EDP provides technical support in rearing chickens. The grown birds are then
sold in the market.
EDP has partnered with the government in this initiative, as food security and the need to increase
production of food within the borders, as well as the nutritional intake of the average Mozambican, are
major concerns. They are proud of the fact that this project fortifies some staple foods (maize meal) with
added vitamins and makes those available at affordable prices while providing a cost-effective protein
source to the local population which improves the quality of food the people consume.
In 2017, EDP received a government grant amounting to $1,5 million to install a new soya extrusion plant
with a capacity of processing 2 million kilograms of product per month. This created a natural offtake for
the soya beans grown by the 14 000 farmers mentioned above. The product of this plant is used as the
protein source for the chicken feed.
An untapped market coupled with a destitute but willing community created the perfect opportunity for
social enterprise to meet with commercial enterprise.
Watch video
What are your most recent significant career highlights
and achievements?
I have included my most recent significant achievements in various spheres:
Academics
• Obtained my Law Degree, and CTA Cum Laude
• Place Top 10 in my ITC board Exam (2010)
Professional
• Managing Director Escolha Do Povo January 2016 (age of 30)
• Partner and CFO Matswani Capital January 2016- date
Matswani Capital is a venture capital company which has investments in

various industries. Currently we invest in the following industries and
locations:,
Industry
• Agro Processing, South Africa and Mozambique
• Underground coal mining, South Africa
• Renewable energy Malawi (70MW solar plant in Salima)
• Bulk fuel infrasture Rwanda, DRC, Zimbabwe, Botswana
Leadership
• Partner in Matswani Capital at the age of 28
• MD of EDP at the age of 30
• Country spokesperson on economic initiatives to improve nutritional intake in Mozambique-
Represent Mozambique in Thailand
• SRC President UJ
Share more about the community project/s that you are
actively involved with on a regular basis?

At Matswani Capital, whilst being strategically involved in all projects and heading up the
finance function for all operations in Africa, I am also been responsible for the Mozambican
operations for the past 6 years. For the purposes of this application, I will focus specifically on
the Mozambican Business.
In our Mozambican business is called Escolha Do Povo, or "EDP" for short. This is Portuguese
for "The Peoples Choice". This was a brown fields project and we have raised all the necessary
funding, obtained government support and approvals and put in place all the necessary
infrastructure for a commercial poultry and maize milling operation.
Our infrastructure allows us to produce 120 000 day old chicks per week which get sold into
the local market along with a high quality chicken feed. The small scale farmers purchase these
chicks and feed, and grow the bird along with the training and assistance of our highly skilled
vet. Once the bird is grown and healthy, the small scale farmers sell these birds in the market
thereby yielding a return on investment every 35 days (which is a higher turn around than
crops).
This project creates business opportunities for the farmers on a number of fronts:
• EDP supports 55 000 maize farmers who grow their maize in the region which EDP buys back
each year (+- 4 000 tons per annum) at market related prices.
• EDP supports 14 000 soya bean farmers and provide the fertilizer, seeds and training to those
farmers. EDP buys back the soya beans at market related prices (+-1 500 tons per annum)
• EDP provides day old chicks (+- 100 000 chicks per month) and feed to small scale farmers
and provide technical support to assist them in growing the chicken. The grown birds are then
sold in the market. Currently supporting approximately 7000 families.
• EDP has partnered with the government in this initiative as the major concerns are the issues
of food security in Mozambique, as well as the nutritional intake of the average Mozambican.
This project now offers a vitamin fortified maize meal at low prices, and also a cost-effective
protein source to the local population.
• I often like to refer to this project as the "sweet spot" where social enterprise meets
commercial enterprise.
• After all the business units above were established, we submitted a bid to the Mozambican
Government for a soya extruder (as the soya cake is the only protein source that we have
available for chicken feed in that area). We were granted the funding and completed the
installation of a Soya Oil mill with a capacity of 3 tons per hour. The total grant amounted to
$1 500 000 which is being used for equipment as well as a training programme to improve
• the yields per hectare of these small-scale farmers. This is one the projects greatest
achievements and will expand our operations and change the farmers income stream
significantly.
• Furthermore, we are partnering with other companies and are in negotiations to manage their
CSR initiatives on their behalf. This joint venture is specifically on a commercial abattoir
producing 3000 frozen birds a day. The consequence of this is that we will have a fully
integrated poultry operation in which small scale farmers will then also grow chickens, and
sell them to the abattoir, who will then slaughter and freeze those birds and sell into the frozen
market.
• We have not only offered the farmers a diversified revenue stream, but also the ability to
increase their production volumes and in turn offer jobs to others in their direct communities.
• In addition to this, as the project is based in a rural area, it has also created opportunities for
other “spin off businesses” such as grain traders, transporters, waste disposal business,
water sanitation businesses, retail outlet stores (as farmers are receiving consistent cash flow,
smaller retail stores have opened in various areas to provide products which would otherwise
not normally be accessible such as toothpaste, soaps, mosquito nets etc.)
Please refer to this video for a visual on the business and infrastructure that we have
established in the rural areas of Mozambique.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16wDbz9d4oQrnwc539H-nF9N5BW2tKiKU/view
Tell us how you have taken initiative to uplift your
business community or personal environment in the
recent past?
Please see the input above on the opportunities that we have created for small scale business
for about 75 000 small scale businesses in rural Mozambique.
In addition, I also spend my weekends offering academic support to Unisa Students through a
Tuta Me programme, funded by Delloite. This support is provided across all CTA level subjects.
How are you proudly setting an example as a
young leader?
Much like the CA brand, I believe that quality is crucial and can never be compromised. I am a
hard worker and will always strive for excellence, and I motivate those around me to do the
same. On all my teams (whether finance or operational), we never accept average and that
culture in any organization is one that comes from the top. I am also not the type of leader who
will just give instructions, I roll up my sleeves and get into the trenches with my team and we
fight the battle together. I also use a lot of time developing and training my team members and
as the company grows, so do they.
I am setting an example to fellow and future CAs that we are more than just finance people. Our
training (via a rigorous programme at the firms and Universities) equips us to take on roles of
CEOs, Head of HR, Head of Sales etc.
I serve as the only executive director in the project in Mozambique and take care of the
strategic as well and finance needs of the business. (CEO and CFO).
The project is a reasonable sized one and to date has collected $9.0 mil of investment and
whilst it is difficult, its not impossible.
I also choose to be a CA after I completed my Law degree, a sign that sometimes you don’t
need to have all the answers but if you follow your intuition, more often than not, you are led to
the right place.
Motivate why you should be nominated as a 2020
Top 35 finalist?
The competition is intimidating as I watched all videos of last years candidates.
I believe that I am a great candidate for this as my business acumen along with the skills that I
have been equipped with on this journey to being a CA, has led me to the point where I run one
of the biggest businesses in Tete Province and the decisions that I make a day to day basis,
impacts directly the livelihoods of thousands of people who really need it.... and we did that all
from scratch.
We are not a donor organization but spend the time equipping people with the skills where they
can look after themselves, and that I believe is "Exceptional without exception’'.
INFLUENCE, DEVELOP AND LEAD
DEVELOP
Training small scale farmers to grow alternative agricultural produce to improve their earning
potential. This impacts 55 327 maize farmers, 14 000 soya bean farmers and 7 012 chicken
farmers at this point in time. A new market has been developed, where none existed before.
My objective is to combine the concept of social enterprise with commercial enterprise,
together resulting in an integrated and sustainable staple food & poultry agricultural
operation harnessing the assets of the government and the skills of the people developing a
self-sustaining micro economy, that can survive for many generations to come.
Training Mozambican nationals (my staff) many of which have limited education and
equipping them with the skills to operate in a corporate space. This ranges from general
business acumen to general business processes, quality control, production management,
sales and client relations, cash management, stock management, email etiquette, soft skills,
computer skills etc.
Specific training for my finance team in Mozambique, which included identifying and
mitigating risk, reporting, and many other finance functions.
Increasing market efficiency which mostly lead to greater disposable income for the Farmer
Operating in rural conditions requires some personal development and rewiring of the mind.
I was trained in the formal sector and that required me to think out the box and be creative
and innovative with solutions that need to be developed on an ongoing basis.
Harnessing the knowledge & skills of the community farmer.
Develop the local industry and market for our products that we produce, but also for the
inputs that we require for our business. During the year end 30 June 2020, we managed to
procure 2 500 000kgs of maize and 1 300 000 mil kgs of soya beans from our small scale
farmers.
I not only grew a community or sector but provided a solution for the countries challenge in
food security, which is a core focus for the government. We provided a solution on how a
INFLUENCE
Changing the lives of the small-scale farmers by providing the inputs and training on how to
grow new products (chicken, maize and soya beans) for resale into the market
In so doing, providing the farmers with a diversified revenue source which has significantly
impacted their quality of life. I recall a farmer who profusely thanked me saying that now he
had something to pass on to his children. A new generation has been revived by a new
market and new possibilities.
The intention is for the project to enhance both the wellbeing and livelihood of participating
farming communities, and using that as a consistent supply source for a successful business.
A more efficient and growing market leads to greater earning potential for the farmers
drives:
• Access to basic health facilities, medicines, mosquito nets to prevent malaria etc
• Food with higher nutritional value
• Better living conditions
• Higher level of education
• Prevent the urbanization trend
• Community Upliftment
• Ability to purchase modes of transport (motor bikes, cars, bicycles)
• Spin off SMME business opportunities for local businesses (transporters, welders,
• artisans, builders)
• In general, a higher quality of life.
Changing dietary pattern of the local consumer and influencing the local Mozambicans
consumption patterns by providing/selling vitamin enriched staple foods and proteins at a
price that is accessible to the people in those markets.
My influence has not only been significant in Mozambique but also in South Africa. I have
often motivated varying people to become Chartered Accountants. Please see attached the
reference letter my colleague, Charne Malherbe, prepared. Please also see my involvement in
lecturing CTA students which I have been doing for the past 5 years and influencing them
on their journey to become CA (SA)s.
LEAD
I have been the managing and financial director for 3 years and taken full responsibility for
the leadership and direction of the business. This includes directing 50 employees, 14000
soya bean farmers, 7012 chicken farmers and 55 000 maize farmers. My role includes
representing my organization in all levels of the public eye including government, banks,
shareholders and international organizations and funds.
I serve on the board of directors which consists of 3 members; 2 of which are non –
executive. I serve as the only executive director.
Lead the fight to protect the small-scale grower and the local market.
Lead the movement in ensuing that the country can produce its own food for its own
people.
First project of this nature in the country and we are leading the way for future projects.
Government have approached us to roll out this blueprint in other regions of the country.
Please also refer to the below where I outline my leadership history.

Judges pack, SAICA top 35 under 35 2020.
Manuel Jose Rodrigues
Firstly, I would like to extend my most sincere and humble thank you for selecting me as a finalist for
this year’s competition. To say it is a huge compliment to be considered is an understatement to be
considered to fit in with those that are exceptional without exception. So, thank you for making me
part of SAICA’s exceptional story.
In my experience, I have found that effective business leaders need a combination of two crucial
skills that make them exceptional, knowledge/technical ability and people/soft skills. Whilst many
people may be stronger in the one than the other, generally one needs both skills to thrive, either
individually or collectively as a team.
I feel that my place in the competition is a well fought, competitive one (a brave statement
considering that I have seen the profiles of all the other candidates) as I have found the delicate
equilibrium between knowledge and emotional intelligence. I have always been academically strong
throughout my 12 years at school and 5 years of tertiary education. Fortunately, I have also had the
opportunity to take up some incredible leadership positions, which at varying points in my life taught
me valuable skills. I do believe that my passion for education and learning coupled with the ability to
get those around you to follow, is a rare combination skill that I have grown and used successfully in
business in varying business operations throughout Africa.
I would describe myself not only as a fast learner but also an effective teacher and able to simplify
difficult concepts. This trait has helped me upskill and assist those around me, including colleagues
and staff members to excel. Community growth and development is something I enjoy doing and
take great pride in this.
I have summarised my judges pack to the following headings
 A summary of my business
 Reference letters
 How I develop, influence and lead
 My academic history and achievements
 My leadership history
 My passion for education
 My CSR initiatives
 A summary of my business
I am a partner and director at Matswani Capital, a venture capital company with 4 young
partners, who have raised funds for projects amounting to ~R600 mil. Our consolidated
revenue for the year ended 31 December 2019 would be ~R1.1bn with a prediction of
~R1.9bn projected for the year ending 31 December 2020. This has been a remarkable 6
years for Matswani Capital, because when I joined the team, we only had consulting
contracts and our funds under management was about R10mil. We have seen exponential
growth over this time frame.
Our investments include the following:
 Trans African Oil-Fuel distribution business which has infrastructure in Botswana,

Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. I serve as the Chief Financial
Officer and member of the EXCO. In some regions we operate solely on a bulk supply
basis, and in others we have a retail footprint included, please refer to the some
pictures below. This business was a brown fields business and started from scratch.
Recently I have signed up for a course in French to be able to communicate with
customers and staff members.
 Escolha Do Povo Limitada, a company based in Mozambique - Integrated poultry
business producing day old chicks, chicken feed, soya cake and fortified maize meal
in Tete, Mozambique. In this business I am the Managing Director and Chief
Financial Officer. This was another brown fields project. I successfully completed a
Portuguese language course in 2015 and am proud to say that today I am fluent in
the language and am able to present to government officials and conferences in
Portuguese.
 JCM Power- A 70MW solar powered fuel farm which supplies power to Eskom in
Malawi. Brown fields project
 Blue Mining services- Underground and open cast contract mining company, mining
Coal in Mpumalanga. Our most recent acquisition with an effective date of 1
October 2019.
Container store - Retail petrol station developed in DRC Our Petrol station brand-Botswana
Our 5 million Litre Storage Farm- Bukavu
From the above, it is clear that our project and industry offering is diverse but at the core of our
operations is fulfilling basic human needs and ensuring we engage in meaningful and empowering
sustainable projects.
For purposes of my application, my focus will be on the business in Mozambique, Escolha Do Povo
Limitada as this is where my actions have greatly influenced the outcome as I am the only
operational director serving on the board (of 3 board members). In addition to this, I am extremely
proud of the social impact that this business has had on the surrounding community.
The project started in 2014 where we identified an underutilised government owned maize meal
factory in Tete, Mozambique. Given the nature of maize meal production, the by product is maize
bran/chop. An active market exists in South Africa for the by product but is almost non-existent in
Mozambique. I started exploring various opportunities for the by product. After evaluating various
options internationally and within the Mozambican borders, it was decided that it would be most
beneficial to produce chicken feed. As Matswani Capital, we approached the second largest poultry
producer in South Africa with a proposal on a partnership on this venture in Mozambique. This
aligned at the time with their expansion strategy into Africa. We noted that in order to sell chicken
feed, a supply of day old chicks would be necessary and with a poultry partner on board, we would
have all the necessary skills and know how on how to do this effectively. One needs to be confident
enough to know when something is above your level of expertise, so this partnership was going to
be mutually beneficial.
Thereafter we approached the Mozambican government to enter into a private public partnership in
which their assets would be placed under our management. The partnership was approved in 2015
and final legal arrangements being completed at the beginning of 2016. We started breaking
ground almost immediately and our first day old chicks were produced in March of 2017. All seemed
to be running smoothly until June 2018, the shareholders decided to change the strategy for the
project, which lead to a reduction in project capital spend. When confronted with limited resources,
one needs to get creative and raise funding from alternative sources to bring the projects vision to
fruition.
We approached the government in 2016 with a proposal on an investment in a soya plant that
would uplift the lives of many farmers in the local community. In June 2018, we were awarded a
grant (after 2 years of presentations and financial modelling) of $1.5mil which was used to install
and commission a soya extruder plant along with the following additional aspects to get the entire
initiative to succeed:
 a farmer training programme for soya beans. We made it our target to train 14 000
farmers. In order to empower woman in the area, we included a target of 80% female
inclusion. Actual results was 83% (11 622 female farmers). This is no small fete and
something we were incredibly proud of.
 This plant was commissioned in January 2020 with a total production capacity of 2000 000
kgs per month.
 2* 500sqm warehouses which were required to be built for rural communities to store their
maize and other agricultural products.
 A quality control laboratory and training programme for a quality supervisor.
 A consolidation warehouse centralized of 1000sqm.
For a schematic summary on the operations of the EDP business, please see the flow diagram below.
Maize and feed factory Hatchery
First batch of chicks produced in 2017 Rural warehouses to collect product
Small scale farmers harvesting their soya Small scale farmer plantations
Farmer accreditation/graudation Lab technician training
1000sqm Second warehouse facility built 50 ton storage inlet at the soya factory
3 ton per hour cooking facility in the soya factory

From the above, it is clear that creativity, resilience, an eye for opportunity and a longing for
impact all resulted in a successful project with a community living a better quality of life than
it did in 2014.
 Reference letters
 How I develop, influence and lead
Develop
 Training small scale farmers to grow alternative agricultural produce to improve their
earning potential. This impacts 55 327 maize farmers, 14 000 soya bean farmers and 7 012
chicken farmers at this point in time. A new market has been developed, where none
existed before.
 My objective is to combine the concept of social enterprise with commercial enterprise,
together resulting in an integrated and sustainable staple food & poultry agricultural
operation harnessing the assets of the government and the skills of the people developing a
self-sustaining micro economy, that can survive for many generations to come.
 Training Mozambican nationals (my staff) many of which have limited education and
equipping them with the skills to operate in a corporate space. This ranges from general
business acumen to general business processes, quality control, production management,
sales and client relations, cash management, stock management, email etiquette, soft skills,
computer skills etc.
 Specific training for my finance team in Mozambique, which included identifying and
mitigating risk, reporting, and many other finance functions.
 Increasing market efficiency which mostly lead to greater disposable income for the Farmer
 Operating in rural conditions requires some personal development and rewiring of the mind.
I was trained in the formal sector and that required me to think out the box and be creative
and innovative with solutions that need to be developed on an ongoing basis.
 Harnessing the knowledge & skills of the community farmer.
 Develop the local industry and market for our products that we produce, but also for the
inputs that we require for our business. During the year end 30 June 2020, we managed to
procure 2 500 000kgs of maize and 1 300 000 mil kgs of soya beans from our small scale
farmers.
 I not only grew a community or sector but provided a solution for the countries challenge in
food security, which is a core focus for the government. We provided a solution on how a
country can feed its own people whilst creating opportunities and jobs in the process.
Influence
 Changing the lives of the small-scale farmers by providing the inputs and training on how to
grow new products (chicken, maize and soya beans) for resale into the market
 In so doing, providing the farmers with a diversified revenue source which has significantly
impacted their quality of life. I recall a farmer who profusely thanked me saying that now he
had something to pass on to his children. A new generation has been revived by a new
market and new possibilities.
 The intention is for the project to enhance both the wellbeing and livelihood of participating
farming communities, and using that as a consistent supply source for a successful business.
 A more efficient and growing market leads to greater earning potential for the farmers
drives:
 Access to basic health facilities, medicines, mosquito nets to prevent malaria etc
 Food with higher nutritional value
 Better living conditions
 Higher level of education
 Prevent the urbanization trend
 Community Upliftment
 Ability to purchase modes of transport (motor bikes, cars, bicycles)
 Spin off SMME business opportunities for local businesses (transporters, welders,
artisans, builders)
 In general, a higher quality of life.
 Changing dietary pattern of the local consumer and influencing the local Mozambicans
consumption patterns by providing/selling vitamin enriched staple foods and proteins at a
price that is accessible to the people in those markets.
 My influence has not only been significant in Mozambique but also in South Africa. I have
often motivated varying people to become Chartered Accountants. Please see attached the
reference letter my colleague, Charne Malherbe, prepared. Please also see my involvement
in lecturing CTA students which I have been doing for the past 5 years and influencing them
on their journey to become CA (SA)s.
Lead
 I have been the managing and financial director for 3 years and taken full responsibility for
the leadership and direction of the business. This includes directing 50 employees, 14000
soya bean farmers, 7012 chicken farmers and 55 000 maize farmers. My role includes
representing my organization in all levels of the public eye including government, banks,
shareholders and international organizations and funds.
 I serve on the board of directors which consists of 3 members; 2 of which are non –
executive. I serve as the only executive director.
 Lead the fight to protect the small-scale grower and the local market.
 Lead the movement in ensuing that the country can produce its own food for its own
people.
 First project of this nature in the country and we are leading the way for future projects.
 Please also refer to the below where I outline my leadership history.
 My academic history and achievements

 I completed my matric at Sunward Park High School in Boksburg and was Dux Scholar in
my year, completing the year with distinctions in all subjects ranging from maths and
science to art and history.
 I was awarded the top Art student in South Africa, after having obtained a final mark of
99%. I believe that my ability to be creative and think out of the box is fuelled by my
creativity and love for art.
 I started my tertiary education in 2005 and at that time, I was set on becoming a lawyer.
As time developed, I realised through my studies that I had a strong business inclination
and so converted my course after I qualified with my law degree (cum laude). This
allowed me to enter a programme called BCTA (which is effectively 3rd year at the
University of Johannesburg).
 I was the awarded top student in my legal studies and top student in my BCTA year
(even above those who took the course from first year).
 I then started my CTA in 2009 and was the top student of the 2009 class and completed
CTA Cum Laude.
 I also placed in the top 10 of the January 2010 ITC board exam. To date, still one of my
proudest achievements.
 My leadership history
Representative of Mozambique Escolha Do Povo 2019
as the international Micro-
Nutrient Forum – hosted in
Thailand
Managing Director Escolha Do Povo January 2018- date
Partner and Director Matswani Capital January 2016- date
Financial Director Escolha Do Povo Limitada June 2015- date
Financial Director Green Data Intelligence April 2015- date

Solutions
Chairman- Client Service KPMG November 2013- July 2014

Committee
eAudit and delivery champion in KPMG May 2013- July 2014

the CMT business unit
Chairman CSR committee KPMG January 2011- July 2014
Accounting Honours Junior University of Johannesburg January 2010- December 2010

Lecturer
Secretary General of the All Polytechnic of Namibia in July 2007- July 2008
African Students Congress conjunction with the
African Union
Golden Key Honour Society University of Johannesburg September 2007- March 2008
Marketing officer
SRC Campus President University of Johannesburg September 2006 - September

2007
Central SRC member University of Johannesburg September 2006 - September

2007
Accounting 3A Class University of Johannesburg July 2007 – December 2007

Representative (required by
SAICA)
SRC Executive: Current Affairs University of Johannesburg September 2005 – September

2006
Chairperson of Disciplinary University of Johannesburg September 2005 – September

Committee 2006
First Years Committee (EK) University of Johannesburg 2005
SRC Merger Council University of Johannesburg 2005

Head Boy Sunward Park High School 2004
RCL president Sunward Park High School 2003
RCL member- 3 years Sunward Park High School 2000 – 2002
 My passion for education

I have always had a passion for education and despite the progression in my career, I have always
made time to pass on what I know to others. My history at various educational institutions that I
have worked/volunteered at are as follows:
Financial Accounting lecturer Edge Business School January 2020 to date

(CTA Level)
Technical Accounting lecturer Tuta Me in collaboration with 2016 to date.

Deloitte and Touche
KPMG Global Learning and New Jersey- United states of America 8 November 2012- 12
Development May 2013
Global Audit Pilot Programme Chicago- United States of America 3-11 March 2012
Lecturer for Financial and School of Management Accounting January 2010 to

Management accounting October 2012
Junior Lecturer- Taxation 3rd University of Limpopo January- December

year 2010
Junior Lecturer- Accounting University of Johannesburg January- December

Honors 2010
In addition to this, I was also one of the initial investors and advisors to the development of the Tuta
Me app, which has subsequently been sold to PSG, a platform where students are linked up with
tutors to provide tuition on a topic specific basis.
 My CSR initiatives
Institution Cause Date
Mentor to Unisa Students Delloites mentorship programme January 2016 to date

Catechism teacher Grade 9s St Augustine Catholic Church January 2019 to
Germiston December 2019
KPMG Corporate Social A number of projects have been run January 2011 to 2015.
Responsibility committee on an ongoing basis- such as Easter
egg hunts for orphans, building a
home for physically disabled children,
building a roof at an under privileged
school, birthday parties at an
orphanage, collection of food for
abandoned animals at the SPCA.
Eden Haven Old age Home July 2008
Fun day at a crèche in Orphaned Children January 2008

Auckland Park
Worked with RAG committee Raised funds so that under privileged January 2007
could go to Durban
Little Eden Home for mentally handicapped July 2006

children
Kids at play Taught pre school children karate March 2004 –

September 2004
Conclusion
When I was young, I always wanted to change the world, but I realised it’s not about the
world as a whole but about the growth in little communities that truly have nothing. So, I
have changed my philosophy from changing the world to changing their world and I believe I
have done that.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey.

JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
ARUN VARUGHESE
34 years old
 
CORPORATE FINANCE EXECUTIVE,
RAND MERCHANT BANK
Short Profile
Arun’s passion for finance and entrepreneurship started long before his professional career. He grew up
in the Eastern Cape and his entrepreneurial spirit was harnessed at an early age working alongside his
father in the family business. Arun has gravitated towards commercial ventures of all sizes ever since.
He obtained honours degrees in Finance and Accounting and a master’s degree in Financial Management
from the University of Cape Town (UCT). He is also a CFA charter holder.
His served a year of academic articles at UCT, where he lectured and tutored undergraduate students in
taxation. During this time, Arun also lectured at the Raymond Ackerman school for entrepreneurs and at
the Thuthuka Academy for aspiring black CA(SA) candidates. Post the completion of his articles at
Deloitte, Arun joined Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), where he has spent almost a decade in investment
banking.
He is at present a corporate finance executive in the Investment Banking Division of RMB, where he
leads advisory teams and is actively involved in spearheading the bank’s growth initiatives in the private
equity and telecommunications media and technology (TMT) groups. Arun is one of the youngest
members of the corporate finance executive committee at RMB and serves in various leadership roles at
the bank.
He also spent a year and half in London building the RMB brand and strengthening relationships with key
European clients by focusing on value-additive M&A opportunities across Africa. During his career at
RMB, he has advised and helped execute landmark transactions worth some US$15 billion, including the
sale of Pepkor to Steinhoff, the acquisition of Clover by Milco, and the Tsogo Sun placement by SAB
Miller.
Arun remains passionate about the progression of young talent and works actively towards developing
the next generation of leaders in banking. He is also a seasoned member of the FirstRand CSI
programme, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. He
continues to showcase his passion for start-ups by investing in a variety of ventures such as e-
commerce, property and hedge funds.
Arun feels honoured to be nominated for the SAICA Top 35-under-35 competition and hopes his journey
will encourage young students from disadvantaged backgrounds to aspire to become chartered
accountants and finance professionals.
Watch video
and achievements?
• Qualified CA (SA) and CFA charter holder with a Masters in Financial Management (UCT)
• Advised on deals in excess of USD15 billion throughout my career at RMB
• Leading RMB’s advisory practice for financial sponsors (private equity, investment holding
companies and family offices) and telecommunications, media and technology across all its
regions (sub Saharan Africa, UK and India)
• Advised on landmark deals such as: Tsogo Sun Fully Marketed Offering (FMO) (R12bn,
largest non-mining FMO in SA history), Pepkor sale to Steinhoff (R72bn, one of the largest
corporate deals in SA history, Steinhoff Africa IPO (R16bn, the largest in SA history)
• Helped further empowerment in SA by advising and structuring deals such as the RCL Foods
B-BBEE deal and the MMI B-BBEE deal
• Part of Corporate Finance team that won the South African league tables (Dealmakers) for
value and flow in numerous years
• Part of the Investment Banking team that won numerous EMEA Finance, The Banker awards
• Top rated article clerk at Deloitte, where I was involved in numerous top tier client audits
• Highly rated lecturer at the University of Cape Town in the department of accounting
• Involved in numerous start-ups in the property, technology and finance industries

I have regularly been involved in community projects since my school days when I was a member of St
John’s Ambulance service helping provide medical care to underprivileged members of the community.
In university I was involved programs such as RAG (Remember and Give) and various societies.
During my articles I tutored at both the Raymond Ackerman Graduate School (focus on
entrepreneurship) and at the Thuthuka Candidate Program (prospective black CA candidates) where I
was able to coach young black CA (SA) candidates on passing Board 1. I have also been involved in the
Awethu Project, an NGO which seeks to provide entrepreneurship to young black entrepreneurs from
the township.
Currently I am involved in the FirstRand Volunteer program where I have been involved, over several
years, in a variety of programs from RMB’s Mandela Day activities, social outreach programs, and the
RMB Hug Fund charity. In addition, I have personally helped raised money for charity events such as
MoVember.
In addition to my personal efforts, the most meaningful community work that I am involved in at RMB is
through the RMB CSI programme, where I have helped mentor young black entrepreneurs with their
businesses. I have had regular calls and coaching sessions with selected entrepreneurs who needed
practical business support and advice. Given my role as a financial adviser to large corporate clients, I
believe that providing a similar quality of advice and expertise to young and budding entrepreneurs is
invaluable to their businesses and hopefully, it will help shape their success as they grow from strength
to strength.
Overall, I am passionate about education, technology and entrepreneurship and work to give back to
the community by providing my time, skills and resources in an impactful and meaningful way.
recent past?
I have worked closely with key business leaders in South Africa and SSA in exploring key value
additive M&A and capital raising deals. These deals have helped shape the face of the business
environment by creating immense shareholder and stakeholder value. Many of these deals
helped bring new shareholders to the table, fresh capital and helped place these businesses on
a growth trajectory.
I regularly engage at the C-suite level and at the board of director levels to explore value
generating deals for companies. Often these deals help shareholders realise higher growth,
improved profits and help further the business enterprise. During my career, I been involved in
landmark B-BBEE deals such as the RCL Foods B-BBEE deal and the MMI BEE deals where a
broad range of beneficiaries were able to acquire a meaningful stake in blue chip SA corporates
thanks to innovative financial structuring and funding.
More personally, I have backed, funded and mentored aspiring entrepreneurs who have gone
on to build successful businesses or make tough decisions that were ultimately in their best
interests. The ability to carry out in-depth market research and due-diligence supported by
robust financial forecasting is often the reason behind success or failure. Entrepreneurship can
often be a lonely journey and by explaining the practicalities of issues such as capital allocation,
tax implications, fundraising options etc., I have been able to guide and steer some in the
correct direction.
For those entrepreneurs who have had to make tough decisions regarding business continuity, I
have acted as a devil’s advocate to temper their passion for a concept with the reality of
unfavourable growth prospects concerning scalability. It is the ability to anticipate scenarios,
from having worked with successful business owners for most of my career, that allows me to
meaningfully advise enterprises of all sizes.
young leader?
I believe that leadership is a building block to creating legacy and as such, I have consistently
shown leadership abilities from a young age. During my time at school, I was awarded the
highest school honours for academics and for my service to the school as a result of my role in
numerous committees and charitable initiatives. I maintained my commitment to setting an
example at university and I was elected as a member of my residence committee, Kopano
House. I also held leadership positions at various societies such as the Golden Key Society and
the UCT Judo. My commitment to academic excellence has been a central theme for me and I
was selected to tutor and lecturer many students at UCT in subjects where I was a top student.
During my articles, I served on various Deloitte social and transformation committees, often
leading from the front in terms of mentoring young trainees and leading high-performance audit
teams.
Presently, I am the youngest member of the RMB Corporate Finance Executive Committee. I
am also one of the few non-white team leaders within the wider investment bank. I take an
active role in managing the overall corporate finance business with over 70 people in 5
countries. In addition, I lead my own sector teams, which focus on advising high profile clients
across sub-Saharan Africa.
My passion for my work has seen me advising on numerous landmark deals, which have gone
on to shape the business landscape in South Africa. In addition, I have interacted at the highest
levels within the South African business community by advising leading corporates, private
equity firms and ultra-high net worth individuals.
I am fortunate to lead a diverse team, both in terms of gender and race and I act as an on-going
advocate seeking to promote black talent at RMB. In addition, I am on the recruitment panel for
the Investment Banking division of the bank where I help to select top tier talent across the
continent.
Taking the above into consideration, I do believe that I have set a very high standard as a young
leader in South Africa providing an example for younger CA (SA)s to emulate.
Top 35 finalist?
It is a real honour to be considered and I am extremely humbled to have been nominated for the
CA Top 35 competition.
When I was younger and growing up in my home town of East London, I dreamt of becoming a
CA (SA) and entering the business world, hoping to influence the trajectory of country by
becoming a business leader. There were not many CA (SA)s in my home town and not even one
that I knew in my immediate community. I remember having to go seek out CA(SA)s in East
London and eventually I went to KPMG, as the one of the only big audit firms in town, to meet a
young CA (SA) trainee to understand what it meant to be one. That conversation helped shape
my life and my current trajectory.
In seeking to create legacy, there are few things more valuable than being a role model, and I
would like to be that person for younger people from areas in the country like the Eastern Cape,
where the economic situation is not as favourable as in major metros like Johannesburg and
Cape Town. I wish to inspire young, non-white students to consider becoming a CA (SA) and to
show them that the world is your oyster once you have qualified. With an exceptional
qualification and a strong set of skills, it also provides you with a base to be competitive on a
global scale.
In reflecting on my journey, I believe that I have strong track record of success and that I have
been an exemplary CA (SA) since qualifying. I have used my designation and skills set to excel
in Investment Banking and to work in Corporate Finance. This in turn has allowed me to work
on landmark transactions and influence the business landscape in South Africa. I have also
stayed true to my commitment of advocating for the recognition and promotion of black talent
across the bank, and more personally, supporting my team through every step of their journey.
With this in mind, I do truly believe that I would be a good role model of a CA (SA) in practice
and that I have had a significant impact and reach on the South African business environment.

INFLUENCE
DEVELOP
I have regularly been involved in community projects since my school days when I was a
member of St John’s Ambulance service helping provide medical care to underprivileged
members of the community. In university I was involved programs such as RAG (Remember
and Give) and various societies
During my articles I tutored at both the Raymond Ackerman Graduate School (focus on
entrepreneurship) and at the Thuthuka Candidate Program (prospective black CA
candidates) where I was able to coach young black CA (SA) candidates on passing Board 1
I have also been involved in the Awethu Project, an NGO which seeks to provide
entrepreneurship to young black entrepreneurs from the township
Currently I am involved in the FirstRand Volunteer program where I have been involved, over
several years, in a variety of programs from RMB’s Mandela Day activities, social outreach
programs, and the RMB Hug Fund charity. In addition, I have personally helped raised money
for charity events such as MoVember
In addition to my personal efforts, the most meaningful community work that I am involved in is
through the RMB CSI programme, where I have helped mentor young black entrepreneurs
with their businesses. Given my role as a financial adviser to large corporate clients, I believe
that providing a similar quality of advice and expertise to young and budding entrepreneurs is
invaluable to their businesses and hopefully it will help shape their success
LEAD
• During my time at school, I was awarded the highest school honours for academics and
for my service and leadership to the school as a result of my role in numerous committees,
sports teams and charitable initiatives
• I maintained my commitment to setting an example at university and I was elected as a

member of my residence committee. I also held leadership positions at various societies
such as the Golden Key Society and the UCT Judo
• During my articles, I served on various Deloitte social and transformation committees,

often leading from the front in terms of mentoring young trainees and leading high-
performance audit teams
• One of the youngest members of the RMB Corporate Finance Executive Committee. I am also
one of the few non-white team leaderswithin the wider investment bank
• I take an active role in managing the overall corporate finance businesswith over 70
people in 5 countries. In addition, I lead my own sector teams (FSG and TMT) of over 8
people, which focuses on advising high profile clients across sub-Saharan Africa
• I am fortunate enough to lead a diverse team -both in terms of gender and race and I act
as an on-going advocate seeking to promote black talent at RMB
• In addition, I am on the recruitment panel for the Investment Banking division of the bank
where I help to select top tier talent with a particular focus on recruiting exceptional black
talent
INFLUENCE
I have worked closely with key business leaders in South Africa and SSA in exploring key
value additive M&A and capital raising deals
Advised on deals exceeding USD15bn across the continent. These deals have helped shape
the face of the business environment by creating immense shareholder and stakeholder
value
I regularly engage at the C-suite level and at the board of director levels to explore value
generating deals for companies. Often these deals help shareholders realise higher growth,
improved profits and help further the business enterprise
During my career, I beeninvolved in landmark B-BBEE deals where a broad range of

beneficiaries were able to acquire a meaningful stake in blue chip SA corporates thanks to
innovative financial structuring and funding
More personally, I have backed, funded and mentored aspiring entrepreneurs who have
gone on to build successful businesses or make tough decisions that were ultimately in their
best interests
Entrepreneurship can often be a lonely journey and by advising on the practicalities of issues
such as capital allocation, tax implications, fundraising options etc., I have been able to guide
and steer some in the correct direction
It is the ability to anticipate scenarios, from having worked with successful businesses for most
of my career, that allows me to meaningfully advise enterprises of all sizes helping set them
up for future success
ARUN VARUGHESE
CORPORATE FINANCE EXECUTIVE
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE +27 79 510 5503

Passionate Investment Banker, with deep financial expertise and a proven track record.
Strong interests in finance, investing, start-ups, and entrepreneurship. Currently based arun.t.varughese@gmail.com
with Rand Merchant Bank, a leading Investment Bank in Sub-Saharan Africa as a Team
Johannesburg, South Africa
Leader in the Financial Sponsor and TMT Groups. Covering a wide range of clients with a
focus on high profile M&A transactions
EXPERTISE EXPERIENCE
Strategy
RAND MERCHANT BANK
Leadership
Negotiations Deal Highlights:
Deal Execution
• Advised on deals in excess of USD15 billion
Capital Raising • Member of the corporate finance team that won the South African league tables
Deal origination (Dealmakers awards) for value and flow in numerous years
Client relationships • Part of the investment banking team that won several EMEA Finance and The Banker
TMT Sector awards
Consumer Sector
Relevant deal experience:
Private Equity Sector
• Sell side: sale of Gammatek by the founders, disposal of Waco International by Ethos led
consortium, advisor to Sabvest on a sale of a controlling stake in ITL, disposal of Universal
Industries by Ethos, Titan and Brait disposal of Pepkor, sale of a minority stake in Coricraft
by Westbrooke, Sale / break-up of AVI (proposed), disposal of BioTherm by Denham Capital
QUALIFICATIONS
• IPO/FMO: Steinhoff Africa Retail IPO, Waco and Consol IPOs (proposed), Tsogo Sun FMO
Qualified Chartered • Restructures: Restructure of Pick n Pay Group control structure
Accountant, South African • Buyside: Acquisition of Karan Beef by Pelo Ventures, Acquisition of Clover by Milco, Bidvest
Institute of Chartered acquisition of Plumblink, Adcorp Holdings acquisition of Kelly Group, Acquisition of
Accountants Foodcorp by Rainbow Chicken, Acquisition by Net1 of a stake in Cell C, Acquisition of a
controlling stake in Metrofile by MIC, Merger of RCL Foods and TSB Sugar
Chartered Financial Analyst,
• BEE: MMI BEE transaction restructure, RCL Foods BEE transaction
Chartered Financial Analyst
Institute
Position: Head – Financial Sponsor Group and TMT | Period: 2019 – Current |
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa, United Kingdom and India
• Managing Director equivalent role
EDUCATION • Leading RMB’s advisory practice for financial sponsors (private equity, investment holding
Masters in Financial companies and family offices) and telecommunications, media and technology across all its
Management, University of regions
Cape Town, 2012 • Primary lead for client relationships, deal origination, execution and cross sell of products in
FSG and TMT sectors
Postgraduate Diploma in • Member of global corporate finance executive committee which lead an advisory business of
Accounting / Honours in over 70 people across various regions
Accounting, University of Cape • Enrolled in RMB’s internal leadership programmes. Completed executive level short courses
Town, 2008 in data science, recruitment, negotiations, pitching, and presentations
Position: Corporate Finance Executive | Period: 2018 – 2019 |

Bachelor of Business Science Region: United Kingdom
Honours, 2007 • Executive Director equivalent role
Double Major in Accounting and • Based in RMB’s London office for 1.5 years focused on cross border M&A activity involving
Finance, University of Cape Town African corporates and financial sponsors
(UCT) • Spearheaded the bank’s origination efforts with European based clients looking to invest in
Africa, helping build new client relationships and the brand in a new region
• Worked extensively with Leverage Finance, Coverage and Global Markets in cross selling the
bank’s products in new markets
ARUN VARUGHESE
CORPORATE FINANCE EXECUTIVE
ACHIEVEMENTS EXPERIENCE continued

Dean’s Merit List 2005,2007/08 Position: Senior Corporate Finance Transactor | Period: 2015 – 2018 |
Commerce Academic Scholarship Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Kopano Academic Excellence • Vice President equivalent role
• Project management of key transactions and responsibility for the ultimate success of the transaction
Deloitte Performance Scholarships including leading teams of banking personnel
CFA Academic Scholarship • Member of Investment Banking Strategic Forum responsible for presenting new strategic ideas to the
Member of Golden Key management committee of RMB
International Honour Society • Helped with deal origination and client relationship management
• Co-founded the FSG advisory practice and helped build-up the client base for the bank
• Lead deal teams in terms of execution of key M&A transactions
PUBLICATIONS Position: Corporate Finance Transactor | Period: 2012 – 2015 | Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Thesis Topic: Carbon Credits • Associate level role
Market in SA • In-charge of day to day execution of deals
• Heavily involved in financial modelling, client presentations, research and process management
LEADERSHIP DELOITTE AND TOUCHE

RMB: Corporate Finance Executive Position: Senior Article Clerk | Period 2010 – 2011 | Region: South Africa
Committee: Member • In depth auditing of various companies in wide range of industries
FSG and TMT advisory: Team lead • Clients including: Anglo American SPVs, Mineworkers Investment Company, Imperial,
IBD Strategic Forum: Member • CRI Eagle Investments, Legalwise, Schenk Process, Cronimet Chrome Mining, CIMS, UCS Technology
IBD Recruitment Panel: Member • Gained valuable experience in IFRS, financial reporting, auditing, taxation and valuations
Deloitte Social Committee • Secondary experience in Capital Markets team, where experience was gained in derivative
valuations for corporate organisations
Deloitte Jala Jala Committee
Kopano House: 2005 Treasurer
UCT - DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND ECONOMICS
UCT Judo 2005/06: Secretary
Position: Assistant Lecturer/Tutor | Period: 2008 | Region: South Africa
Golden Key UCT Chapter: Director
• Lecturing, tutoring students, setting and marking of exams, projects
DEUTSCHE BANK - WINTER INTERNSHIP

LANGUAGES Position: Intern | Period: 2007 | Region: South Africa
English: Fluent • Exposure to Global Corporate Finance and Global Markets over two rotations
• Research work done for equity analysts and directors of Global Corporate Finance
Afrikaans: Conversational
Malayalam: Conversational START-UP / ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERIENCE
French: Basic
My Haute Handbag | Co-founder & CFO | 2017 – 2019
• E-commerce platform focused on niche, luxury handbags. Integrally involved in the set-up of the
firm, financial and operational management
REFEREES 9SQ | Founder & Director | 2017 – Current
Mark Treagus, RMB, Head of RMB
• Residential property platform focused on value properties
London, mark.treagus@rmb.co.uk
• Focused on sourcing property deals, analysing the financial returns and execution
Lance Warner, RMB Co-head Ten Shi Capital | Co-founder & COO | 2010- 2012
Corporate Finance,
• Formed an investment group to invest into equity capital markets utilising quantitative trading
lance.warner@rmb.co.za strategies. Developed proprietary trading algorithms based on machine learning and deep
quantitative analysis. Led the operations and financial management of the fund
Haroon Loonat, Deloitte, Senior
Partner, hloonat@deloitte.co.za Carbonfloor | Co-founder | 2010
• Development of a personal carbon trading platform for groups of individuals. Designed the trading
platform, trading mechanism. Pitched the concept to various corporates
Shanthi Development | Cofounder | 2006

• Started a web development company, focusing on visual branding and website design. Pitched for
work with various SME clients
1 Merchant Place Cnr Fredman Dr & Rivonia Rd Sandton 2196
PO Box 786273 Sandton 2146 South Africa
Switchboard +27 11 282-8000
Facsimile +27 11 282-8008
www.rmb.co.za
Reg. No. 1929/001225/06

An Authorised Financial Services Provider
27 July 2020
To Whom it May Concern
Letter of Recommendation: Arun Varughese

At RMB we apply Solutionist Thinking to economic, social and environmental challenges. The RMB
Fund is our corporate social investment vehicle and focuses on education and training in the creative
arts and environment sectors, aligned to the FirstRand Foundation social investment strategy to make
catalytic investments in education and skills development for an improved economy. I write in my
capacity as Head of Social Investment at RMB.
While we do not focus specifically on entrepreneurship, RMB is involved with social entrepreneurs
through our support of beneficiary organisations. We also try to connect our highly skilled colleagues
with beneficiaries as part of the thriving FirstRand Volunteers programme. In this way, colleagues are
able to contribute towards unlocking talent and social transformation through skills based mentorship
and other ways, over and above what CSI funding, or being on a committee can do.
My colleague, Arun Varughese, has played such a role in this work whenever he has the time and
capacity to do so, in between his role as Lead Transactor in Corporate Finance, Investment Banking
Division. It has been a pleasure interacting with him on various projects over the last 3 years in
particular – even if over a brief coffee for some advice on behalf of a programme beneficiary.
In early 2017, Arun and I spoke more officially about these activities. I was completing my Masters
through the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership and Arun agreed to an interview for my
dissertation. He had been involved with Ashoka and other initiaitives, and was looking to get involved
in more social investment related, or community-based work along the shared value curve. He put up
his hand to volunteer for any RMB projects (particularly in education or entrepreneurship) where his
skills could be of use.
Among other connections, I introduced Arun to Itumeleng Hlapane. Itumeleng graduated from Moving
Into Dance in 2004. He maintained positive working relationships with the dance company, and built
new pathways with the Gordon Institute of Business Science as an RMB-sponsored graduate of the
Social Entrepreneurship Certificate Programme, Business and Arts South Africa, Helen Nicholson &
Associates and many more. I admire Itumeleng's commitment, energy and his principled goodness – a
leadership strength in the years that South Africa needs it most. We maintain a good relationship.
Itumeleng was looking for business mentorship while he was starting out with Shape Café. I am a
good sounding board for many reasons, but I connected Itumeleng to Arun, to draw on his
complementary set of business skills. This was a successful match.
Arun was impressive in his commitment (even in an email response) and willingness to provide
guidance on business related issues including:
• Bridging finance
• Capital allocation – “You have limited time, money and resources so where is it best spent?”
• Centralisation
• Expansion, taking into account mitigating capital and time constraints, location, etc.
• Inventory
Directors: LL Dippenaar (Chairman) JP Burger (Chief Executive Officer) AP Pullinger (Deputy CEO) MS Bomela P Cooper (Alternate) JJ Durand GG Gelink PM Goss NN Gwagwa
PK Harris WR Jardine HS Kellan (CFO) F Knoetze RM Loubser EG Matenge-Sebesho PJ Makosholo AT Nzimande BJ van der Ross JH van Greuning
Company Secretary: C Low
RMB Divisional Board: JP Burger (Chairman) J Formby (Chief Executive Officer) M Davias (Chief Financial Officer) P Dos Santos (Chief Technology and Operations Officer)
G Kruger (Chief Risk Officer) ME Oberholster (Chief Investment Officer) LL Dippenaar DA Frankel PM Goss RP Gouws A Perold MW Pfaff R Loubser CN Mapure F Knoetze
2016/11/30
• Location – “Before even seeing the numbers, I think the mall will be tough...”
• Margins – “Complement the base product. Try and upsell each client…”
• Marketing – when is it necessary, versus an unnecessary cost
• Model of coffee shop – come to work or “chill” for longer periods, versus pick-up-and-go
• Negotiations of profit share
• Protecting cashflow; reinvesting in the business; providing valuable jobs; making an impact on
the local economy
• Staffing – full and part-time – i.e. variable costs versus a fixed overhead
I continue to enjoy working with Arun on volunteer projects where we can offer our complementary
skills to boost the entrepreneurs in our ecosystem.
Please feel free to contact me with any queries in this regard.
Yours sincerely
Yvette Nowell
Head of Social Investment
Rand Merchant Bank
Yvette.Nowell@rmb.co.za
www.rmb.co.za
RAND MERCHANT BANK Page 2

1 Merchant Place Cnr Fredman Dr & Rivonia Rd Sandton 2196
PO Box 786273 Sandton 2146 South Africa
Switchboard +27 11 282-8000
Facsimile +27 11 282-8008
www.rmb.co.za
Reg. No. 1929/001225/06

An Authorised Financial Services Provider
20 July 2020
SAICA (The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants)

17 Fricker Rd
Illovo
Sandton
2196
www.saica.co.za
ATTENTION: Ms Tsakani Maluleke CA(SA)

CHAIRMAN
Deputy Auditor-General at the Auditor-General of South Africa (non-executive
Board Chairman) and Chairman of SAICA Board
Dear Madam,
Arun Varughese – Top 35-Under-35 competition
This letter serves to confirm that Arun Varughese has been employed by Rand Merchant Bank, a
division of FirstRand Bank Limited (RMB), since January 2012. Arun has rapidly risen through the
ranks within RMB’s renowned Corporate Finance Division (CFD) and is currently a key member of the
CFD Executive Committee.
Despite his young age, Arun carries responsibility for our market leading Financial Sponsor advisory
and execution capability and he is seen as a shining example of rapid progression, based on merit,
amongst young transactors across the corporate finance industry in South Africa. Arun is dedicated
and driven to succeed and is without doubt shaping up to become a key influencer in the financial
services landscape in sub-Saharan Africa over the next decade. He has established a very good
reputation amongst his peers for his commitment to excellence and for his ability to deliver expeditious
results for key clients across the continent.
His nomination for the SAICA top 35-Under-35 competition is richly deserved and fitting of his growing
stature within the advisory landscape.
Yours faithfully
Lance Warner
Co-Head Corporate Finance
Rand Merchant Bank a division of FirstRand Bank Limited
Investment Banking Awards
DEAL AWARDS HOUSE AWARDS
Deal of the Year in Africa 2020 Most innovative investment bank in Africa
Corporate Bonds (Growthpoint Properties) 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016
Infrastructure and Project Finance (NCP Alcohols)
Deal of the year in Africa 2019

FIG Financing (African Export-Import Bank USD500m Investment bank of the year in Africa
Eurobond), 2017 I 2016 I 2015 I 2014 I 2013
Green Finance (Growthpoint R1.1bn Inaugural Green
Bond),
High Yield & Leveraged Finance (CIVH Funding to
acquire Vumatel) Global 100 Awards
M&A (Vodacom Group R16.4bn BEE Transaction) Investment Bank of the year in Africa
2020
Deal of the year in Africa 2019
Equity (Vivo Energy)
Deal of the year in Africa 2018 Best bond house in EMEA
Equity (STAR) 2016
Infrastructure (Nacala Corridor Railway)
Best investment bank in South Africa | 2018

ECM Achievement Awards in EMEA 2018 Best bank for advisory in Africa | 2017
Best IPO of the Year (Vivo Energy) Best investment bank in Africa
DCM Achievement Awards in EMEA 2018 2016 I 2015 I 2014
Best supranational bond (Afreximbank)
Best rand bond (Growthpoint Properties)
Best bank in Africa for new financial technology | 2020
Deal of the year in EMEA 2017 Best debt bank in Africa | 2020
Best restructuring in Africa (Avesoro Resources) Best bank in Africa for new financial technology | 2019
Best structured finance deal in EMEA (Nacala) Best investment bank in South Africa | 2018
Best supranational Sukuk (Africa Finance Corporation) Best investment bank in Mozambique | 2018
Best sovereign syndicated loan (Kenya) Best debt bank in Africa | 2018
Best supranational syndicated loan (Afrexim) Best bank in Africa for new financial technology | 2018
Best financial institution syndicated loan in EMEA
(FirstRand)
Best cross-border M&A deal (Life Healthcare)
Best follow-on funding in Africa (Sibanye Gold)
Best rand bond (MTN Holdings)
Project Finance Awards 2017
Best energy infrastructure deal (Nacala)
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JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
BYRON DU PLESSIS
35 years old
 
CORPORATE CFO,
MULTICHOICE GROUP
Short Profile
Byron du Plessis is currently the Corporate CFO of MultiChoice Group Limited, having previously held
various senior roles in the group including Head of Finance for MultiChoice South Africa and Corporate
Financial Director of MultiChoice Africa. Byron’s current executive role encompasses leadership of the
group finance function, MultiChoice South Africa’s operational finance executives, financial shared
service and group treasury. Byron takes the lead on major M&A projects and has reporting responsibilities
to the board, audit and risk committees. Rounding off a diverse portfolio, Byron holds the role of director
in various companies across the group, both in South Africa and the Netherlands. Lastly, Byron is trustee
of the group’s in-house medical aid and retirement funds.
Byron is proud to be part of a dynamic pan-African finance organisation within MultiChoice, leading over
300 finance professionals from administration to executive level. His leadership philosophy centres on
ensuring finance is aligned to the group’s strategic pillars, a forward-thinking culture, hiring and retention
of next level talent, encouraging his teams to develop by offering space and accountability, embracing
global technologies and doing the right thing, no exceptions.
In recent years Byron has led multiple major corporate transactions including the listing of the
MultiChoice Group and unbundling from Naspers in 2019, as well as the allocation of additional equity to
the group’s empowerment scheme, Phuthuma Nathi. This was followed by the Phuthuma Nathi share
swap offer in October 2019, which provided additional liquidity to over 80 000 B-BBEE shareholders. The
results of these transactions included the listing of a new JSE Top 40 company and the unlocking of over
R2,5 billion in value for Phuthuma Nathi. 
In recent months, the emergence of COVID-19 has required Byron to be heavily involved in the execution
of the group’s business continuity plans. These have been nimbly delivered with staff safety and wellness
at the forefront of the group’s ethos. The group transitioned to working from home in March, with the 31
March 2020 results having been delivered entirely remotely and in record time. Rigorous scenario
planning processes for the executive committee and board were also implemented.
Looking forward, Byron is excited to embrace the challenges of a post-COVID-19 world, in which ways of
working will never be the same again. He believes that change, even under such trying circumstances,
provides an innate opportunity to reinvent not only ourselves but also our businesses and the finance
profession as a whole.
Watch video
and achievements?
• 2010 ‐ Articled at PwC in Durban before moving to PwC Johannesburg, Qualified as a
chartered accountant in April 2010
• 2010 to 2012 ‐ Spent 2 years as an audit manager at PwC Johannesburg
• 2012 to 2014 ‐ Joined MultiChoice South Africa as a Financial Analyst
• 2014 to 2015 ‐ Promoted to Senior Financial Manager in MultiChoice South Africa
• 2015 ‐ Promoted to Head of Finance in MultiChoice South Africa
• 2015 to 2017 ‐ Promoted to Corporate Financial Director in MultiChoice Rest of Africa
• 2017 to 2019 ‐ Promoted to Segment Financial Controller for the Naspers Video
Entertainment Segment
• 2019 to current ‐ Promoted to Corporate CFO of the MultiChoice Group with the following
major achievements:
• Led the JSE listing of the MultiChoice Group on 27 February 2019 and subsequent
unbundling from Naspers Limited on 4 March 2019
• Led the B‐BBEE share swap transaction with Phuthuma Nathi in October 2019
• Led the completion of the March 2020 year end close within record time and business
continuity risk management
• processes during COVID‐19
• Expanded role, following resignation of MultiChoice South Africa Group CFO, with added
responsibility for SA group
• Finance, functional leadership to SA operational finance executives and our Pan‐African

shared services portfolio

• I have led 2 major transactions in the past year with the group's B‐BBEE shareholders,
Phuthuma Nathi. This unlocked more than R2.6bn in value for over 80,000 individuals across
South Africa.
• Have been involved in supporting the Thuthuka graduate programme which is run within the
group finance team at MultiChoice. This promotes the development of black chartered
accountants in South Africa. 2 of the intake qualified as CAs(SA) recently and were placed in
the group
• I have attended 2 separate township development programmes in Diepsloot together with our
in‐house travel agencywhere we have painted school buildings to support rural communities
• I have mentored various junior staff members within the MultiChoice Group and we are
currently in the final phases of formalising our young leaders programme which I have
assisted in developing together with HR
I certainly am motivated by supporting the broader community and it is a key focus area to
personally give back more into the future.
recent past?
The MultiChoice Group listing and unbundling was a key economic event for the country as one
of the largest listings on the JSE in the last 10 years. This brought about increased foreign
direct investment and has delivered solid performance on the JSE over the last year. It also
demonstrated strong governance processes to ensure that the listing was a success.
Similarly having led projects driving value for our B‐BBEE shareholders as part of the listing and
subsequently through the PN flip up, has also unlocked material value for a broad base of over
80,000 less privileged shareholders.
Furthermore, leading the multifaceted teams on these projects enabled broad based
development of individuals within my team and the wider business as well as with our external
service providers. This has certainly uplifted the skillset of myself and all those involved.
young leader?
My philosophy around leadership oscillates between the following 4 key pillars:
• Provision of clear strategic direction and vision and pulling every day matters back to that
vision to maintain focus
• Daily development of the team whilst driving towards innovative, non‐linear performance
outcomes
• Empowerment and accountability not being mutually exclusive
• Integrity never being compromised
•
On the back of the pillars above, over my years in the MultiChoice Group many of the staff I
have led have flourished and moved through the organisation and externally into more senior
roles in finance and operations. This is something I am very proud of as the development of
accounting professionals into senior business leadership roles is key to the sustainability of our
profession.
I also conduct myself at all times with the highest levels of integrity and do not compromise on
ethical standards. This is becoming even more critical given the financial misdemeanours we
see happening around us more and more regularly.
Setting an example in this regard is also a key element of my leadership ethos.

Top 35 finalist?
The listing of the MultiChoice Group (MCG) on the JSE and the subsequent unbundling from
Naspers Limited represents one of the largest corporate transactions in South Africa for many
years (MCG currently trades at a market capitalisation of ~R45bn, is included in the JSE top 40
index and has been a solid performing share on the JSE since listing on 27 February 2019).
I was tasked with leading the listing and unbundling project in July 2018 with an ambitious
targeted listing date of February 2019 which gave us approximately 6 months to complete the
project. The team was multi‐faceted and comprised legal advisors, B‐BBEE specialists,
corporate finance and technical accounting experts, investor relations, investment banks,
corporate communications, the MCG and Naspers boards, and many senior executives from
Naspers and MultiChoice. The project included the following key components:
• The completion of all statutory documents including our pre‐listing statement which was
published on 21 January 2019 after approval from the JSE. In order to finalise the pre‐listing
statement we had to recreate the financial system architecture to represent the new group
and get 5 financial periods (3 full years and 2 interims), a pro forma set of financial information
and a set of incorporation accounts audited in a 3‐month period
• The creation of our shareholder communications strategy as a standalone group which

culminated in our first investor day on 24 January 2019 and our first global roadshow which I
attended in February 2019
• The operational separation from Naspers Limited (a group MCG had been part of for over 30
years) which includes over 300 separation matters to deal with. This included operational and
finance systems separation, creation of new governance processes, hiring of new employees
to fill roles which Naspers previously supported amongst others
The end result of the project was a successful one with the MCG listing on 27 February 2019
and unbundling from Naspers on 4 March 2019 which was in line with our original timelines.
Subsequent to the unbundling, MCG completed its first set of year end results as a standalone
listed entity for the year ended 31 March 2019, which were published on 18 June 2019.
Another key part of the project was the allocation of an additional 5% of our MultiChoice South
Africa business to Phuthuma Nathi, our broad‐based black economic empowerment scheme.
This was successfully implemented on the unbundling date above which generated a further
R2.6bn of value for our B‐BBEE shareholders, something we as a business of very proud of as
it reinforces our commitment to transformation.
Subsequent to the above we also provided Phuthuma Nathi with an opportunity to swap their
shares in October 2019 for shares in the listed MultiChoice Group. This was provided to allow
for better tradability, liquidity and an option for PN shareholders to get access to a wider array
of assets. Similar to the listing above a multi‐dimensional team was led to ensure the successful
execution of this transaction.
Overall the listing and unbundling, as well as the linked B‐BBEE transactions, was a
phenomenal experience, which was all encompassing and resulted in a successful outcome for
all stakeholders. I was fortunate enough to lead this project and as a CA(SA) under the age of
35 I feel this supports a strong motivation to be included in the Top 35-under-35 for
2020.
Recently my portfolio within the group has been expanded to also incorporate the previous
responsibilities of the MultiChoice South Africa Group CFO. This includes the following:
• Functional leadership to our business unit CFO’s in South Africa including DStv, Showmax,
SuperSport, M‐Net and DStv Media Sales;
• Overall financial responsibility to the MultiChoice Group board for the South African
operations
• Leadership of the financial shared services based in South Africa, which is currently
expanding into Sub‐Saharan Africa
I am really excited about these new responsibilities in addition to my current portfolio and hope
this adds additional weight to my nomination for 2020.

INFLUENCE
INFLUENCE
The MultiChoice Group listing and unbundling below was a key economic event for the country
as one of the largest listings on the JSE in the last 10 years. This brought about increased
foreign direct investment and has been one of the top performing shares on the JSE in the last
4 months. It also demonstrated strong governance processes to ensure that the listing was a
success. Is no doubt my involvement in this project has contributed to the upliftment of the SA
economy based on this, which the recent investment by Vivendi into the group demonstrates
further.
Furthermore, leading the multifaceted team on this project enabled broad based development
of individuals within my team and the wider business as well as with our external service
providers. This has certainly uplifted the skillset of myself and all those involved.
“Byron has made sustainable performance improvements in all areas of the business that he
has worked in. His energy, intelligence and strong commercial leaning has resulted in Byron
being highly regarded and respected by the CEOs in the various business units within
MultiChoice”
Tim Jacobs (Group CFO – MultiChoice Group)
“His core skills in accounting and finance are at a very high level given my experience of other
professionals in the market, but he combines this with inter-personal skills, a high level of
commercialism, attention to detail and the ability to lead teams and build consensus amongst a
number of interest groups leading to solutions, which exceed his years of age”
Jesse Watson (Partner – Webber Wentzel)

LEAD
My philosophy around leadership oscillates between the following 4 key pillars:
1. Provision of clear strategic direction and vision and pulling every day matters back to that
vision to maintain focus
2. Daily development of the team whilst driving towards innovative, non-linear performance
outcomes
3. Empowerment and accountability not being mutually exclusive
4. Integrity never being compromised
“He leads his finance team with lots of vigour and the team has delivered at all times against
very tight timelines and complicated processes, and the listing of the Multichoice Group on the
JSE is one of them, which they executed successfully”
Calvo Mawela (Group CEO – MultiChoice Group)
“Byron leads by example and can deal with multiple highly complex matters simultaneously”
DEVELOP
On the back of the pillars above, over my years in the MultiChoice Group many of the staff I
have led have flourished and moved through the organisation into more senior roles in finance
and operations. This is something I am very proud of as the development of accounting
professionals into senior business leadership roles is key to the sustainability of our profession.
I also conduct myself at all times with the highest levels of integrity and do not compromise on
ethical standards. This is becoming even more critical given the financial misdemeanors we see
happening around us more and more regularly. Setting an example in this regard is also a key
element of my leadership ethos.
“Which when coupled with developing his teams, careful selection of new talent and holding his
team accountable has resulted in an uplift in performance that has been sustained well after he
has moved onto new roles in the group”

BYRON DU PLESSIS
I am a young, dynamic and driven finance professional with 10 years’ post articles
experience in the entertainment and media industry as well as exposure to the
telecoms industry earlier in my career. I have a genuine passion for business and
the building of high performing teams through development, process improvement
and restructuring where necessary. I am also pragmatic and a big picture thinker
who “gets the job done” which has led to a successful career thus far. I have
always upheld the highest standards of integrity and do not tolerate any deviation
from ethical practices. I continue to search for challenges in my career which
stretch me as an individual to improve my personal brand and the business as a
whole.
CONTACT Chronology of Work
April 2019 – CORPORATE CFO

Phone
Current Multichoice Group Limited
+27 82 828 5608
Reason for job change: Listing and unbundling from Naspers
Email changed Segment Financial Controller role into more senior Corporate
CFO role
Byron.duplessis@multichoice.co.za Staff under management: Group finance and treasury teams
Home amounting to around 20 staff
Reporting line: Directly into the Group CFO and member of the Group
2 Montagne Place Exco
Hurlingham Manor Key responsibilities: Reporting, Financial and Strategic Planning,
Sandton, 2196 Finance systems, Treasury, Technical accounting, Corporate finance
and key projects
ID Number: 8503315048087 Key achievements: First set of audited financial results as standalone
listed entity released on 18 June 2019, led the B-BBEE share swap
SKILLS transaction for Phuthuma Nathi in October 2019
Leadership & People Management August 2017 – SEGMENT FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

March 2019 Naspers Video Entertainment (VE)
Reason for job change: Opportunity for promotion to lead the
Commercial Business Partnering Naspers Video Entertainment finance team
Staff under management: Group finance, risk and treasury teams
amounting to around 20 staff
Financial Analysis Reporting line: Directly into the VE Segment CFO
Key responsibilities: Reporting, Financial and Strategic Planning,
Finance systems, Treasury, Technical accounting, Corporate finance
Integrity & Attitude and key projects
Key achievements: Listing of the MultiChoice Group on 27 February
2019 and the subsequent unbundling from Naspers on 4 March 2019
Process Improvement & Systems
August 2015 – FINANCE DIRECTOR: CORPORATE

July 2017 Multichoice Africa
Reason for job change: Promotional opportunity in the MultiChoice
REFERENCES Africa business led to move shortly after SA promotion
Staff under management: Corporate finance team based in
Johannesburg amounting to +-90 staff (+-40 CA (SA)’s) supporting
49 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa).
Available on Request Reporting line: Directly into the Africa Group CFO
Key responsibilities: Reporting, Finance systems, Treasury,
Shared services, Business and Country support, Financial Planning
and Analysis and Finance projects
Key achievements: Turnaround of team performance through
restructuring, process improvement and leadership, SAP
implementation (June 2017), Negotiation of Botswana share buyback
on favourable terms (Nov 2016), Full KPI achievement (FY2017 and
2016), Roll out of shared services operating model (June 2016)
Chronology of Work
March 2012 – MultiChoice South Africa
July 2015
Financial Analyst (1 Mar 2012 – 28 Feb 2014)
Senior Finance Manager (1 Mar 2014 – 31 Mar 2015)
Head of Finance (1 Apr 2015 – 31 July 2015)
Occupied various finance roles in the South Africa business

from 2012 to 2015. Key responsibilities included:
Management and development of finance teams

Financial reporting and planning
Commercial finance support
Key projects
Governance and Compliance
CONTACT April 2007 – PricewaterhouseCoopers (Durban office until Dec 2009)

February 2012
Phone Trainee Accountant (1 Apr 2007 – 31 Mar 2010)
+27 82 828 5608 Assistant Manager (1 April 2010 – 30 June 2011)
Manager (1 July 2011 – 29 February 2012)
Email
Byron.duplessis@multichoice.co.za Key Clients Included:
Home Blue Label Telecoms Group

2 Montagne Place Ericsson Africa Group
Hurlingham Manor Multichoice Group
Sandton, 2196
ID Number: 8503315048087
EDUCATION
2006 Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) - Honours
University of Kwazulu-Natal
INTERESTS 6
2005 Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
University of Kwazulu-Natal
Deans Commendation
University 2003-2005
of Kwazulu-Natal
Certificate of Merit 2003
Golden Key 2003-2006
1998 - Matriculated
2002 Glenwood High School
Academic Honours (2001/2002)

Matric results – 6 distinctions (English, Afrikaans, Mathematics,
Physical Science, Accounting and Technical Drawing)
Professional Qualifications and Memberships
MMED and MFUND Trustee (Since 2013)

CA (SA) - Admitted to SAICA (April 2010)
Qualification Examination 2 – First time pass (November 2008)
Qualification Examination 1 – First time pass (January 2007)
PROGRAMS
Training & Development
SAP
Hyperion MultiChoice Group Chairman’s Top Leaders Programme - current
Qerent Naspers Executive Leadership Accelerator (2017)
Caseware Strategic Media Leadership Development Program (GIBS 2015) - overall winners
Microsoft Office One Young World Ambassador (2013)
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
KEVIN
SSEMWOGERERE
31 years old
 
DIGITAL INNOVATION INTRAPRENEUR,
STANDARD BANK GROUP
Short Profile
Kevin began his professional career as an academic article clerk at the University of the Witwatersrand
followed by audit articles at KPMG. Thereafter he joined Standard Bank Group in deal structuring
investment banking where he was awarded the Mark of Excellence finalist prize. He is currently a Digital
Innovation Intrapreneur Lead in the CIB Digital division of Standard Bank Group. Kevin was selected for a
digital business development secondment to Silicon Valley where he became the Business Development
Lead of a new corporate venture which built a new digital platform. The digital platform facilitated the
expansion of businesses into and across Africa.
Currently, Kevin plays a critical role during a discovery in the field of decentralised renewable energy in
South Africa. He is demonstrating leadership as a chartered accountant and digital innovator to a diverse
team during a customer discovery process which has yielded valuable insights to ideate potential
solutions which can unlock value for various market participants and stakeholders.
In his personal capacity, Kevin is entrepreneurial and is the co-founder of a tech start-up called Clik Tech
(Pty) Ltd which built a first-of-its-kind social-eventing mobile app featured on various media platforms. He
was invited to the 2019 MTN App of the Year Awards and was selected to attend the launch of the
Huawei Developer Programme in 2019. He is also the co-founder of a jewellery innovation start-up called
Crown Jewel Investments (Pty) Ltd, which patented a new jewellery-making technique. Kevin shares his
digital innovation experience and knowledge as a host of a webinar series called In-App Talks and with
his independent Tech Business Insights he is a regular contributor on Voice of Wits FM.
Kevin not only mentors aspiring chartered accountants but also mentors young start-ups in the
technology sector. He holds an MCom from the University of the Witwatersrand, a PGD in Tax Law from
the University of Johannesburg and a Certificate in FinTech from Novia One Group. He has published
LinkedIn articles in which he discusses how tech start-ups are affected by Big Tech competitors and how
blockchain technology can be an enabler in the physical commodity trading sector.
Kevin has gained valuable experience which positions him as a pioneer and an early mover in alternative
career paths for the chartered accountancy profession of the future.
Watch video
and achievements?
• Leadership of a customer discovery process into digital decentralised renewable energy
power generation
• Business Development Lead of a new corporate venture which built a digital platform which
sought to make market entry seamless on the African continent and was a successful pilot
• Founded a first of its kind social-eventing mobile app called Clik under a Tech Start-Up called
Clik Tech (Pty) which was profiled on several media  
platforms and received attention from a large international investor and strategic partners
• Founded an online webinar series called In-App Talks which shares knowledge and
experience on how to build a mobile app enabled business
• Successfully selected for a digital innovation intrapreneurship secondment to Silicon Valley
• Profiled on media and community development platforms to share knowledge about the 4IR 

I mentor young and previously disadvantaged aspiring Chartered Accountants in my personal
capacity as referenced by the Mentee reference attached and through organisations such as
No Valo Learning Center as evidenced in the Portfolio of Evidence attached. 
I also mentor youth and previously disadvantaged owned FinTech Start-Ups as evidenced by
the FinTech Start-Up Mentorship reference attached.
recent past?
I am dedicating my time to a digital decentralised renewable energy project which is actively
aimed at finding a new business idea which will make it easier for electricity to be generated
from renewable energy sources and allow the energy to be easily accessible. This will assist
intensive power consumption industries to operate efficiently and create more jobs as a result
of growing business operations due to increased productivity and reliability of power supply.
young leader?
I am a Digital Innovation Intrapreneur at the largest bank in Africa and I am also a Tech Start-Up
Entrepreneur. In my Intrapreneur role I am currently leading a team with individuals who have
diverse backgrounds and experience. In my entrepreneur role I successfully gather and lead
very talented individuals by providing inspiration about endless possibilities whilst encouraging
them to be themselves and be the best at whatever they do. 
Top 35 finalist?
I believe that I am representative of the CA(SA) from the future given the changes that the 4IR
has brought into the current environment of skill sets that are required to propel organisations
into the near and far future. I have actively pursued an unconventional career path in digital
innovation in order to deliver a unique value proposition of relevant and impactful growth for
society. In taking the risks to become a corporate digital intrapreneur and tech start-up founder,
I hope that I may inspire aspiring and already qualified Chartered Accountants to consider
alternative ways to use their skills to add value to society. I am proud to be a Chartered
Accountant and I will continue to build businesses which will bring about positive and
meaningful change to the new world that we find ourselves in. It is for these reasons that I
believe that I should be nominated as a 2020 Top 35 finalist. My story may inspire others to
think differently and progressively.
DEVELOP
Digital Innovation Intrapreneur Lead at CIB Digital division of Standard Bank Group
• Was selected through a rigorous selection process which tested entrepreneurial aptitude to
be part of a team of 5 to embark on the first digital business development secondment to
Silicon Valley
• Was part of a team which built the first corporate venture in Investment Banking which laid
the foundation for other corporate ventures to be built in the broader Corporate and
Investment Banking Division
• Was awarded the Mark of Excellence Finalist cash prize for my performance during the digital
business development secondment to Silicon Valley
• Applied a combination of my business acumen skills from my CA background and digital

acumen skills to build and launch a new pilot digital platform which made it easier for
businesses to expand into and across Africa by providing access to information and vetted
professional services
• Applied my business acumen CA skills to successfully run the pilot digital platform and in
the process acquired vetted professional service providers and new clients which included
multi-nationals, and small/medium size businesses and start-ups
• Currently applying my CA business acumen and digital acumen experience to a corporate

venture which is currently building a new digital platform which is aimed at facilitating value
creation in the emerging decentralised renewable energy market which has been endorsed by
existing and potential clients and strategic partners after collaborative customer discovery,
design thinking and engagement. This value proposition is critical given the impact of
electricity supply and COVID-19 on the economy
Co-founder of Clik Tech (Pty) Ltd
• Applied a combination of CA business acumen and digital acumen to conceptualise, build

and launch a first of its kind social-eventing mobile app called Clik which is available globally
on app stores. This was done with minimal self-funding and equity consideration for my
software developer co-founder. The duration of the build was close to a year due to the
complex nature of the software development
• Acquired just over 1000 global app users in South Africa, USA, UK, India and Australia within
3 the first 3 months after launch and was featured on media platforms like CNBC Africa, Kaya
FM, Yfm and Disrupt Africa
• Applied my CA business acumen skills to circulate an investor brief to the global and local
Venture Capital community. Jeremy Liew’s response, who was a partner at Lightspeed
Venture Partners and was the first investor in Snapchat, was that Clik is an impressive and
much needed innovation in the social-eventing space, but their investor requirement is for the
app to have at least 10000 daily active users and once that target is reached, he would be
happy to consider investment
• Clik continued to grow by pursuing strategic partnerships and potential advertising clients,
ran event ticket give away competitions, hired a small freelancer team of event promoters, a
social media manager, a photographer/videographer and went through a rebranding exercise
to combat a copy-cat competitor. Unfortunately, growth stagnated when the co-founder
software developer resigned to pursue a full-time job for financial reasons and when the
COVID-19 lockdown placed restrictions on the social-eventing market. However, during the
early parts of lockdown downloads of the app re-occurred and in recent times the co-founder
software developer has returned. Re-launch efforts are in progress
Co-founder of Crown Jewel Investments (Pty) Ltd
• Applied my CA business acumen skills to conceptualise a new jewellery innovation business

model and found a qualified Jewellery Design co-founder
• After attempts to outsource manufacturing and supply items to jewellery retailers, funding
became a constraint which required a pivot to a South African online store which
unfortunately did not succeed due to lack of trust from customers without a dedicated
physical store
• In recent times and after 3 years of a waiting process, a patent for a unique jewellery
manufacturing and design technique was successfully registered. Currently efforts to
establish a patent royalty agreement with a large bespoke jewellery retailer are in progress
INFLUENCE
• Previously volunteered as a member of the corporate funding committee and student

mentorship committee of the Black Professional Scholarship Fund which was founded by
young working professional mentors, and funds previously disadvantaged scholars for
professional career education like Chartered Accountancy and Law at South African
universities
• Previously volunteered as Student Mentor on the Wits Law School Student Mentorship
Programme which assists students with skills and guidance to navigate University academia
and other aspects of student life
• Currently provide personal mentorship to young aspiring and recently qualified Chartered
Accountants on ways to navigate CA Training, qualifying exams, the job market post articles,
and relevance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
• Currently provide business mentorship to a FinTech start-up which is co-founded and run by
young previously disadvantaged individuals, on business strategy and funding
• As a way to give back to the knowledge seeking community, during the COVID-19 lockdown,
I became a volunteer weekly contributor of independent tech business insights on VOWFM
(Voice of Wits FM). During this time listenership and podcast downloads have grown by up to
200%
• During the COVID-19 lockdown I founded a webinar called In-App Talks where I share my
insights on how to build a mobile app enabled business. This was inspired by many people
from diverse entrepreneurial backgrounds like self-employed nail and beauty technicians and
aspiring tech entrepreneurs in other industries, who regularly ask me for advice on their
mobile app ideas
• During my Digital Innovation role at Standard Bank group I have chosen to be part of projects
which seek to drive social upliftment. I have innovated in the improvement of the business
entry and expansion journey in Africa which drives investment in African economies and
ultimately grows industries and employment. I have also innovated in the decentralised
renewable energy market in order to bring about reliable electricity supply which will boost
industries and job creation given current macro-economic challenges and the impact of
COVID-19
• During my entrepreneurship journey I have co-founded with, hired and offered learning
opportunities to previously disadvantaged individuals from challenging backgrounds who are
talented and need the exposure for personal growth. I have also considered skills
development initiatives and education in the vision of my jewellery venture
• I am currently conceptualising an application which will assist with early detection of

blindness and deafness in impoverished communities and remote areas across Africa and
other parts of the world
LEAD
Digital Innovation Intrapreneur Lead at CIB Digital division of Standard Bank Group
• Was the Business Development Lead of the first corporate venture in Investment Banking
which built a new pilot digital platform which made it easier for businesses to expand into and
across Africa by providing access to information and vetted professional services
• I provided leadership on business strategy, strategic partnership, customer acquisition,

marketing and growth initiatives
• I am currently the Digital Innovation Lead of a corporate venture which is currently building a
new digital platform which is aimed at facilitating value creation in the emerging decentralised
renewable energy market
• I provide leadership on project management, customer discovery, design thinking, product

ideation, product development, digital platform strategy, stakeholder engagement, funding,
marketing, go-to-market strategy, vendor management, legal, team co-ordination and
management
• Co-founder of Clik Tech (Pty) Ltd o I am the CEO and my role within this Tech start-up is to
lead all aspects of the business
• Co-founder of Crown Jewel Investments (Pty) Ltd o I am the CEO and my role within this
start-up is to lead business strategy, strategic partnership, supply chain management,
customer acquisition, marketing, growth initiatives, legal, patent registration and funding
Curriculum Vitae
Kevin Ssemwogerere CA(SA)
Email: kevinmartinsem@gmail.com
Mobile: +27 79 806 0721
Nationality: South African
Education
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
Initial test of competence (ITC 2013) – Qualifying board exam 1 CA (SA)
Assessment of professional competence (APC 2014) – Qualifying board exam 2 CA (SA)
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Master of Commerce (2013 - 2015)
▪ Course work modules: Corporate finance; Taxation; Cost Accounting; Research Methodology
▪ Research report/dissertation title: Private Equity - The Exit Strategy Conundrum
Higher Diploma in Accountancy – CTA Post graduate (2012)
▪ Course work modules: Corporate finance; Taxation; Management Accounting; Financial Accounting; Auditing
Bachelor of Accounting Science (2008 – 2010)
▪ Course work modules: Corporate finance; Taxation; Management Accounting; Financial Accounting; Auditing
University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Post Graduate Diploma in Tax Law (2016 - 2017)
▪ Course work modules: Taxation Case Law
▪ Research report/dissertation title: Share repurchases – The fiscal implications in the South African context
NoviaOne Group incorporating Hedge Fund Academy, Financial markets and Instruments NQF6 (FINTECH) – (September 2018
– June 2019)
Parktown Boys’ High School, Johannesburg, South Africa – Matric 2007
Professional Experience
Standard Bank Group
Digital Innovation Intrapreneur Lead – Corporate and Investment Banking Digital _New Business (September 2017 – current)
▪ Disruptive business ideation and implementation through design-thinking methodologies
▪ Sourcing of technology
▪ Formulation and implementation of go-to-market strategy
▪ Strategic partnership acquisition
▪ Client acquisition
▪ Reporting to executive management on strategic matters
Manager – Deal Structuring Advisory Investment Banking (October 2015 – August 2017)
▪ Domestic and Cross-border mergers and acquisitions
▪ Group structure reorganisations
▪ Public listing advisory
▪ Bespoke debt solution advisory
▪ Corporate liquidity optimisation
▪ Corporate taxation structuring
▪ IFRS accounting analysis
▪ Exchange control analysis
Recognition award – Mark of Excellence nominee finalist cash price for going above and beyond the call of duty (2018)
Reference – Marko Kos CA(SA) (Senior Manager), Contact information available on request
Clik Tech (Tech Start-Up which developed a social eventing mobile app called Clik, www.clikevents.com)
Co-Founder – Mobile app which helps users to host events, find events and meet like-minded people (January 2018 – Present)
▪ Disruptive technology features include intuitive ticket sales, artificial intelligence, cashless payments FinTech and virtual reality
▪ Featured on the following media platforms: Kaya FM, YFM, Disrupt Africa, CNBCAfrica
Crown Jewel Investments (Jewellery Innovation Start-Up)

Co-Founder – Patented jewellery manufacturing and design technique (January 2016 – Present)
KPMG
Senior Accountant (SAICA Audit Articles) – Industrial, automotive and pharmaceutical audit division (January 2014 – September
2015)
▪ External audit of listed and private companies
Reference – Yusuf Abed CA(SA) (Head of Division), Contact information available on request
Reason for leaving – Successfully completed SAICA Audit Articles and pursued Investment Banking opportunities to acquire Deal
Structuring Advisory skills
University of the Witwatersrand

Associate lecturer (SAICA Academic Articles) – School of Accounting (January 2013 – December 2013)
▪ Lectured the following courses: Corporate finance; Management/Cost Accounting; Accounting Information Systems
Reference – Kwasi Okyere-Boakye CA(SA) (Senior Lecturer), Contact information available on request
Reason for leaving – Successfully completed 1st year of SAICA Academic Articles which required me to proceed to KPMG to
complete SAICA Audit Articles to fully qualify as Chartered Accountant
Volunteering
Black Professional Scholarship Fund (“BPSF”)
Member – Corporate funding committee and student mentorship (January 2014 – March 2016)
Wits Law School Student Mentorship Programme (“SMP”)

Member – Student mentorship (April 2016 – December 2017)
Clik Tech (Pty)Ltd Co-founder reference
The first time I met Kevin was at a party. Our chat was brief, and we managed to exchange contacts just before
the music kicked in and everyone lost themselves. Two years later, the only other time I had ever spoken to
him, was over a phone call and he wanted us to work on a party app. “This guy and parties” I thought to
myself. I had been in the fintech space ever since I left varsity and wasn’t social enough to find good reasons to
go out partying until this call, which was the best excuse to go out every weekend no matter what his idea
was.
Until we actually met and he told me about his trip to the USA and how on a couple of occasions they
struggled to find a party to finish off the night after the bars they’d been hanging out in were closing. He learnt
from the locals that it was a common problem for many people around there to get live details about parties
happening close by which is where he saw an opportunity. “Imagine if there was a platform where you and
your friends could get live feeds about what was happening at a party before you went.” Clik is what he called
it, short for Clique. The name was catchy. Like I said before, I wasn’t going to say no, no matter the idea which
so happened to be worth investing time in.
Because this was his first solo mobile app startup, I was intrigued at the number of suggestions he threw
around to tackle the problem without mental blocks from past experiences. It was refreshing to be around.
The type of technology I chose came with limitations to fully execute what we had in mind and delayed our
launch which exposed me to one of his many leadership qualities; clearly explaining the urgency of having the
product out in the market. He did this without casting blame, he made me feel like we are in this together.
Once this sunk in, I never doubted his genuine interests in making this work together.
Having tested the solution in the market, he’s network proved to be of value when he secured a number of
local broadcast platforms to make people aware about Clik including CNBC Africa. He’s financial background
came to work when he estimated how much the business could be valued at based on the value of our indirect
competitors such as Snapchat and Tinder, which motivated the reason for us to be inclusive by pivoting and
focusing on all types of events. This led us to explore more ideas (he couldn’t seem to run out of) such as
creating virtual events which happens to be trending in this unfortunate time where we face a pandemic the
world over (Covid19).
He was hands on when we went out to "work" and would document live performances at parties, creating
content and handling all our social media accounts. We later profiled a few candidates to join the team and
eventually he provided leadership to a lean and diverse team. He also identified and initiated talks with
businesses like Snapchat, and Huawei who we could integrate our services with. This taught me that he’s a
collaborator and has foresight in leveraging off solutions that other people are already working on instead of
building everything ourselves. Kevin was also able to approach the one of the first Venture Capital investors in
Snapchat (Lightspeed Venture Partners) with an impressive pitch deck. They promptly responded with praise
for the ingenuity of Clik but specified that we should return to them once we reached a target of at least 10000
daily active users. At that time the number of daily active users was 1000.
Although I left Clik late last year, I’d work with Kevin again and again given an opportunity where both our
interests lie solely because of his team spirit and his go getter attitude!
Kabelo Twala
CTO and Co-founder (2018 - 2019)
Currently an Intermediate Developer at M4JAM
kabelot@m4jam.com
Crown Jewel Investments (Pty)Ltd Co-founder reference
My name is Thato Radebe, co-founder of Crown Jewel Investments (Pty)Ltd. I am a jewellery

designer by profession and a jewellery design lecturer at the University of Johannesburg. It is with
great pleasure that I write this reference letter for my business partner and SAICA Top-35-under 35
finalist, Mr. Kevin Ssemwogerere.
Kevin and I founded a jewellery innovation start-up in 2016 called Crown Jewel Investments (CJI)
with the intention of creating jewellery that is inventive in its creation, using pioneering and
innovative techniques that will shape the way in which jewellery is viewed in South Africa.
In our endeavors, we attempted to supply retailers, then pivoted to an online store with CJI branded
jewellery which did not perform well until we shut it down. Recently and after some years of a
lengthy process, we successfully patented a jewellery making technique which will be used in the
design and manufacturing of aesthetic jewellery that is specific to South Africa. Kevin played a
pivotal role in the application and subsequent awarding of the patent through his forward thinking
on business scalability.
Kevin’s skills are an integral part of the business and include his high level of business acumen,
financial background and his knowledge of digital innovation amongst others. The business has plans
of expanding to skills development, which will see CJI shaping the growth of South African jewellery.
Kevin is an intelligent, dedicated, hardworking individual who has a lot to offer the world and I am
very happy to endorse him with anything that he has going on.
Regards
Thato Radebe
Co-Founder (Crown Jewel Investments (Pty)Ltd)
Email: radebe89@gmail.com
Fintech Start-Up Business Mentorship Reference
On behalf of Airbuy Africa, a Fintech start-up in the online consumer payments space, I highly
recommend Kevin Ssemwogerere as a suitable candidate for this opportunity. Kevin has played a
crucial business mentorship role in our start-up, from when we launched at the international
Massachusetts Institute of Technology global start-up lab program in 2016, to this day where we are
a growing company working with big brands.
Kevin’s excellent financial knowledge coupled with his business acumen, backed by his passion and
understanding of technology makes him a holistic global leader in today’s corporate world. His
entrepreneurial mindset doesn’t only allow him to be a force in the entrepreneurial ecosystem only
but also an asset in corporate South Africa. His international exposure from leading innovation hubs
like Silicon Valley has helped him approach his career and products that he builds with a global
mindset.
Kevin would be an excellent candidate for this recognition and has my highest recommendation. If
you have any further questions with regard to his mentorship role, please do not hesitate to contact
us.
Sincerely,
Tshepang Kobo
Cofounder at Airbuy
https://airbuy.africa/
Tshepang@airbuy.africa
Line Manager Reference: SAICA Top 35 Under 35
Kevin is a Digital Innovation Intrapreneur Lead in the CIB Digital division of Standard Bank Group. The
division in the Corporate and Investment Bank has been established to innovate in creating new
digital experiences enabled by technologies and creating new commercial value within new business
models. He began his career in Investment Banking but transitioned into this role to pursue
incubation of a new digital business idea. His journey in digital innovation has tested his ability to
think out of the box and drive value for clients in a rapidly changing world which is impacted by the
Fourth Industrial Revolution. Being an innovator in the largest bank in Africa with a multi-national
footprint is not straightforward given the expectation of challenges that come with tasks at hand.
Kevin has been able to adapt in a challenging environment and has gained valuable experiences
which position him as a pioneer and an early mover for alternative career paths for the Chartered
Accountancy profession of the future.
Kevin was the Business Development Lead of a new corporate venture which built a digital platform
which sought to make market entry seamless on the African continent. The proof of concept enabled
a range of businesses to expand into and across Africa through access to relevant information about
markets and access to vetted professional service providers. The solution was successfully executed
as a pilot and was well regarded by the clients who used the platform.
Currently, Kevin plays a critical role during a discovery in the field of decentralized renewable energy
in South Africa. The discovery is relevant to the current economic climate of South Africa and the
rest of Africa given the uncertainty around cost of power, reliable power supply, the environmental
impact of fossil fuel power generation, and the economic pressure created by the Covid19
pandemic. During this process Kevin has demonstrated leadership by accessing his knowledge and
experience to lead a diverse team into a customer discovery process which has yielded valuable
insights and provided a knowledge base to ideate potential solutions which can unlock value for
various market participants and stakeholders.
Kevin willingly volunteers himself for new challenges and relies on his passion and keen interest for
problem solving to build new business ideas whilst sharing his knowledge and experience with
others. He is representative of a new age innovator, self-starter and brave new value creator. He is a
worthy candidate for the SAICA Top 35 Under 35 competition.
Jaco Burger | Head: Digital Client Experience | Corporate and Investment Banking Digital |
Standard Bank Group
email: jaco.burger@standardbank.co.za
Newly Qualified CA(SA) mentorship reference
By way of introduction my name is Collen Mudzudzani, a newly qualified CA and a mentee of Kevin. I
was featured on the SAICA Courageous Conversations webinar in September. Kevin has been my
mentor for the past 6 years. He identified my potential while I was doing my 2nd year at Wits
University and offered to guide me through my CA journey. Kevin has been very vital to my CA
Journey. He helped me through my university career and most importantly he was there for me
when I had failed my CTA for the first time. He was there to guide me in terms of exam technique
and principles to ensure that my second attempt is successful.
He also guided me and assisted me in getting my articles at KPMG within financial services audit. He
has also been critical during my APC journey as well as my post articles career.
His vision is to see people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds getting access to good
education as well as obtaining the CA(SA) qualification.
Collen Mudzudzani (Eligible to register as CA(SA))
Email: Setenkola.mudzudzani@gmail.com
Portfolio of evidence
Kevin Ssemwogerere CA(SA)

Radio interview as Founder TV interview as Founder Radio interview on how
entrepreneur of Clik Tech entrepreneur of Clik Tech Covid19 has accelerated
which built a social-eventing which built a social-eventing the 4IR
mobile app mobile app
https://www.cnbcafrica.
com/uncategorized/201
https://iono.fm/e/695876 9/07/12/how-this-local- https://iono.fm/e/866983
start-up-is-profiting-
from-partying/
Article about
Founder
entrepreneur
of Clik Tech
which built a
social-eventing
mobile app
https://disrupt-africa.com/2019/07/sa-startup-
clik-launches-all-in-one-social-eventing-app/
Every week as a
WhatsApp Stokvel Pyramid Schemes have returned
under a new name "WhatsApp Gifting"
https://iono.fm/e/895404 way to give back
How has the social media influencer business changed https://iono.fm/e/899706
to the knowledge
during Covid-19? seeking
What is blockchain technology and what is its impact on https://iono.fm/e/903923 community, I
entrepreneurship?
share my
How e-commerce changing the way we shop today https://iono.fm/e/906827 independent Tech
How artificial intelligence is transforming industries https://iono.fm/e/906851
Business Insights
on various topics.
How Virtual Reality is changing experiences https://iono.fm/e/914982 The feature is
The impact of APIs on businesses https://iono.fm/e/917986 called “Tech
Insights on
How is the Internet of Things changing the world? https://iono.fm/e/927213 VOWFM”.
What is the impact of Cloud Computing on business https://iono.fm/e/927216
operations?
7/8/2020 SA startup Clik launches all-in-one social eventing app - Disrupt Africa
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SA startup Clik launches all-in-one social eventing app 0
Disr…
BY TOM JACKSON ON JULY 8, 2019 DP …
South African startup Clik has launched a mobile app which allows users to organise and nd
events, and meet like-minded people with a user-friendly user interface.
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The hope for Clik, which launched to the public earlier this year, was to create a mobile app to disrupt the digital
social network and events markets by cutting out middlemen, promoting transparency, and allowing participants to
MOST READ
own their social transactions.
In future, it also has aspirations to launch payment facilitation solutions around events through the Clik app. JUNE 11, 2020
Nigerian startup launches

The idea for Clik came about when co-founder Kevin Ssemwogerere was on a trip to Los Angeles in late 2017, and WhatsApp-based bot to connect
observed how people typically used several platforms to nd a party to go to and nd people to meet once there. shoppers with retailers
“In between all of that they would also use other platforms like Uber and on-demand beverage apps to complement JUNE 10, 2020
their experience. The inconvenience of jumping between multiple digital and non-digital platforms to achieve the SA open banking startup truID
raises funding to expand usage,
simple goal of going out to an event and meeting people sparked the idea of a complete and universal ecosystem
product
platform,” Ssemwogerere said.
JUNE 19, 2020

In early 2018, Ssemwogerere returned to South Africa and teamed up with Kabelo Twala to build the Clik app. With
Google for Startups Accelerator
no external funding, the startup has marketed through physical promotion and social media campaigns, which have
Africa selects 20 startups for vir
allowed it to gain an exponentially growing user base. programme
“User retention rates are currently at impressive highs given the bootstrapped user conversion for adoption and
JULY 1, 2020
signups. Very positive feedback about the app has been gathered through various means, including in-built
SA’s Merchant Capital has helpe
feedback mechanisms through the app,” Ssemwogerere said. 7,000 small businesses access $
in loans
“The majority of users have commented on the uniqueness of the app and how they will keep using the app. Event
promoters and event hosts users have speci cally asked for additional features like in-app sales and consumer JUNE 30, 2020
brands have made enquiries for advertising space given the regular eye tra c that the app attracts.” Tanzanian ntech startup launc
AI-based personal nance app
https://disrupt-africa.com/2019/07/sa-startup-clik-launches-all-in-one-social-eventing-app/ 1/2
7/8/2020 SA startup Clik launches all-in-one social eventing app - Disrupt Africa
Ssemwogerere believes Clik is unique due to the fact that it addresses the digital social network and events markets NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
simultaneously, bene tting the end-user.
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“Clik has no direct competitor which has a full o ering which is similar or comparable to Clik’s,” he said. “Clik is also
Email
best positioned to use arti cial intelligence to deliver the best experience to the user through various mechanisms
in the app.”
Name
Clik is currently available on Android and iOS. While physical promotions have been focused on South Africa so far,
the startup does have expansion plans that include marketing e orts in US cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco
and Las Vegas. Subscribe
The initial revenue model of Clik includes advertising fees from consumer brands.
“The platform is free for the end-user and all features are unlimited. The app is attracting a critical mass of user sign
ups and retention which is attracting interest of consumer brands to purchase in-app advertising space,”
Ssemwogerere said.
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ABOUT AUTHOR
TOM JACKSON   
Passionate about the vibrant tech startups scene in Africa, Tom can usually be found sni ng
out the continent's most exciting new companies and entrepreneurs, funding rounds and any
other developments within the growing ecosystem.
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JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
ROCHELLE MURUGAN
33 years old
 
AUDIT PARTNER,
MAZARS
Short Profile
Rochelle Murugan began her career at Mazars in Durban in 2010 before moving to Gauteng in 2014. Her
decade-long experience at Mazars has seen her seconded to William Buck NSW in Sydney, Australia,
and being promoted to equity partner in 2019 at the young age of 32.
Rochelle’s belief in meaningful transformation and her desire to positively shape others’ future made her
the perfect candidate to head up Mazars’ Graduate Recruitment Programme in Gauteng. Having been
able to connect with young female graduates during her involvement in recruitment, she recognised the
need for empowering young women.
She is a founding member of Mazars’ Women Empowerment Programme, which started in Gauteng. The
programme is open to all 179 women across Mazars’ service lines and focuses on identifying,
appreciating, growing and retaining women within the organisation. The programme is focused on
equipping young professional women with critical skills to get them ready not just to occupy leadership
positions but to be able to lead regardless of job title. This is being achieved through leadership branding
and public speaking workshops, book club events and fitness classes, all of which come together to
facilitate each woman’s personal growth. In addition, the programme is dedicated to the SHE (Shape Her
Essence) project which collects sanitary pads for delivery to young school-going girls, as well as a
project to gather basic necessities for underprivileged children in the El-Shammah Home for Abandoned
Babies.
The impact has been so phenomenal that this programme is planned to be launched nationally across
Mazars’ 11 offices throughout South Africa within the next year.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Rochelle has ensured that the programme’s objectives continue to
be fulfilled through virtual platforms.
Key traits that have contributed to Rochelle’s success are confidence, coupled with humility, empathy
and the desire to make an impact.
She fervently believes that an organisation’s people are its most valued asset and that leaders are
distinguished by the impact they have on individuals that surround them, especially when they empower
others to function in their absence. Importantly, Rochelle is aware that she takes up a valuable amount of
space in her capacity as a leader and is passionate about creating more space for other impactful
leaders.
Watch video
and achievements?
• Promoted to Equity Partner at Mazars on 01 September 2019
• Launched the first ever Women Empowerment Programme at Mazars Gauteng which is to be
rolled out nationally within the next 12 months
• Featured in the Financial Mail Women Edition in 2020

Currently through the Mazars Women Empowerment Programme we are involved in the SHE
project focused on collection of sanitary pads throughout the year to be delivered across
various schools.
I am also involved in El-Shammah home for Abandoned Babies in both my personal capacity
and now as a part of the Women Empowerment Initiative whereby we contribute towards
obtaining items per their needs list.
This is something that is truly important to us, especially during the current economic crisis we
are facing, being able to give back is truly a privilege and we need to embrace this as much as
we can.
recent past?
My strengths are in my ability to connect with people and I am currently heading the
Recruitment process at Mazars Gauteng. This entails visiting the various universities and
providing insight about the firm to both the Heads of Departments and students. This also
contributes towards transformation as we are sponsoring events and running projects with
Universities focusing on developing future CA’s in the market. We are focused on ensuring
that we employ a diverse group of individuals and are focused on transformation for the firm
as whole. We are also rolling out projects at Universities such as Tax and Accounting
projects. We are also focused on ensuring students are more equipped for the working
environment by performing certain training programmes in which we invite these students to
attend.
I fervently believe that the people of an organisation are its most valued asset. Currently
being a female in male dominated profession, myself, together with a colleague, have rolled
out our first ever Women Empowerment Programme focused on developing young
professionals to be able to stand in their power.
This programme has been taking place for 11 months at the Gauteng office and has focused
on leadership branding, public speaking, book-club events and fitness classes which have
contributed towards the personal growth of women within our organisation.
This programme is set to be launched nationally within the next 12 months.
It has been amazing to see the impact this initiative has had in contributing towards the
confidence levels of women, which has enabled them more freely share their thoughts
knowing the power that it contains.
Due to the current pandemic, this has certainly not deterred our goals, we have moved our
events to be held on a virtual platform ensuring that the momentum of this is maintained.
We are launching our plans for the next year and the focus is on mentorship and career
pathing as we are focused on developing future female leaders.
It has certainly been noticed that women are more well received in the hierarchical structure
in comparison to the past and we would definitely love to see the number of women
occupying these positions rising.
I believe it is our responsibility to work together to restore confidence in this profession and I
am certainly passionate about this aspect.
I am also a part of the Mazars Gauteng mentorship programme which consists of Senior
Managers, Managers, Assistant Managers and Trainees whom I do provide mentorship too.
The above projects have had a positive impact on the firm and external community as whole
as the above is focused on the development of our people which will contribute to the growth
of future potential leaders in SA.

young leader?
I strongly believe that leaders are distinguished by the impact that you make on the individuals
you surrounded by and the empowerment that one derives from you to want to always strive to
be and do better. In context, leaders empower those to function in their absence.
In terms of my teams, I ensure that I carry out the values of a leader proudly such that my peers
and subordinates would want to emulate these character traits to build and maintain positive
relationships that all strive to the development of one’s self and the growth of the company.
I am always striving to inject positivity and allowing for open and clear lines of communication
whereby a safe environment of learning, developing and growing exists.
My involvement in women empowerment and the mentorship relationships with individuals

allows me to impart the values of a well rounder leader who is creating space for future leaders.
I am aware that I take up a valuable amount of space in my capacity as a young leader and I am
passionate about creating space for other impactful leaders.
Top 35 finalist?
I do believe that the people of an organisation are its most valued asset.
Being a young and dynamic leader, I would describe myself by 3 key traits, confidence coupled
with humility, impact maker and someone who empowers.
Currently being a young female in a male dominated profession, I am heading the Women
Empowerment Programme focused on enhancing women’s ability to believe that they do
contribute to and influence the people around them and that they have an impact on the daily
decisions that we make in our business environment. Transformation is one of our key strategic
objectives and I believe that this project will produce long term results that will impact
transformation that will lead to creating opportunities to people both within our organisation and
for the organisation itself in terms of securing new business and opportunities for external parties
as well.
This project has been focused on leadership branding, public speaking, book-club events and
fitness classes which have contributed towards the personal growth of women within our
organisation. The impact this has made on women within our organisation has been
phenomenal.
I also head the Graduate Recruitment project whereby I do ensure that as a firm we are
providing equal opportunities to the future Chartered Accountants in the market place and we
are hiring a diverse group of individuals that will contribute towards the long term success of our
organisation.
My definition of success is not defined by the acquisition of monetary wealth, but by impacting
the people around me. Based on the above, I believe that as a Chartered Accountant in Practice,
despite the current rate at which our economy and perception of our profession has been
retrogressing
progressively, I am utilising my skills and creating opportunities, for the people both within and
outside my organisation to positively empower our future leaders to know that they can achieve
anything they set their minds to.
Should be nominated as a finalist, this would certainly enable me to utilise the skills of other
amazing young leaders in our profession, by leveraging of each other and creating even greater
opportunities for our young professionals which we definitely need now more than ever.
LEAD and DEVELOP

• I am currently heading the Graduate Recruitment Programme at Mazars Gauteng.
• The above Programme entails visiting the various universities and providing insight about the
firm to both the Heads of Departments and students.
• We are sponsoring events and projects with Universities focusing on developing a diverse
group of future CA’s in the market.
• My team together with myself are conducting training programmes in which students are
invited to attend prior to obtaining a training contract so as to ensure they are more equipped
for the working environment.
• I am a founding member of the first ever Women Empowerment Programme (Mazars

Monarchs) at Mazars at our Gauteng office that has been open to all 179 Women across all
service lines.
• The Women Empowerment Programme is focused on equipping young professional women

with critical skills to get them ready not just to occupy leadership positions but to be able to
lead regardless of job title.
• Our plans for the months of October 2020 and November 2020 of this programme will be
focused on customized coaching for the women within our organization and we are partnering
with a professional coach to guide our ladies through this life-changing journey.
• I am also a part of the Mazars Gauteng mentorship programme which consists of Senior
Managers, Managers, Assistant Managers and Trainees whom I do provide mentorship too.
• My involvement with graduate recruitment, women empowerment and mentorship with

individuals allows me to impart the values of a
INFLUENCE
One of the aspects we are involved in with the Women Empowerment Programme is Corporate
Social Responsibility. We have therefore influenced the women within our organisation to give
back to those in need.
The programme is dedicated to the SHE (Shape Her Essence) project, which collects sanitary
pads for delivery to young school-going girls, as well as a project to gather basic necessities
for underprivileged children within the El-Shammah Home for Abandoned Babies in which I am
involved in my personal capacity and together with the Women Empowerment Programme
2020
FINALIST
Portfolio of
Evidence:
SIACA Top 35
under 35
ROCHELLE MURUGAN, 33
AUDIT PARTNER, MAZARS
Address Contact
MAZARS HOUSE, 54 GLENHOVE ROAD, Phone: +27 11 547 4000 This document and the content thereof is
MELROSE ESTATE, JOHANNESBURG, 2196, Email:Rochelle.Murugan@mazars.co.za private and confidential and can only be
SOUTH AFRICA Web: www.mazars.co.za used by Top 35 under 35 Competition panel.
2
I
come from a little area in Durban I had started my professional life at Mazars
called Hillary and grew up in that in 2010 and have been with the firm for more
amazing city I still call home. than a decade. Through my commitment and
I completed my schooling at a public school, perseverance I was promoted at each level
Newhaven Secondary, in an area known as throughout my career and had the opportunity
Chatsworth. I had the option of attending a to be seconded to Sydney Australia for 3 months.
private school to which my dad who was a In 2018, I had attained my next goal of becoming
teacher at a public school was against. He an Audit Partner at the age of 31. I had then made
believed that if he was a teacher at a public Equity Partner in 2019 at the age of 32.
school offering education to other kids then
why was that education not good enough Being in this profession has allowed me to grow
for his own child. He also emphasized this to my skillset and use that purposefully to make a
me by his favorite Mark Twain quote saying difference to those around me.
’’Don’t let you formal schooling damage your
In 2016 I had experienced one of my most
education’’.
difficult tragedies, the loss of my mother through
My dad currently manages rehabilitation centers depression. It was then that I realized, the
in Durban for alcoholics and drug addicts, power of choice was mine. I could sit back and
himself being a victim of alcoholism. I am proud ignore this or I could do something based on my
to say he is sober for the past 29 years now and experience. This was one of those life changing
is using his experience to help many young kids moments that had inspired me to do something
who are struggling to fight this disease. This has positive as there are so many women that we are
contributed significantly to my strong desire and surrounded by that face mental health issues and
my purpose to make an impact to those around are not dealing with it. It had started off with an
me as I had grown up in an environment in which idea, and upon being promoted to Audit Partner I
I was taught at a very young age, that true success had decided to head up a Women Empowerment
is defined not by material acquisitions, but by the Programme, focusing on identifying, growing,
impact you have on the lives around you. appreciating and retaining women within our
organization.
I was very much academically inclined as I
from a young age was taught and believed that By just having the ability to embrace my tragedies
education was the key to opening doors for me, and turn them into triumphs is one of my key
but my character is what would keep me there. attributes that have resulted in me attaining the
level of success I have today.
I completed my primary and high school in
WHO IS
Durban as well as my tertiary education at
UKZN. I then had to tackle the mighty giant
more commonly referred to as the CTA exam
which I had completed through UNISA. This
exam defeated me initially but then I got back
ROCHELLE
up and tried again and eventually passed. It was
one of the most challenging experiences I had
to endure as many of you would know, well I
thought It was the biggest hurdle I would have
to overcome and then life happened with many
MURUGAN
more lessons which I will share with you as you
go on reading. Through hard work, discipline and
a strong desire to realize my dream of becoming
a CA (SA), I can proudly say that I passed my
qualifying examinations on my first attempt and
had attained this goal in 2014. Through this I also
learnt that degrees don’t define who we are but
THIS IS MY STORY
its humility and the ability to remain teachable
that matters most.
3 | P o r t f o l i o Of Evidence | Rochelle Murugan Portfolio Of Evidence | Rochelle Murugan | 4

WHAT MAKES ME A CA
certainly passionate about this aspect. whereby a safe environment of learning,
Firefox https://online.anyflip.com/enio/phwb/mobile/index.html
developing and growing exists.
I strongly believe that leaders are distinguished
(SA) WITH A DIFFERENCE

by the impact that you make on the individuals My involvement with graduate recruitment,
you surrounded by and the empowerment that women empowerment and mentorship with
one derives from you to want to always strive individuals allows me to impart the values of a
to be and do better. A true leader is one who well-rounded leader to those I am fortunate
empower others to function in their absence. enough to come into contact with.
In terms of my teams, I ensure that I carry out As you go through the rest of my portfolio
the values of a leader proudly such that my peers together with the reference letters attached, this
Currently being an Audit Partner, controlling that it contains. As you go through my portfolio, and subordinates would want to emulate these will clearly depict the positive difference that I
a multi-million Rand portfolio of clients, I you will be able to see some of the events held character traits to build and maintain positive have made in the lives of so many.
had made the conscious decision, that there throughout the year that is having a phenomenal relationships that all strive to the development
is more to my leadership role than just the impact on the women in our organization. of one’s self and the growth of the organization. I am aware that I take up a valuable amount of
technical aspect that goes with it. space in my capacity as a young leader and I
Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, this I am always striving to inject positivity and allowing am passionate about creating space for other
My strengths are in my ability to meaningfully has certainly not deterred our goals, we have for open and clear lines of communication impactful leaders.
connect with people and I am currently heading moved our events such as book club events,
the Graduate Recruitment Programme at Mazars panel discussions and fitness classes to a virtual
Gauteng. platform ensuring that the purpose of this
CAREER HIGHLIGHT —
programme is still being fulfilled.
This entails visiting the various universities and
providing insight about the firm to both the Our plans for the next chapter of this programme
FEATURED IN THE
Heads of Departments and students. This is also will be focused on customized coaching for the
contributing towards transformation as we are women within our organization and we are
sponsoring events and projects with Universities partnering with a professional coach to guide our
FINANCIAL MAIL WOMEN

focusing on developing a diverse group of future ladies through this life-changing journey.
CA’s in the market. My team together with myself
are conducting training programmes in which It has certainly been noticed that women are
more well received in the hierarchical structure in
EDITION 2020
students are invited to attend prior to obtaining
a training contract so as to ensure they are more comparison to the past and we would definitely
equipped for the working environment. love to see the number of women occupying
these positions rising.
Based on my personal life experiences and level
of involvement with graduate recruitment, I have One of the aspects we are involved in with the
been able to recognise the dire need for Women Women Empowerment Programme is Corporate
Empowerment. Social Responsibility. The programme is
dedicated to the SHE (Shape Her Essence) project,
I am a founding member of the first ever Women which collects sanitary pads for delivery to young
Empowerment Programme (Mazars Monarchs) at school-going girls, as well as a project to gather
Mazars at our Gauteng office that has been open basic necessities for underprivileged children
to all 179 Women across all service lines. Working within the El-Shammah Home for Abandoned
in a male dominated profession, the programme Babies.
is focused on equipping young professional
women with critical skills to get them ready not I am also a part of the Mazars Gauteng mentorship
just to occupy leadership positions but to be able programme which consists of Senior Managers,
to lead regardless of job title. Managers, Assistant Managers and Trainees
whom I do provide mentorship too.
This programme is focused on identifying,
growing, appreciating and retaining women The above projects will have a positive impact
within our organization. The programme was on the firm and external community as whole
launched in August 2019 and has been in effect for as the above is focused on the development of
more than 1 year. Due to the positive response, our people which will contribute to the growth of
this programme is now set to be launched at a future potential leaders in South Africa.
National level across all 11 offices in South Africa.
I fervently believe that the people of an
It has been amazing to see the impact this initiative organisation are its’ most valued asset.
has had in contributing towards the confidence
I believe it is our responsibility to work together
levels of women, which has enabled them more
to restore confidence in this profession and I am
freely share their thoughts knowing the power
5 Portfolio Of Evidence | Rochelle Murugan | 6

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT
I head the Graduate Recruitment Programme at Mazars. Below you will be able to see the events
that I have attended and presented at, such as the Witz Prize Giving, Moshal Scholarship Programme
and presentations at the Monash School of Accounting. I have created the concept of interview
days at our offices, whereby selected students are invited to spend the day at our offices to grasp
an understanding of what our values are to ensure that they make a decision that best suits them
for the next 3 years. They then have the opportunity to interact with partners, managers and
trainees and pose questions to the relevant individuals to guide them during this decision-making
process. One of our key strategic objectives is transformation and I am proud to say that our focus
on diversity and transformation has resulted in our 2020 intake consisting of 82% EE candidates.

Leadership Branding Corporate social
and Public Speaking responsibility —
Workshops —
THIS QUOTE RESONATES SO WELL WITH ME ‘’WE MAKE A LIVING BY
WHAT WE GET, WE MAKE A LIFE BY WHAT WE GIVE’’
One of the key focus areas for the women empowerment programme was creating connections amongst As part of the women empowerment programme we have ensured that corporate social responsibility
the women by introducing workshops that promote self awareness which leads to greater self confidence. is one of our key initiatives throughout the duration of the programme. Below you will see some of the
The success of this has been phenomenal in being able to see the relationships these women have initiatives at the El-Shammah Home for abandoned babies in which I have been involved in my personal
developed with each other and themselves. The emphasis to our ladies is that it is not the brand of the capacity since 2016 and now as part of the women empowerment programme. Our organization has
company that you work for that defines you, but that you are your own personal brand. Many women are also ‘’adopted’’ the Zakheni Primary School in which we contribute towards their needs as well as that of
now more confident, they are able to present themselves not just in a more professional manner but a the kids, on a regular basis. I personally play an active role of being involved in these initiatives as this
more authentic manner and this is having a positive impact on their lives as a whole. definitely provides me with an indescribable amount of joy.

BOOK CLUB EVENTS &
FITNESS CLASSES —
In the past 12 months we have completed 3 Books written by inspiring female leaders:
1. The Contract with Yourself by Dineshrie Pillay,
2. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes and
3. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
We have enrolled most of the ladies at Exclusive Books as members and we are able to obtain discounts
on our purchases to ensure it is affordable for all women within our organization. We had moved
our events to a virtual platform during the lockdown period. Its true when they say ‘’Today’s readers,
Tomorrow’s Leaders’’. We encourage reading due to the benefits this has in terms of improving the
quality of conversations held with each other as well as encouraging the ladies to actively practice what
they read so they can implement meaningful changes in their lives.
In the current environment, numerous women have been facing challenges finding a work-life balance.
We have assisted by introducing fitness classes at our offices and promoting healthy lifestyles for these
ladies. It has been noticed, that this lack of work-life balance has contributed to numerous mental health
issues and these classes have induced a level of positivity amongst these women. Our emphasis with the
book club and the fitness classes have been to promote healthy minds and healthy bodies.

Reference Letters —
El Shammah Home
5 Carnation Road
25 September 2020 Primrose
1401
Re: SAICA Top 35 under 35 Rochelle Murugan
14 September 2020
To whom it may concern, Dear Valued Reader
I met Rochelle 6 years ago when she transferred from our Durban office. The thing that struck It gives me great pleasure to write a recommendation for Rochelle Murugan. I met Rochelle in
me about Rochelle when I first met her was her confidence and her passion to make a meaning
impact in developing people. As an audit partner, Rochelle is able to get the best out of her team 2016, when she visited our organization. I remember explaining to her at the time that we needed
by empowering them and at the same time providing support and being available. to purchase the property. She went on to say “my dad could help”. I thought her dad was a rich
business man. More importantly it was her very helpful nature and instincts to assist, that caught
She has an incredible ability to make people feel comfortable around her and share personal my attention. Rochelle has become a well known face within our organization and has taken it
triumphs and struggles which motivates her colleagues. She is a role model to many Mazarians. upon herself to better the lives of abused, abandoned, neglected and unwanted babies. I have met
many individuals in my lifetime, however only few leave footprints in one’s heart. Rochelle is one of
It was this passion, commitment and deep desire to develop fellow Mazarians, that led to the those who leave a mark. She is warm, welcoming, have a friendly disposition and a heart of gold. I
development of the Mazars Women’s Empowerment Programme (“Mazars Monarchs”) which has am sure that she will light work of any task set before her.
surpassed all of our expectations. The programmes that were developed were based on the needs
that Rochelle had identified as a mentor to many Mazarians. They were delivered professionally, Thank you for sharing your world with us here at El- Shammah Home, Rochelle
and participation was particularly good, so much so that we will be rolling it out across the country.
A key measure of success of this is Programme is that Rochelle has been able to groom a new team
to take on the delivery of this Programme in the new year.
Rochelle’s passion for impactful development of our profession and communities makes her a
worthy finalist for Top 35 under 35!
I am extremely proud of what she has achieved and fully support her nomination.
Allistair Scholtz
Kind regards,
Client Liaison Manager
Tel: 010 023 1155
Cell: 061 242 2709
www.el-shammahbabies.co.za
Anoop Ninan
Co-CEO
5 Carnation Road, Primrose, 1401
Mazars South Africa Office 010 023 1155
www.el-shammahbabies.co.za
NPO 066-870
Managing Board: N.Ramburan (Chairperson), C.Francis (Vice-chairperson), E.Baah (Treasurer), C.Stuart (Secretary), C.Naidoo (Member), S.Izaaks (Member), E.Smith
(Member)
REGISTERED AUDITOR – A FIRM OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (SA) • IRBA REGISTRATION NUMBER 900222
MAZARS HOUSE 54 GLENHOVE ROAD MELROSE ESTATE 2196 • PO BOX 6697 JOHANNESBURG 2000 • DOCEX 703 JOHANNESBURG
TEL: +27 11 547 4000 • FAX: +27 11 484 7864 • jhb@mazars.co.za • www.mazars.co.za
PARTNERS: MV NINAN (NATIONAL CO-CEO), MC OLCKERS (NATIONAL CO-CEO), SJ ADLAM, R BUCH, JC COMBRINK, GJ DE BEER, G DEVA,
JJ ELOFF, MH FISHER, GD JACKSON, D KEEVE, R MURUGAN, MV PATEL, S RANCHHOOJEE, DM TEKIE, S TRUTER, S VORSTER,
A FULL LIST OF NATIONAL PARTNERS IS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST OR AT www.mazars.co.za

29 September 2020
To Whom it May Concern
Reference Letter: Rochelle Murugan
Our initial meeting with Rochelle was in 2018 when we met with Mazars regarding a proposal to
support student assignments and projects of the IIE MSA School of Finance and Accounting. Adel
du Plessis, Corporate Governance and Auditing (CGA) lecturer from IIE MSA, submitted a formal
proposal to Mazars audit firm in 2018 to support IIE MSA Auditing student projects from 2019 To Whom it May Concern 29/09/2020
going forward. Mazars, under the leadership of Rochelle Murugan (Partner) has supported these • 18-25 October 2019: King IV assignment judged by Mazars managers and prizes for winning
projects in 2019 and 2020. Reference Letter: Rochelle Murugan
team.
Leadership qualities and passion for Education • MayOur
2020:
initialCovid-19 Lockdown
meeting with King
Rochelle was IV online
in 2018 assignment
when we judged
met with Mazars by 2a Mazars
regarding managers
proposal to support and
prizes for Top 2 teams. Rochelle sent a personal voice note to the students via their WhatsApp
student assignments and projects of the IIE MSA School of Finance and Accounting. Adel du Plessis,
Rochelle has a natural ability to lead. The way she conducts herself portrays an individual with a group. This is a special keepsake for the students, to share and celebrate with their families.
solid character, strong self-leadership, who is determined to succeed for the greater team. Our Corporate Governance and Auditing (CGA) lecturer from IIE MSA, submitted a formal proposal to Mazars
students and academics respect her as a leader who leads by example. Rochelle’s ability to work audit firm
It is leaders like inRochelle
2018 to support IIE MSA Auditing
who support student projects
our student from that
projects, 2019 going
makesforward. Mazars,
it easy under the
for academics like
with all genders, generations, cultures and religions, makes her the unique leader that she is. us to continue
leadershiptoofdo whatMurugan
Rochelle we do(Partner)
for ourhas
students.
supportedMay
these Rochelle and and
projects in 2019 Mazars
2020. be blessed for their
hearts and passion and for making a calculated difference in the education of our future CA(SA)’s
Rochelle is a leader who is passionate about wanting to make a difference in the education of in our country.
Leadership qualities and passion for Education
students. This is evident from her support for our projects by always making time in her busy Rochelle has a natural ability to lead. The way she conducts herself portrays an individual with a solid
schedule to talk to our students – they are inspired by her, her career story and her message of Take care,
character, strong self-leadership, who is determined to succeed for the greater team. Our students and
“Define success”. For each project that we asked for support, Rochelle believed in it and approved
academics respect her as a leader who leads by example. Rochelle’s ability to work with all genders,
all the costs including transport, catering, stationary, her team’s non-billable hours, gifts for winning
generations, cultures and religions, makes her the unique leader that she is.
student teams. Below are examples of the projects that was supported by Mazars under Rochelle’s
leadership:
Rochelle is a leader who is passionate about wanting to make a difference in the education of students. This
• 7 May 2019: Role play assignment attended and judged by Mazars manager and prizes for is evident from her support for our projects by always making time in her busy schedule to talk to our
winning team. students – they are inspired by her, her career story and her message of “Define success”. For each project
• 17-29 May 2019: King IV assignment judged, and prize-giving attended by Rochelle and 5 Adel Duthat
Plessis Karen all
we asked for support, Rochelle believed in it and approved Odendaal
the costs including transport, catering,
Mazars managers and prizes for Top 3 teams. stationary, her team’s non-billable hours, gifts for winning student teams. Below are examples of the
projects that was
B Com (Accounting), supported
B Com (Hons),by Mazars under Rochelle’s leadership:
Head of School and Senior Lecturer: Accounting
• 23 August 2019: +/- 80 students visited Mazars’ Johannesburg office for a full day. The Mazars
CTA, MHEd (Cum Laude), CA(SA) School of Finance and Accounting
Learning and Development team developed cycle case studies and had practical sessions with
the students. Chartered• Accountants Worldwide
7 May 2019: Role - Network
play assignment attended and judged by Mazars manager and prizes for winning team.
Member • 17-29 May 2019: King IV assignment judged, and prize-giving attended by Rochelle and 5 Mazars
• 25 Sept & 23 Oct 2019: Role play assignment attended and judged by 2 Mazars managers and managers
Senior Lecturer: and prizes
Auditing andfor Top 3 teams.
Corporate
prizes for Top 2 teams. • 23 August 2019: +/- 80 students visited Mazars’ Johannesburg office for a full day. The Mazars Learning
Governance
and Development
School of Finance team developed cycle case studies and had practical sessions with the students.
and Accounting
• 25 Sept & 23 Oct 2019: Role play assignment attended and judged by 2 Mazars managers and prizes for
Top 2 teams.
Email: aduplessis@iiemsa.co.za
• 18-25 October 2019: King IV assignment judged by Mazars Email: kodendaal@iiemsa.co.za
managers and prizes for winning team.
• May 2020:
Mobile number Covid-19
(work): +27 82 Lockdown
300 6843 King IV online assignment judged
Office: by 11
+27 2 Mazars managers and prizes for
950 4303
Office: +27Top 2 teams.
11 950 4060Rochelle sent a personal voice note to the students via their WhatsApp group. This is a
special keepsake for the students, to share and celebrate with their families.

Recommendation for Rochelle Murugan It is beautiful to have seen how Rochelle has used her role as partner to truly give focus to the
things which I believe matter most to her. She has come full circle in this role, yes she is good at
Date: 13 September 2020 what she does from a technical perspective but she shines so much brighter when it comes to
Mazars Monarchs and Graduate Recruitment.
SAICA 35 Under 35
This year has been hard for me, I was adjusting to the new role of being Assistant Audit Manager
at the same time I was doing my first CTA attempt. My mentor was away on maternity leave and I
To whom it may concern didn’t really want to bother her quality time with her son. Rochelle so easily took the role of looking
out for me and checking in on me. To show just how much I had come to trust Rochelle in just less
My first encounter with Rochelle was from a distance, I knew her as a senior audit manager at our than a year. I made my way to her office on the day that I received some bad news that one of my
firm. When she got promoted to partner I remember being happy for her, I don’t think I had ever favourite managers at the firm was leaving us for another opportunity. This was as I call it my first
said more than hello to her. I emailed her, I opened the email with “I don’t know if you know me…. work heart break, I made my way straight to her office, closed the door and cried my heart out.
lol” I wanted her to know that her achievement was big not only for her but for women and more To think that I could find her office as a safe space is not something that you often experience in
so women of colour. I wanted her to know that representation matters. corporate, it definitely was not something that I expected to experience but I am so grateful that
she gave me a hug that day and just let me be in that moment.
In my final year of articles I had the opportunity to be a part of one of her audits. No lies I was
intimidated by this women, we tend to attach the title to the person before we know the person Rochelle loves quotes and I believe they keep her going, they are her daily reminders to herself. As
and the person then becomes just the title and this is what causes the intimidation. I was registered someone whose love language is words of affirmation I appreciate the quotes that she has shared
for the IGNITE programme at work and I remember telling my mentor that one of the things I want with me throughout this year. This year has been hard on all of us with lockdown and the fears and
to work on is having a courageous conversations and I specifically mentioned Rochelle…..how far anxieties which have come with Covid-19. Rochelle who is a partner genuinely checked up on me
we’ve come since then, no conversation is too big for us now. regularly, you see I come across as a happy person a person who always has it together. But she
was one of the very few people who checked up on me and I appreciated those check ins so much
She helped break the barriers which I had placed in my mind about her, I remember the first time
because the truth is that I was struggling a lot with being away from people.
that I sat down in her office. This was the first time that she mentioned Mazars Monarch to me
and what she wants it to be for the women at Mazars. She shared a bit of herself with me that day Having been fully involved in Graduate Recruitment and Mazars Monarchs this year I can truly say,
and in that instant the title of partner fell away. Here was a women who has worked hard to get to no idea is ever too small or too big for Rochelle to listen to. She will listen to you, she will give you
where she is, who has overcome some of the worst heartache and yet she can still smile. direction and she will not make you feel insignificant or small. I know that I can bounce ideas off of
her. I have watched her deliberately step back and let us take a bigger leadership role with Mazars
I did not realise it at the time but that conversation truly was the beginning of the relationship that
Monarchs. She and Zizi have been so selfless in making sure that the initiative becomes one for ALL
I proudly have with her. I am so incredibly proud to have crossed paths with her in my career and
the women within the firm and not just as their own initiative. I believe her proudest moment was
also personally, I have witnessed first-hand how she has changed perceptions about herself just by
seeing us, I guess I will call us the second chapter of Mazars Monarchs plan and execute Women’s
letting people see her heart more. I look at this woman with so much admiration.
day celebrations this year. They were like proud mommies, with their direction we were able to
The timing of Mazars Monarchs could not have been more perfect for me. I was in my final year of host a successful virtual women’s day which connected women from all the Mazars offices within
articles and having to make the decision of what is next. I fully involved myself in the planning and South Africa.
organising of the first Mazars Monarchs Women’s Day event. It was here when Rochelle and Zizi
I believe that there is so much more of Rochelle to give to the world. This platform #35under35
completely changed perceptions and it was beautiful to see, the comments I heard from trainees
will allow her the opportunity to share more of herself with others both within and outside of our
afterwards. “Wow, I didn’t know that about Rochelle” “I have completely changed my mind about
industry. It is with all that I have said above that I recommend her as the ultimate #35under35
her” “Surely she does understand mental illness” all these comments from my peers warmed my
because I know that she will not take this opportunity for granted. She will be the change that she
heart because I knew that Rochelle was able to achieve something in her speech that I am not even
wants to see, she will start with herself and reach one person at a time as she goes.
sure she intended to, to connect with my peers who were trainees on the most human level ever.
They came to see the Rochelle I had come to see, they had started not seeing her as a partner but
rather as Rochelle first.
Mazars Monarchs went on to do various events, the book club, building your own brand and fitness
sessions. All of this made me want to be a part of it even more. Mazars Monarchs played a huge
role in me deciding to stay on at Mazars, I could see what this initiative to empower woman in the
firm could do and I wanted to be a part of it. I even made it clear in my interview. Jessica Mgidi
My passion lies with people, to my next blessing I found out that Rochelle would be heading up 13 September 2020
Graduate Recruitment. It was as if the stars were aligning, I love interacting with students and have
been involved with the trainees and first year intake from the beginning of my articles. I knew that
she was the right person for the new chapter for Graduate Recruitment.

JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
SIBONELO CYRIL
MADIBA
33 years old
SENIOR FINANCE SPECIALIST -

 
FINANCIAL CONTROL:
RBB SA, ABSA GROUP
Short Profile
Sbonelo Cyril Madiba is a senior finance specialist within the Absa Group’s Financial Control unit with a
specific focus on retail and business banking. His career experience has been in the banking and
financial services industry across auditing, investment banking, finance and change. This includes
international secondments to Boston and Chennai, the latter where he developed and delivered a month-
long training programme for colleagues. A graduate of Absa’s Corporate and Investment Banking talent
programme, Cyril has played an instrumental role in pivotal projects such as the Absa/Barclays
separation programme.
Cyril’s passion for youth development is evident in the initiatives he is involved with. He is the chairperson
of the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Advisory Board, which provides advisory proposals on
strategic and operational objectives to ensure the organisation has an even bigger impact in society.
CRET, a partner entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, assists students from disadvantaged
backgrounds with funding for tertiary studies, and provides holistic support. One of his achievements in
his role as chair was being directly responsible for a significant monetary donation towards CRET
following a moving speech for holistic student support programmes at one of the foundation’s events.
Cyril has shared a number of platforms with the Foundation Chair and President of South Africa, the
honourable Cyril Ramaphosa.
He is a founding member of the fund set up by CRET alumni as a way of giving back that has already
supported two students with tertiary education funding and is part of CRET’s mentorship programme.
Through the Endunamoo School of Accounting and in his personal capacity, he mentors aspiring
chartered accountants on their journey to qualification.
Cyril a certified life coach and founder of The Growth Switch, an organisation which assists students and
young professionals with academic, career and personal development growth insights. The initiative was
born from the realisation that there are critical soft skills that the education system does not teach. The
material is shared through online videos, with the organisation launching one on one coaching soon for a
more personal encounter.
He is a published author under the pen name Abidam Liryc, having released two books as part of the I’m
Not Supposed To Be Here series on Amazon.com, which is based on his remarkable life story.
Cyril shows exemplary leadership in such a way that it is not just what he is − it is who he is, as depicted
by his first name Sibonelo, which means ‘example’ in IsiZulu.
Watch video
and achievements?
• Published author of two books on Amazon.com in the “I’m Not Supposed To Be Here” series,
based on the inspirational story of my upbringing.
• Founded The Growth Switch to assist students and young professionals with their academic,
career and personal development through the sharing of growth insights
• Obtained a certificate on Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, an online course with the

Harvard Business School.
• Elected Chairperson of the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Advisory Board.
• Founding member of the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Alumni Fund.
• Management of deliverables for Absa/Barclays Separation Programme updates to Exco,

Board and other key stakeholders, including the successful granting of Full Regulatory
Deconsolidation by the UK regulators.
• Graduated from the Absa Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) High Potential Employee
Talent Programme in 2017 – the only graduate from my division at the time.
• Developed and delivered a programme for training Barclays Product Control colleagues in
Chennai (India) for a month in November 2016 
recent past?
A continuation from the achievements and highlights question above. 
 
Author of the “I’m Not Supposed To Be Here” books: When I deliver motivational talks, people
are always inspired by my story. Hence I decided to write these books to share my journey,
under the pen name Abidam Liryc. It is an authentic story that describes the long journey to
qualifying as a CA(SA) and making strides in corporate. The books aim to inspire and
encourage others by depicting all obstacles and challenges faced along the road. The main
message from the book: Your beginning does not determine your end.  
The Growth Switch: The initiative was born from the realization that there are a lot of soft skills
that the education system doesn’t teach students and young professionals. These skills are
vital in one’s development and having experienced firsthand the hardships that come with not
having the rightful insights and support when building a career, I knew the importance of having
young leader?
I’m a professional who is in tune with societal challenges as can be seen from the community
initiatives with which I’m involved.
 
From a young age, I've shown great leadership qualities. I overcame a speech impediment to
become top student and head boy at school. Then, I was the first person from my family and
one of the first in the community to obtain a professional qualification, work in corporate and
travel the globe. As a result, this proved to the community that anything is possible regardless
of your circumstances. This theme continues with the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET),
book publishing and The Growth Switch initiatives I'm now engaged in.
 
I live exemplary leadership in such a way that it isn't just what I am - it is who I am as depicted
by my first name Sibonelo, which means an example in IsiZulu.
Top 35 finalist?
As the late Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use
to change the world.” 
 
The CA(SA) is a prestigious designation which has allowed me and others to enjoy great careers
at leading organisations and quality of life. However, the reality is that a majority of our citizens
don’t get to do that. My training as a CA(SA) has provided immense skills for the solution of
problems, including social ones. What good is our qualification if we don’t use it to solve the
societal issues?
 
We live in a society that is plagued with inequality. I’m a living example of how Nelson
Mandela’s words hold true in breaking the cycle. The challenge is that most of the population
don’t necessarily have the financial means required to obtain educational qualification or the
knowledge of how to launch a successful career. My involvement with the Cyril Ramaphosa
Education Trust (CRET) from an advisory, student mentorship and funding perspective as well
as my book authoring and The Growth Switch initiatives are aimed at educating our young
population such that we produce quality well-rounded professionals and begin to make head
way in the inequality fight. 
 
With an educated population, imagine the possibilities in people’s quality of life, the economy,
and other aspects. Endless.
DEVELOP
• Management of deliverables for Absa/Barclays Separation Programme updates to Exco,
Board and other key stakeholders, including the successful granting of Full Regulatory
Deconsolidation by the UK regulators.
• Developed and delivered a programme for training Barclays Product Control colleagues in
Chennai (India) for a month in November 2016 to aid successful transition of roles from
Johannesburg.
• Conceptualised, developed and implemented key risk indicators for the tracking of financial
reporting risk relating to interdivisional balances matching for the Absa Group.
• Developed and implemented a tool to highlight Retail and Business Banking (RBB) financial
reporting risk per financial statement line item. This includes putting together the proof of
concept and working with IT team to automate. The views from the tool are utilised by
management in key governance forums to aid divisional risk discussions.
INFLUENCE
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET): a partner entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation
(CRF) that assists students from disadvantaged backgrounds with funding for tertiary studies,
and assists with holistic support as well as youth skills development.
• Advisory Board: Cyril is chairperson of CRET's advisory board, made up of CRET alumni,
whose main objective is to advise CRET on strategic and operational matters to ensure the
organization has an even bigger impact in society. Cyril has shared a number of platforms
with the Foundation Chair and President of South Africa, the honourable Cyril Ramaphosa.
• Alumni Fund: Cyril is a founding member and regular contributor to the fund set up by CRET
Alumni to support students with their tertiary education. Two students are being supported by
this fund which has produced its first graduate.
• Student Mentor: Cyril mentors students as part of the CRET Mentorship Programme. In this
capacity, he also regularly delivers motivational talks.
• Endunamoo Mentorship: Through the Endunamoo School of Accounting's mentorship

programme, Cyril mentors aspiring chartered accountants (CTA/ITC candidates) on their
journey to qualification.
• The Growth Switch Coaching and Mentoring: Cyril is a certified life coach and founded The
Growth Switch, an organisation which assists students and young professionals with
academic, career and personal development growth insights. The initiative was born from the
realization that there are critical soft skills that the education system doesn’t teach. The
material is shared through online videos. The Growth Switch also conducts one on one
coaching and mentoring sessions for a more personalised encounter.
• Author: Cyril is a published author, under the pen name Abidam Liryc, having released two
books as part of the "I'm Not Supposed To Be Here" series on Amazon.com which is based
on his remarkable life story.
• Other activities: Cyril has performed youth empowerment and guidance work as a speaker at
Afrika Tikkun and the Youth Managers Foundation events.
LEAD
• Cyril's coaching, problem solving, analytical and stakeholder management skills make him an
exceptional leader both in business and the youth development initiatives with which he's
involved.
• Cyril's journey has proved to his community and beyond that anything is possible regardless
of your circumstances.
• His involvement with the youth development initiatives are aimed at educating the youth so as
to produce quality well-rounded professionals and begin to make head way in the inequality
fight.
Committing to our youth, Committing to our future - Thought Lab Webinar
On Thursday 9 July Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and its partner entity, Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust
(CRET), hosted a Thought Lab Webinar to highlight the value to society of continuing to commit to youth
development in challenging economic circumstances. The role that young professionals and recent
graduates are playing on the frontlines of the Covid-19 response has strongly brought this home.
The panel discussion was facilitated by Mr. Mabutho Mthembu, Chair, Youth Managers Foundation.
Panelists included:
Mr Cyril Madiba (Chair, CRET Alumni Advisory Board and Senior Finance Specialist, Absa), Ms Dineo Nono
(Quality Improvement Facilitator, CRET alumnus), Ms Chantelle Oosthuizen ( Executive Director, CRET),
Ms Phuti Mahenyele-Dabengwa (CEO, Naspers SA and Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation Trustee), Mr Naka
Hlagala (Project Coordinator, Phembani Group), Mr Christian Phephenyane (Executive Corporate Affairs
and Human Capital, Pilanesberg Platinum Mine) and Dr Tshepo Motsepe (First Lady of South Africa and
Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation Trustee).
The theme for the panel discussion was ‘Committing to our youth. Committing to our future: The need,
the economy, challenges and possible solutions.’
The full 2 hour webinar can be viewed on the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation's YouTube page through the
below link:
https://youtu.be/I3jRPRp-rmA
Below is an extract of the articles relating to the webinar on the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (CRF) online
blog:
1)
https://www.cyrilramaphosafoundation.org/committing-to-our-youth-committing-to-our-future/
"Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation and its partner entity, Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET), hosted a
“Thought Lab Webinar” on 9 July on the value of youth development to society and the challenges
programmes may experience in the present economic situation because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Entitled Committing to our youth. Committing to our future, the event highlighted the role many CRET
alumni and other young professionals are playing on the frontlines of the response to Covid-19.
‘’It powerfully demonstrates the future value to society of committing to the development of young
people in the present, especially in an increasingly uncertain world,’’ the Foundation said. There is a
sense that the Covid-19 pandemic is not the last of global pandemics, and other crises, like the climate
crisis, confront humanity. In the same way that preparations needed to be made to anticipate the surge
in Covid-19 infections, so too is the development of young people now society’s insurance for its future.
This however is not to take away from the present lives of young people.
Young people and representatives from youth development organisations, the private sector, non-profit
organisations and the media addressed a wide range of youth development issues at the Thought Lab.
Chaired by Mabutho Mthembu, chairperson of the Youth Managers Foundation, the panel included Phuti
Mahenyele-Dabengwa, CEO of Naspers SA and a Foundation trustee; Naka Hlagala, Project Coordinator at
the Phembani Group; Christian Phephenyane, the Corporate Affairs and Human Capital executive at
Pilanesberg Platinum Mine; CRET alumni Dineo Nono and Cyril Madiba; and Chantelle Oosthuizen, the
Executive Director of CRET. Dr Tshepo Motsepe, the First Lady of South Africa, offered the closing
remarks.
While the Thought Lab discussed youth in general terms, it recognised that young people possessed
different levels of skills, aptitudes and access opportunities and had different needs. This needed to be
taken into account in the development and implementation of interventions, and it was vital that the
voices of young people were represented.
The need to continue support for youth development programmes, more so under the challenging times
of the Covid-19 pandemic, was reaffirmed. Young people are among the most severely impacted,
including in terms of the interruption of their studies and livelihood prospects, as well as their emotional
wellbeing. Support however need not only take the form of financial support for companies experiencing
constraints, panelists said. Coaching, mentorship, soft skills development, work-readiness training and
job shadowing opportunities were among some of the in-kind support that corporates may offer. Not all
corporates however had suffered losses due to Covid-19. Some sectors, like those offering online
services, had improved their position and sought to do more through their CSI offerings.
In the context of Covid-19, immediate student needs included access to devices and data. However, while
the pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital skills, this requires proficiency in basic skills like
reading, which is a necessary and urgent development area. This holistic and historical perspective to
positioning young people for opportunities spotlighted the importance of Early Childhood Development
(ECD).
The Thought Lab decried the emphasis of support on young people who are “already doing well” and
earmarked for tertiary study support, and not young people more greatly marginalised from opportunity
and in need. In this context, alternative skills development routes also needed to be strengthened,
including for artisans and other scarce skills.
Youth entrepreneurship too needed to be encouraged and supported, particularly through offsetting the
high degree of off-shore procurement with greater, strategic local investment. Onerous regulations for
the start-up of small businesses however needed to be eased.
The broader corporate sector was called on to draw on the mining industry’s experience of charters. It
obligates the sector to invest in skills development as required by the industry and to account for the
number of people that have been absorbed into employment as well as those supported to establish
enterprises that may meet the industry’s procurement needs.
In her closing remarks, Dr Motsepe applauded the corporate sector for its recognition of “shared value”.
Empowered youth are of direct value to the raison d’être and mission of corporates, including in terms of
the need for skilled employees and clientele.
The webinar strengthened the partnership between youth development practitioners and the private
sector in jointly engaging the challenges to continued youth development support."
2)
https://www.cyrilramaphosafoundation.org/now-is-the-time-to-beef-up-development-of-youth-say-
leading-practitioners/
NOW IS THE TIME TO BEEF UP DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH SAY LEADING PRACTITIONERS
Leading youth development practitioners at a webinar hosted last week by Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation
and its partner entity Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) called for the support of South Africa’s
youth now to realise society’s needs in the future.
“We have been enamoured by the role many young professionals are playing on the frontlines of the
response to Covid-19,” the Foundation said. “It powerfully demonstrates the need to commit to the
development of young people, especially in an uncertain world,” it said.
With youth unemployment figures in South Africa expected to worsen as a result of the global pandemic,
participants at the webinar said the long term solution lies in addressing skills development from an early
age, including both technical and soft skills, as well as an ongoing focus on skills transfer.
The webinar aimed to strengthen the partnership between youth development practitioners and the
private sector in confronting the challenges to continued youth development support under present
economic conditions.
Watch the webinar here and here is what some of the 60 plus attendees had to say:
“We need to get back to basics, basic after school care available to our students, like Thari, basic
infrastructure as a standard at our schools, thanks to programmes like Adopt-a-School, mentorship after
you have decided your path, available through programmes like Black Umbrellas – this is all vital to
changing the future. And the youth who benefit from these programmes must remember, when you
climb that career ladder to the 50th floor and you stand in the sun, leave the ladder behind so someone
can follow you and feel the warmth.” – Dr Tshepo Motsepe, South Africa’s First Lady.
“Covid-19 could prove to be a cocktail of disaster or a real opportunity to take bold actions and make
even bolder investments to help realise the potential of our youth. Today, right now, young people need
our support and it’s time we realise that challenges almost always travel alongside opportunities.” –
Mmabatho Maboya, CEO of CRF.
“Offering access to job shadowing and mentorship, which teach students skills like how to communicate
in a business arena, understand what leadership means, how to think critically about business challenges,
teamwork, assertiveness and emotional intelligence (EQ), arms them with vital skills that will make them
more easily employable.” – Christian Phephenyane, Corporate Affairs and Human Capital executive at the
Pilanesberg Platinum Mine (PPM).
Before Covid-19, we struggled with poverty, unemployment and inequality, all this pandemic has done is
worsen the situation, more so where our youth are concerned. Webinars like this, including the youth
and the ‘not so youth’ is a good first step to building experience and finding innovative solutions that
address the challenges of our new world. But, we keep talking about young people and the role they’ll
play in the future when what we actually need to see is them becoming functional members of our
society today. These are not future challenges, they are today challenges and it’s time we put this into
the correct perspective.” – Naka Hlagala of the Phembani Group.
“Where we, as supporters of this sect, should broaden our thinking is in the development of alternative
skills. Many of us are looking after students who’ve already received education but what of those who
are being left behind, who will never go to university? Many think support is only about money but, in
some cases, it’s as simple as letting a business-minded young person job shadow you for a day to get a
real feel for what running a business entails. There are many innovative, interested young people out
there who are ready to absorb real life lessons accessible through the provision of psychosocial support,
like mentorship and coaching, and work readiness training, like helping them secure a driver’s license.” –
Chantelle Oosthuizen, Executive Director at CRET.
“Take a look around today and you’ll see, in spite of the fact that they are without a doubt most affected
by Covid-19, young people are still demonstrating leadership, bravery and innovation in terms of global
responses – they are our workers, health and safety inspectors, researchers, communicators and
innovators with a voice that wants to be part of the solution for a healthier, safer, gender equal world.
This is why organisations, including Naspers Labs, CRF’s Black Umbrellas and, naturally, CRET, are
investing so heavily in this sector right now.” – Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa of Naspers SA.
“When you support the youth, you support the country and, as a CRET alum, I know the true value of
organisations that strive to find ways to support them practically in today’s times. Covid-19 has been a
shock to the system – we never anticipated this. As a young person, it’s been a humbling experience, one
that has seen us having to think on our feet and also one that has seen numerous demonstrations of true
humanity. At CRET, Ubuntu is real in that we are taught to exist outside of ourselves and within a
community and it is this understanding of my place in the world that has enabled me to continue doing
what I need to do in the medical field during this time.” – Dineo Nono, CRET alumnus.
“As Dineo said, we’ve received much by way of holistic support through our time at CRET and this ‘pay it
forward’ way of living has empowered us in helping society today. They not only invest financially as we
find our path, but also in the giving of time, mentorship and the teaching of soft skills. All of this helps us
make inroads that affect the communities around us.” Cyril Madiba, CRET advisory board chairman and
senior analyst at ABSA.
Endunamoo School of Accounting Mentorship Programme Flyer
Books published by Cyril Madiba (under the pen name Abidam Liryc), available on Amazon.com
Curriculum Vitae
Sibonelo Cyril Madiba CA(SA)
Personal Details
Preferred Name: Cyril

Date of Birth: 11 February 1987
Gender: Male
Languages: English, IsiZulu
E-mail: cyril.madiba@gmail.com/cyril@cyrilmadiba.com
Mobile: +27(0)827735959
Website: www.cyrilmadiba.com
Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/abidamliryc
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cyril-madiba
Profile Statement
Cyril Madiba is a Durban-born chartered accountant with almost 10 years post qualification experience, most
of which has been in the banking and financial services industry across auditing, investment banking, finance
and change. Secondments to Boston (USA) and Chennai (India) have added an international flair to his
experience. He currently works at Absa Group's Financial Control unit as a Senior Finance Specialist with a
specific focus on the Cards business unit within the Retail and Business Bank division.
He is passionate about assisting others to grow through education and personal development thus he
volunteers as a student mentor at the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) NGO as well as in his
personal capacity. He is also chairperson of CRET's Advisory Board which is tasked with advising CRET on
strategic and operational imperatives. Cyril is part of the Mentoring Programme at the Endunamoo School of
Accounting where he mentors aspiring Chartered Accountants during their CTA and ITC studies. He is the
founder of The Growth Switch where he utilizes his highly rated coaching abilities to share practical tips and
insights on education and personal development matters with students and young professionals. The content
is loaded in a video format to the organisation's YouTube channel. Cyril is a published author, under the pen
name Abidam Liryc, having already released two inspirational books as part of the "I'm Not Supposed To Be
Here" series on Amazon.com which is based on his remarkable life story.
Skilled in analytics, writing, problem solving, coaching, mentoring, stakeholder management, motivational talks
and advisory, Cyril's mission is to positively impact society through his career such that the lives of others are
improved. He plans to fulfil this through current and future initiatives to empower those who need it the most.
Accomplishments
- Published Author on Amazon.com

- Founder at The Growth Switch
- Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Scholarship
- Absa Corporate and Investment Banking Talent High Potential (HiPo) 2016 Programme Graduate
- Developed programme and trained colleagues in India on Product Control for a month in November 2016
- Short term secondment to Boston (USA) in 2012
- Dean’s commendation award at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- First attempt passes for matric, university degrees and chartered accountant qualification exams
Qualifications
- B Com Accounting Degree: University of KwaZulu-Natal (2007)

- B Com Accounting Honours Degree: University of KwaZulu-Natal (2008)
- CA Qualifying Exam (QE) 1: South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (2009)
- CA Qualifying Exam (QE) 2: Independent Regulatory Board of Auditors (2010)
- Qualified Chartered Accountant: South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (2011)
- Online Course (Entrepreneurship Harvard Business School (2020)
in Emerging Economies)
Professional Associations
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Membership Number: 20018452)
Mentorship, Coaching and Advisory Experience
Organisation: Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation

Period: Nov 2019 - Present
Role: Chairperson - Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Advisory Board
Additional Role: Mentor for CRET students (since Aug 2019)
Industry: Non-Governmental Organisation
Skills obtained and duties performed: Strategic direction of Alumni and functioning of advisory board,
administrative functions, compiling official communications between CRET and Alumni, motivational talks,
public speaking, presenting, one on one mentoring, coaching, fund raising, stakeholder management
Organisation: The Growth Switch

Period: Feb 2020 - Present
Role: Founder
Industry: Youth Development, Education and Coaching
Skills obtained and duties performed: Research, content creation and packaging, presenting, public
speaking, marketing and social media management, coaching, one on one mentoring, stakeholder
management, financial management, strategy
Publisher: Amazon.com
Period: Jan 2020 - Present
Role: Published Book Author
Books Published: I'm Not Supposed To Be Here First and Second Series
Industry: Personal Development (Self-Help, Motivational, Inspirational)
Skills obtained and duties performed: Research, outline creation, manuscript writing, book cover creation,
publishing, marketing, pricing and royalties
Organisation: Endunamoo School of Accounting

Period: Jun 2020 - Present
Role: Mentor to Aspiring CA(SA)s (CTA and ITC candidates)
Industry: Accounting
Skills obtained and duties performed: Coaching, one on one mentoring, motivational talks, stakeholder
management
Employment – Group Finance Experience
Employer: Absa Group Limited (Johannesburg)

Period: Jun 2019 - Present
Role: Senior Finance Specialist - Financial Control (FC)
Reporting to: Head - Retail and Business Banking (RBB) Financial Control
Divisions/Areas Covered: Retail and Business Banking (RBB) Card Division (Issuing and Acquiring)
Industry: Banking and Financial Services
Skills obtained and duties performed:
- Problem identification and resolution
- Card product and environment knowledge
- Understanding of financial reporting processes and related controls
- Identifying control gaps/weaknesses and the required change initiatives
- Review analysis of the balance sheet and income statement with business units
- Review financial reports, special data analysis, adhoc information reports and legal entity financial
statements
- Monitor the operating effectiveness of the financial reporting governance framework in the business unit
- Monthly balance sheet substantiation and attestation, with risk items flagged accordingly
- Financial reporting risk committee meetings with business unit CFO
- Financial Reporting Key Risk Indicators understanding and reporting
- Compliance with IFRS, auditing and tax regulations
- Managing multiple internal and external stakeholders
- Assisting the Head of FC in continuously evaluating the control framework and enhance as appropriate
- Adhoc reporting to regulators, e.g. National Credit Regulator
- Project management
- Challenging existing processes and controls ensuring best practice across finance
- Performance under pressure
- Communicating at all levels of the organisation
- Mentor to colleagues as part of the Financial Control Mentorship Programme
Employment – Change Reporting Experience
Employer: Barclays Africa Group Limited, thereafter renamed Absa Group Limited (Johannesburg)
Period: May 2018 - May 2019
Role: Manager - Separation Change Programme Regulatory and Executive Engagement
Reporting to: Head - Regulatory and Executive Engagement
Deliverables/Forums: Group Change Committee (Group Exco), Change Execution Council (Joint
Governance with Barclays PLC), Exco Update Reports, Half-year and Year-end Separation Booklet, Balanced
Scorecard, Full Regulatory Deconsolidation.
Reason for leaving role: Separation project winding down
- Adaptability
- Managing and influencing multiple stakeholders including Barclays PLC and senior programme
executives
- Conflict resolution and management
- Collaboration
- Deliverables management and prioritisation
- Secretariat services for Exco and governance forums (meeting bookings, agenda setting,
meeting minutes, action items tracker)
- Coaching
- Communicating at all levels of the organisation
- Process innovation
- Managing timelines and deadlines
- Full Regulatory Deconsolidation impact understanding and actions tracking
- Communicating input requirements and tracking the quality of submissions
Employment – Group Finance Experience
Employer: Barclays Africa Group Limited (BAGL - Johannesburg)

Period: May 2017 - Apr 2018
Role: Senior Balance Sheet Controller
Reporting to: Head of Balance Sheet Control
Divisions/Areas Covered: Head Office (BAGL owned entities), Intercompany/Interdivisional eliminations,
Enterprise Functions (centralised bank cost centres), Barclays Africa/Barclays Plc separation cost centre.
Reason for leaving role: Approached to play a key role in the Separation programme, the only programme of
its kind on the African continent
- Understanding of financial reporting processes and related controls
- Identifying control gaps/weaknesses and the required change initiatives
- Challenging and analysis of the balance sheet numbers with business units
- Embedding the financial reporting governance framework across different business units
- Balance sheet substantiation and attestation, with risk items flagged accordingly
- Financial reporting control meetings with business unit CFOs
- Financial Reporting Key Risk Indicators understanding and reporting
- Managing multiple stakeholders
Employment – Investment Banking Finance Experience
Employer: Barclays Bank Plc (Johannesburg)

Period: Sep 2014 - Apr 2017
Role: Senior Product Controller
Reporting to: Line Product Control Manager and Head of Product Control (Onshore and Offshore)
Trade Desk Products: USD Interest Rate Swaps, GBP Interest Rate Swaps, GBP Government Bonds, USD
Cross Currency Swaps, Supra Sovereign Agencies Bonds, European Commercial Paper, EUR Government
Bonds, EUR Swaps, SEK/CHF Bonds and Swaps.
Reason for leaving role: Redundancy - Roles in division moved to India
- Financial products and markets understanding
- Managing relationships with the trade desk and other stakeholders
- Team management and coaching (2 - 7 direct reports)
- Managing the development of team members and performance, including career guidance,
mentorship and regular catch-ups
- Month end reporting, including general ledger P&L reconciliations, balance sheet commentary,
adjustments and balance sheet inventory reconciliations reviews with Product Control directors
- Interviewing potential candidates to fill vacancies in the team
- Driving team strategy including succession planning, work allocation balance, process
innovation, key decision making
- Review work of direct reports
Employer: Barclays Bank Plc (Johannesburg)
Period: Jul 2013 - Aug 2014
Role: Junior Product Controller
Reporting to: Senior Product Controller
Trade Desk Products: USD Interest Rate Swaps
Reason for leaving role: Promotion to Senior Product Controller
- Financial products and markets understanding
- Adaptability
- Relationship building and management with trade desk, team members and other stakeholders
- Coaching
- P&L (Profit & Loss) reporting, analysis, attribution and commentary
- Balance sheet commentary
- Decision making
- Process innovation
- Systems and trade flow understanding
- Data manipulation
Employment – Audit Experience
Employer: PriceWaterhouseCoopers (Johannesburg)

Period: Jan 2012 - Jun 2013
Role: Senior Associate/Assistant Manager
Reporting to: Audit Manager/Audit Partner
Clients: John Hancock Pool Funds (Boston, USA), State Street Global Advisors Pool Funds (Boston, USA),
Bravura Equity Services (South Africa), Standard Bank Group (South Africa, listed on the JSE), Kagiso Tiso
Holdings (South Africa)
Industry: Audit - Banking and Financial Services
Reason for leaving role: To pursue banking and financial services career opportunities
- Adaptability
- Team management and coaching (2 - 6 direct reports)
- Project management
- Collaboration
- Review of work performed by less experienced staff
- Report writing
- Deadline management
- Performance feedback and appraisal of less experienced staff
- Client management
- Decision making
- Budget negotiation, tracking and management
Employer: PriceWaterhouseCoopers (Johannesburg)

Period: Jan 2009 - Dec 2011
Role: Trainee Accountant
Reporting to: Audit Manager
Clients: Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking Bonds Trading Desk, Standard Bank Group (JSE
listed), Kagiso Trust Investments (Pty) Ltd, Computershare South Africa (Pty) Ltd (a Central Security
Depository Participant), AFGRI Financial Services, ABSA Asset and Vehicle Finance Division, ABSA
Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance
Industry: Audit - Banking and Financial Services
Reason for leaving role: End of 3 year training contract, and promotion to Assistant Manager
- Understanding of trading process from deal initiation to settlement date
- Client interaction, relationship building and management
- Coaching
- Project management (planning, performance, completion)
- Team budget management
- Business process understanding
- Review of work performed by less experienced team members
- Understanding of banking sector
- Workload management
- Team management
- Financial statement review
- Collaboration
- Understanding of deal structuring
- Risk identification
- Strate Limited (JSE entity) rules compliance
- Transformation dynamics management
References
Available on request.
18 Acacia Road, Chislehurston, Sandton 2196
Postnet Suite 167, Private Bag X9924, Sandton, 2146, South Africa
T: +27 11 592 6560/80
20 June 2020
To whom it may concern
LETTER OF REFERENCE – CYRIL MADIBA CA (SA)
This letter serves as reference for Mr Cyril Madiba who is an alumnus of the Cyril Ramaphosa
Education Trust (CRET) bursary support programme.
As a beneficiary of the programme Cyril showed an extraordinary capacity to embrace the

opportunities presented to him, and his perseverance saw him achieving his qualification in the
required time.
Following his graduation, Cyril has continued to live the Foundation’s ethos of “giving back” by
contributing to the CRET Alumni Fund (in support of other beneficiaries), while mentoring current
students and continuing to make a positive contribution to society.
In 2019 he was appointed Chairman of the CRET Advisory Board – a platform that guides the
strategic and operational objectives of the Trust. His ongoing support and commitment to the Trust
has not gone unnoticed. Cyril has shared a number of platforms with our Chair and President of
South Africa, the Honourable Cyril Ramaphosa.
Last year, at a Foundation event, he was directly responsible for a significant monetary donation to
the work of the Trust, following a moving speech about the need for holistic student support
programmes. Besides his busy schedule, he is always giving of his time, and shows a welcomed and
strategic passion for youth development.
More recently, Cyril has represented the Trust in various webinars and meetings, both
internationally and locally.
The Trust looks forward to his ongoing participation in providing insight for the development of our
programme, and his commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowered youth in South Africa.
Yours faithfully
Executive Director
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET)
Registration No: IT42/03

Trustees: MC Ramaphosa; DL Nicol; YN Themba; TT Ncube
The Growth Switch - Profile
Web page: www.cyrilmadiba.com/the-growth-switch
Purpose
The Growth Switch was born from the realization that there are a lot of soft skills that the education
system doesn’t teach students and young professionals. These skills are vital in one’s development
and having experienced firsthand the hardships that come with not having the rightful insights and
support when building a career, our founder Cyril Madiba CA(SA) knew the importance of having a
knowledge sharing platform.
Born into an environment where the family struggled to make ends meet, Cyril knew that he needed
to do something special to help change the situation. A challenging childhood had him attending
four primary schools across the KwaMachi and Eshowe rural villages, KwaMashu township and
Verulam before he attended high school in the township.
Upon completing matric and obtaining a full scholarship from the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust
(CRET), he went on to study undergraduate and honours degrees in Accounting at the University of
KwaZulu Natal. The support from CRET ensured that he could further his tertiary studies and achieve
the dream of becoming a chartered accountant, all of which is a first for his family.
Cyril has gone on to lead a successful corporate career most of which has been in the banking and
financial services industry across auditing, investment banking, finance and change. Secondments to
Boston (USA) and Chennai (India) have added an international flair to his experience. He currently
works at one of South Africa's big four banking groups as a Senior Finance Specialist and is a
published author of two books on Amazon.com. He is the Chairperson of the CRET Advisory Board
which provides advisory proposals to CRET on strategic and operational matters. Through the
Endunamoo School of Accounting, CRET and in his personal capacity, he mentors aspiring chartered
accountants on their journey.
Cyril is a certified Life Coach and utilises real life experiences and his highly rated coaching abilities to
share practical insights, through online videos on the organisation's website as well as social media
pages, to help students and young professionals with their growth, personal development and
unlocking of potential to achieve success in the manner that he has. In September 2020, The Growth
Switch launched one on one coaching sessions for a more personal and tailored encounter.
Vision

The vision of The Growth Switch is to empower students and young professionals with knowledge
and skills necessary to enable them to successfully grow in their fields of study, effectively lead
fulfilling careers and become positive contributors to the economy and society.
Target Market
The market catered to by The Growth Switch comprises predominantly of individuals from
previously disadvantaged backgrounds and is broken down into two main segments:
 students from Grade 11 to tertiary institutions post graduate level
 young graduates and professionals with up to 5 years' employment experience
Cyril's utilisation of his almost 13 years' corporate experience, life skills obtained through many
decades and highly rated coaching abilities in conjunction with a personal approach makes for an
impactful encounter.
Key Statistics as at 13 September 2020
Below are some of the statistics on The Growth Switch's reach and impact. The subscribers and
followers comprise of students and professionals who derive great value from the material shared.
 You Tube (The Growth Switch with Cyril):

o 19 videos on various academic, career and personal development topics published
o 44 subscribers, 456 views
 LinkedIn (The Growth Switch):
directly on LinkedIn. 19 more longer versions shared from YouTube channel.
o 83 followers, 692 views
 Facebook (The Growth Switch with Cyril)
directly on Facebook. 19 more longer versions shared from YouTube channel.
o 190 followers, circa 7410 views
 Instagram (@thegrowthswitch):
directly on Facebook. 19 more longer versions shared from YouTube channel.
o 42 followers, 73 views
Our work has also been featured by the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation's Facebook page.

JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
MBALENHLE ZULU
32 years old
 
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR,
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
Short Profile
Mbalenhle is an associate professor and a PhD candidate at the University of South Africa. She also a
Comrades Marathon medallist. 
Her career spans more than 11 years in both corporate and academia, and she has held positions
ranging from management accounting manager to finance manager in corporate. She joined academia in
2014 due to her passion for promoting and advocating for a future where each child in the country
receives education from the best educators.
A recent career achievement was being promoted from senior lecturer to associate professor in October
2019, making her the first black female professor of accounting in Unisa and perhaps the country.
She has presented her academic work at both local and international accounting conferences (Italy,
Japan and Australia) and has published papers in peer-reviewed journals. Her academic research
focuses on the capital market effects of financial reporting and integrated reporting. She is also a
reviewer for Meditari Accountancy Research, the South African Journal of Economic and Management
Sciences and the Southern African Accounting Association.
In terms of community engagement, she is currently the secretary-general of a movement called We Are
Runners which focuses on community upliftment through running and hosts various drives through the
year. These include a drive to keep a girl child in school where sanitary towels are collected from the
running community and then distributed. This movement is also used to raise breast cancer awareness.
The movement offers training and support to thousands of runners and their impact on society is
evidenced by a strong social media presence.
As a young academic, Mbalenhle strives to set a good example and she uses the power of social media
to influence, teach, empower and mentor students from all over the country. She wants young people to
aspire to excellence and wants young girls to know that they do not have to set limitations for themselves
or adopt limitations set by other people. She believes that in a country like South Africa, representation
matters significantly. She also believes that one of the ways to eradicate generational poverty is through
educating our youth so they can be empowered and empower others.
Watch video
and achievements?
Associate Professor appointment on 1 October 2019. Thus, making me the first black female
professor in my college and one of the few in the country. 
• Presenting my research work at three international conferences: 
2019, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia 
2017, Kwansei Gaikun University, Osaka, Japan 
2015, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy 
• Academic publications in accredited journals. 
• Successful Masters academic supervision where my student passed with a distinction.

Sanitary towel drive. This entails collecting sanitary towels and donating them to those in need. 
I have also adopted a home in Mamelodi, Mamelodi SOS Children’s Village where I hand over
these sanitary towels and clothing. (Please refer to the CE document for more information ) 
recent past?
Running We Are Runners (WAR) which is a running movement that seeks to bring together
runners from across the country and assist them achieve their various running and health goals.
These goals go beyond just fitness, but also entail building mental strength and coping with
stress and anxiety. This also includes raising breast cancer awareness through our running
activities.
young leader?
I use my strong social media presence to engage with students, particularly post grad students.
Experience has taught me that postgrad students don't do well in their studies because they
lack direction. I use the power of social media to engage with them and connect them to
possible mentors. This enables me to reach more students; and not just students from my
institution. 
I also use my work to inspire my colleagues and other fellow upcoming academics, that
academic success is possible.
Top 35 finalist?
I grew up in rural KwaZulu Natal where dreaming big was working in our small town of Stanger
or if you get a big break you work in Durban. My mother, being a teacher, valued education and
always expected excellence. This propelled me to dream big and it lit up a fire in me that can
never be extinguished. I grew up wanting to push the boundaries of human potential and I
continue to do this today. I have thrived in most situation thrown my way. I have achieved
beyond what a child of a similar background to mine is expected to achieve. I live a life where I
inspire those around me to become better versions of themselves. 
My achievements within academia have proven that I’m resilient and a game changer. I do not
allow invisible barriers to hinder my growth and my dreams. The fact that I’m one of the few
young black professors in the country is testament to my hard work and zeal. But I don’t want it
to end by me, I want other young academics to be inspired when they look at me. To know that
it is possible, and ultimately, also achieve their dreams. 
 
In a country like ours, representation matters. One of my encounters which has shaped my
academic journey to a great extent was the conversation I once had with one of my first-year
students in 2014. After I delivered my first lecture, the student came to me and told me I was
the first black chartered accountant he met. That statement puzzled me and made me realize
that most black students only encounter other black chartered accountants later in life. As a
result, they might grow up perceiving this career to be only for other races in South Africa. That
student proceeded and ended up scoring the highest mark in the final exam that year. 
 
Being one of the few black professors in Accounting is not enough. A lot of works needs to be
done to improve the statistics and contribute to the transformation of our academic spaces. My
goal is to assist and mentor those young CA’s who also aspire to penetrate this space. 
 
I’m also a big advocate for mental health, especially amongst academics. I believe that a
healthy body yields a healthy mind. I ran and completed my first Comrades Marathon Uprun in
2019, from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. The experience taught me to be strong, to push through
pain and achieve anything I desire with hard work. This is a skill that most of us CA’s require as
we are often faced with tough tasks, decisions inn our careers. 
 
In closing, “No human is limited" - Eliud Kipchoge 2019. 
DEVELOP
I believe that as CA’s it is my duty to develop other aspiring CA’s to be prepared for the journey
ahead. In addition to lecturing, I mentor a group of students (accounting and research), this
entails monitoring their performance throughout the year, helping them structure their study
schedules and offering mental support as we all know that the Bcom Accounting degree and
CTA require as much support as one can get.
INFLUENCE
I strongly believe that we live in a digital era where most human interactions occur online. This
also applies to where students, graduates and professionals interact, whether socially or
professionally. I use my strong social media presence (+19 000 followers on Twitter:
@thee_academic) to engage with students and other young professionals, CA trainees and
other CA’s. Furthermore, I use social media to teach about research, mentor and connect
students to other young professionals for mentorship. This enables me to reach more students;
and not just students from my institution. I believe that accounting students must be influenced
by other young CA’s as that will shape their views about the CA profession. We live in times
where the credibility of our professional institution may be questioned from time to time, it is my
duty as a member to promote strong ethical values amongst aspiring CA’s, and I believe that
there is no better place to do that other than on social media.
LEAD
I’m a Secretary General (SG) of a running social group called We Are Runners (WAR) which is a
running movement that seeks to bring together runners from across the country and assist
them achieve their various running and health goals. These goals go beyond just fitness, but
also entail building mental strength and coping with stress and anxiety. This also includes
raising breast cancer awareness through our running activities. Being the SG of this group
entails planning all the exercise activities, social awareness activities, community upliftment
activities and ensuring that the group executes and delivers its mandate to provide a
wholesome social wellness. This is where I have been able to exercise my leadership skills
outside of my career.
Mbalenhle Zulu CA(SA)
Associate Professor
University of South Africa
SAICA Top 35 Under 35 2020: Judging Pack
WHAT DRIVES ME?
• Born and bred at Maphumulo
in KZN.
• Raised by a Teacher and a
labourer.
• Believes in the power of hard
work.
• Driven by ethics, integrity and
fairness.
• Education advocate.
• Avid reader and runner.
BACKGROUND
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
• Promoted to Associate Professor in

October 2019, thus one of the
youngest female black CA(SA)
professors.
• Presented academic papers at local
and international conferences in
Australia, Japan, Italy and SAAA.
• AUSTRALIA, 2019
JAPAN, 2017
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
• Published academic papers in peer reviewed journals:
• https://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/1498/0
• https://sajems.org/index.php/sajems/article/view/2345/0
• Academic citizenship: Reviewer for Meditari Accountancy Research ,
SAJEMS and SAA.
• Credit extract from Ram, Maroun and Garnet 2018:
https://doi.org/10.1108/MEDAR-07-2015-0035
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE/INFLUENCE
• Excellence in Teaching
• Believes in student-centered teaching.
• Preparation is key.
• Great feedback from my students.
INFLUENCE &
MENTORSHIP
• We live in the digital age. Where are
students socializing and getting
influenced?
• CA 2025 Project: Digital Era
• I utilize the power of social media to
teach and mentor students (CTA and
postgraduate) from all over the
country.
• Mentor students and guide them.
• Use threads to educate, spark
conversations and inspire students.
• Twitter handle: @thee_academic
INFLUENCE &
MENTORSHIP
LEAD/
INFLUENCE
• Secretary
General of We
are Runners
(WAR)
• Keep a girl
child in school
projects.
• Breast Cancer
Awareness.
“No human is limited
"Eliud Kipchoge, THANK YOU
2020
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
ANGELLA MAKOWE
MUTONHORA
35 years old
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, CROWE SA

Short Profile
After completing her tertiary education in Zimbabwe, Angella relocated to South Africa in 2009 to pursue
her dream of qualifying as a chartered accountant. This was not a seamless process, as she spent two
years working as a bar waitress and part-time lecturer to raise funds for her CTA and attempting to
secure a training contract.
In 2011 she secured such a contract with BDO and after her articles, she moved to a national role as an
audit technical facilitator. In 2016 she launched her Africa Project which saw her expand her technical
expertise into BDO offices in East and West Africa and formalise and standardise BDO’s framework
across those regions.
She moved to Wconsulting as an audit technical consultant to audit firms and introduced a shared
service IT audit role to mid-tier firms that did not necessarily have the technical expertise. This created
efficiencies and audit compliance for firms and in the first year, revenue from this service line increased
by over R1,5 million.
She is currently the technical director at Crowe SA in charge of all things technical at national level.
Having grown up with a mother who is a teacher, Angella has a passion for education and learning. This
partially prompted her to launch a nursery school in Blairgowrie called Busy Bees that also runs a special
programme for domestic workers in the area. The programme involves subsidising their children’s fees
allowing them access to a quality education, which Angella believes is a right for all children. Busy Bees
is also designed to allow children with autism to attend classes and receive more blended learning whilst
creating awareness. This allows autistic children to adapt to primary school foundation courses by
helping them develop their social skills.
In her travels into Africa, as well as coming from Zimbabwe, Angella noted numerous forms of
malnutrition across the continent, and particularly in Zimbabwe. This spurred her on to try and develop a
solution for the problem and co-found Nutralife Africa with her sister, a registered pharmacist. This is a
moringa project in Zimbabwe to grow moringa (a natural super plant with significant nutritional qualities)
for export while utilising women as the majority of farmworkers. This allows women to gain skills as farm
labourers and have their own subsistence plots, as well as utilise moringa in their daily diets. Nutrilife
farmland has been audited and awarded organic status. To date, the founders have been bootstrapping
and have invested over R500 000 into preparing 40 hectares of land. They foresee the first harvest in
2021.
Angella’s philosophy is continuous acceptance of things you cannot change and relentless optimism. In
the six years from completing her articles, she managed to be recognised in the assurance field as a
force to be reckoned with. She sat on the ISACA SA board from 2016 to 2018 and her presentation at the
2016 ISACA conference was considered one of the top five. She is the only enterprise risk management
facilitator in South Africa recognised by the Institute of Risk Management in London and sits on various
SAICA committees, including the Legal and Compliance Committee.
Angella has achieved all of this while being a mother of three beautiful girls and being an avid gardener
and furniture restorer in her spare time.
Watch video
and achievements?
• I have been hired as National Technical Director for Crowe South Africa
• I have been responsible for the growth of a new unique niche revenue line at Wconsulting
exceeding R2m in my first year.
• I created and was responsible for BDO technical -Africa project where i created revenue for
shared services through providing technical training and review services to smaller firms
• I started my own nursery school business and tripled revenue within the first 3 months
• I have invested in Moringa Farming back home in Zimbabwe and the plot has just been
certified as organic by ECO-CERT SA 

I provide free or extremely subsidized fees at my preschool for those lacking in funds as a way
or building my community and ensuring that they have access to high quality education 
I regularly contribute through donations of money or time to clean up projects, feeding
schemes, soup kitchens and clothing drives.
recent past?
I have started a Moringa farming project back home in Zimbabwe. The idea is to farm and
export Moringa oleifera to Europe and the Americas in order to fund moringa health projects
that will feed and sustain the poorer communities back home. Some of Zimbabwe's population
is largely malnourished and the Moringa plant is infused with a lot of nutrients that can boost
the immune system and improve health. furthermore, the establishment of the farm has resulted
in the creation of much needed jobs. This is a joint project with my sister who is a pharmacist.
We plan to produce supplements, tea bags, moringa-infused health and possibly beauty
products. the farm has been audited and organically certified through ECO-CERT South Africa
and we look forward to planting towards the end of the winter season.  
 
I have also started my nursery school and music academy which is designed to provide
education and drive unity and education through music and dance. My school is based in
Blairgowrie and was opened in January 2020 with 10 students. By the end of March I had 50
Students and was looking forward to more enrollments. However progress is halted due to the
Covid-19 Pandemic.
young leader?
I have striven to catch up to my peers who have had the advantage of time. I started my articles
3 years after i finished my tertiary education. I wanted to catch up and not conform and have
seen myself as my own personal brand. I have managed to gain recognition through my work
and presentations. I am a renowned technical trainer and presenter.
 
I have been recognised as one of the top 5 presenters at the ISACA conference with ratings
exceeding 4.7/5 from attendees.
 
I currently sit on the global ISQM 1-working committee where my work is to create content that
can be used and adapted within the Crowe network. I have presented virtually on the Crowe
global conferences and audit breakaway sessions.
 
I am the only approved Risk Trainer in South Africa for the FORM Course which is run by the
Institute of Risk Management in London. 
Top 35 finalist?
• I am the Technical Head at a Medium Tier Audit Firm - Crowe SA
• I have managed to be recognized as a technical assurance expert within the audit and attest
industry
• I have been recognized as one of the top 5 speakers at the ISACA 2016 Conference where I
presented on Fraud Risk Management
• I own a nursery school in Blairgowrie which tripled revenue in 3 months from opening date
• I have been recognized as an expert and asked to present in RWANDA by the Chartered
Accountants institute
• In all my responsibilities, i have been able to identify opportunity and create new revenue lines
successfully.
• I am growing Moringa for both sustainability and profit, and have partnered with health
practitioners to provide a powerful organic supplement to the European market.
• I am actively involved in a number of SAICA committees and have diligently served to improve
the delivery of services by SAICA to CAs under the age of 35
• I served on the ISACA board of Directors from 2016 to 2018.
• I led the first courageous conversation on diversity and discrimination at SAICA IN 2015 
A close friend of my mother enquired what I wanted to become one day and told us about the
Thuthuka Bursary camp offering an opportunity to provide financial assistance at Tertiary level. I
applied and got selected in matric to be on the camp. The Thuthuka camp was for the top
learners in the Eastern Cape, however being on the camp did not guarantee me to be selected
for a bursary. 
 
I had no source of income to pay for tertiary studies, I had no way out of getting out of my
circumstances. The only hope I had in my matric year was to be selected for the bursary by
showing good matric results. Through my hardwork and determination, Thuthuka Bursary
scheme accepted me into the program at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. 
 
Becoming a CA (SA) was the only hope I had in bettering myself and the people around me
either by me being an example or assisting my family financially. People don’t realise studying
this course is tough but well worth it. It gives the under privilege hope that there is a light at the
end of the tunnel. It is not always being the smartest person in the room but having the
determination and perseverance by overcoming all odds to become a CA(SA).This designation
is more than just a fancy title but an opportunity to expand someone’s way of thinking and life
through innovation and solving problems. 
Being in the top 35 would show a young South African that it is possible to come from a small
town, struggle your way through university, work extremely hard during articles to become a CA
(SA) in order to provide for their family. 
 
I failed subjects in first year, second year and third year, being kicked out of the Thuthuka
programme with no funding to assist me to carry on and no family to provide to further my
studies was a tough setback I had to overcome. Yet I had the hope that this title would set me
free from all adversity. Dealing with anxiety and stress from my childhood impacted me
negatively throughout my university career however I didn’t allow those factors to affect my
dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant. 
 
I took the decision that I had to do something different, think differently to reach my goals. I
worked at Mazars Port Elizabeth full time and studied part time to get my degree. I worked so
hard waking up to study at 4 am, then going to work from 8am to 5pm thereafter attending
classes from 6pm to 9pm, repeating the routine every day . I did not have a car I had to take
public transport, through all of that I obtained an average of 55% for the term in order to qualify
to be accepted into the Accounting Honours program. 
 
The dream of becoming a CA(SA) was so surreal that I couldn’t believe all my sacrifices paid
off. Accounting Honours year was indeed the hardest year of study career. Through the
changing of my mindset and surrounding myself with people who believe that even if I was
getting 25% in my tests in management accounting, I would still pass the year. I passed
Accounting Honours, Board 1 and Board 2 in my first seating. 
People really thought I would fail and gave up on me, I proved to myself I am more than my
struggles and adversity which I then went on to do my Masters in Tax because I couldn’t just
stop at CA (SA). Tax is one of the crucial lines of every company that can make or break a
company and thus I wanted to be able to add value to any organization. However my struggles
did not stop there, after qualifying as a CA (SA) and being on top of the world, I joined the tax
division. After a few months the company couldn’t afford me anymore of which I got retrenched.
Being a black, female South African Chartered Accountant I questioned my worth, thinking how
could this happen to me. However with this amazing title CA(SA) opened doors to so many
opportunities, within a month I had 4 offers and accepted the offer that fit my values and
aspirations. I used my experiences to work harder than ever in my current organisation and got
promoted to reporting manager within a year and 2 months. 
 
Being in the top 35 would allow me to tell my story and to tell the little girl or boy, coming from
any background, in any circumstance that nothing is impossible as long as you hold onto the
dream of becoming a CA (SA). The opportunity to be in the top 35 would give me the motivation
to complete the last chapters of my book called the Slingshot effect, 1 step back 10 steps
forward, the target market being primary and high school leaners as well as university leaners
because peer pressures affects all learners and they need motivation more than ever to
cultivate their minds to push against all obstacles. As well as to empower South African women
of all types that no matter what you going through, raising a family, being a top executive,
anything is possible as long you hold onto the dream of becoming a CA (SA).I have become the
role model for others I have always wanted for myself. I always tell myself and encourage others
to be the change they want to see and your dream should so big it should scare you. 
Should I be one of the winners for the SAICA Top 35-under-35 winners, it would provide me
with a platform and a voice that people are able to trust and rely on the advice and assistance I
am able to provide in terms of making either the best decision with their career or financial
advice. This opportunity is more than a competition but a reason to reach more people with my
GOALS and DREAMS I set to persue in 2020 and achieving anything I put my mind to that
nothing is impossible when you becoming a Chartered Accountant. 
 
INFLUENCE
DEVELOP
• Developed and presented the Africa project at BDO and moved from being a shared service
cost centre to a revenue generating division. Generated approximately 10 000USD in the first
2 months of launching the project. By the time she left BDO, She had expanded her foot print
to BDO East Africa and the project has since developed to provide services to West Africa as
well.
• Spearheaded the IT audit shared service division at Wconsulting and generated unbudgeted
revenue of 1.5m in the first year of inception. Angella went on to create the GRC division
where she provided services to Medium Tier firms and large corporates and still acts as a
consultant for Wconsulting in providing ongoing services to clients who prefer to work with
her specifically.
• Although initially headhunted for a technical role at PKF, Angella’s vision for assurance was
recognised and she was offered a new role created for specially for her, to head up and
develop the risk advisory service for PKF Octagon. She has secured 2 contracts since starting
her new role
• Angella is often asked to perform quality control reviews in her personal capacity for smaller
firms.
• Currently working on a partner evaluation application that is designed to help firms’

leadership to objectively evaluate their performance in line with Audit Quality Indicators as per
ISQM 1.
INFLUENCE
• Angella’s 2 passions lie in education and health.
• She owns a nursery school that offers blended learning to include learners with special needs
particularly autism and adhd.
• Runs a special project for domestic and low income earners around the neighbourhood where
they get a discounted fee rate to send their children to the school.
• Currently offering free babysitting services to unemployed former parents going for interviews
• Started the Moringa farming project with her sister. Designed to alleviate malnutrition in
Zimbabwe and ultimately in Africa. Generate income through the selling of organic moringa.
• Farm currently employs 6 permanent workers and 4 casual workers
• Moonlights as a fundraiser for orphanages in SA and back home through her affiliation to
religious organisations and offers assistance to distressed widows and vulnerable children.
She was instrumental in the training of Alexandra ECD centres by the Johannesburg fire
brigade as an example.
LEAD
• Angella has been instrumental in the development of new products. She was one of the team
members at Wconsulting who helped develop and update the bean app which has been sold
globally to various audit firms as a self service audit training app
• Renowned audit technical expert within the industry. Angella has worked on task teams at
IRBA and SAICA and sits on a few technical committees. Angella has created IT audit
methodologies and reviewed audit firm systems on quality control
• Angella was the youngest board member serving on the ISACA board from 2016 to 2018. Her
contributions especially at the ISACA conference were recognised and she was selected as
one of the top 5 presenters
• Angella hold various leadership roles including being president of YCAN at SAICA.
• Angella is an expert trainer and presenter. Invited to present at conferences and events by
other institutes and organisations.
• Approved to train the prestigious FoRM course by the IRM in London for the Southern
Region. She has run the course in South Africa, Botswana and Mauritius.
• Has managed to re-engineer her designated roles each time to create a unique niche for
herself
• Mentors young trainees

Angella Makowe Mutonhora
Risk and assurance technical expert
-Speaker and presenter
-Businesswoman
35 UNDER 35 ENTRY
Career,Experience and Achievements
Currently PKF Head of Risk Advisory Services

Outgoing National Technical Director at Crowe South
Africa
Senior manager – Wconsulting
National Audit Technical Manager – BDO
YCAN president (SAICA)- 2020
NRC/LCC member – SAICA 2020
Board Director ISACA -2016 -2018
Top 5 Presenters ISACA 2016 Conference
Presented with Mervyn King at GRC seminar in 2019
Invited to present at the Rwanda Institute of Chartered
Accountants Audit Seminar - 2019
CAREER -Crowe Technical Director
David Chitty
International Accounting & Audit Director
Crowe Global
Career :Wconsulting – Senior Manager
Raymond
Chamboko
Director
Wconsulting
SPEAKER AND PRESENTER Angella co-
presented with
Prof King at a GRC
seminar she
highlights organised whilst at
Angella initiated contact with IRM and was evaluated as Wconsulting. The
a risk specialist to deliver training on the FORM course seminar attracted
developed by the IRM in London. She is the only over 100
approved trainer of the course in the region and attendees and
Wconsuting was appointed as the service provider for provided lead
the course. work for the firm
Angella was invited to speak at the ICPAR seminar in Rwanda in November

2019. Her sessions included Information systems audit and internal controls as
well as quality control processes
SPEAKER AND PRESENTER
ISACA BOARD MEMBER 2016 - 2018

Angella presented at the regional ISACA conference and
her presentation was selected as one of the Top 5
presentations of the conference.with a rating of 4.6 out of
5. She was voted in as a board member and was the
youngest board member at the time
BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY
BUSYBEE NURSERY SCHOOL
Angella established Busybee Nursery
School In October 2019 and opened
doors on the 6th of January 2020.
In January she had 10 kiddies enrolled
and by mid March the number was 50
due to intense marketing campaigns.
At the time of lockdown the revenues
were on R90 000 per month and du to go
over the 100 000 mark with April
enrollments
As at end of September numbers were
sitting on 25 children. As a COVID-
support program, the school has
continued to offer discounted fees to
stranded parents and currently offers a
free day per month to all former
students affected financially by the
lockdown. The school also allows
parents with interviews to leave their
children for the day free of charge
The school runs a program for
housekeepers/gardeners/low income
earners in Blairgowrie who want access
to a good preschool. This program
charges them a lower fee than normal as
a “scholarship” thus ensuring they get
the best care at an affordable rate.
The school has since been affected by
the Covid-19 crisis and is only starting to
recover in August as some parents start
re-enrolling. The school currently
employs a staff of 6 women.
www.busy-bees.co.za
BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY
MORINGA PROJECT : Nutralife Africa pty ltd /Nutraleaf
Nutralife Africa (SA) /Nutrileaf (A Zimbabwean subsidiary of Nutralife Africa Pty Ltd)
WE have established a production facility for the cultivation and farming of Moringa oleifera Lam (“Moringa”).
Moringa is an extremely nutritional plant with a wide range of health benefits. Moringa leaves are an inexpensive source of proteins, vitamins and minerals for developing countries. The bark and
twigs can be utilized for animal feed. The seeds can be utilized as a natural coagulant and purifier for water. It has been dubbed the miracle tree as all parts of the tree can be utilized.
Secured 40 hectares of arable farm land in the Midlands region, which is centrally located in Zimbabwe.
The farm has access to major transport routes and easy access to Mozambique and South African ports.
The farm also has adequate water supply, although Moringa is a drought resistant crop which can withstand prolonged period of limited water supply.
Nutralife Africa’s intention is to bring Moringa production on a larger scale to Zimbabwe and empower disadvantaged communities by providing them access to a livelihood.
Our primary production plan is mainly for export to producers of Moringa products located in Europe and Asia Pacific.
The second phase of our production plan is to gradually introduce our own products into the market.
With a seasoned pharmacist as part of the team and an experienced farmer we believe we will be able to bring our production facility to life.
Our estimates place the facility at a break even point within three years from initial planting.
Global demand Product insight
 The global Moringa products market size was valued at USD 5.5 billion in 2018  By product, the market is divided into leaf powder, tea, oil, and seeds.
 The market is driven by several factors such as growing need for nutritional  Moringa seed oil is extracted for use in cosmetics and food products. Moringa seed oil is an excellent
supplements, improving health awareness among people, and shifting focus source of vitamin E, antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids and in addition possesses anti-
towards organic medication. inflammatory properties .These pharmacological properties position Moringa seed oil as a key
ingredient in the manufacturing of soaps, lotions and pharmaceutical ointments
 Increase in awareness among consumers regarding health benefits of this plant is
one of the major reasons for the market growth. Additionally, it can be easily  Moringa seedcakes, which are produced from residues by pressing seeds to extract oil, are utilised in
grown in tropical and subtropical regions with low cost, thereby resulting in water treatment, fertilizers, animal feed and as a coagulant (natural cationic polyelectrolyte). Moringa
increased usage of the plant in various applications. It is also one of the best seed cakes contain approximately 58% crude protein.
products to treat malnutrition children younger than three years.
 Leaf powder accounted for the largest market share of more than 30.0% in the year 2018. Growing
 Globally 578.23billion tons of Moringa leaf powder are sold each year, with the demand for nutritional supplements as a part of daily diet is one of the major factors for the segment
largest supplies emanating from Asia. growth.
 Demand for the product is increasing due to its rich nutritional properties and low  Leaf powder is used in making useful medicines that help in treating a wide variety of skin problems.
price, thereby boosting the growth of this market.The culture of calorie reduction Leaf extracts might help treat some stomach disorders, such as constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative
and weight loss is also driving the market since Moringa also helps in reducing colitis. The antibiotic and antibacterial properties of Moringa may help inhibit the growth of various
weight gains pathogens, and its high vitamin B content helps with digestion. Moringa powder can last for a longer
time and can also be transported easily, and hence it is more preferred in this form as compared to the
 Europe, USA and Asia Pacific (“APAC”) is the fastest growing regional market. other forms.
Consumers in APAC are increasingly preferring cosmetics that are extracted from
plants instead of mineral oils.  The following are the industries where Moringa can potentially be applied:
Nutralife Africa Objectives: Production
 We are developing a Moringa plantation to improve the socio economic conditions of Nutralife Africa’s intention is to specialize in three main categories being:
the communities found in and around the Midlands area initially and expanding into
the greater Sub Saharan African region. We currently employ 6 workers at the farm  Moringa powder;
 Empower communities by developing women focused farming cooperatives to grow  Fodder and other animal feed; and
Moringa to allow them to earn a livelihood and raise themselves above the poverty
line faced by most Zimbabweans/ Africans. A separate plot has been earmarked for  Moringa based remedies and foodstuff which would require oil based Moringa.
subsistence farming  We intend to register our products under the supplements division of the
 Improve local nutrition of communities and educate them of the benefits of Moringa. Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (“MCAZ”). This field has not been
This will allow them to counter the effects of years of malnutrition faced by tapped into and with Zimbabwe having an estimate of 550 retail pharmacies
Zimbabweans due to extreme poverty they have faced. We have experimented with nationwide, there is a gap in the private sector market which we will fill. The
moringa infused smoothies. Ministry of Health can also be pulled in as a stakeholder by presenting our product
for consumption in central hospitals. According to the Zimbabwe 2018 Nutrition
 Contribute to the improved quality of water supply within the region. Moringa is Survey Report, launched by the Food and Nutrition Council, the national rate of
considered a water purifier. sing Moringa to purify water replaces chemicals such as child stunting, a manifestation of chronic malnutrition, is 26.2% in Zimbabwe..
aluminum sulfate, which are dangerous to people and the environment, and are This means nearly one in every three children are chronically malnourished.
expensive Nutralife Africa through our Moringa products can go a long way in alleviating
malnutrition.
 Bring new and innovative Moringa products to the export market Europe and Asia
Pacific), through leaf (powder) and seed (husks and oil) based goods.  We therefore have estimated based on our research that at the differing levels of
production we envisage the facility could produce a yield of at least:
Production Facility
 8.5 tonnes of powder;
The facility is comprised of:
 82.5 tonnes of fodder; and
 a 40 hectare facility located in Gweru, in the Midlands province in Zimbabwe with
access to major road arterials with direct links to major transportation routes to  1,364 litres of oil.
Mozambique and South African ports
 This is after taking into consideration a 5% reduction in volumes due to wastage
 a warehouse that will be utilised for housing the machinery required for drying, during the production process..
peeling and packing. The leaves and seeds will also be housed here to reduce the
 We would require a tray dryer, storage tanks, conveyor belts and a peeling/sifting
chances of contamination of the product.
machine to enable the facility to be able to achieve these quantities. A portion of
 adequate water supply including a windmill to pump water during seasons with the process will be manual, to ensure job creation and a part will be automated o
lower rain fall. We have drilled a borehole and in the process of having the second ensure we achieve production efficiencies.
one sited..
 We believe that that our facility will initially be able to provide approximately 30
jobs and expand to over 100 in due course. With a ratio of one bread winner per
Training of employees
four dependents (on a conservative scale for rural communities), that equates to
 We have enlisted Ecocert certified farmers to assist with the training of community between 120 to over 400 individuals who will benefit from the establishment of
farm workers. A record of the training was provided to Ecocert as part of the audit. this facility.
We have so far invested approximately R420 000 and the operational costs include
 Preparing the land for cultivation
 Audit and Certification costs
 Maintaining water supply – we have drilled a borehole on the farm
 Installation of drip irrigation system
 Training our staff based on Ecocert best practices
 Machinery costs of R100,000 to ensure we maximize on efficiencies. We have purchased an
industrial dryer.
 Marketing and advertising- we have had initial meetings with possible buyers from Germany
 Current spend is as per the screenshots aside:
 FOUNDERS
Angella (Makowe) Mutonhora Adelaide (Makowe) Tagwireyi Darlington T Tagwireyi Martin T Mutonhora
Angella is a risk and assurance Adelaide is a trained pharmacist Darlington has over 20 years Martin is a finance professional with
professional who has over 10 years and has over 15 years experience in experience in farming in the over 12 years experience in the full
experience in advising c-suite managing and operating a chain of Midlands region. He has been suite of financial management,
exectuives and setting policies and pharmacies in Zimbabwe. She involved in construction and corporate finance and financial
procedures in her portfolio of currently owns her own pharmacy farming for the past 25 years and reporting activities.
clients which includes listed in Zimbabwe and will be in charge consumarabke experience in
entities, public interest entities as of product development farming operations He has consulted and worked for
well as other significant unlisted companies listed on the Johannesburg
entities in the manufacturing retail and Australian stock exchanges. His
and property sector. experience also includes strategic
planning and implementation of
systems for green field and brown
field projects.
Moringa production needs to pass an audit by Ecocert SA to ensure products are
not contaminated – The audit commenced in February 2020 and the farm
obtained globally recognised organic status
Other projects and
achievements Her greatest achievement
and success is being a wife
to a wonderful supportive
Angella is a member of the SAICA legal and compliance committee
and is currently a member of the POPI guidance review project husband(and best friend)
team. She has worked in project implementation groups at the IRBA
and assisted in the drafting of guidance for Implementation of ISA
and a mother to 3 beautiful
720. She is an observer at CFAS at the IRBA. girls and. She wants to
inspire them to be strong
Angella also was part of the team that helped in the creation of the women who are confident
BEAN app at Wconsulting which is sold globally as an e-learning app
for audit elective trainees and thus resulting in innovative learning. to be whatever they want to
be, no-matter how long it
takes or the speedhumps
Angella has developed audit templates and updated methodologies
for various firms. She is a strong presenter and has impacted how
they meet along the way.
firms can improve on audit quality.
Angella sits on several committee and was instrumental in

the initial formation of YCAN in 2013 at SAICA which serves
BDO – launched the “AFRICA Project”. Angella was the national manager when she the interest of chartered accountants under the age of 35.
realised that there was a need for technical assistance especially in the Some of her ideas include the highly successful career chat
enhancement of audit quality within the BDO AFRICA network. Her proposal was with Robert Walters and the “in conversation with 35 under
personally approved by BDO CEO and CFO and she approached BDO network offices 35 finalists” amongst others. As a member of the SAICA JDA
within the region offering training and technical services. She managed to make committee, she has been instrumental in creating events
approximately 10 000USD from the EAST AFRICA region within the first 3 months and with top speakers including Prof King, Andile Khumalo at
converted a shared service role into a money-making role as well as improving audit JSE and other notable speakers. She opened the women in
quality. BDO rewarded her efforts by paying her a 13th cheque as a bonus in the accounting event with Thuli Madonsela in 2014 and has
month she resigned despite the fact that bonuses were only paid in December. The hosted SAICA new member events. She has hosted panel
Africa project has since expanded to include West Africa discussions at ISACA and SAICA events .
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
MANQOBA KUBHEKA
32 years old
 
GENERAL MANAGER:
LICENSING, SAMRO
Short Profile
Manqoba Kubheka is a chartered accountant on a quest to make his mark in the development of
internationally competitive African businesses. He began his career as a trainee accountant at
SizweNtsalubaGobodo (now SNG Grant Thornton) and left the firm as assurance audit manager, having
been the only manager in his year to be promoted to second-level manager in a single year.
In 2017, he joined SAMRO as manager in the office of the CEO. His impact and involvement during a
turbulent turnaround period at SAMRO enabled him to swiftly grasp the inner workings of collective
management organisations and the music industry’s eco-system in general. Finding the company on the
brink of a reportable irregularity and qualified audit report, he steered the company to an unqualified
report after having developed and implemented process and reporting changes in the finance
department. He also initiated and was the front liaison for a forensic audit carried out against the
impaired international investments and had the findings of the report presented to the SAMRO AGM in
October 2018. Having taken on demanding challenges such as acting CFO only five months into his time
at the organisation, Kubheka’s contribution was widely noted.
In February 2019, he became interim general manager in the Licensing Division of SAMRO, which is the
revenue-generation core of the organisation. He was appointed permanently in June 2019 and has since
led the entity to revenues exceeding R500 million for the first time since its inception in 1962. As a key
driver of change and a firm believer in recognising and empowering women, he has placed young black
females in all four managerial positions reporting to him, which has contributed to his department’s
outstanding achievements. 
Kubheka also serves on the board of the Arts and Culture Trust (an NPO focusing on enriching talent and
arts organisations through funding and skills development programmes) and chairs its audit and risk
committee. He is also a member of the management committee. His philosophy is to shoulder the
primary responsibility of managing all operational aspects from strategy formulation and planning to
business development, analysis and key decision-making.
As custodian of SAMRO members’ interests, he faces the challenge of improving their earnings through
being directly involved in revenue-generation activities. His love of and respect for the arts provide him
with the fire to fuel his noble and meaningful contribution to the music industry.
Watch video
and achievements?
Appointed to Acting CFO and offered CFO role within 4 months of joining SAMRO as a result of
assisting the company avoid and manage potentially detrimental irregularities to the tune of
10% of the organisation’s annual turnover.
Promoted to Head of Licensing (being the Revenue wing of the organisation) after having
identified pitfalls in the internal controls and processes in the revenue and debt collection areas.
Identified major revenue opportunities and unlocked deals earning the company over 15% of
new business in my first year as Head of Licensing, with the entity having not met it’s revenue
targets in over 5 years.
Reduced bad debt book by over 60% in the year, collecting over 140% of the annual turnover
in 12 months, ensuring that the artists we represent are positively impacted by a higher revenue
and cash injection.
Appointed as Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Arts and Culture Trust of
South Africa.

I serve as a Trustee (a voluntary, non-paying position) on various portfolios within the trust,
including the Audit and Risk Committee, Fundraising Committee, Projects Committee and
Management Committee.
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is South Africa’s premier independent arts funding and
development non-profit organisation. The primary aim of ACT is to increase the amount of
funding available for arts and culture initiatives, and to apply these funds to innovative,
sustainable projects that make a meaningful contribution to society. Through structured funding
programmes, ACT provides support for all expressions of arts and culture, including literature,
music, visual art, theatre and dance, and the support extends to festivals, community arts
initiatives, arts management, arts education and arts administration.
I also give frequent lectures at the Academy of Sound Engineering, along with various talks at
community run arts and music conferences, sharing insights on the industry and providing
monetisation tools to attendees from underprivileged backgrounds
recent past?
As a Trustee of the Arts and Culture Trust (ACT, I am involved in, and lead a number of initiatives
that assist underprivileged communities through providing funding, resources and
acknowledgement through the annual ACT awards ceremony)
Serving on the Fundraising, Projects as well as Audit and Risk Committees puts me at the
forefront of outreach, financial, governance and organisational responsibilities.
I have assisted the Trust in identifying and creating operational processes as well as defining
their risk assessment process. Over and above this, we have worked with various organisations
in identifying and providing funding to schools, theater, music and various other initiatives
across the country.
young leader?
I represent the excellence and perseverance that a Young Leader is meant to possess. I am
generally the youngest person in every room I’m in, challenging the status quo at every turn in
order to prepare the music and arts industries for the future.
I represent myself through my efficient and effective professionalism, upholding a high level of
integrity and fighting for those without a voice. This led to me being fast-tracked to middle
management at my audit firm (SNG Grant Thornton), as well as being promoted twice in 18
months in my current organisation (SAMRO).
I am vocal in strategic meetings, I create strong relationships with key stakeholders through
excellent communication and commitment. I also pride myself with producing meticulous work
and using my CA(SA) skills to uplift and improve an under served industry, being the Music and
Arts industries. I make things bigger and I make things better. I stand up to bullying in the work
place and I represent and promote women empowerment wherever there is a nano-metre of
room to do so, having promoted four ladies into management roles in my first year as head of
my department.
Top 35 finalist?
I have chosen to shoulder the responsibility of creating more opportunities for artists to earn a
great living in South Africa through my involvement in various initiatives and using expertise and
CA training to create and enhance structures within the industry. These include better
accountability from people who exploit music and other arts for commercial gains, such as,
Apple, Facebook, Multichoice and others. I am here to #OpenUpTheIndustry and I will not rest
until I see the lives of thousands of creatives improve in a sustainable way!
I am dedicated to learning, having completed my CA(SA) qualification through various

hardships. These include, completing my CTA (repeat year) whilst serving my first year of
articles, taking 3 taxis a day to get to audit clients and coping with having lost my best friend of
18 years to a bipolar related suicide just days after having gotten results stating that I had failed
my 4th year at Wits. I went on to pass my CTA in my first year of articles, completing my 1st and
second board exams in the following year, despite having taken a month off in the middle of the
year in order to partake in a Muscle and Endurance reality show called The BarOne ManHunt.
I have been referred to as the “left and right brain guy” due to my ability to partake in structural
and organisational tasks and projects at a highly effective level, as well as being a creative with
multiple skills. During my time in varsity, I co-founded a music entity called Black Money
Entertainment with two of my closest friends. We gained major success with this entity, selling
over 5000 units through direct sales and at our self-run and promoted events, grossing over
R250,000.00 in our most successful year.
My goal is to formalise and create efficiencies in the music industry that allow artists to earn
much more and manage their money in a sustainable manner through improving and identifying
new revenue streams.
DEVELOP
In 2017, he joined SAMRO as the Manager in the CEO’s Office. His impact and involvement
during a turbulent turnaround period at SAMRO enabled him to swiftly grasp the inner workings
of Collective Management Organisations and the music industry’s eco-system in general.
Finding the company on the brink of a reportable irregularity and qualified audit report, he
steered the company to an unqualified report after having immediately developed and
implemented process and reporting changes in the finance department. He also initiated and
was the front liaison for a forensic audit carried out against the impaired international
investments and had the findings of the report presented to the SAMRO AGM in October 2018.
Having taken on demanding challenges such as Acting CFO, only five months into his time at
the organisation, Kubheka’s contribution was widely noticeable.
INFLUENCE
Kubheka also voluntarily serves on the Arts and Culture Trust’s board, an NPO that focuses on
enriching talent and arts organisations through funding and skills development programmes. He
is the Chairperson of its Audit & Risk Committee and a member of the Management Committee.
His contribution philosophy is to shoulder the primary responsibility of managing entire
operational aspects from strategy formulation and planning to business development, analysis,
and key decision making that positively influences the bottom line.
As custodian of the SAMRO member’s interests, being the head of the organisation’s Revenue
generation activities, his love and respect for the arts provides him with the fire to fuel his noble
and meaningful contribution to the entertainment and tech industries.
LEAD
In February 2019, he was given the monumental task of interim General Manager in the
Licensing Division of SAMRO, which is the revenue generation core of the organisation. He was
permanently appointed in June 2019 and has since closed numerous licensing deals including
entertainment and tech heavyweights such as, Facebook, Google and Multichoice, which led
the entity to revenues exceeding R500m for the first time since its inception in 1962. As a key
driver of change and firm believer in recognising and empowering women, he has placed young
black females in all four managerial positions reporting to him, which has contributed to his
department’s outstanding achievements.
Manqoba Kubheka - SAICA Top 35 under 35 Judges Pack:
Auditing Career: 2012 – 2017 – a few highlights.

I joined SNG GT in 2012 after 5 years at Wits as a bursary student, funded by the firm. In 2014 I became
an audit manager responsible for conducting profitable, timeous, value adding and legislatively
compliant audits. I developed an approach to auditing that allowed me to streamline the process,
utilising less staffing resources and completing audits in a shorter timespan allowing for value-add
activities, which contribute positively to my client relations. In doing so, I was able to complete
projects that were historically allocated to more experienced, senior audit managers, I cut audit costs
by more than 40%, whilst attracting more revenue through engaging my clients more about their
business needs, and prospects and identifying ways to provide services that assist them in meeting
these.
Reference during this term: Priya Madhiv, Director SNG GT – 083 656 0877
_______________________________________
Eskom Customer Services lead and youngest Manager
For information purposes: Eskom Customer Services is the Revenue (Billing) and Debt Management
wing of Eskom.
Having started on the Eskom audit as a first year trainee, I worked closely with the Manager and Senior
auditor on the team to gain knowledge and understanding of how an audit is run and how to practically
apply the theory learnt in varsity.
From the beginning, I noticed that I had a different approach to audits when comparing myself to my
peers and managers. Being inquisitive by nature I sought to understand the business, its history, its
strategies and existing opportunities, which led to a broader understanding of potential pitfalls and
audit risks.
This level of understanding allowed me to have in-depth conversations with finance and business
teams within the organisation and led to numerous findings being reported as a result.
By the time I became a manager at SNG the Eskom audit was now led by SNG (previously a partnership
with KMPG) and I was the youngest and “newest” audit manager responsible for a division in one of
the top 4 departments at Eskom. In 2016 I became the lead engagement audit manager reporting to
the partner on the audit and identified various issues such as Eskom’s Soweto and Municipal debt and
quantifying the related provisions and write-off values of those whilst ensuring that it became a
priority on the businesses risk register.
Other highlights during my time at Eskom include, but are not limited to”
 Running the leanest and most profitable audit team in the group (out of 15+ audit teams);
 Training and mentoring audit teams from Ngubane Inc, after the Eskom audit was awarded to
SNG, Ngubane Inc and PSTM, where SNG would be the lead auditor with approximately 75%
of the audit falling under their responsibility (this eventually resulted in an offer from Ngubane
to join their firm as a Senior Audit Manger);
 Identifying pitfalls in the billing and load shedding processes at Eskom which led to and
coincided with the smart metering project and inception of an Independent Power Producers
Committee where my findings were heard and reviewed.
Reference: Natalie Arendse, Senior Partner, SNG Grant Thornton: Natalie.Arendse@sng.gt.com
______________________________________
MTN Irancell:
With Iran under sanctions led by the USA and flagged as a risk among other Middle Eastern/Asian
countries, PWC as a group no longer had representation in the area. SNG being a part of the MTN
Group audit with a few entities under its management seized the opportunity to lead the audit in Iran.
I joined the, the internally coveted, MTN Irancell audit as a third year trainee and flew outside the
borders of South Africa for the first time. The VISA process for Iran is the most intense I have faced to
date, including HIV/AIDS tests, TB tests and Hepatitis shots amongst others. Facing the culture shock
of a being in a different continent and country, with a different culture, language and laws (such as,
no alcohol, no shorts and vests to be worn in public – the summer heat goes up to 40 degrees with
14-16 hours of sunlight – and segregated activities for men and women) it was quite the adjustment
for me.
I quickly fell in love with Iran for a few reasons, including: the integrity and warmth (dare I say Ubuntu)
shown by the people of a Iran, the rich Persian history of the country, as well as the excitement of the
audit with MTN Irancell being the 3rd largest Revenue contributor to the MTN Group whilst being an
Associate entity wherein MTN only held a 49% stake.
The audit was a deep dive and presented many challenges:
 Language barrier issues;

 Different laws and regulations govern the entity along with South African laws;
 Performing audit walkthroughs presented new challenges due to their unique working style
and processes.
I was able to design procedures and audit processes that were aligned with the nature of the business
and legal environment within the country, which were then adopted as the standard procedures for
the audit of Payables and the procurement areas in the audit.
I returned to Iran a number of times as an audit manager, responsible for numerous areas including
the audit financial pack, legal and regulatory reviews as well as a number of individual areas of the
audit along with audit personnel on each of these.
Other challenges on the audit that we were able to overcome included:
 Repatriation of dividends to the MTN Group after slight lifting of sanctions on Iran by the US;
 Reviewing the payment processes, identifying relevant regulations and confirming whether
these were followed;
 Dealing with increased legal and regulatory pressure and incorporating appropriate
procedures after MTN Nigeria’s $5,2bn fine, within very tense political circumstances at Iran.
Reference: Muhammad Joosub , Associate Director, SNG Grant Thronton – 082 882 1215 /
Muhammad.Joosub@sng.gt.com
____________________________________
Other highlights during audit career:
 Only audit manager to have successfully applied for and won a multimillion rand audit tender
for the entity, being Alexkor NPC, in 2016/17;
 Formed and ran a companywide social club, resulting in quarterly social events curated by
myself and the social committee team;
o Within this committee, I pitched to and created a partnership with Standard Bank and
The Creative Counsel where we had networking and celebratory events for trainees
sponsored by Standard Bank;
o The social club is running to this day.
 Notable Audits that I participated in also include:
o Eskom Group
o MTN Group
o Afrocentric Health Ltd
o Pareto (Pty) Ltd
o Land Bank of SA
 Having over a month’s leave due to overtime worked, I took a month off to participate in a
gruelling and exciting South African Strength, Strategy and Endurance TV Show called The
BarOne Manhunt;
o I was fortunate to have made the final 16 out of over 15,000 applicants;
o The show aired on SABC 1, the most viewed channel in the country;
o On the show, I won 3 individual challenges in 10 episodes and was able to make the
top 7;
o I learnt about friendship, strategy and fear, and left the show with friends that I speak
to to this day.
o Highlights of my participation below:
Audit Career term and highlights continued…
 During my term at SNG GT I was also a part time model and fitness enthusiast.
o I was a model under PACE Models and took part in a number of campaigns and
advertisements, including C Squared Clothing, Hungry Lion and Trojan Warriors.
SAMRO CAREER – 2017 to Present
In October 2017, I joined SAMRO (The Southern African Music Rights Organisation NPC) as the Manger
in the CEO’s Office. The organisation had just gone through a 2 year period without a permanent CEO
and a CEO was appointed in June 2017. Upon my arrival, I discovered that there were a number of
burning issues in the organisation, which required urgent attention.
The entity was under threat of a Reportable Irregularity (RI) against a foreign investment that was set
to be impaired as well as board fees having exceeded the amount approved by the
shareholders/members at the previous AGMs. In my first week, I was able to review internal
documents, draft a position paper and have a phone call with the Audit partner discussing the matter.
The RI was withdrawn with an unqualified audit opinion issued by PWC. I also facilitated ratification
of the board fees during the November 2017 AGM.
Forensic audit:
The impairment of the foreign investment, to the tune of R47m, was a huge blow to the entity and
the members/shareholders along with the Executive Team and Board required answers and an
explanation on what happened.
I was tasked with drafting an RFP, Sourcing and interviewing Internal Auditors, along with the
Chairman of the Board. Being the lead internal liaison, I facilitated the audit alongside the Sekela
Xabiso team, which culminated in a 400+ page report presented at an Extraordinary AGM in October
2018.
______________________________________
CFO:
The forensic investigation and other internal issues led to the erstwhile CFO being implicated in a
number of issues and resulted in his abrupt resignation in January 2018. As a result of my involvement
in a number of finance and audit related issues I was appointed as acting CFO, a few months into my
career in the organisation.
During this time, I oversaw the finance team, salary negotiations with the Union, monthly Exco and
quarterly Board and Audit Committee reports, and other policy changes as listed below:
 Commission structure: as a licensor of music usage for the performance right, SAMRO has
“sales” personnel who license music users, such as restaurants, clubs, stadiums and radio
stations. These personnel earn a commission against their monthly targets. As acting CFO, I
identified that the commission was being paid out based on invoiced amounts and not cash
paid by the licensees. This led to a large debt book as well as in operable licenses. I drafted a
changed process for Exco and Board approval which saw and end to the previous policy and
re-introduced cash based commissions;
 Distribution structure: SAMRO has multiple distributions of royalties to its members
throughout the year. These distributions are based on collected license revenues.
Unfortunately the entity was distributing to its members based on invoiced values and not
cash collected, and with a large provision for bad debts, the entity was distributing more than
it had collected for a number of years, which resulted in its cash reserves being significantly
reduced. Again, I drafted a report for approval by the board and Exco to ensure that
distributions are only against paid values.
 Based on the amount of work and contribution made in a short timespan, the board offered
me the CFO role, permanently, and I was very certain when I declined the offer, leaving a huge
salary increase on the table. I was confident with this decision due to the fact that I had sought
to be in a more strategic and operational role within the organisation and had left the audit
space to pursue exactly that.
_____________________________________
Highlights of my work as Manager in the CEO’s Office include:
 Participation in the SAMRO Retirement Annuity Fund as a trustee from 2017 until present;
 Drafting and finalising the 2018 Integrated Report;
 Participation in drafting the organisational strategy and plan which is in use today;
 Being front liaison with our African counterparts in ensuring that there are reciprocal
agreements in place which facilitate the licensing of their music repertoire within the Southern
African region by SAMRO, and ours in their territories;
 Drafting quarterly CEO reports through engaging with General Managers of each of the 8
divisions within the organisation;
 Increasing the organisation’s participation in digital licensing, assisting the licensing
department to increase its values by 100% in my first negotiation with Facebook;
 Representing the CEO and organisation on various engagements including the CISAC
(International Federation of Collecting Societies) AGM in Warsaw, 2018;
 Training other African societies in November 2018 to being elected as strategic head of
broadcast licensing for CISAC Africa in October 2019;
 Drafting the African Digital and Broadcast Licensing Strategies.
________________________________
General Manager: Licensing
In February 2019, I tasked with being interim General Manager in the Licensing Division of SAMRO,
which is the revenue generation core of the organisation. I was permanently appointed in June 2019
and have since closed numerous licensing deals including entertainment and tech heavyweights such
as, Facebook, Google and Multichoice, which led the entity to revenues exceeding R500m for the first
time since its history. As a key driver of change and firm believer in recognising and empowering
women, he has placed young black females in all four managerial positions reporting to him, which
has contributed to his department’s outstanding achievements.
Highlights of my tenure as General Manager: Licensing:
 In effort to streamline and improve efficiency in the department, I’ve reduced staff head count
by at least 25%, being the only department that has done so – a very difficult task considering
the unemployment rates in the country;
 Achieving below budget annual department costs – the only department to have achieved
this;
 Leading the company to its highest collection year ever, with just under R700m in cash in the
past 12months (previous annual collection values averaged R450m or less over a period of 5-
8 years);
 Reduced bad debts from an alarming R300m to under R120m in 12 months, 60% of which is
current;
 Developed the first attainable licensing strategy that SAMRO has seen in a while, identifying
pitfalls in our processes and plans and implementing changes that have led to strategic
renewals and new business;
 Formed and maintained relationships with our key stakeholders from a music usage perspect,
including, the CFO of the SABC, the CEO as well as Head of Content Licensing at Multichoice,
Music heads at Google, Facebook, TikTok and others.
Reference during my tenure at SAMRO: Nothando Migogo CEO 2017-2019 – nzmigogo@gmail.com,

076 900 0354
___________________________________
Arts and Culture Trust - https://act.org.za/about/:
ACT is South Africa’s premier independent arts funding and development non-profit organisation. The
primary aim of ACT is to increase the amount of funding available for arts and culture initiatives, and
to apply these funds to innovative, sustainable projects that make a meaningful contribution to
society. Through structured funding programmes, ACT provides support for all expressions of arts and
culture, including literature, music, visual art, theatre and dance, and the support extends to festivals,
community arts initiatives, arts management, arts education and arts administration.
I serve on the Arts and Culture Trust’s (ACT) board, an NPO that focuses on enriching talent and arts
organisations through funding and skills development programmes. I am the Chairperson of its Audit
& Risk Committee and a member of the Management Committee.
As Audit Committee Chair, I perform the following functions:
 Chairing of Audit Committee meetings;

 Quarterly assessment of financial performance of the organisation;
 Budget review and approval;
 Annual Financial Statement Review and Assessment;
 Internal process review;
 Risk Assessment and mitigating process recommendation, and others.
ACT has granted over R28m in grants, and has issued over 800 bursaries nationally.
Oh, I also DJ and manage a few artists as part of my 25 hour day ;)

JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
SCOTT NEEDHAM
29 years old
 
ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT
SPECIALIST, ALPHAWEALTH
Short Profile
Scott Needham is an alternative investment specialist at AlphaWealth, a multi-family office boutique
advisory and wealth management firm. He heads up the Alternative Investment division with cross-
geographical global mandates that cover private equity, venture capital, mezzanine debt and direct
property. The division currently manages over R2 billion in investments.
Scott is also the fund manager of Panglossian Capital, a multimillion-rand special opportunities debt-
lending fund which structures unique credit solutions throughout South Africa. In the 12 months of
operations ending February 2020, the fund realised a net return of 19,74%, making it one of the best-
performing debt funds in the country. He also manages Concurrence Capital, a private pool of funding
dedicated to early-stage businesses and funds based predominantly in the United Kingdom, Canada and
the USA, with a look-through exposure to more than 300 companies. He manages several other special
purpose structures in the group spread across RSA, Mauritius, BVI and the UK with distinctive
investment allocations.
Scott is a non-executive board member and the only African representative of the Global Corporate
Finance Society, an international non-profit organisation that promotes accessible online financial
education. He also manages the philanthropic arm of AlphaWealth, Alpha Foundation, which is
committed to the development and upliftment of disadvantaged communities in South Africa. In recent
months, under Scott’s guidance the foundation has successfully facilitated infrastructure development,
relief package distribution and community access to free Wi-Fi, as well as core sponsorship.
Scott is also a registered and appointed SANParks honorary ranger, volunteering in the Kruger National
Park on various conservation initiatives and fund-raising activities, including anti-rhino-poaching
fundraising, maintenance of the K9 Unit and multi-day snare-removal bush treks.
Scott is a sports enthusiast who plays competitive hockey while enjoying social golf, squash, trail running
and football. He is passionate about impactful investing that does not give up on the fundamentals,
developing next-generation ideas, continuous improvement and giving generously, all the while striving to
set an example as a business leader.
By providing not only credibility but, more importantly, ability Scott believes the CA(SA) brand has been
the foundation on which he has been able to forge his career.
Watch video
and achievements?
Growth of the Alternative Investment Division – Heading up AlphaWealth's (one of the largest
independent Wealth and Advisory businesses in RSA) Alternative Investment division, which
has involved the execution and facilitation of multi-million Rand (equivalent in hard currency)
deals across the globe. The division focuses on 4 asset classes: Direct Property, Structured/
Mezzanine Debt, Venture Capital and Private Equity and has grown to manage investments in
excess of R2billion Rand under my oversight over the last 2.5 years. Our investments have
ranged from a multi-building hotel chain to one of the largest student accommodation providers
in the country to the financing of a heliport (to name a few). Each deal has come with its own
nuances and hurdles, and I am extremely proud to have been given responsibility over these
complex transactions. I see the trust given to handle this role despite my age as one of my real
career highlight.
Fund Manager of one of the best performing debt funds – As the Fund Manager of Panglossian
Capital a multi-million-Rand special opportunities debt lending fund, it specializes in unique
short-term financing deals obtained through the AlphaWealth network. In the Funds first 12-
months of operations ending February 2020, we actualised a net return to investors of 18.20%
making it one of the best performing debt funds in the country on a return measurement.
Worldwide experience – As Fund Manager of Concurrence Capital - a venture capital fund

mandated to invest worldwide in both funds and directly into early stage companies. The last
12 months have seen us close out investments in the United Kingdom, Canada and the USA,
with a full look through and exposure to over 290 companies across the world. I have oversight
over all investments in Concurrence Capital, facilitating a worldwide network that includes a
Canadian innovative personalised PoS system, a luxury online shopping mall in New York, an AI
powered media intelligence business in the UK and a variety of VC Funds across the United
States.
Continuing to promote financial education – As a non-executive Board Member and the only
African representative of the international non-profit organisation the Global Corporate Finance
Society (https://corporatefinance.org/about/board-directors/) we continue to promote
accessible and easy to understand online financial education.
Taken initiative and a founder - Founder and financial author of the South African finance
website: Finugget (https://www.finugget.co.za/) and Founder and acting Chairman of a private
local investment company Contrarian Capital Investment Group.

Honorary Ranger - I am a registered and appointed SANParks Honorary Ranger and over the
last 2 years have volunteered with SANParks, specifically in the Kruger National Park through
various conservation support and fund-raising events. This included multi-day Anti-Rhino
poaching fund raising at Crocodile Bridge, maintenance of the Anti-Rhino poaching K-9 unit
facilities and multi-day Snare Removal treks. I have also completed the 3 day Kruger
Orientation course to volunteer and operate in the Kruger. (https://
www.sanparksvolunteers.org/)
Global Corporate Finance Society – Volunteer as a non-executive board member, promoting

financial education across the globe.
Leading Alpha Foundation – an AlphaWealth NPO focused on developing and assisting

disadvantaged communities in South Africa. Currently we are working with Mamello, an
informal settlement in Midvaal that has approximately 4,000 people. In the last 12 months we
have replaced streetlights, funded the reparation of the Community Hall, deployed protective
fencing, installed free electricity with accessible plug points and provided tables and chairs for
community gatherings and supplied free wifi. In December 2019, we undertook a feeding
scheme to supply nutritional E’Pap to families in need. I was a key part of all these initiatives.
Even more proudly, during the April Lock-down, we financed and secured food relief packages
that involved the delivery of 4-tons of mielie meal, 3-tons of potatoes, 300 litres of cooking oil
and 400 tins of food for the benefit of Mamello. Since then we have raised a further R100,000,
to support the community.
Historical Volunteering, I have taken part in international volunteer work in Botswana (2006),
Scotland (2007), Uganda (2009), Vietnam (2016) and locally in RSA for many years (with the
current focus on SANParks and Alpha Foundation). Some of the key organisations I’ve been
involved with over the years have included: YESD [Youth Empowerment and Social
Development]; Paballo ya Batho; Round Square; The Ubombo Project; ROAR [Rhodes
Organisation for Animal Rights].
recent past?
I will break this into a strategic, company and personal level.
At a strategic level, my role at AlphaWealth has involved multiple facets from the individual
subsidiary companies to the ultimate holding company. The role allows me to engage with high-
net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals on a daily basis, which facilitates opportunities
to uplift the business community. This is done as an allocator of capital to the private markets
which directly supports economic growth, financial stimulus and job creation.
There is a common misconception that alternative investing can be difficult to understand and
only caters to the capitalist elite and ultra-rich, however that is not the case and there is a
holistic benefit, which when done appropriately can spark a brighter future for all stakeholders.
Spreading a culture of saving and investment helps to provide the funds for SME's to grow and
develop while improving the wealth of the country. Alternative investing is the cornerstone for
business upliftment in the private sector and I feel by fulfilling my role every day I take the
initiative to uplift the country.
At a company level beyond the work on different investments and funds, I am part of the
product committee that approves House View products and work on various operational
matters at a holding company level. I am proud to have taken the initiative to grow out the
philanthropic arm of the business, Alpha Foundation as mentioned previously. I am currently
involved in the UK expansion and running point for the acquisition of 2 businesses to expand
the Alpha group. I initiated and am head of the Alpha Social Committee organising employee
events for staff to interact and socialise. As my references will support, I am constantly seizing
the initiative throughout the business.
At a personal level I believe in continuing education and to compliment the CA qualification, I

have completed the Financial Modelling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA) certification, Certified
Banking & Credit Analyst certification, RE 5 Regulatory Examination, RPE: Introduction to
Financial Markets examination, Goalfix: Financial Modelling Fundamentals and CFA’s level II. I
am currently studying towards CFA level III. Further I have taken initiative to found an
investment company which I am currently the acting chairman of. The company has 11
investors and invests in South African listed shares and ETFs.
A personal initiative I implemented was an online financial resource blog. It came about as I
attempted to find factual financial information relating to South Africa but struggled as
sensationalised news was used to encourage readers to subscribe or pay for information. As a
result, we founded Finugget, a free South African website that includes articles on common
financial matters and misconceptions. Education is the keys to success for our country and I
hope by sharing my opinion with those who are interested, we can create factual and
constructive development. (More at: https://www.finugget.co.za/).
young leader?
As a non-executive board member with the Global Corporate Finance Society, we encourage
financial education across the globe under the banner of an NPO. The courses range from basic
introductions to more advanced and specific courses. Being awarded a board seat of a global
organisation lays the foundation to act as a young leader who can set an example.
From being a director on an international board, to co-managing funds that are invested into by
high-net-worth successful business clients, to structuring cross border international deals, I
always strive to act with the maturity required by the circumstances. I strive to show that the
industry of private equity, venture capital, and mezzanine debt can be led by a young CA who is
willing to voice an opinion and strive for continuous excellence.
I attempt to set an example of collaboration with all friends, family, colleagues, clients, investors
and all individuals I deal with. I have come to realise that network and your ability to work with
those around you is a fundamental building block of success. Within every interaction there is
an opportunity to act as a young leader from structuring deals and advising an international
board to volunteering in our country’s game parks.
By being the best version of myself on the hockey field, golf-course, in the boardroom, through
the community engagement, interacting with tourists in the Kruger and more, I believe we can
create a better world by being a better person. Integrity and empathy at all times are why I am
proud of who I am, and by virtue believe I act as an example for others.
Top 35 finalist?
Overall, the CA qualification has formed the cornerstone of who I have become. The qualification
not only provides the credibility but more importantly it provides the ability to do my job at the
highest standard. Managing various alternative investments involves many facets, from valuing a
property, to understanding the working capital needs of a retail store, to negotiating complex
multi-jurisdictional deal terms, all achievable through the base created as a CA(SA). My career is
indicative of the road less traveled and showcases how the skill sets of a CA(SA) has allowed
me to forge a successful and impressive track record in a non-traditional finance role. I believe I
should be a finalist as I set an example both in and out of business and feel my story will
motivate other CA(SA)’s to pursue what they love, using the qualification as a foundation.
Despite my age, I overseeing global investments that total billions of Rands and I am proud of
the volunteer work I do including being an Honorary Game Ranger, a non-executive board
member of the Global Corporate Finance Society and the work I do with Alpha Foundation.
Overall I am passionate about celebrating achievements and working with others. I would be
proud to further strengthen being an ambassador of the CA(SA) profession locally and abroad
by representing as a 2019 Top 35 finalist.
DEVELOP
• Developing an Alternative Investment division that manages in excess of R2billion.
• Developing solutions and operating several SPVs and Alternative Investment funds.
• Developing an informal community (Mamello) through the Alpha Foundation.
• Developing sustainable conservation as an Honorary Ranger.
• Developing a sophisticated, educated, considerate and empathetic person that I am proud to

see in the mirror.
Scott has focused on development internally as a person and CA(SA), as well as externally
through tangible development in businesses, multi-jurisdictional transactions, and value
creation. He is passionate about developing transparent and open lines of communication,
which have been crucial to his ability to forge a career in the opaque world of private
investment.
He has formalised the alternative division of AlphaWealth, which now manages over R2billion in
investments and has formulated a variety of SPV vehicles and companies in various
jurisdictions. Among these are the Panglossian debt fund and Concurrence Capital both set up
from scratch to currently investing millions of Rands into different companies across the world.
His desire to build and create have spurred him into a role at an entrepreneurial company which
values growth and opportunity. This is exemplified by this daily work which pushes to create
and develop by its definition.
He believes in continuous development as evidenced by his continued search for knowledge,

through his studies, reading and ever curious mindset. “Kaizen” a term he is committed to,
enforces a belief to not settle and always push yourself out of your comfort zone to improve as
an individual. This is a core construct to development and supports how he lives his life.
INFLUENCE
• Influencing financial education as a board member of the Global Corporate Finance Society
• Influencing the flow of capital to investments worldwide, supporting business and economic
growth.
• Influencing individual lives through Alpha Foundations self-started projects.
• Influencing society through passionate, bold, and confident interactions.
While he is proud of the career he has forged in alternative investments, he believes the most
notable way to influence society is through the dedication of impactful time. The volunteer work
done as manager of Alpha Foundation, a board member of the Global Corporate Finance
Society and an appointed SanParks Honorary Ranger all point towards this passion to make a
difference. He feels a permanent state of excitement at being in various positions that allow him
to influence the trajectory of businesses and individual lives in a meaningful way.
He believes influence and success are not about what you are able to say in a moment or what
you can make people do, but rather it is about what is felt after you leave. Judging influence by
what remains behind after you are gone can be difficult but epitomises the true impact you
make. Be it in work, sport, or volunteering Scott strives to act in a manner that he would like to
see from others, and values changing the status quo.
LEAD
• A multi-faceted Leader, who is comfortable leading from the front and the back.
• Holds various positions of Leadership (GCFS Board Member,)
• Head of Alternatives at AlphaWealth.
• Fund Manager of Panglossian and Concurrence
• Global Corporate Finance Society Board Member
• Honorary Ranger
Scott is in a complex and multi-disciplinary industry that requires a variety of intra- and inter-
personal skills, with one of the core facets being a confident leader. Leadership is not always
about blazing a trail and leading from the front, although he does this by taking the road less
travelled personally and in business. It also includes supporting others and pushing people up
in a discrete manner. While Scott occupies several positions of leadership, with each having its
own nuances that require different skillset he strives to lead by example in every interaction he
has. Leadership is about doing.
His holistic lifestyle, flexibility to change and a dynamic never-give-up attitude all contribute to a
multi-facet leader that is excited about the future.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Scott William Grey Needham

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION
Nationality: RSA (access to UK ancestral VISA)
Date of Birth: 5th March 1991 Currently employed as an Alternative Investment Specialist and Fund Manager at AlphaWealth,
Email: scottwgneedham@gmail.com Scott has experience in private equity, venture capital, mezzanine debt and property across a
Cellphone: +27 72 210 2015 variety of jurisdictions including the UK, USA, Mauritius, BVI and South Africa.
Accreditations CA (SA)
Previously, he worked as a Senior Consultant in New York City, USA with Makosi Consulting and
FMVA™ before that as a Senior Associate in PwC’s Investments & Insurance division. He is a non-executive
CFA (Level III Candidate)
board member of the Global Corporate Finance Society. By qualification, he is a registered CA
CBCA™ (SA), FMVA™, CBCA™ and currently studying towards the CFA designation.
Qualifications Bcom Accounting with distinction
CTA Honours DipAcc He is passionate about endowment style investing with overweight allocations to alternative asset
Certificates GoalFix: Financial Modelling classes, a variety of sports, behavioral and cognitive sciences, authentic travelling, and non-fiction
RE5 Regulatory Examination reading. He is a believer in not settling for a life less than the one you are capable of living and
University Rhodes University strives for continuous improvement. This has led to a holistic skillset and variety of interests.
School St Stithians College
LinkedIn LinkedIn Profile WORK EXPERIENCE
QUALIFICATIONS & DEGREES Employer: AlphaWealth
CFA (Level II) Institution: CFA Society Position: Alternative Investment Specialist & Fund Manager
(Chartered Financial Obtained: 2019 Period: 30 November 2017 - present
Analyst) Location: Johannesburg, RSA
FMVA™ (Financial Institution: Corporate Department: Alpha Alternative Investments
Modelling & Finance Institute
Valuation Analyst) Obtained: 2018 In direct collaboration with the CEO, operate and manage the alternative investment division
CBCA™ (Certified Institution: Corporate (private equity, mezzanine debt, venture capital and property) of AlphaWealth with an AUM in
Banking & Credit Finance Institute excess of R2billion as at September 20. The role includes all aspects of facilitating, structuring, and
Analyst) Obtained: 2020
executing on a variety of deals with a "cradle to grave" approach. He manages several SPV’s
CA(SA) (Chartered Institution: SAICA
including a local mezzanine debt fund and an offshore venture capital fund.
Accountant) Obtained: 2017
Higher Diploma Institution: Rhodes University Employer: Makosi Consulting
(CTA) Obtained: 2013 Position: Experienced Consultant
BcomAcc with Institution: Rhodes Period: 01 November 2016 - 30 April 2017
distinction University Location: New York City, NY, USA
Obtained: 2012 Department: EisnerAmper: Hedge Fund and Private Equity Sector
RE5 Regulatory Institution: Moonstone
Certification Obtained: 2018 Employed on a contractual fixed period, in Manhattan, New York City, USA. As part of the
AWARDS AND ACHEIVEMENTS consulting team working with EisnerAmper, focused solely on the audits of Private Equity, Broker
SAICA’s Top 35 under 35 2020 Dealers, Fund of Funds, and Hedge Funds.
Non-Executive Board Member – GCFS 2019
SANParks - Honorary Game Ranger 2018 Employer: PriceWaterhouse Coopers (PwC)
PwC Highest Rating (Rating 1) 2016 Position: Senior Associate
Assessment of Professional Competence FTP 2015 Period: 01 January 2014 – 31 October 2016
Initial Test of Competence FTP 2014 Location: Johannesburg, RSA
Investec-Rhodes Top 100 Students 2013 Department: Financial Services: Insurance and Investment Management
Graduated with distinction 2012
PwC Merit Bursary 2011 Chartered Accountancy articles completed in the Insurance and Investment division of PwC.
Resident of the Year 2011 Exposure to a variety of large listed Financial Service's clients (Momentum, Alexander Forbes,
Golden Key Membership 2010 Zurich Insurance) as well as small pension funds and boutique companies that provide niche
Community Involvement Trophy 2009 investment and insurance services.
Community Development Medallion 2009
Academic Colours 2009 Other / Auxiliary
Hockey Colours 2009 A SANParks honorary ranger, board member of the Global Corporate Finance Society, and the
School Prefect 2009 chairman of an investment club. I have also previously worked as a Lecturing Assistant, Senior
Service Honours 2008 University Subwarden and hockey coach to finance my personal investing during my formative
years.
EXTRA MURAL / HOBBIES
Hockey (played at Premier Level). KEY SKILLS Years PERSONALITY TRAITS
Chairman of a JSE mandated Investment Club. Specific Investment Case Due Diligence 6 yrs Analytical with strong attention to detail
Variety of Social Sports: Football, Squash, Golf Investment Research and Report Drafting 6 yrs High work ethic and self-starter
Local and International Community Service: Variety Financial Analysis (strong IFRS knowledge) 8 yrs Ambitious and entrepreneurial
of Organisations (Details available on request). Financial Modelling (generic and specific) 3 yrs Social, networker and team player
Non-Fiction Reader: preference to Finance, Cognitive Fund Operations and Management 3 yrs Attempts occasional humour (pun-ready)
Sciences and Behavioral Economics. Deal Structuring & Execution 3 yrs Very strong time management skills
Seasoned Traveller. Presentation skills (drafting & presenting) 6 yrs Ability to multi-task
Environmental Conservation & Ecotourism. Advanced Microsoft (Excel, Word, PPT) 6 yrs Passionate about excellence
References - a full list of references and supporting documents are available on request
REFERENCE FROM PREVIOUS SUPERVISOR
REFERENCE FROM PREVIOUS COLLEAGUE

WHAT IS ALPHAWEALTH?
2005 ESTABLISHED
• Established in 2005 by the current CEO, Kerry West

Fynn. AUM $1.2b
• The business employs an experienced team of over
70 multi-disciplinary individuals based in South
Africa catering towards high net worth individuals, a Holistic
Services
families, select institutions and charitable trusts.
• Including the portfolio companies, the business has
in excess of 150+ employees
• Global operating presence in Johannesburg, Cape
Town, Durban, Mauritius, London and Geneva.
• Respected track record with the relevant
stakeholders, regulators, investors, and clients in
each region.
• Class leading local and global experience in
alternative investment strategies.
As an entrepreneurial firm, AlphaWealth has exposure to a vast array of investment opportunities, both locally and
offshore, which has enabled the alternative investment team to build a unique and successful track record, network,
and portfolio of alternative investment opportunities.
Introducing alternatives into an investment portfolio has grown in popularity noticeably in recent years, yet access
has been limited. AlphaWealth has noticed the increased demand for these deals, as high net worth clients seek
ways to diversify risk, manage volatility and reduce correlation while obtaining enhanced returns.
Alpha Alternative Investments provides an access point to clients, opening the door to diverse and well-structured
deals. The team is driven by a mantra of quality over quantity and combined with frequent deal flow allows for the
best deals to be funnelled down to potential investors.
The Alternative Investments division is built around 4 key asset classes, Mezzanine Debt, Private Equity, Venture Capital
and Property. While the standardized definition may include Hedge/Absolute Return Funds, we specifically exclude these
from the alternative’s division, and view them as more traditional due to a combination of regulation, performance and
accessibility. Your Wealth Manager will be able to advise on the AlphaWealth approved hedge funds available to clients.
ME IN A NUTSHELL?
| Active market enthusiast |
| Passionate value investor |
| Insatiable explorer and traveller |
| Interminable learner |
| Independently inquisitive |
| Devil’s advocate (contrarian when appropriate) |
WHAT DO I DO AT ALPHAWEALTH?
In direct collaboration with the CEO, operate and manage the alternative investment division of
AlphaWealth, with AUM invested into alternative deals in excess of R2bn. The role involves
facilitating, structuring and executing (on a "cradle to grave" basis) alternative investment
opportunities for the Alpha group and their multi-family office, high-net-worth (HNW & UHNW)
client base.
Investment focus areas include: Private Equity, Venture Capital, Mezzanine Debt, Project/Structured
Finance and Property encompassed by a global mandate.
Funds are allocated through a combination of direct investments, co-investments, and secondary
allocations to pre-screened funds, resulting in a diverse opportunity set.
Key Responsibilities include (but not limited to):
➢ Deal origination: through network, word-of-mouth, and selective consultation.

➢ Onshore and offshore vehicle/fund/deal structuring and set-up (focus: South Africa; UK, BVI
and Mauritius).
➢ Due diligence procedures: including reviewing and analyzing investment packs,
recommendation report drafting, advanced financial modelling.
➢ Deal execution: including drafting and review of legal's, consultation with selective
professional's, preparation and delivery of detailed investment presentations and
investment memorandums, drafting and review of full investment packs (including all KYC
and subscription documents).
➢ Deal tracking and monitoring through financial (AFS/ManAccs) and qualitative metrics,
reporting and updating to investors, facilitating additional capital raises as necessary (rights
issues, new issuance, debt).
➢ Facilitating, negotiating and executing exit opportunities.
Fund Manager - Concurrence Capital

CCL is a globally mandated, venture capital pooling vehicle which gives sophisticated high net worth
clients of AlphaWealth access to exciting early stage companies across multiple jurisdictions and
geographies. CCL invests in both VC funds and direct opportunities.
Fund Manager - Panglossian Capital

Panglossian Capital is a special opportunities debt-lending fund focused on creating enhanced yield
for select and sophisticated clients of AlphaWealth. The fund targets a CPI plus 9% net-of-fees return
p.a over any quarterly rolling period, by structuring short to medium term credit solutions for
businesses and individuals.
PANGLOSSIAN CAPITAL – MEZZANINE DEBT FUND
HIGH LEVEL TERMS
Panglossian Capital is focused on
issuing mezzanine debt. It targets a
policy of allocating to selective
lending opportunities with
asymmetrical risk/return profiles,
resulting in a portfolio of investments
with high yields that are backed by
appropriate security.
• A local South African structure

• Superior yield-based returns
• Secured mezzanine debt
• Quarterly liquidity
• Targeted net returns of CPI + 9%
• Uncorrelated returns
EXAMPLES OF DEALS
HISTORIC RETURNS
One of the highest returning debt funds in the country with a full year
return of 19.74% for the first 12 months of operations.
CONCURRENCE CAPITAL – VENTURE CAPITAL FUND
Concurrence Capital Limited is a company incorporated in the
British Virgin Islands under registration number 2020439,
administered by Clermont Corporate Services and managed by
AlphaWealth.
The entity has been incorporated for the sole purpose of

investing in early stage venture capital opportunities with a
base allocation to a diversified set of funds and direct
allocations to unique businesses. CCL facilitates exposure to a
group of exciting startup businesses from multiple sectors and
geographies while maintaining a diversified core, giving
portfolios an exciting venture capital element and the ability to
move up the risk/return curve. WHY CONCURRENCE? - THE VALUE
PROPOSITION
• Concurrence capital is a portfolio of early

stage businesses, that already have stakes
secured and so you know what you are
buying.
• Diversification through core investment into
a funds of funds, with direct investments at
cost that increase the potential return
profile.
• Investors may benefit from the enhanced
returns from early stage funds which deliver
higher IRR’s relative to later stage rounds.
• Significant vintage year diversification that
offers returns of capital from as early as
2023.
• Access to bespoke direct and co-investment
opportunities.
• Venture capital exposure that is not readily
accessible and will reduce broader portfolio
volatility with uncorrelated returns.
• Access to premier venture capital managers
in oversubscribed funds.
OUTSIDE OF WORK & VOLUNTEERING
Sports
I remain a very keen and active sportsman, enjoying both playing and following several sports. I used
to play played premier league hockey before moving down some divisions into a more social context
due to time constraints and other priorities. I am a proud Liverpool supporter, who celebrated the
recent league title with adequate jubilation. I enjoy playing 5 aside football and currently am part of 2
leagues in Johannesburg with different teams.
I play social golf, squash and have recently taken up interest in trail running. I enjoy keeping fit and
having completed some road races like the Pirates to Pirates 23km and In the City 10km. I am always
open to playing any sport and my competitive nature rarely allows for any leniency on my own
standards of performance.
Studying
“Kaizen” – is the Japanese term for continuous improvement. I believe we need to constantly
innovate, adapt, and grow in order to remain relevant. As a result, I have spent many years furthering
my education in a formal manner. This includes completing the Financial Modelling and Valuation
Analyst (FMVA™) coursework and the Certified Banking and Credit Analyst (CBCA)™ coursework. I
have also completed the Goalfix Financial Modelling Fundamentals course as well as the South African
regulatory exam RE5. I was proud of graduating my Bcom with distinction and subsequently been
awarded the Rhodes Top 100 students and continue strive to learn. I am currently waiting to write the
CFA Level III exam and have ambitions to do an MBA.
Venture Capital
Of all the asset classes I work with, this class attracts me the most and I have taken the time to start to
putting my own personal capital towards early stage businesses. I have likewise pivoted the
investment club I founded and currently run towards more private early stage investments. I have 2
business under due diligence and have completed a recent platform company through the Jozi Angels
network. I have begun engaging with another CA(SA) to set up a formal structure for family and
friends to invest in early stage businesses alongside us and would like to see myself continue to grow
my experience in the field.
Interests and Hobbies
Time management is a continuous part of my life as I balance a variety of interests, work matters and
personal relationships. I am a qualified scuba diver and am looking to further my dive experience in
unique and special places.
I am an avid traveler having spent 4 months travelling through South America in 2017 and
volunteering in Uganda, Botswana, and Vietnam. I undertook a 3-month school exchange to Scotland
and have been on numerous leisure holidays across the world (20+ countries). I am invigorated by
experiencing new cultures and places, and the bucket list continues to grow instead of getting ticked
off, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I love the bush and conservation (see more on Honorary Rangers) and currently volunteer on the
board of HuddleUp, a consultancy company that matches CSI spending with authentic needs.
Reading
I am an active reader, with a particular interest in the cognitive behavioral studies. I can be found
enjoying a Ken Follet, Jeffery Archer or JK Rowling but tend to stick more to non-fiction books. Some
of my top picks at the moment include Factfulness, Loonshots, Catching Fire and Art of Thinking
Clearly.
BOARD MEMBER - GLOBAL CORPORATE FINANCE SOCIETY
The Global Corporate Finance Society (GCFS) is a professional association and member-based network for finance
professionals around the world. A non-profit corporation, the society was initially founded by the Corporate Finance
Institute® and now is run by the members of the organization. GCFS is a leadership voice in corporate finance and is
dedicated to educating and advocating for corporate finance professionals internationally, developing and maintaining the
highest professional and ethical industry standards, and supporting members with expert advice on best professional
practices. Core professionals are those individuals involved in performing financial analysis, research, business valuation
and financial modeling. Global Corporate Finance Society was established to instill confidence in financial analysts, its
members, and engage with industry leaders to advance ethics and professional standards of practice.
The Global Corporate Finance Society (GCFS) is led by a

volunteer Board of Directors and are selected from nominations
put forward by society members. The Directors are bound by
our ethics and standards.
The governing authority is accountable to the members for

management of the association and is responsible for setting
policy and direction for the GCFS. The elected GCFS Board of
Directors determines the Vision, Mission, Values, Goals, and
policies that help guide the society’s efforts. GCFS policies are
reviewed on annual basis to ensure they best reflect the needs
of its members.
Founded Finugget as a free resource for South African’s interested in financial

information. We write articles based on our interests for the benefit of the
public.
We are passionate financial professionals striving to share some knowledge and

perspective with the world. This blog aims at giving you the hard truths and
unbiased facts that we face as South Africans living in this volatile economy.
We hope that by using these nuggets you are able to make more informed and
of course financially beneficial decisions.
The information here should not be taken as absolute. Should you need help,
contact a professional financial adviser.
HONORARY SANPARKS RANGER
SANParks Honorary Rangers is the official volunteer organization of SANParks. Over the past 10 years, we have provided
SANParks with over R248,6 million in public and business donations and volunteer support
SANParks Honorary Rangers gives South Africans with a passion for nature the opportunity to help protect and preserve our
unique natural heritage for the benefit of future generations. There are more than 1 900 SANParks Honorary Rangers – all
volunteers – based in 31 regions around the country and working in all 21 of our national parks.
They are involved on various levels – from assisting at entry gates and raising funds for anti-poaching activities to assisting in
visitor management and running youth activities – as well as even giving specialist advice on infrastructure and scientific projects.
I am a registered and appointed SANParks Honorary Ranger and over the last 2 years have volunteered with SANParks,
specifically in the Kruger National Park through various conservation support and fund-raising events.
This included multi-day Anti-Rhino poaching fund raising at Crocodile Bridge, maintenance of the Anti-Rhino poaching K-9-unit
facilities and multi-day Snare Removal treks. I have also completed the multi-day Kruger Orientation course required to volunteer
in the Kruger.
Head of Alpha Foundation
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
I currently head up and manage Alpha
Foundation, the philanthropic arm of
AlphaWealth.
We focus the Foundation on short term ad

hoc initiatives as well as the support and
upliftment of a community in Gauteng –
Mamello.
What have we done in Mamello?
➢ Restored, repaired and fenced the old

abandoned Community Hall.
➢ Paved the Hall stage and provided tables
and chairs for Community use.
➢ Replaced lights in the community.
➢ Lobbied and achieved free electricity and
installed plug points in the Hall.
➢ Implemented and sponsored free Wi-Fi
➢ Delivered support parcels throughout the
2020 Pandemic.
➢ Delivered 2 months worth of E-Pap
(nutritious meal supplement) to creches.
➢ Sponsored Eyethu Mamello principle as he
grows the PBO.
What else have we done?
➢ Food Hampers & Instant Meals.

➢ Blanket “Keep Warm this Winter” Drives.
➢ Providing Women Sanitary Products.
➢ Book Collections.
➢ Repainting and Restoration of Schools.
➢ Installation of Working Toilets.
➢ Sponsoring Education and Schooling.
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
SWATI SAFEDA
31 years old
 
CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER,
NIMBLE GROUP
Short Profile
Swati Safeda is a young leader who brings optimism, enthusiasm and passion to everything she does.
Her role requires her to learn fast and to keep up with ever-changing disruptive technologies.
She is the youngest C-Suite leader in her company and the youngest board member of Nimble Collection
Services. Her role at Nimble is a fairly new one, as there was a need to have a strategy for the digital age.
She focuses primarily on providing alternative platforms for debt collection to ensure that Nimble makes
the process a respectful one and provides their customers with the financial literacy and debt relief
relevant to them. She believes it is imperative that leaders understand how to diversify their businesses to
cater for digital solutions and focus on customer centricity. Having women of colour in a position of
leadership is a powerful statement, not just for her but also for others.
Being a board member enables structural change and transformation, as such diversity encourages
broader strategic decision-making. 
As a female in a male-driven tech environment, Swati is facing many challenges, but her constant drive to
learn more and accomplish new heights is what sets her apart. Being Chief Digital Officer at Nimble
allows Swati to dream up unique solutions and find ways to develop them so the end user receives
maximum benefit.
Swati is also passionate about education and the impact it makes. Through her role as co-creator and
head tutor of South Africa’s first online fintech course, she is able to help individuals further their
education in order to pivot to an innovative career in fintech. She is passionate about the fintech industry
and is always finding ways to share her knowledge to encourage others.
Swati grew up in an entrepreneurial family focused on property development, and this passion was
passed on to her. She and her husband are passionate about property, an area in which she could
combine her love for design with the freedom to run her own business. She also enjoys cooking for her
family, using them to test out new recipes, and is an avid traveller, always dreaming of the next
destination.
Swati is a firm believer that being a CA(SA) has enabled her to surpass her career goals. ‘Being a CA
encourages a mind-set of approaching problems with dynamic, innovative solutions.’ She is passionate
about her mission − to progress the CA (SA) qualification into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
‘As a CA(SA), I believe I am more than my qualification and more than just finance,’ she says. ‘I have
been able to diversify my unique CA skills into a digital fintech role.’ As the qualification progresses, roles
are being redefined and Swati is keen to pave the way for the progression of the CA(SA) qualification to
new frontiers.
Watch video
and achievements?
• I completed my SAICA articles in June 2014. I achieved my core hours 6 months earlier than
the required 3 years of articles
• In 2015, I was appointed as Manager for PwC’s Strategy & Fintech division. This was one of
the first consulting firms in South Africa focused on assisting corporates with their digital
strategy, fintech & blockchain solutions. I managed one of the largest digital transformation
projects for one of South Africa’s largest insurers.
• Appointed as Burger King SA Head of Finance at the age of 28. I was recognised as a
strategic driver of the growth of the business and expansion throughout South Africa
• Appointed as Head Tutor for UCT’s Fintech Disruption in Finance course, offered through
GetSmarter/2U, South Africa’s first online university focused on delivering premium online
short courses. The UCT Fintech Disruption in Finance course is the first Fintech course to be
offered online, focusing on SA’s fintech industry.
• In 2019, I was awarded the BPESA Technical Innovation award for the implementation of
Nexidia speech analytics. This award recognizes Nimble’s technological advancements using
human intelligence, experience and understanding to drive innovative and collaborative
change in the debt collection industry.
• Recently recognised as a woman leader in the Fintech industry, I was featured on a podcast
discussing the role of women in the Fintech industry. Podcast: Talking Success: Connecting
the Global Fintech Community.
• Appointed as Chief Digital Officer (CDO) of Nimble Group in September 2019. I am the first
individual appointed to this role, as it was imperative that the business focuses on its digital
strategy. I was the first woman of colour to form part of the group’s core management team. 
Appointed as Executive Director to the Board of Nimble Collection Services 

My father in law, Dr Ismail Safeda, is a GP and a stalwart in the community. He often
experiences instances where many of his patients are from struggling communities and find
themselves in difficult financial situations. He has initiated free services for many patients who
are not able to afford medical treatment. Witnessing his generosity, inspired me to assist him in
providing financial relief to his patients. I regularly assist some patients with managing their
personal finances through detailed budgeting and tax relief. I believe I am making a difference
through empowering people to take control of their finances and not be afraid of a situation.
The greatest reward for me is to be able to help someone to work towards their financial
freedom.
 
On a personal level my husband and I also love to cook. Every month we cook warm meals and
share it with those less fortunate than us, in our area. These small acts of kindness I believe
perpetuate greater acts in our community, especially in these uncertain times. 
recent past?
Education is extremely important to me. I grew up in a household where this was always of
prime importance to my parents. My father was a publisher of school textbooks, so as a child, I
was surrounded by education, and this became a part of my core values. A quote that rings
true with me is from Malcolm X – “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs
to those who prepare for it today.” 
 
As such, I have always viewed my ability to uplift my community through education as a
massive privilege. On a professional level, my role at Nimble is directly related to improving the
customer experience for our debt stricken consumers. Given the current COVID-19 lockdown
and the recent recession South Africa is experiencing, consumers are unfortunately finding
themselves facing large amounts of debt. I believe, in order to uplift our customers, and enable
them to reach their “debt-free day” faster relies on providing them with pivotal financial
information. Financial literacy is important because providing financial knowledge is one of the
ways of empowering these individuals. As Chief Digital Officer for Nimble Group, I have ensured
that our debtors understand why they are currently in debt. Our digital solutions, which I have
developed and implemented such as a Whatsapp Bot, NimblePay Mobile App and Nimble
eForms, are aimed at helping our customers be debt free as soon as possible. At each touch
point we ensure that our customers are provided with financial information that they
understand. We ensure that our content is relevant and related to the situation our customers
are experiencing. Being in debt is extremely stressful and it is compounded by a lack of
information, which is why our platforms aim to address this in a jargon free manner. Debt
collection is by no means "sexy" but through our branding, creative designs and human touch,
we are making the industry relevant. I have been a driver in developing Nimble's brand to be
focused on assisting our customers. Nimble has also been recognised as a partner for the IFC
and awarded funding towards debt relief, focusing on assisting debtors. 
 
I was also appointed as an Executive Director to the board of Nimble Collection Services, at the
age of 30. I was promoted to this role after discussing with my CEO the need for strong, female,
women of colour representation in our company. Being the youngest board member, I believe I
am able to provide a unique perspective around issues facing young women and how our
business can adapt to ensure that we operate in a diverse, inclusive manner. I believe, through
my representation it will pave the way for future female leaders. 
 
My involvement with Getsmarter started as a way for me to give back and provide financial
education to a greater platform. As a head tutor for South Africa’s first online FinTech course, I
am able to share my experience and learnings to assist students to embark on diversifying their
skills sets, similar to what I have done and learn more about the FinTech ecosystem. The course
is aimed at helping financial and business professionals to understand and better respond to
the disruptions impacting the financial sector and many other sectors that are now being
impacted by fintech innovations. Through my development of this course, it was my hope to
create something which left people feeling inspired to learn and try something new, as well as
providing students with the capabilities to draft, strategise and develop business cases using
disruptive financial innovations, tools and techniques. 
I am also a mentor to young colleagues, by providing guidance relating to their career paths. I
know how daunting it was to embark on a career and not know what the end result would be. I
believe it is essential to providing life skills as to how to conduct themselves in interviews, how
to be professional in all circumstances and how to learn more about themselves to understand
what it is they want to focus on, to progress their career. I strongly believe that my mentors are
the reason behind why I am in the place I am in, with my career and I would like to pass that on
through coaching and mentoring others.
young leader?
For me, being a young leader means bringing optimism and enthusiasm to everything I do. I am
able to understand next generation trends and at the same time challenge assumptions posed
to me. I believe it is imperative to learn fast and constantly as well as to keep up with ever
changing disruptive technologies. I am passionate about my mission- As a CA (SA), I believe I
am more than my qualification, and more than just finance. I have been able to diversify my
unique CA skills into a digital FinTech role and provide a unique perspective to those I work
with. 
 
I am the youngest C-Suite leader in my company and the youngest board member. My role at
Nimble is a fairly new role, as I convinced my CEO about the need to have a strategy for the
digital age. It is imperative that leaders need to understand how to diversify their businesses to
cater for digital solutions and focus on customer centricity. Being the youngest board member
in my company’s history, I believe I have inspired my company to incorporate more diversity on
the board, and to recognise unique, educated women of colour to be leaders in the business &
enable strategic decision making. This has allowed me to build my own team in the business,
which focuses solely on providing alternative platforms for debt collection to ensure that we
make the process a respectful one, and provides our customers with the financial literacy and
debt relief relevant to them. 
As a female in a male-driven tech environment, there are many challenges faced, however, I
believe my constant drive to learn more, and accomplish new heights is what sets me a part.
Being Chief Digital Officer at Nimble, allows me to dream up unique solutions and find ways to
develop them so the end user receives maximum benefit. During the COVID-19 lockdown, we
were able to mobilise 1500 consultants to work from home, which is still unheard of in a call
centre industry. We set up agents with laptops, to ensure that they were still able to work from
home and provide for themselves and their families during a very tumultuous time. 
Being a young leader also means creating opportunities for a young workforce to lead. I have
been fortunate to higher young women, focused on developing a career in the tech industry. I
am able to provide them with the skills and resources to do so. 
 
Through my role as co-creator and head tutor of South Africa’s first online FinTech course, I
believe I am assisting individuals with furthering their education and helping them to reinvent
their careers and pivot to an innovative career in fintech. I am proud when my students
succeed, as I believe I am providing them with the encouragement and support to do so.
Being a mentor has always been important to me, as I am able to impart direct support and
see the growth in my colleagues and students. 
I am passionate about the FinTech industry and am always finding ways to share my knowledge
to encourage others. I recently featured on a podcast discussing the role of women in the
Fintech industry-Talking Success: Connecting the Global Fintech Community. It is important to
share our stories so that others can relate and we can learn from each other. 
 
In my personal life, one of my passions is purchasing and renovating properties in Cape Town,
Southern Suburbs, with my husband. It is our hope to provide affordable accommodation which
is designed as upmarket and trendy. The property market in Cape Town can be extremely
unobtainable, but we believe in providing people with a safe and welcoming home which is
affordable. 
 
I believe I display the key attributes to be recognised as a young leader and I am constantly
inspired to learn and grow more in my community.
Top 35 finalist?
I am a life optimist and a strategic-minded business woman who has learnt that building strong
relationships are the bridge between education and success. Studying towards being a CA was
a grueling 8 year process, but was something that I always knew I wanted to achieve. The CA
qualification opens doors, but doesn’t define progressing into a finance career. I believe I have
catapulted my qualification into the 4th Industrial Revolution and made it more relevant and
exciting. I live the values encapsulated by being a CA (SA). Many people believe this
qualification is becoming redundant over time, however, I feel that my role is redefining how
progressive this career can be. I have carved out a niche for myself, and at the same time am
encouraging other young women to explore tech and leadership positions.
Coupling my unique business skill set with my digital capabilities, which has been largely self-
taught throughout my career, I have been able to progress into the role of Chief Digital Officer at
Nimble Group. I believe we are revolutionising the debt collection industry in South Africa. My
role has pivoted me into a digital career, focused on providing our debtors with alternative
platforms that suit their needs, coupled with financial literacy and debt relief to alleviate their
situation. My efforts in the business have also been rewarded as I have been recognised as the
first female woman of colour, EXCO member at 30, and an executive director for Nimble
Collection Services. The value of having women in leadership is essential — women make up
half of the purchasing demographic so having limited or no representation of women leading
companies can result in missing out on valuable insights.
Representation & diversity is extremely important to me and I try to impart this onto my team as
well. I have been afforded the opportunity to develop my own diverse team, empowering young
women and encouraging their roles, especially in the tech environment.
My interest in fintech and developing the ecosystem in SA, expands more than just my current
day job. I have been an avid member of the industry and been recognised for it. I was
approached by GetSmarter, which has subsequently been bought by international company 2U,
to be a subject matter expert and develop SA’s first Fintech Disruption in Finance course,
through UCT. The aim of the course is to be able to present to a wide array of students
interested in either expanding their finance roles or pivoting into a new career path. I believe one
should make learning part of your commitment to yourself and keep looking for new ways to
grow.
I am able to assist numerous individuals with the design and implementation of their FinTech
businesses, as well as their strategic planning. I witness first-hand the growth of these
individuals. I have been fortunate to find myself in an environment where I keep on learning,
keep on challenging myself, and keep on growing as an individual and professional. Technology
is an especially fast-paced career. Not only will you find the domain changing quickly, but
career growth also demands being proficient in each new role. Online courses provide people
with the opportunity to access education/universities they possibly would not have had access
to before. 
 
I have also expanded my business role into a property developer with my supportive husband. I
am able to combine my love for design and the freedom to run my own business. I love
providing affordable, well designed residential properties as well as manage a business in a
different industry to enable me to diversify my portfolio of experience. 
 
I am a firm believer in giving back to the community. In a professional capacity I am able to do
this through coaching and mentoring. This has been extremely rewarding for me. One of the
biggest challenges young graduates face is finding their passion in the working world. I
experienced this and know how daunting this task can be without the advice of great mentors. I
am able to impart influence and assist my mentees with their career paths. My network has
afforded me the ability to assist many young graduates to find exciting new jobs. It gives me
great joy to see my mentees excel and achieve their career aspirations. I have also advocated
for Nimble Group to annually take on graduates for internships. I have developed a core
curriculum focused on digital, data and analytical capabilities that complement their tertiary
education and provides them with insight into the real working world as well as an opportunity
to see where their careers could progress. 
 
On a personal level, I am also an avid cook and traveller. My exposure from travelling has
inspired me throughout my career to be solution focused and innovative. Travelling teaches you
a lot about yourself by pushing you outside of your comfort zone. I thrive in this, which is one of
the main reasons why as a CA, I decided to pursue a career outside of finance to challenge
myself. 
 
I believe I should be a finalist for the SAICA Top 35 under 35 competition because I have been
able to elevate my prestigious CA qualification to the next level and distinguish myself as a
leader, especially in a completely different field. In today’s competitive and ever changing
landscape, diversity is key and I have demonstrated my positive impact in my business and
community environment. I have utilised my qualification to propel my career forward to a
position I am proud of as not many peers have been able to achieve this. It is for this reason
that I view myself as a commendable ambassador for the CA(SA) brand. 
DEVELOP
I am passionate about developing myself personally and professionally, first and foremost. I
believe that I am a "student for life" which is largely why I have been able to progress into digital
career. My digital skillset has been largely self-taught through sheer persistence and I have
undertaken many coding courses (SQL, Python) to improve my experience.
In developing myself, I believe it is important to share my experience with others. I am also a

mentor to many young colleagues, to assist them in providing career guidance and coaching
them in their current roles as well as potential new opportunities.
I have also been fortunate to give back to my community through tailored financial guidance
and financial literacy. Living in debt can often be stressful and I have been privileged to coach
individuals and assist them with their finances to be able to reach their debt free day sooner.
Being able to help others better manage their finances has been extremely rewarding.
I have developed into an entrepreneur, having started my own property development and
design business. It is my hope to provide affordable accommodation which is designed as
upmarket and trendy. The property market in Cape Town can be extremely unobtainable, but I
believe in providing people with a safe and welcoming home
which is affordable.
INFLUENCE
As a C-Suite member and Board Director, I believe I am able to impart significant changes
within Nimble Group. As the youngest, female leader in Nimble Group, I have been fortunate to
bring to light many debtrelated issues facing young people and find specific tailor made digital
solutions to address them.
I was instrumental in convincing our Board to provide paid maternity and paternity benefits for
all staff, including 1500 call centre consultants.
As the co-creator and head tutor for SA's first online FinTech course, UCT FinTech: Disruption
in Finance, I have been privileged enough to influence other professionals to learn about the
fundamentals of FinTech and influence them to consider expanding their careers into the digital,
FinTech world.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I was key in mobilising 1500 consultants to work from home.
This required a radical plan to be approved by the board, however, our key focus was ensuring
our workforce could continue working during such a tumultuous period and be able to support
themselves and their families.
LEAD
Being a young leader also means creating opportunities for a young workforce to lead. I have
been fortunate to hire young women, focused on developing a career in the tech industry. I am
able to provide them with the skills and resources to do so.
As Chief Digital Officer of Nimble Group, I was recently featured as a young leader on a podcast
discussing the role of women in the Fintech industry-Talking Success: Connecting the Global
Fintech Community. I was able to share my leadership journey and discuss my role as a female
CA(SA) in a tech driven environment.
I was awarded the 2019 BPESA Technical Innovation award for the implementation of Nexidia
speech analytics. This award recognizes Nimble’s technological advancements using human
intelligence, experience and understanding to drive innovative and collaborative change in the
debt collection industry.
JUDGING
PACK
Swati Safeda CA(SA)
SAICA
Chief Digital Officer
TOP 35
Contact
UNDER 35 E:swati.mooruth@gmail.com
C: 073 929 5095
TOP-35-UNDER-35
2020 FINALIST:
SWATI SAFEDA
Swati Safeda is a young leader who brings optimism, enthusiasm and passion to
everything she does. Her role requires her to learn fast and to keep up with ever-
changing disruptive technologies.
She is the youngest C-Suite leader in her company and the youngest board
member of Nimble Collection Services. Her role at Nimble is a fairly new one, as
there was a need to have a strategy for the digital age. She focuses primarily on
providing alternative platforms for debt collection to ensure that Nimble makes the
process a respectful one and provides their customers with the financial literacy
and debt relief relevant to them. She believes it is imperative that leaders
understand how to diversify their businesses to cater for digital solutions and
focus on customer centricity. Having women of colour in a position of leadership is
a powerful statement, not just for her but also for others.
Being a board member enables structural change and transformation, as such

diversity encourages broader strategic decision-making. As a female in a male-
driven tech environment, Swati faces many challenges, but her constant drive to
learn more and accomplish new heights is what sets her apart. Being Chief Digital
Officer at Nimble allows Swati to dream up unique solutions and find ways to
develop them so the end user receives maximum benefit.
Swati is also passionate about education and the impact it makes. Through her role
as co-creator and head tutor of South Africa’s first online fintech course, she is
able to help individuals further their education in order to pivot to an innovative
career in fintech. She is passionate about the fintech industry and is always finding
ways to share her knowledge to encourage others.
Swati grew up in an entrepreneurial family focused on property development, and

this passion was passed on to her. She and her husband are passionate about
property, an area in which she could combine her love for design with the freedom
to run her own business. She also enjoys cooking for her family, using them to test
out new recipes, and is an avid traveller, always dreaming of the next destination.
Swati is a firm believer that being a CA(SA) has enabled her to surpass her career
goals. ‘Being a CA encourages a mind-set of approaching problems with dynamic,
innovative solutions.’ She is passionate about her mission to progress the CA
(SA) qualification into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.‘As a CA(SA), I believe I am
more than my qualification and more than just finance,’ she says. ‘I have been able
to diversify my unique CA skills into a digital fintech role.’ As the qualification
progresses, roles are being redefined and Swati is keen to pave the way for the
progression of the CA(SA) qualification to new frontiers.
EXEMPLIFYING THE
CA(SA) QUALIFICATION
The CA(SA) qualification has afforded me many opportunities and opened a wide array of doors. It has formed the
building blocks of my career and allowed me to progress into roles I am truly proud of. I believe I exemplify the
attributes of the CA(SA) brand, highlighted here:
DEVELOP
I am passionate about developing myself personally and professionally, first and foremost. I believe that I am a
"student for life" which is largely why I have been able to progress into digital career. My digital skillset has
been largely self-taught through sheer persistence and I have undertaken many coding courses (SQL, Python)
to improve my experience.
In developing myself, I believe it is important to share my experience with others. I am also a mentor to many
young colleagues, to assist them in providing career guidance and coaching them in their current roles as well
as potential new opportunities.
I have also been fortunate to give back to my community through tailored financial guidance and financial
literacy. Living in debt can often be stressful and I have been privileged to coach individuals and assist them
with their finances to be able to reach their debt free day sooner. Being able to help others better manage their
finances has been extremely rewarding.
I have developed into an entrepreneur, having started my own property development and design business. It is
my hope to provide affordable accommodation which is designed as upmarket and trendy. The property market
in Cape Town can be extremely unobtainable, but I believe in providing people with a safe and welcoming home
which is affordable.
INFLUENCE
As a C-Suite member and Board Director, I believe I am able to impart significant changes within Nimble
Group. As the youngest, female leader in Nimble Group, I have been fortunate to bring to light many debt-
related issues facing young people and find specific tailor made digital solutions to address them.
I was instrumental in convincing our Board to provide paid maternity and paternity benefits for all staff,
including 1500 call centre consultants.
As the co-creator and head tutor for SA's first online FinTech course, UCT FinTech: Disruption in Finance, I
have been privileged enough to influence other professionals to learn about the fundamentals of FinTech and
influence them to consider expanding their careers into the digital, FinTech world.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I was key in mobilising 1500 consultants to work from home. This required a
radical plan to be approved by the board, however, our key focus was ensuring our workforce could continue
working during such a tumultuous period and be able to support themselves and their families.
LEAD
Being a young leader also means creating opportunities for a young workforce to lead. I have been fortunate to
hire young women, focused on developing a career in the tech industry. I am able to provide them with the
skills and resources to do so.
As Chief Digital Officer of Nimble Group, I was recently featured as a young leader on a podcast discussing the
role of women in the Fintech industry-Talking Success: Connecting the Global Fintech Community. I was able
to share my leadership journey and discuss my role as a female CA(SA) in a tech driven environment.
I was awarded the 2019 BPESA Technical Innovation award for the implementation of Nexidia speech
analytics. This award recognizes Nimble’s technological advancements using human intelligence, experience
and understanding to drive innovative and collaborative change in the debt collection industry.
Nimble Group:
CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER
As Chief Digital Officer, one of my roles is to ensure Nimble has an insightful

digital presence which aims to benefit our consumers. Below are articles which I
have written on behalf of Nimble Group, showcasing the revolution of the debt
collection industry. I am responsible for curating the key blog content for Nimble
Group. The aim of these articles are to educate and empower our customers to
assist them in improving the financial situations. Such thought leadership also
contributes to the industry ensuring that our customers are treated fairly and
respected through out the whole process.
Disrupting Debt
Collection:
http://nimblegroup.co.za/disrupting-debt-collection/
We are revolutionising the industry with a new customer centric standard for managing distressed debt. This new
approach sees progressive business processes being combined with innovative technology aimed at achieving
improved collections efficiency, an enhanced customer experience and a better recovery result.
Customer centric collections focuses on a broader understanding of the customer as well as strategies that can be
implemented to enable credit repair. Debt collection is no longer viewed as an archaic process focused only on
collecting overdue accounts. Instead, it is becoming a more holistic approach that creates greater customer
engagement by delivering a seamless, consistent experience for customers at every step.
Nimble handles between 2.5 and 3.5 million accounts. Customisation enables more personalised attention and
assists customers to be more in control of their finances. It makes repayments more feasible while ensuring that
customers are not extended beyond their means. Being in a position to help our customers manage both their
finances and their debt is a cornerstone on the journey to credit repair.
We recognise that customers require engaging digital self-service options. The NimblePay App and Nimble Forms
(online collection forms), allow our customers to access their accounts at any time of the day, update their personal
information, and create tailored repayment plans that suit their budget, all on a safe and secure digital platform.
Digital self-service channels remove the embarrassment and intrusiveness of the traditional collections process.
This shift in perspective has encouraged Nimble to move towards an environment which is co-creating value with its
customers. Turning a customer centric approach into a productive reality, takes continued commitment to coordinate
systemic changes in many areas – from re-defining core strategic values to measuring and rewarding employee
performance. It is these on-going and iterative changes that can provide a sustainably better solution for our clients,
employees and our customers.
Enhancing the Digital
Customer Experience
during Unsettling Times:
http://nimblegroup.co.za/enhancing-the-digital-customer-experience-during-unsettling-times/
In these difficult times, how does a company adapt and enhance their digital customer experience? The starting
point is to embrace change. It is not business as usual and one cannot expect it to be. A re-evaluation of our
customer’s journey and their experience is required, with a view of building agility to respond to a dynamic crisis
(which may span months or years).
First and foremost, re-evaluating this customer experience requires the right tools. At Nimble, we have harnessed
our voice analytics tool, Nexidia Analytics, to understand our customers’ sentiment and particularly the challenges
debtors are experiencing during this lockdown period. Combining this insight with data from consumer surveys
has helped us to confidently re-evaluate the customer journey in a COVID-19 world. Based on our customers’
unique circumstances we are able to tailor suitable repayment solutions that benefit them.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, physical movement has been severely restricted. Post lockdown, social distancing
will become the norm. When stores reopen, the world of bricks and mortar may be fundamentally different. This
means the avoidance of physical customer channels is likely to persist after lockdown.
This leads to Nimble prioritizing digital channels, such as WhatsApp, our mobile app – NimblePay, and Nimble
Forms as alternative collection platforms. This wide array of online payment methods accommodates our
customers’ changing needs. It allows us to offer both convenience and safety to our customers who would
otherwise fear infection, and avoid engagement with us altogether. More and more we are seeing that our
customers are growing comfortable with digital, remote, and low-touch options, even in rural and older
populations.
However, convincing a customer to spend money on debt repayment, and getting them through a metaphorical
digital door, will remain a key challenge. Limited financial resources will remain a concern for customers who may
be unemployed or face unemployment. This demands two things: Convincing a consumer that debt repayment is an
important part of their discretionary budget, and that it’s in their best interest.
It requires marketing messaging that is convincing and tailored to a debtor’s circumstances. We have overhauled
our SMS, Email, and Facebook marketing campaigns to take into account COVID-19. The surge in online
engagement currently underway offers an opportunity to tap into insights from social media and our two-way
communication platforms to rapidly understand consumer sentiment and develop new plans and offers for our
customers. We have been able to offer immediate debt relief to cash-stricken customers and provide unique
financial literacy to emphasize the benefits of repayment for our financially strained consumers.
Customer experience has taken on a new definition and dimension in the overwhelming challenge of COVID-19. It
has led to an overall emphasis on ‘digital mass customization’, and a focus on understanding who the customer is
and how we might better serve them digitally. As a business, we believe it is those who care enough to ask, and
then innovate to respond during this crisis, and anticipate how customers will change their habits, who will build
stronger relationships that will endure well beyond the crisis’ passing.
Nimble Scoops "Top
Innovation" Award:
http://nimblegroup.co.za/nimble-scoops-top-innovation-award/
Today, the business arena is unpredictable. Disruptive technologies such as speech analytics, mobile
computing and adaptive learning systems are overturning the traditional business methods and practices,
making old ways of working redundant and forcing companies to transform. Companies need to recognize
the potential of disruptive technology in their own operations and move fast when the time is right.
The national BPESA Technical Innovation award recognises the successful deployment of new technology
over the past 24 months. The award is not exclusively for the technology itself, but a combination of how
the technology has been considered and implemented into the organisation in order to solve an identified
challenge. The company has to provide evidence that the solution has enhanced service and business
performance.
Nimble submitted three of the booming disruptive technologies that we are fully committed to, to showcase
how we are combining progressive business processes with innovative technology in order to achieve
improved compliance, collections efficiency, an enhanced customer experience and a better recovery
result.
Nexidia speech analytics converts unstructured phone conversations from the call centre into structured
data which can be analysed for insights. These insights and opportunities are used to boost agent
performance, ensure compliance, mitigate risk, improve productivity and enhance the customer’s
experience. New trends and insights are quickly discovered and bad practices are easily eliminated.
Recognising that contact centres need state of the art technology to audit 100% of their voice recordings to
keep on top of agent performance and customer satisfaction, Nimble was one of the first South African
companies to use Nexidia’s world leading speech analytics software.
While the ability to extract value from unstructured voice data has become as invaluable tool for Nimble it
is not a ‘silver bullet’. Nimble has had to devise innovative ways to change the emphasis from measuring
compliance to actively using insights to pinpoint areas of weakness and deliver better coaching.
At the recent annual award ceremony the BPESA Technical Innovation award was presented to Nimble for
its implementation of Nexidia speech analytics. We are delighted to receive this prestigious award which
recognises Nimble’s technological advancements using human intelligence, experience and understanding
to drive innovative and collaborative change in the debt collection industry.
FinTech Industry
I am passionate about the FinTech industry in South Africa. As the Co-Creator and
Head Tutor for UCT's FinTech: Disruption in Finance Course, I am able to assist
others to diversify their skillset and broaden their knowledge of the FinTech
industry. It is extremely rewarding to be able to assist individuals in starting their
own FinTech businesses.
Some feedback received:
I was also featured as a prominent women in FinTech on the podcast: Talking

Success-Connecting the Global FinTech Community.
We discussed the importance of diversifying one's skillset and how I transitioned
from a traditional CA(SA) role to an innovative, digital role and what I learned along
the way. I received a lot of positive feedback from individuals who are also looking
to transition to a digital role and have always been so inspired to share my
knowledge and help others.
To listen, visit: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wlWgBpSaI2AFRdoWtjtES

Financial Literacy
I am responsible for providing Nimble's customers with easy to digest financial
literacy that assists them towards their "debt-free" day. We influentially reach over
1 million debtors digitally and have a social media presence of over 10 000 users.
In my personal capacity, assisting my community in becoming financially literate is
extremely empowering as it provides them with the knowledge & confidence to
understand their finances, budget, pay off their debt and learn about the processes
to ensure they do not end up in the same position again.
Property Development
& Design
One of my passion projects is property development and design. I am able to
combine my love for design with property development to provide contemporary
and affordable homes. Below are a few images of the properties I have renovated,
designed and rented out.
Reference Letters
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
PETRI BASSON
32 years old
 
DIRECTOR,
KPMG
Short Profile
Petri Basson has embraced technology in his career and learned how to use the skills he learned as a
CA(SA) in the new and exciting field of blockchain and digital assets. While he was doing his articles in
South Africa, he obtained six certificates in IT and started working towards his Certified Information
Systems Auditor (CISA) qualification. After moving to the Cayman Islands, Petri had the opportunity to
work with the KPMG Cayman Islands Digital Assets team to develop an audit approach for clients
investing in this asset class. As part of this process, he also learned how to run a development process
running SCRUM methodology and helped develop a number of audit tools.
He is using the skills he learned as a CA(SA), combined with his IT knowledge, to spread the knowledge
of these unique assets and show people how they will disrupt and improve their lives in new and exciting
ways. Petri has spoken about this topic at multiple international conferences including the Cayman
Islands Digital Economy Conference (2018), Blockchain Training Conference (2019), Delta Summit (2019)
and Consensus (2020). He has also presented training sessions to individuals working in finance, legal
and many other professions to help them understand how these assets work and how they can use
them. He is also spreading his educational outreach to children and has presented at schools to teach
kids about the new technology, and recently helped organise an event where children were given free
access to online blockchain basics courses and those in need received devices through donations from
multiple parties.
Petri is also leading the development of the space as chairman of the Blockchain Association of the
Cayman Islands (BACI) and sits on the steering committee for Digital Cayman. In these roles, he has been
involved in government consultations with industry on new legislation and the development of the digital
asset space.
Watch video
and achievements?
• Speaker at Consensus Distributed (Largest blockchain conference globally)
• Chairman of the BlockChain Association of the Cayman Islands
• Director KPMG Cayman Islands
• Speaker at Delta Conference (Malta)
• Helped to develop the KPMG Cayman Digital Assets audit methodology
• Helped develop a number of tools to perform audits over digital assets
• Steering Committee for Digital Cayman
• Steering Committee for CryptoCurrency Security Standard
• Certified Bitcoin Professional (CBP)

The main project I am currently involved in is the Blockchain Association of the Cayman Islands
(BACI). This is a not for profit organisation focused around the development of blockchain
technology in the Cayman Islands and internationally.
As part of this organisation I’m closely involved in consultations with government as well as
organising events to help educate members on blockchain technology. We have also reached
out to schools to teach children about blockchain and the potential the technology holds. BACI
also works to promote blockchain through regularly sharing content and developments in the
industry and driving conversation in the local community around the topic.
recent past?
I have taken the initiative to start the Blockchain Association in the Cayman Islands and drive
the conversation with local government around regulations. Cayman recently released the
Virtual Assets legislation, which is fully FATF compliant, being one of the first jurisdictions
globally to release such legislation which is also FATF compliant.
 
Currently I am driving an effort to grow the exposure of the jurisdiction and through this uplift
the business community and island. One of the major pillars of the economy was tourism which
has been completely lost due to COVID-19. The makes it even more important to focus on
bringing new innovative technologies to the island.
young leader?
I’m setting an example for young leaders by embracing new technologies and finding innovative
ways to work with them. Most CA’s have never thought about how they would audit these types
of assets and the complexities involved in this process. In our team we are are also working on
ways to automate audits, doing real time audits by pulling data directly from exchanges through
API’s and other ways to improve the audit process.
 
I’m also regularly writing articles and doing presentations to teach more people about this
industry and the potential that it holds. I believe this will completely change the way the
financial industry operates and young leaders need to be ready for this opportunity.
 
In my team at KPMG focused on digital assets we also have 2 other CA’s which I am coaching
and teaching how to work in this new environment. We also deal with many other CA’s across
the world and in our firm we are constantly teaching about digital assets.
Top 35 finalist?
I think blockchian and digital assets are the future and organisations like SAICA need to show
that they prepare individuals for the future. In my career, I have taken my financial knowledge
and applied it to an emerging field in innovative ways. Hopefully this will serve as an example
for young CA’s that they can work with these new technologies and don’t have to fear them.
We’ve all heard the stories that technology will replace accountants in the future, I think I show
that we can work with technology and find innovative new ways to work and add value.
DEVELOP
• I have helped develop the blockchain community through events and Blockchain Association;
• Helped develop a number of tools used by KPMG Cayman in completing audits of digital
assets;
• Helping to develop industry standards through my involvement with the Cryptocurrency

Security Standard (CCSS);
• Consultations on new Digital Asset legislation through the blockchain association;
• Presenting training at schools to help children understand technology.
• Organizing free online programs to help individuals learn about the space;
• Sourcing donations through the blockchain association to provide devices for learners in
need.
INFLUENCE
• I write regularly and make social media post to inform people about developments in the
Digital Asset space;
• I have participated any several training events at companies to explain the impact of
technology and blockchain on their organisations,
• Spoken at international conference to help people understand the space and how it is
developing. These include:
• Consensus 2020
• Delta Summit
• Blockchain Training Conference 2019
LEAD
• Currently serving as the chairman of The Blockchain Association of the Cayman Islands
(BACI),
• I sit on the steering committee for Digital Cayman, digital asset working group and co-chair
the education committee;
• A member of the steering committee for the CCSS;
• I currently lead the KPMG Cayman Digital Asset team (Until November 30, 2020)
• Encouraging my team in KPMG to gain new qualifications such as Certified Bitcoin

Professional and working with them on a daily basis to expand their knowledge and personal
growth
PETRI BASSON
SAICA TOP 35 under 35 Judging

pack
ALL COPYRIGHTS © RESERVED 2020 PETRI BASSON

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Develop, Influence and Lead ............................................................................................................................................. 3
KPMG development .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Industry Associations ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Community projects .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Speaking engagements ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Other interests ................................................................................................................................................................ 11
ALL COPYRIGHTS © RESERVED 2020 PETRI BASSON Page | 1

Introduction
In 2020 alone, the total value locked up in Decentralized Finance (Defi) has increased from US$690 Million on 1 January
2020 to US$13.25 Billion on 17 September 2020. Banks in the United States are now allowed to custody digital assets
and the first digital asset exchange (Kraken) obtained a banking license.
This is great for the digital assets space, but what does it mean for the CA of the future?
I started out as a kid from Pretoria who always enjoyed computers and built up my own gaming computers from
pocket-money I earned doing odd chores. I decided to study accounting after high school and payed for my own studies
through academic bursaries and part time jobs. In articles, I heard a lot about the impact of technology on the future
and that computers would take over auditing one day. I decided to future proof myself and did 6 certificates in IT
through Rhodes University, working towards my Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) qualification. This mixture
of finance and IT is what prepared me to be able to adapt to the ever-changing world of technology and I hope to
inspire other CA’s to also embrace technology in their careers.
Over the last few years I’ve focused on new technologies such as blockchain and digital assets and the implications of
they will have on finance. I’ve helped to develop audit methodologies, accounting approaches and developed tools to
account for this new asset class. I currently lead a team focused on digital assets with a number of CA(SA)’s in it.
I realized early on that one of the greatest barriers to adoption of new technology was understanding. I have presented
training to multiple schools, companies and conferences to help people understand and have that “Aha” moment
about these new assets.
I also realized very early on that for this industry to prosper it would need the required regulations and auditing
standards. To facilitate this, I founded and lead the Blockchain Association of the Cayman Islands (BACI) to help
represent industry in consultations with government to develop legislation and give more clarity in this sector.
I also sit on the steering committee of the Crypto Currency Security Standard (CCSS). This standard is being developed
as an audit standard for custodians to show that they are adhering to industry standards when serving as a custodian
for third-party assets. Standards like this will help build trust in the industry.
I hope to serve as an example for other CA’s that they can embrace technology and not fear it. Auditors and finance is
not going to become obsolete due to computers. Our jobs are just going to change and we have to adapt and change
with technology to ensure we use it to our advantage. Gone are the days of “ticking and bashing” hundreds of invoices
on each audit client (I’ve been there). New technologies such as blockchain will ensure auditors finance teams don’t
have to do these mundane tasks anymore and they can focus on critical thinking and problem solving.
It’s an honor being nominated for the SAICA Top35 under 35 and I look forward to the panel discussion.
The following is a summary of some of the projects I have worked on or I am currently working on.

Develop, Influence and Lead
Develop
• I have helped develop the blockchain community through events and Blockchain Association;
• Helped develop a number of tools used by KPMG Cayman in completing audits of digital assets;
• Helping to develop industry standards through my involvement with the Cryptocurrency Security Standard
(CCSS);
• Presenting training at schools to help children understand technology;
• Organizing free online programs to help individuals learn about the space;
• Sourcing donations through the blockchain association to provide devices for learners in need.
Influence

• I write regularly and make social media post to inform people about developments in the Digital Asset space;
• I have participated any several training events at companies to explain the impact of technology and
blockchain on their organisations,
• Spoken at international conference to help people understand the space and how it is developing. These
include:
▪ Consensus 2020
▪ Delta Summit
▪ Blockchain Training Conference 2019
Lead
• Currently serving as the chairman of The Blockchain Association of the Cayman Islands (BACI),
• I sit on the steering committee for Digital Cayman, digital asset working group and co-chair the education
committee;
• A member of the steering committee for the CCSS;
• I currently lead the KPMG Cayman Digital Asset team (Until November 30, 2020)
• Encouraging my team in KPMG to gain new qualifications such as Certified Bitcoin Professional and working
with them on a daily basis to expand their knowledge and personal growth

KPMG development
At KPMG in the Cayman Islands, I initially started in the audit department and then moved into IT Advisory. At the end
of 2016 the funds department started seeing entities investing in various digital assets and KPMG started to gain an
understanding of these assets. I was part of the team who worked on developing an audit methodology around these
assets and how to gain comfort over the traditional audit assertions (existence, accuracy, occurrence etc.).
As part of this process I was also involved in developing several internal tools for KPMG which are used in audits. These
include:
▪ Block explorers;
▪ Application Program Interfaces (APIs) to exchanges and
▪ Signature tools to prove ownership of assets
I taught myself how to run a development team and wrote the majority of the technical documents and testing around
the first version of these tools. This was a massive learning experience and great opportunity to learn more about the
development process and product development.

Industry Associations
Blockchain Association of the Cayman Islands (BACI) –

https://caymanblockchain.org/team/
I founded the Blockchain Association of the Cayman

Islands in 2018 and currently serve as the chairman of
the board. After speaking to several individuals in the
Cayman Islands tech community and realizing how
active the blockchain space was in Cayman, it became
clear that the industry needed a unified representation.
The board is made up of partners from a number off the

prominent law firms on island as well as
representatives from tech companies.
Since inception, BACI has grown to have over 20

corporate members with over 550 followers on
LinkedIn. BACI has been recognized as an official
industry body which is involved in all government
consultations.
In mid-2020 the Cayman Islands released new Virtual

Asset (Service Provider) Laws and BACI was part of the
consultation process on this new legislation.
As the chairman of BACI, I am responsible for the direction of the association, all community projects, events,
consultation and working with members and their concerns. It’s a very exciting and challenging position to be in.
Digital Cayman - https://www.digitalcayman.com/digital-cayman-team/
At Digital Cayman, I am a member of the steering

committee, head of the Digital Assets working group
and Co-Chair the Education committee.
As part of the digital asset working group, I have met

with multiple industry participants, assisted on
government consultations and taken part in industry
events.
For the Education committee, we are currently working

on an initiative to create an information page with
information on all the various educational projects that
are currently active and opportunities for students. We
have met with various educational institutions and are
currently building out the website.

Crypto Currency Security Standard (CCSS) –
https://cryptoconsortium.org/standards/
I currently sit on the steering committee for the CCSS which is an initiative that was created by the Crypto Currency
Certification Consortium (C4).
C4 is a non-profit organization that provides certifications to professionals who perform cryptocurrency-related

services. Recipients of each respective certificate will have demonstrated comprehensive knowledge in various
disciplines ranging from basic cryptography to low-level cryptocurrency development.
C4 was founded by well-known individuals in the space

such as Andreas M. Antonopoulos (author of Mastering
Bitcoin and many other best sellers) and Vitalik Buterin
(founder of Ethereum).
The CCSS is aimed at providing a standard for custody of

assets and individuals who obtain the certificate will also
obtain the designation of Crytpo Currency Security
Standard Auditor and we able to complete a CCSS audit and
sign off on compliance with the standard.
Community projects
I’ve been very active in the community doing many The latest project I helped co-ordinate was in
different presentations. I have spoken at numerous collaboration with the Blockchain Business School
schools around cyber security as well as blockchain (https://242bbs.com/).
technology. I have also presented at multiple As part of the initiative, over 50 learners gained access
organizations around the impact of technology and on to high quality e-learnings presented by Consensys
their business and the potential opportunities and Academy (https://learn.consensys.net/). It also
threats. included a 2-day virtual blockchain business school and
conference where a variety of speakers presented to
children. This included Daniel Botha - a developer from
KPMG who presented on Decentralized Finance.
We were also able to source donations to provide

devices to less fortunate learners who did not have
access to computers and need them to attend school
due to COVID-19.
https://caymanblockchain.org/blockchain-education-
2020/

I was also involved in the program to obtain devices for children in need to help with their education.
Speaking engagements
I have presented at several public events. The following are some of the highlights:
CIIPA 2019 -Training –

https://www.ciipa.ky/event-3279491
I have presented trainings to the Cayman Islands Institute of

Professional Accountants (CIIPA) and also presented at the 2019
AICPA and CIIPA conference. Topics ranged from an introduction to
blockchain, the challenges in auditing digital assets, decentralized
finance and Anti Money Laundering implications.

BTC 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUJSTYDiNok
At the Blockchain Training Conference (BTC2019) in Denver, I presented on the challenges when auditing digital assets.
This conference is purely focused on learning and does not have any promotion of specific projects or products. It is
organized by C4 and covers topics ranging from basics to very technical sessions by sector experts.
Cayman Captive Forum -

https://caymanintinsurance.ky/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2018-11-27-Track-C8-Blockchain-Meets-
Insurance-Gumeyi-Basson-McGibbon.pdf
The Cayman Captive Forum is one of the largest captive insurance conferences in the world. The Cayman Islands have
one of the largest captive insurance markets and we covered the impact of digital assets on the insurance industry and
how we may see the space develop in a panel discussion.
Delta Summit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWN455roc8I
In late 2019, I had the opportunity to speak at the Delta Summit in Malta. The Delta Summit is organized by the Maltese
government and had over four thousand attendees.

I spoke on a panel with representatives from the Malta regulator, Chainalysis and technology advisory companies.
Consensys 2020 – Capitol Controls Europe: Is the Global Game of Regulatory Arbitrage Still Profitable –
https://www.coindesk.com/video/capitol-controls-europe-the-global-game-of-regulatory-arbitrage-is-it-
still-profitable-2
In early 2020, I had the amazing experience to speak at

Consensus 2020. Consensus is one of the largest blockchain
conferences held annually in New York and was held virtually
in 2020. The 2020 event had over 10,000 registered
attendees.
I spoke on a panel with Richard Teng- CEO of the financial

services regulatory authority for Abu Dhabi- and Thomas
Naegele - a Liechtenstein lawyer and author of Liechtenstein’s
crypto laws.

Bitcoin and Future of Finance –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiEihyDVlac&t=8s
Later in 2020 I also had the great opportunity to interview Raoul Pal a Former hedge fund manager who retired at 36
and Co-Founder of Real Vision.
This was a fascinating conversation around the value of digital assets, stock to flow models and the future of the
industry.
Chamber of Commerce – Economic Forum 2020
Later in the year I took part in the Chamber of Commerce’s economic forum speaking about the future of the economy
and the impact new technologies could have on the recovery post COVID.

Virtual assets legislation in conversation with government and the regulator –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NB-1zUbjeA
Most recently I had the honor of moderating a panel with representatives from the Ministry of Financial Services
(MFS), Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) and industry. Minister Tara Rivers presented the introduction to
this panel and the conversation covered the new Virtual Asset legislation in the Cayman Islands.
Other interests
I also enjoy reading and try to read as much as possibly can to expand my horizons and learn more. In 2017 I
challenged myself to read a book a week and recorded a video each week to keep myself accountable.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5kEtKwB-ANbGrjky0IzX3A/videos

I also enjoy writing to order my though and do research with some of my most popular articles on LinkedIn and
Medium being:
Book Summary: How to fail at almost everything and still win big — Scott Adams
What I learned from reading 52 books in 52 weeks
The untold history of Blockchain
The untold history of Bitcoin: Enter the Cypherpunks

JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
EBRAHIM TOOTLA
29 years old
 
HEAD OF SARIAH TREASURY AND
FINANCE, STANDARD BANK SA
Short Profile
Ebrahim’s CA journey began at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in 2011, where he self-funded his
studies. He completed both his CTA and board exams at his first attempt.
In 2015, he joined Standard Bank on a training contract. During his formative rotations, he stumbled
across his passions of treasury management and Islamic banking and managed to negotiate a role which
interlinked these two passions. 
Shari’ah banking was only at the business concept stage then and he was the second person to join the
team. They took the business concept through many approval processes and dedicated themselves to
developing products which are both Shari’ah compliant and align to Standard Bank’s values.
After four years of perseverance, their financial position has surpassed competitors who have been in the
market much longer than them. They are pioneering the market with South African, African and world
firsts. Ebrahim feels that his skills and knowledge as a CA(SA) allowed him to place himself strategically
at the heart of Shari’ah banking in Standard Bank. Their team has grown in skills and personnel leading
them hiring newly qualified graduates. The skills he gained through his training programme and as a
registered assessor have assisted him to equip them with the skills they needed to transition into the
workplace.
In addition to being instrumental in the success of Standard Bank’s Shari’ah division, Ebrahim has
developed the treasury function with its associated risk management mechanisms and frameworks,
proposed tax amendments to National Treasury, was one of 50 people globally awarded a scholarship to
complete CIPA at AAOIFI, and assisted in structuring Shari’ah-compliant investment banking and global
markets deals.
He is dedicated to making his passions assist the less fortunate. He was part of a CSI project where they
adopted a crèche and transformed it from an informal building to a permanent structure with toilets and
fridges in such a way that ongoing costs would be minimal. He also assists NPOs to manage their cash
flow in order to maximise their charity work.
Ebrahim is governed by the maxim, ‘There are no problems in life, only opportunities.’ Hard work and a
never-give-up attitude have allowed him to merge a formally excluded part of the financial sector into the
formal economy. This solution not only touches South Africa but has the potential to reach deep into
unbanked Africa − which is where his next challenge lies.
Watch video
and achievements?
• National Treasury Sukuk RFP – I drafted majority of the proposal for the National Treasury
Sukuk request for proposals. This a response to a request by Islamic Banks to National
Treasury to come up with a proposal for Islamic Banks to have an instrument that would kick
start the Islamic capital market.
• Investment Banking in Africa - Research into Africa for Islamic Banking in the Investment
Banking space so we may ensure we drive Africa’s growth through the infrastructure
development. We also wanted to assist the eco systems that are impacted by the lack of
Islamic Banking products to grow, as well as the communities it touches.
• Tax amendment proposals – One of the more salient features of Islamic Banking is the
contracts. There are a limited amount of contract types and not all contracts are catered for
within the Tax Act. I have made proposals to National Treasury to have amendments made to
the Income Tax Act and VAT Act to include all the contracts and to cater for Islamic Bonds
(Sukuk).
• The Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) Certified
Islamic Professional Accountant (CIPA) Scholarship – I am one of 50 people globally to be
accepted to study CIPA at AAOIFI under their scholarship program. AAOIFI has developed
standards like IFRS to account for Islamic Banking transactions. There are a few nuances like
a category of deposits that are ranked higher than debt but lower than equity. As discussed
above under “Tax amendment proposals” there are a set number of Islamic banking contracts
and the standards discuss how to account for banking products offered under these.
• Intrapreneurship Program - Nominated to attend the Standard Bank Intrapreneurship program

for my out of the box thinking and creativity. This is a program designed to those with a
hunger for innovation and teach them how to harness it. The aim of this program is to retain
talent within the bank. The Bank is creating a platform for entrepreneurs to apply their talents
inside of the bank thereby growing the bank.
• I was instrumental in setting up Islamic banking at Standard Bank which is over 150 years old
and the largest bank in Africa and was the second person in Islamic Banking team (Standard
Bank of South Africa) and joined before any product was launched. I am currently an ALM
Manager of a bank within a bank. I started Islamic Banking while still a trainee and was
instrumental to getting it to where it is today. I had a hand in every product that is live today.
• Created processes and managed the following aspects of Islamic banking: o Forex risk
• Liquidity risk
• Interest rate risk of the banking book
• Repricing risk
• BASEL monitoring
• Capital adequacy
• Customer pricing and competitor analysis
• Credit risk
• Balance sheet make up
• I was the lead in the development of: o The first Islamic Banking compliant endowment tax
efficient saving product in South Africa.
• A complex cash flow reporting system and necessary reporting processes for risk
management.

Cash flow management for NPO – I currently assist NPOs with implementing cash flow
management techniques to maximise on their cash. This allows them to build up capital and
stretch their funds further to so the work they are carrying out can go further. I analyse their
cash flows and propose techniques to them to stretch the cash in their bank accounts.
Furthermore, the offer these NPO advice on how to apply for tax exemptions and try to get
them compliant with all relevant rules and regulations.
Our team sponsors events like the Association of Muslim Schools soccer tournament. There
are many under privileged schools that have received funding from this initiative and as
Standard Bank one of our CSI goals is to increase education Africa. We also donate to
organisations like Gift of the Givers and offer them favourable rates and fees where we can.
We partnered with Seeds of Africa in their “adopt a creche” program. We adopted a crèche
named Sisonke in our first year. We raised R150 000 for Sisonke during my training programme.
I got a sponsorship for blankets every year for the children and attained a gas fridge at 50%
discount for them to keep food for the children. The structure was a wooden shack and a small
dry wall building when we adopted the cheche. By our 3rd year we had gathered funding and
managed to build 3 classrooms, a sick room, kitchen and we also ensured the toilets we safer
for the children by installing proper hygienic toilets. As an Alumni of the graduate programme I
continue to advise the CA graduates on how to best assist the creche and remain involved in
prompting their fundraisers and activities.
recent past?
Muslims make up around 3% of the population in South Africa although they contribute up to
10% of GDP. The faith of Islam is all encompassing and does not only govern a person’s faith or
prayer rituals. Rather it governs all aspects of a person’s life including how to deal with money.
Although Islamic banking was prevalent in the South African market the offering was extremely
vanilla and mostly set up in South Africa.
Setting up Islamic banking in Standard Bank which is the largest bank in Africa and over 150
years old has allowed us to have a far-reaching platform and allowed us to offer a few firsts in
the South African market and move away from the vanilla offerings of the past. This allowed us
to to fill a void for clients who could not perform certain transactions from a religious
perspective. We have an endowment savings product which is a tax wrapper that reduces an
individual’s taxable income within the product, Fleet management and a Diners club Shari’ah
compliant card.
This role is more than a job. It is an intersection between my faith and my passion. This has
enabled me to do everything from end to end in Islamic banking to ensure that it grows to
solution all customer demands as well as develop new and innovate products to help grow the
Islamic Banking market in South Africa.
In addition by assisting NPOs with their cash flows I am actually assisting the communities they
serve. This ensures that they have more funds to do the good work they do. Also our team does
our bit to ensure that we continue to uplift the under privileged by sponsoring the association of
Muslim schools soccer tournament , Islamic Medical asocial and by donating to charities like
Gift of the Givers.
young leader?
I am enthusiastic about the profession and passionate about assisting prospective CA(SA)s. To
this end I am a Registered Assessor. I choose not only to be an assessor but to go above and
beyond that. I advise my trainees on how to deal with workplace readiness and how to get the
most out of the program. In a large organization it is easy to become a number and just go
through the motions without acquiring the maximum benefit from the rotations.
In my area I have new graduates who I constantly coach. The graduates are from previously
disadvantaged backgrounds. One of the graduates is the child of a domestic worker. I
endeavour to pass onto them skills that are valuable and assist them to grow.
I am also dedicated to the lifelong learning and increasing knowledge base. I have completed a
diploma on Islamic Banking and Takaful (insurance) at CIMA. I am also going to complete CIPA
for AAOIFI as discussed previously.
I uphold ethics and integrity especially as I am the custodian of our clients’ money. We ensure
that we always apply the utmost due care and diligence when managing the cash. Additionally,
as an Islamic bank we need to ensure that the rules of the Shari’ah are met and notify the
Shari’ah advisory committee of any breaches. I ensure that I carry these duties out with
excellence and ensure that my team follows suit.
My mentors are the CFO of the retail banking arm of the group and the chief economist of the
group. These people are in the top rung of executives in an organisation that has over 40 000
employees and operates in over 20 countries. I ensured I stood out as a young leader in order
to be noticeable by these top executives and to encourage them to be my mentors. These
people were also 2 of the 5 reference letters I have received. They have provided me with
invaluable advice and challenges which have contributed in shaping me in my career path.
At the age of 29 I have been instrumental in setting up a bank within a bank and am working
with something that is my passion. In comparison to my peers who are not even sure of what
they would like to do.
Top 35 finalist?
Problem solving has a certain verve to it. “Where there is a problem there is an opportunity” is
one of my key mantras. To this end I have always tried to develop solutions to problems I see
and I am a registered CA(SA) for the past 29 months, post completing my training program. If
you could go through my list of accomplishments with this lens the reason for my nomination
becomes more apparent. I have in a short time managed to accomplish many of my goals. I
was instrumental in developing and implementing an entirely new concept of banking in an
organisation that is over 150 years old and the largest bank in Africa.
One of the key requirements of Islamic Banking is that the treasury needs to be ring fenced. To
elaborate on the immensity of this task I need to explain the function of treasury. The main
aspect is to manage the risk of the bank. They serve 4 main functions which are: liquidity
management, funds transfer pricing, balance sheet management and capital management.
Liquidity management is managing the money coming in and leaving the bank. There is money
paid into bank in the form of deposits and paid out in the form of lending. There is a delicate
balance that needs to be managed as well as regulatory limits that need to be adhered to.
Funds transfer pricing is the transfer pricing mechanism of the bank. Balance sheet
management is the management of the products the bank sells to ensure the optimal mix of
product. Capital management is managing the amount of regulatory capital the bank is
mandated to hold in terms of BASEL.
I have developed an entire treasury function which solutions all these needs as well as the
additional layer of Shari’ah compliance over all of it. In addition to this I manage all this on an
ongoing basis. Over and above this I also developed products and was instrumental in ensuring
that Shari’ah Banking moved forward within the bank at a swift pace.
To accomplish this, all the skills I have acquired as a CA(SA) were called upon. I had to even
step outside my comfort zone and mange a project team of IT developers to develop products.
I have written tax and IFRS papers on the treatment of the Shari’ah contracts. As there were
just 2 of us in the business unit initially, I have been a part of every aspect of the business and
understand it holistically and am currently working actively to continue our developmental
growth into unchartered territories for Islamic Banking.
I have applied myself and have attached great value to the brand as a CA(SA). My team
members see this as a competitive advantage over others. I am also an assessor and I try to
give my trainees more than just assistance on achieving their competencies. I try to avail myself
to them for all queries including rotation planning and career advice. I also have grads that
report to me and have offered them the same support.
I am the person in the team who is dependable, and solutions driven. Again, I will reiterate that
there are no problems and only opportunities. By harnessing my knowledge as a CA(SA) I have
been able to merge a formally excluded part of the financial sector who citied religious reasons
for their exclusion. This solution not only touches South Africa but has the potential to reach
into Africa. I have been instrumental to the success of Shari’ah Banking at Standard Bank thus
far and have many plans to continue developing the brand and growing it to reach its full
potential.
In conclusion I am fortunate that I have found myself in a position wherein my work is my

passion and at the age of 29 I have set up a bank within a bank and am living my dream.
DEVELOP
Your impact on your business / unit / division specifically in terms of business grown /
strategies you’ve implemented / how you use your CA skills
• I was integral to the development of an entire Islamic banking window at Standard Bank
which includes:
• Establishing and developing Islamic banking products with focus on:
• IT capability of the products (background functionality)
• Accounting treatment (Frameworks and monthly reporting included)
• Ensuring compliance with all rules and regulations (Banking, Tax, Islamic etc)
• Some of these products were
• South Africa Firsts – Endowment and fleet management products
• World firsts – Diners Shari’ah compliant charge card
• One of the key differentiators of Islamic Banking is the cash from the Islamic bank must
not mix with the conventional bank. I worked closely with the treasury team to develop
and manage this Shari’ah requirement and all its associated risk management. The
solution developed is a Shari’ah compliant funding solution which runs the entire funding
program independently of the larger bank
• In addition, I created processes that manage the following aspects and risks of the Islamic
banking division which include parameters and the strategies to execute to keep these
aspects within the defined parameters. These aspects are:
• Forex risk
• Liquidity risk
• Interest rate risk of the banking book
• Repricing risk
• BASEL monitoring
• Capital adequacy
• Customer pricing and competitor analysis
• Credit risk
• Balance sheet make up
• Endowment hedging strategy for PBB SA to hedge the risk of non-repricing deposits
INFLUENCE
• By developing Islamic banking at Standard Bank, I have included a previously excluded part
of the banking sector who cited religious reasons for their exclusions. Islamic Banking also
promotes ethical decision making and sustainable banking practises that uplift the wider
community
• Part of the team that transformed a creche, Sisonke, from an informal structure to a proper
built structure and changing the toilets from a bucket system to French drains. I encouraged
those in my network to attend fund raisers and ensured we sourced products at the best
prices to keep costs low and maximise our return to the creche
• I offer cash flow management and financial advice to NPOs to assist them better manage
their cash flows
• Assisted in furthering the countries goal of becoming the Islamic Banking Hub of the
continent by making submissions to National Treasury for proposed tax amendments to
accommodate more Islamic banking product constructs
LEAD
• I am a registered assessor. I currently have three trainees on the CA graduate Programme and
beyond meeting them for their SAICA requirements I have taken it on to mentor them to
ensure they get the best from the CA graduate Programme to enable them to start thinking
about their careers long term and what they have to start doing now to achieve their long term
goals
• We have hired three graduates in our team. This was their first jobs so I spent some time
showing them general work skills and tips that will assist them in the future of their careers.
We often have catch ups to discuss any challenges they may be facing by being new in the
work environment and how they can overcome them. One of my graduates has subsequently
been offered a better job and salary that is more aligned to his passions which I have
encouraged him to take rather than to stay in my team even though it’s a great loss for my
team
Ebrahim Tootla
Introduction and Background

I am Ebrahim Tootla, born and brought up in Johannesburg. My family consists of my parents and a
younger sister, my wife and me. I attended Johannesburg Muslim School. My CA(SA) journey started
at University of Johannesburg in 2011. During my first year my dad lost his job, and this left me
needing fund my own studies. In order to do this, I founded a tuition centre teaching high school
students mathematics and doing any odd jobs I could find including carpentry, data capturing and
was an enumerator for the Census 2011. I knew from my first lecture in financial management that I
was going to do my training contract at a bank. Applying for bursaries also seemed like a part time
job since most bursaries came from audit firms. The banks usually would favour an unencumbered
student rather than one who had a bursary from an audit firm. Even though audit firms could offer
me a full bursary I took the hard road to ensure I could pursue the training contract I wanted.
I got a few partial bursaries which assisted by allowing me to focus more time on studying. Every
year at the career fair I would approach the banks for a possible bursary or placement and was told
this was only offered to CTA students. I remained committed to staying in touch with them. Finally,
in my third year Standard Bank relented and allowed me to attend the winter school programme. On
the back of the programme I was offered a training contract and awarded a full scholarship for my
CTA year which was not the norm. CTA was by far the most difficult year of my life. The pressure of
CTA coupled with losing three of my grandparents in three months was taxing. Through God’s grace
and diligence, I completed CTA on my first attempt. A maintained delicate balance between part
time work, full time studies and a few lucky breaks meant that I completed my studies in the
minimum four years.
Training Contract at Standard Bank

Standard Bank is the largest bank in Africa and is over 150 years old. When I was offered my training
contract in my third year, I already knew I was on a path less chosen. However, It was the correct
path for me. Standard Bank offers many opportunities for a wider range of exposure as the rotations
are only three to four months long. The rotations span across the retail, corporate and group
divisions and the exposure given to trainees in all spheres to ensure they understand the whole
Group.
In 2015 I started my training contract at Standard Bank. My first rotation was in Africa Finance. A
team that does the consolidation of the subsidiaries in Africa and the monthly financial reporting.
The countries are split amongst the team. The people wo are in charge of the countries are known as
country champions for the countries they manage. I was country champion for DRC and Zimbabwe
and later was awarded Nigeria which is the largest subsidiary Standard Bank owns and the most
complex to work with.
During my time there I also completed detailed quarter end reporting and reconciled all the IT cost
that was allocated throughout the African Subsidiaries. This was where the CFOs of the countries
needed to attest to the cost they would carry in their financial statements and what would remain
central. It was a large undertaking of reconciling this in 20 countries. This was all in different
currencies and we needed to justify the cost that was not allocated. There were robust discussions
with country managers on allocation where my in-depth knowledge and soft skills were all tested to
ensure the correct outcome was reached.
I moved from Africa Finance to Transactional Products and Services (TPS). The products that are
managed in this space include trade, cash management and overdrafts for corporate clients. Retail
banking finance was my next rotation. My duties in this rotation included mainly Financial reporting.
Following which I went onto external reporting. We completed the 2015 financial statements, SENS
announcement and the abridged results presentation for both Standard Bank South Africa (SBSA)
and Standard Bank Group (SBG). I was the lead amongst the trainees for the Standard Bank Group
financial statements. I had completed majority of the notes to the financial statements as well as a
DuPont analysis of the financial results.
Joining Shari’ah Banking

During my Africa finance rotation there I was introduced to Margin reporting. This was usually done
by a central treasury team however it was in the process of being moved to the Africa Finance team.
This was my first insight to the treasury world. The other item I wanted more exposure to was
Islamic Banking. To my knowledge at that time there was no Islamic Banking offered at Standard
Bank. However, after some networking and useful conversations with people within the bank I
became aware that someone had just pitched the idea to the Group Exco. I Immediately sought out
this person to find that Shari’ah (Islamic Law) banking was still not through all the approval
processes. He was however looking for assistance to launch Shari’ah banking. One of the key
differentiators of Islamic Banking is the cash from the Islamic bank must not mix with the
conventional bank. This necessitates a separate treasury.
I managed to negotiate a role which interlinked my two passions which are Islamic Banking and
treasury management. The second person to join Shari’ah Banking was me which was only a
business concept at that stage. We took this business concept through many approval processes.
After gaining the approvals we dedicated ourselves to develop products which are both Shari’ah
compliant and align to Standard Bank’s values.
Being in a team of two and starting a bank within a bank meant that I did everything. I wrote IFRS
technical papers, Tax papers, product specs, training manuals, marketing material and business
plans. I modelled the banks cash flows, capital budgets for the business plan, risk monitoring models
and even a model of how cash flows in the bank works. I interacted directly with customers to
explain and market our products, developed the training, managed customer queries and built
products. I built products on IT systems and built an entire funding program that is Shari’ah
compliant and managed teams of over 50 people to get these delivered. I presented the papers I
drafted to committees, garnered support and fought for prioritisation for the products. Majority of
these were out of my comfort zone as a CA(SA) as we often find solace in the numbers. I persevered
onward and challenged myself to maximise on the skills I had gained as a CA(SA) outside of the
numbers and to continue learning and challenging myself. I survived CTA so I could survive anything
the world threw at me.
My achievements have been plentiful. The most prominent of which were: being instrumental in the
success of the Shari’ah division, developing the treasury function with its associated risk
management mechanisms and frameworks, proposing tax amendments to National Treasury, being
one of fifty people globally awarded a scholarship to complete Certified Islamic Professional
Accountant (CIPA) at the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions
(AAOIFI) and assisting on structuring Shari’ah compliant Investment Banking and Global Markets
deals. The full extent of these achievements is highlighted in the answers to my questions under
“What are your most recent significant career highlights and achievements?” and under “Motivate
why you should be nominated as a 2020 Top 35 finalist?”
The time between joining Shari’ah and my current role is covered comprehensively in those answers
which talk to the challenges and hurdles we overcame, both internally and within the market.
Current Role in Shari’ah Banking
My current role can be split into 4 distinct parts which I fulfil simultaneously. These are Treasury,
Financial Reporting, Pricing and Solutions Engineering. I fulfil these across Standard Bank Group for
the Shari'ah Division
• Treasury includes management of:

o Capital in terms of BASEL
o Liquidity in terms of BASEL and bank policy
o Asset and Liabilities (balance sheet)
o Funds transfer Pricing (FTP)
o Risk - The risks I manage includes Interest Rate Risk of the Banking Book (IRRBB),
foreign exchange rate risk, commodity, (profit) interest rate, liquidity (cash flow) and
to an extent Shari'ah and credit risk. I am tasked to develop hedging strategies for
these risks and to keep these risks within acceptable parameters.
• Financial Reporting
o Prepare and analyse consolidated Financial statements in accordance with IFRS and
AAOIFI standards
o Budgeting and budget strategy
o Direct and Indirect tax treatments of the products
o Completing the BA900 for the Shari'ah window
o Manage Audit process and engage with external audit for both Shari'ah and
conventional
• Pricing (internal and external)
o Develop and execute pricing strategy for both rate and service fees.
o Analyse competitor pricing to ensure market relevance.
o Manage and approve the preferential pricing while ensuring client and product
profitability.
o Formulate FTP principles between Islamic Banking deposit and lending houses.
o Liaise with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that funding plans and contingent
funding plans are fit for purpose.
o Manage the Islamic Banking funding centre (a central funding unit) that matches
assets and liabilities and separates the funds of the Shari'ah Banking business unit. It
also houses the Shari’ah compliant FTP process.
• Solutions Engineer (Product Owner)
o Develop product end to end which includes origination, product features and befits,
pricing, maintenance and closure for both lending and deposit products which are
on different platforms.
o Responsible for all queries and complaints regarding the products.
o Maintain and assess product health both financially and via IT systems and ensure
customer demand is still being fulfilled.
o Research and develop product enhancements and ensure implementation. Listen to
voice of the customer - implement suggestions made by customer
o Consider customer suggestions and complaints for future amendments.
After four years of perseverance our financial position has surpassed competitors who have been in
the market much longer than us. We are pioneering the market with South African, African and
world firsts. My skills and knowledge as a CA(SA) allowed me to strategically place myself at the
heart of Shari’ah Banking in Standard Bank.
Our team has grown in skills and personnel, leading to us hiring first time graduates. The skills I
gained through my training program and being a Registered Assessor have assisted me to equip
others in my team and my trainees with the skills they need to transition into the workplace. I take
great pride in ensuring that I assist them and avail myself to them especially when it comes to
advising them on difficult decisions. I always set aside time to discuss with the people who work
under me to discuss their aspirations and how they are going to get there. I always remember the
piece of advice that I got when hiring my first staff member which was “Hire someone you will be
willing to work for”. I have seen my trainees and graduates excel to new heights with a great sense
of pride for them knowing some of their backgrounds and challenges they had to overcome.
Throughout my journey I have been blessed that senior executives in bank have supported my
development and trusted me to run this massive portfolio. Barbara Bell who is the CFO of Personal
and Business Banking global is my mentor. She has ensured that I develop the relevant skill set to
manage this portfolio and has assisted me to attain the correct exposure. Also integral to my success
and mentorship was Goolam Ballim who is the group’s chief economist and head of research. He
developed the research skills I needed to do market analysis to assist with risk management. They
have both challenged me to grow tremendously. I was often given tasks that was normally reserved
for those senior to me and I ensured I rose to the challenge and gained the most I could from the
opportunity.
Continued Learning
Continued learning is something that I hold dear to me. To facilitate this, I have completed a Diploma
in Islamic Banking at CIMA. I am currently completing my CIPA at AAOIFI. AAOIFI, established in 1991
and based in Bahrain, is the leading international not-for-profit organisation primarily responsible
for development and issuance of standards for the global Islamic finance industry. It has issued a
total of 100 standards in the areas of Shari’ah, accounting, auditing, ethics and governance for
international Islamic finance. It is supported by several institutional members, including central
banks and regulatory authorities, financial institutions, accounting and auditing firms, and legal
firms, from over 45 countries. Its standards are currently followed by all the leading Islamic financial
institutions across the world and have introduced a progressive degree of harmonisation of
international Islamic finance practices. AAOIFI’s mission is Standardization and harmonization of
international Islamic finance practices and financial reporting in accordance to Shari’ah.
CIPA is the only internationally recognized qualification in accounting for Islamic financial
institutions, catering to all banking, investments, and Takaful (Islamic Insurance) segments. The CIPA
program is intended towards development of, and enhancing of, industry’s human resource
capabilities by developing experts for Islamic finance accounting and financial reporting, audits, and
Shari’ah audits. God willing when I complete this course, I will be the first person in South Africa
accredited with CIPA with this qualification.
CSI involvement
It is always important to remember those less fortunate than us. To this end I have always been
involved in social responsibility projects. The main project was adopting a creche called Sisonke. We
completely altered this center of early childhood development as the pictures at the end of this
write up and in the question, “Share more about the community project/s that you are actively
involved with on a regular basis?” I influence community by speaking about Islamic banking and
advising people on how to keep their finances in accordance with the Shari’ah and assist NPOs with
cash flow management technics and getting their finances in order. These was covered under the
question “Tell us how you have taken initiative to uplift your business community or personal
environment in the recent past
Future
The maxim “There are no problems in life, only opportunities” governs me. Hard work and a never
give up attitude have allowed me to merge a formally excluded part of the financial sector into the
formal economy. This solution not only touches South Africa but has the potential to reach deep into
unbanked Africa which is where my next challenge lies.
Often when I walk into a room people look behind me waiting on the CFO of Shari’ah banking to
walk in and are surprised that its me and how young I am. I was on a panel at IFN (Islamic Finance
News) where this stood out even more as they were all much more senior than me. I see this as
Gods gift to me that I was able to find my passion early in life and use it to spend more time
developing this market. I have many plans for the future of Shari’ah banking in South Africa and
Africa and my foundation as a CA(SA) has been instrumental in providing me with the skill set and
tools to continue this path of learning and developing. At the age of 29 and less than 3 years post
articles I have been instrumental in setting up a bank within a bank. I am working with something
that is my passion and joy. All praise is due to God for granting me this opportunity.
Extracts from the References:

“Notwithstanding his relative youthfulness, Ebrahim has shown himself to be flawless, thorough and
comprehensive in the accounting function, a staple element of his role. He has also, single-handedly,
established and operated the unit’s treasury function.” – Goolam Ballim, Chief Economist
“He did whatever he took on to learn, and always asked for advice leveraging of others’ skills and
knowledge to catapult himself forward by learning from peers, colleagues and senior executives.”
– Ian Putter, Training officer
“Over his time at the bank, most of which has been within the business area that I manage, Ebrahim
has rooted himself as a key member of the team and a positive contributor to the broader Standard
Bank group” – Ameen Hassen, Head Shari’ah Banking
“Toots was one of the first people I met and he has helped me significantly with my professional and
personal development.” – Debbie Dlomo, Shar’iah Graduate Trainee
“His selflessness and commitment to growing young talent has helped me navigate the corporate
space and enabled me to carve my career the way I want to”
– Siyamthando Dyasi – CA(SA) trainee accountant
“At university we learn in theory the values that a chartered account has to embody which seemed
abstract at the time, “integrity, due care, confidentiality, objectivity and professional behaviour”.
However, over the last year and a half you have I’ve witnessed these “abstract” values through my
interactions with you.” – Ulika Baijnath, CA(SA) trainee accountant
“What you have achieved over the years is evidence of the hard work you have put in to realising
your dreams and it really is well deserved recognition!”
– Lauren Penrose, My assessor
“…I have only ever known Ebrahim to act with utmost integrity, commitment and with an exceptionally
high degree of work ethic. “ – Barbara Bell, CFO Personal and Business Banking and mentor
Most Recent Shari’ah Banking awards
Since I have become a finalist of the Top 35 under 35 Standard Bank Shari’ah Banking has won both
“Best Emerging Islamic Window 2020” and “GIFA Excellence Award (Premier Islamic Banking
Services) 2020” from Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA). This makes us the best emerging Islamic
Bank in the world.
Feedback from those instrumental in my success. Reference letters I have from some of my mentors, managers, my trainees, my graduates and my assessor:
CSI Initiative
I am also dedicated to making my passions assist the less fortunate. I was part of a CSI project where we adopted a crèche.
We transformed it from an informal building to a permanent structure with toilets and fridges in such a way that ongoing
costs would be minimal.
We put together event to raise funds for the crèche we adopted

After pictures
Now I also assist non-profit organisations to manage their cash flows to maximise their charity work and assist them with
financial advice. I attend bi-weekly meetings to do cash flow tracking with them as well as develop a long-term sustainable
strategy with the funds they receive from their communities so that their help can reach more people.
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
HENDRIK SPIES
32 years old
FINANCIAL ADVISOR, OLD MUTUAL

Short Profile
Hendrik is proud to be a CA(SA) and certified financial planner. He was born and bred in Malmesbury,
Western Cape, where he now heads up Spies Praktyk, a financial planning practice under Old Mutual
Personal Financial Advice (PFA). His number one goal in life is to help others and make a difference in his
community. Putting a smile on people’s faces is what drives him.
This dynamic young entrepreneur is involved in multiple businesses and projects and he is particularly
passionate about the education and development of South African youth. In 2018, he co-founded and
built a local primary school, Better Beginnings College, with two clients. More than 100 children are
currently being educated at the school and several jobs have been created.
As the head of Spies Praktyk, he has helped develop several top young financial advisers in Old Mutual
PFA. Earlier this year he won the Chairman’s Prize as Old Mutual PFA’s top financial adviser in South
Africa − the youngest person ever to have achieved this.
Hendrik is a natural leader and currently serves as the chairman of Old Mutual PFA’s National Adviser
Forum, leading more than 2 000 advisers and doing his bit to secure a bright future for his profession. He
is also currently one of six finalists in the Financial Planner of the Year Award hosted by the Financial
Planning Institute of Southern Africa − the highest accolade in his industry.
Spies Praktyk has twice been awarded Best Medium Business of the Year by the Malmesbury Chambers
of Commerce. They are involved in a number of local charity projects aimed at serving their community
and influencing those around them positively.
In addition to his love for financial planning, Hendrik is a founding partner of an accounting firm and the
owner of a property company. His success is built on the problem-solving skills and ‘vasbyt’ he learned in
qualifying as a professional.
He is a family man and is married to his college sweetheart with whom he shares three beautiful sons.
Watch video
and achievements?
• 2019 - Youngest ever Nr 1 Adviser Nationally for Old Mutual Personal Financial Advice.
• 2018 - Malmesbury Business Chambers medium business of the year.
• 2018 - National Top 25 Adviser within Old Mutual PFA
• 2017 - National Top 25 Adviser within Old Mutual PFA.
• 2015 - Nr 1 Junior adviser (second year).
• 2014 - Nr 1 Academy (first year adviser).
• 2014 - Qualified as a CA (SA)

I together with 2 other people started a primary school in Malmesbury, educating children for a
better future, roughly about 100 kids in the school (only started in 2018), built the school from
scratch we gave about R3million to R5million of our own money to make sure the school is built.
The school is Better Beginnings College in Malmesbury (Swartland area), Western Cape. Really
proud of the level of education at the school, roughly about 1 to 2 years ahead of the state
schools which is great!! The school will teach from grade RR to grade 7 and we are adding
classrooms (building) on every single year (this year we added 2 more), in total more than 10
rooms at the school, they have a Facebook page and this project is the reasons why I work so
hard, education is very close to my heart!!!
We are also doing some charity work in helping the local newspaper with small educational
snippets that we put into the paper (not under my business name, just to educate people and
help).
recent past?
I am not only involved with the schools, but also young entrepreneurs and the business
chambers in the area. I also helped and gave my resources to coach and establish many
younger advisers. 
 
I am also the Chairman of Old Mutual PFA’s National Adviser Forum, leading more than 2 000
advisers during these times, sharing insight and communicating with management and setting
up the foundation for so many younger advisers (that is the nice thing about the last 3 months,
we went electronically and digital so quickly, I can have meaningful discussions and help
younger advisers anywhere, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Cape Town, rural areas anywhere. I like to keep an
open door policy, where I am available for all juniors who wants to learn from me or whom I can
help.
young leader?
I love to give back to others, and by helping others to achieve their dreams as well... Magic!!!  
 
The feeling you get from helping others is so so special, I crave that!! If I could give all my
money to charity and setting up more schools and projects to help others I would!! If we have
more leaders with open hands, South Africa will prosper!! 
 
I am also constantly in discussions with like minded younger entrepreneurs where we share and
together we uplift other younger entrepreneurs.
Top 35 finalist?
I am a young Dynamo, I work VERY hard (16 hours plus a day sometimes), to only help others, I
serve more than 700 direct clients through my practice, I am involved in the help of so many
older people as well as younger, it is not about me, it is about the amount of people I can help
and assist through my life that matters.
I also through my various business interests (also involved with a new accounting firm in town),
are responsible for round about 15 to 25 families who work for me and the businesses.
DEVELOP
• (My impact on my business, unit, specifically in terms of business growth, strategies I have
implemented and how I use my CA skills.)
• I am the Chairman of the National Adviser Forum for Old Mutual, making sure that more than
2 000 advisers are looked after in the best possible way. I also give insight at Exco meetings
in direction for the future of our industry and business under Old Mutual.
• Being a CA (SA) is one of the biggest achievements of my life. As a CA (SA) you see things in
a different way and are able to help so many businesses in so many ways just because of the
way of thinking and the “vasbyt” that you learn while becoming a CA.
• As a CA (SA), I have been called upon in my business unit and within Old Mutual to help with
some sensitive issues and business directions, where I was able to assist with a team of
people to deliver the needed direction.
INFLUENCE
• I am one of three owners/founders who started Better Beginnings College, a primary school
started in 2018. We built the school from scratch without any debt and as pure charity from
our sides. The value of the school and the company today is more than R5 million and there is
more than 100 kids being educated in the school with numbers growing by the day. Next year
we are also opening Better Beginnings Educare, a centre for kids between 2 and 6. There are
already 26 kids enrolled for 2021. We just love to make a difference in the community and our
children’s lives.
• I served on the Business Chambers management team for multiple years, adding great value
to the Swartland and surrounding areas.
• I also started an alumni and supporters club at Swartland High School as a means to bring
the community together and to support the school financially. More than R100 000 were
utilised in the last few years to better the school and environment of the school for our
children and their future.
• I have a passion for charity and community work, and because of this I am involved in various
community projects – from local old age homes to various schools, and even to the people on
the streets who struggle to put food on the table. I feel that it is my responsibility to give back
to society and serve others in a humble manner. Being humble is something I talk to my staff
about every month. Humility and honesty are the two things that my staff and I value when
talking to people.
• I supply the local newspaper with snippets of financial wisdom which are often published
anonymously to help the community with finances in general.
• During lock-down, my staff and I even bought groceries for several older people in our
community who would be at higher risk for contracting Covid-19. This is just another example
of how we love to help others and go out of our way to assist the community.
LEAD
• I lead the No. 1 practice in Old Mutual Personal Financial Advice, being the youngest ever No.
1 adviser for Old Mutual.
• I am down to earth; an “on the ground” type of leader. I do not see myself as “the boss”. I like
to lead by example.
• Since I started working as a financial adviser, I have taken several junior advisers under my
wing, trained them and supplied them with my office support free of charge. I have done this
to give them a head start in starting their own businesses. I am proud to say that all these
advisers today have their own businesses.
• Within Old Mutual there are many advisers who contact me on a weekly basis to seek advice
on how they should handle situations in their own practices. As a Chartered Accountant, I am
also often asked by fellow advisers to give tax advice. By doing this, I am serving many fellow
CURRICULUM VITAE
Philippus Hendrik Spies

(ID 880624 5062 080)
24 – 06 - 1988
EDUCATION:
2006 - Matriculate at Swartland High School
2009 - Receives the bachelor in accounting degree at Stellenbosch University.
2011 - PwC appoints me on a 3 year contract (articles) – 1 February 2011.
2011 - Receives the honours of bachelor in accounting (CTA) degree at the university of
South Africa (UNISA).
2012 - Passes the board I exam of SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered
Accountants)
2012 - Passed the preparation course APT (Accounting Professional Training) for Board 2 of SAICA.
2012 - Passed the Board II exam of SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered
Accountants)
2014 - Qualifies as a Chartered Accountant (CA) SA on the 31st of January 2014.
2014 - Old Mutual appoints me as a financial adviser - 1 February 2014.
2017 - 2019 - Qualify as one of Old Mutual’s National Top 25 Financial Advisers.
2018 - Won the Malmesbury Business Chambers medium business of the year award.
2019 - Became the chairman of the National Adviser forum within Old Mutual PFA, leading more
than 2 000 advisers.
2019 - Became the youngest ever Number 1 Financial Adviser in South Africa for Old Mutual PFA.
SKILLS:
LEADERSHIP - When I were in school, I was selected on the Representative Council of Learners as a
Prefect (2006)
At university I were in the hostel Wilgenhof, where the entire hostel appointed me as one of
the mentors for the 1st years, this shows that I do have experience in teaching and mentoring
and working closely to help others with their studies. (2010)
I were also appointed as the Hockey and Chess organizer in my hostel, I were responsible for
all the organizing of these events, this included drawing up budgets and negotiating with
others. This shows that I am really organized and very good with admin matters. (2008 – 2009)
ORGANISATION - In my role as representative of the respective sports above, I were in charge of large budgets.
The management of this required careful prioritizing of the many demands on the budget.
I also initiated a project where we as residence helped an underprivileged school to build new
Classrooms, plant grass and help with school funds, I were the sole person in charge and
organized the entire event, like fundraisers and activities (and sponsors), at the end the total
value of this project exceeded R300,000, and this shows that I am able (and willing) to give
more than I receive and that I do have the need to help others. (2009-2010)
COMMUNICATION - I have developed my communication skills during my life and this can be seen by the
Feedback received from various managers and clients, that I do communicate clearly and in a
Positive attitude.
I also like to keep other people positive.
I am very good with admin and communication with others, and this helps a lot to not frustrate
others.
INTERPERSONAL - I worked effectively as a member of various audit teams during my work experience at PwC.
the successful completion of the audits/projects required flexibility and co-operation
amongst the team members.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
School - I were self determined and ran my own entrepreneur “shop” at school during breaks, this
helped me in receiving the prize for the most original shop as a young entrepreneur.
2011 - Appointed on a 3 year contract as a clerk at PwC in Paarl.

During my time at PwC I did Accounting work, as well as Auditing.
2013 - Appointed by UNISA on a 5 year contract as a Tutor after hours.
2014 - Appointed by Old Mutual as Financial Adviser, works with more than 700 clients in my practice.
REFERENCES:
Nardus Smit (084 261 2766) Previous Manager, at PwC

Deon du Plessis (082 304 9812) Sales Manager, at Old Mutual
Corlia Spies (082 809 6595) Mother
Christof Spies (082 454 0669) Father
Work I did at PwC:
• Managing the day-to-day running of audits

• Managing staff, budgets, work-in-progress, and fees recoverable from client
• Being a team player
• Acting with due professional integrity
• Have good communication skills
• Respect of cultural differences/religion/diversities in teams
• Coaching junior staff and supervising their work
• Motivation and encouraging of fellow team members
• Being flexible
• Completing Planning and Completion on client files
• Completing Financial statements & other reporting requirements (eg Reports to Management)
• Reporting to Manager/Senior Manager/Partner as appropriate
PROFESSIONAL CURRICULUM VITAE OF
PHILIPPUS HENDRIKK SPIES
I am a proud South African Chartered Accountant, as well as

a Certified Financial Planner professional.
I am the owner of Spies Praktyk, a financial advisory practice

under Old Mutual in Malmesbury, Western Cape. Spies
Praktyk was named the No. 1 Old Mutual Personal Financial
Advice practice in South Africa for 2019 and currently 1st for
2020 as well.
I am also a founding partner of a Financial Accounting firm in
Malmesbury, Odllac Malmesbury, where we do accounting
and client management mostly in the cloud and with a new way
of looking at financial accounting.
I am also one of three people responsible for founding and
building a primary school from scratch, where today there is
more than 100 kids being educated at this top-quality school,
Better Beginnings College. We are also in the process of
opening Better Beginnings Educare for younger children aged
2 to 6 years old. Both schools focus primarily on quality
education and developing children for a brighter future.
I commenced articles with PWC in 2011 after finishing my

studies at Stellenbosch University, and qualified as a
Chartered Accountant at the start of 2014. Thereafter I
became a financial adviser under Old Mutual.
Professional Qualifications • 2009: Bachelor’s in Accounting Science (University of

Stellenbosch)
& Memberships:
• 2011: Honours Bachelor of Accounting Science
(University of South Africa)
• 2014: Qualify as a Chartered Accountant (South
Africa).
• 2019: Qualify as a Certified Financial Planner (South
Africa).
• Since 2014: Member of SAICA (#2004 0038)
• Since 2019: Member of FPI (#144 658)
Professional Career & • I specialise in all aspects of financial planning.

Expertise: Financial planning is what I love and live for.
• That said, I am also a vivid entrepreneur and have
very high hopes and dreams.
Personal Information & • I am married to Alida Spies, a director at ENSafrica,

Interests the biggest law firm in Africa.
• We have three sons, Christof aged 3 and a half years,
and new premature-born twins, Philip and Hans, who
surprised us at 29 weeks in May 2020.
• I love what I do, and I love to spend time with my
family.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
- 2014: Named National No. 1 Academy (first year) adviser within Old Mutual
Personal Financial Advice
- 2015: Named National No. 1 junior (second year) adviser within Old Mutual
Personal Financial Advice
- 2017: Qualified as a National Top 25 adviser within Old Mutual Personal Financial
Advice
- 2018: Qualified as a National Top 25 adviser within Old Mutual Personal Financial
Advice
- 2018: Spies Praktyk received the Malmesbury Business Chambers Medium Business
of the Year award.
- 2018: Opening of local primary school, Better Beginnings College (with construction
starting in 2017)
- 2019: Awarded the National Chairman’s prize and named No.1 financial
adviser within Old Mutual Personal Financial Advice, the youngest
person ever to achieve this status in Old Mutual.
- 2020: Currently ranked as the No. 1 adviser for Old Mutual Personal Financial Advice.
- 2020: Recognised as one of the Financial Planning Institution’s Top 6 financial
advisers in South Africa for 2020.
- 2020: Recognised as one of SAICA’s Top 35 under 35 years old Chartered
Accountants in South Africa.
BBUSINESS INTEREST IN MORE DETAIL:
- SPIES PRAKTYK OLD MUTUAL PERSONAL FINANCIAL ADVICE MALMESBURY -
Spies Praktyk was founded by my father in September 1981, where he started with nothing
and built it to be a very successful business with about 300 clients and 3 staff members.
I took over from my father in 2016, after which I tripled the business within the first 2 years
and subsequently appointed another 9 staff members to help deliver the exceptional services
that we have become known for.
We manage close to R1 billion worth of assets for more than 700 clients.
We are the No. 1 practice for Old Mutual and we are proud to deliver this level of service to
the communities in South Africa, as we service not only local clients but also international
clients all over the world from Hong Kong to the UAE.
We are also embracing technology, as this will be the future. Many of our meetings with clients
are held electronically on the Microsoft Teams platform, which helps us to be even more
efficient and professional in what we offer.
Being a Chartered Accountant in the financial advisory industry has lifted me above so many
others, not only through the knowledge that I have because of my studies and work towards
a CA, but because of the high regard that South Africans have for Chartered Accountants.
Clients know when they work with me

that they are getting an honest and
ethical SAICA member, a trusted friend
with the needed knowledge to guide
them and help them with their finances.
In 2018 we were dealt some major

blows when some of our dearest
clients, family and friends passed away.
During this time, my team and I at Spies Praktyk realised that we need
to be like a lighthouse for our clients in dark time. This is how our
lighthouse descriptive was born.
We are at our clients’ side in the good as well as the bad times, to help
guide them on their financial journey.
At Spies Praktyk we also believe in keeping a professional image and always upholding the
greatest values. This can be seen in our branding of the company products we use daily. Our
business cards are also printed on recycled paper, mixed with herb and flower seeds, which
means they can be planted. This is our effort to live “greener”.
We have a very professional website at www.spiespraktyk.co.za, as well as a Facebook page.
We are currently the hosts of the annual Business Chambers March Budget Speech event in
Malmesbury, where we arrange some amazing guest speakers like:
- Joey Evans – Overcoming paralysis and conquering the Dakar Rally

- Rusty Labuschagne – Beating Chains
- Dave Mohr – Top Economist for Old Mutual.
Here are some pictures of the more than 300 clients and guests attending the event in 2019 and
2020:
- ODLLAC FINANCIAL SERVICES – MALMESBURY
I am one of two founding members of this exciting new financial accounting firm in
Malmesbury. We started the firm at the beginning of 2020 and the turnover has already
spiked to over R1 million for the first year.
My responsibilities are not operational, but rather client management and directional
management on company decisions. Thomas Bothma, my partner, is responsible for the
daily running of the company and all the compliance that goes along with that.
We are a cloud-based accounting firm; thus, we do not keep any hard copy files that are
not needed.
All documents received in hard copy from clients are scanned into the system where our
program then automatically picks up the date, amount and company name and matches
this to an expense or trial balance account which can then be approved. This saves us a
lot of time and we feel that this is the future of accounting. We want to embrace the
changes and get on top of it as soon as possible.
We like to deliver a more personalised and deeper service than usual firms, in that every
client has a site where they can log into to see their personal documents and files. Clients
are also given their own email domains when signing up.
Six months after opening the firm, we bought a commercial property in Malmesbury and
moved our company into this building, creating a space to expand with employees as
well.
The firm currently employs four people. We plan to appoint two more employees by the
beginning of 2021.
- AHOME PROPERTIES (PTY) LTDD
AHome Properties (Pty) Ltd is a property company which I started back in 2013 when I
was still working under PWC as an auditing clerk.
It was my Chartered Accounting background that inspired me to do more and to seek

opportunities. At the mere age of 25, I bought my first small property for just R160 000 in
Strand, Western Cape.
Today I can say that the company, which I use for all my property investments, owns four
buildings of which two are commercial and bigger properties (above R4 million in value
each).
This property company started out as a hobby and turned out to a very big and successful
business. Currently there is only one person employed to take care of the running and
servicing of all the tenants, but I intend to keep seeking further investment opportunities
and to continue growing the company.
- BBETTER BBEGINNINGS MALMESBURY:
This project is my pride and joy! An idea for charity which started over a cup of coffee
with a client and her husband, turned out to be a very successful and well-run primary
school (and soon to be pre-primary school).
I own one third of the entity which owns the property on which the school is built.
This is how we started in 2017:
This is how it looks today:

Better Beginnings College has seven classrooms. We have no more than 20 children per class
with a teacher and one assistant teacher per class, which means we can get specialised
education over to the children in a much better way.
“BBC”, as we call it, is really our pride and joy! The hugs and messages from thankful parents put
a smile on my face ever time.
We are expanding our school every year by not taking any money out of the school. Instead, we
invest all our income in the school to build more classrooms and to make sure that even when
the founders of the school have passed away, the school can continue.
PICTURES OF FURTHER CHARITY EVENTS THAT I AM INVOLVEDD WITH:
ON A PERONAL NOTE:
- I am a fun, energetic and genuine person.

- I love my family and to spend time with them.
- I am a very big Formula 1 fan.
- I like to travel with my family and value our time together, always
having fun and not taking ourselves too seriously!
FAMILY IS EVERYTHING!
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
MAHOMED SADER
33 years old
 
GROUP FINANCIAL DIRECTOR,
BMW SUPERTECH GROUP
Short Profile
Mahomed has always loved cars. Their design, performance and the excitement they evoke in him is one
of his earliest memories. Thus when he had the opportunity to join BMW Supertech after he completed
his articles in 2012 after a six-month overseas secondment with PwC in Indianapolis USA, it felt to him
like the perfect match.
At that time Supertech was a single, small, privately owned dealership based at an old facility in Durban
South where it had been operating under several owners since 1983. But in the dynamic company owner,
Mr Shabir Tayob, Mahomed found someone with extraordinary drive and ambition which he wanted to be
a part of.
Mahomed joined Supertech Durban in 2012 as the financial manager. In early 2013, the dealership moved
to a much larger purpose-built R100-million facility. The new facility and improved results allowed the
business to grow and create a sound base on which to expand by acquiring additional dealerships in
strategic areas. Mahomed was promoted to the Exco board in the role of CFO in late 2013 and to
financial director a year later, at the age of 27.
In 2015, BMW Newcastle joined the group. Mahomed was involved in all aspects of this and future
acquisitions. Within two years, the dealership was turned around from being the lowest ranked dealer in
the country to winning the prestigious BMW National Dealer of the Year award.
In 2016 Supertech Pinetown was taken over from Bidvest McCarthy and not long after that the local
private BMW bike dealership was also absorbed into the operation. In 2017 the PMB & Shelly Beach
BMW dealerships joined the growing group as well, while 2019 saw the latest BMW dealership
acquisition from a private owner in East London − the first dealership for the group outside KZN.
Mahomed’s latest project that he ran start to finish is a new R160-million state-of-the-art flagship
dealership in Pinetown which opened in 2019.
Mahomed has also led several other unique projects such as acquiring the coveted BMW ‘M’ high-
performance and ‘i’ electric vehicle approvals, as well as rolling out the new BMW ‘future retail’ model
across all dealers. In 2015 he also led a pilot project allowing Supertech Durban to become the first
dealership in Africa to obtain a four-star Green Building Association accreditation for environmental
sustainability.
All told, between 2015 and 2019 the company has expanded from being a single dealership to boasting
six BMW dealerships and three panel shops. Mahomed has been at the heart of this rapid expansion
from the outset. The number of staff employed during this time has also grown from 84 to over 450,
including five CAs(SA) that Mahomed has developed and trained. Group revenues have grown in this
period from R426 million to over R2,6 billion.
The group runs several charitable projects each year such as the Winter Warmth and Toy-drive
campaigns, as well as local school feeding initiatives which have been very successful and are close to
Mahomed’s heart.
Watch video
and achievements?
I became a Group Director at 27 years old. I started with the Supertech Group in October 2012
as my first job after articles at 25 years old as a Financial Manager when we had one
dealership, one panel shop and 100 staff. Today we have 6 Dealerships (excl Motorrad and
Mini), 3 Panel Shops and over 500 employees. I have been instrumental in this growth strategy.
I also completed the design and construction of our new flagship dealership facility in Pinetown
during 2019 which was a R150,000,000 project that I oversaw from start to finish personally.

The Supertech Group participates in annual community initiatives which the directors
spearhead. This includes winter warmth drives, toy drives and in 2020 we are doing a massive
COVID PPE drive for local hospitals and clinics. 
recent past?
The Supertech Group prides itself by employing local. In particular we have supported Mzansi
Cleaning services for several years which employ 80 cleaners and washbay staff for various
sites.
young leader?
I am a Digital Innovation Intrapreneur at the largest bank in Africa and I am also a Tech Start-Up
Entrepreneur. In my Intrapreneur role I am currently leading a team with individuals who have
diverse backgrounds and experience. In my entrepreneur role I successfully gather and lead
very talented individuals by providing inspiration about endless possibilities whilst encouraging
them to be themselves and be the best at whatever they do. 
young leader?
I have regular contact with the majority of staff in the group by visiting all 9 operating sites on a
revolving four-week roster and speak to the majority of staff and teams personally to promote
their buy-in and positive mindsets. I have also presented several sessions for young CA's and
businesses on invitation by Price Waterhouse Coopers and the local Minara Chamber of
commerce as well as at several events in the past such as KZN Top Business and our various
dealership and vehicle model launch events.
Top 35 finalist?
I believe that I should be considered for this finalist spot for a number of factors; 
 
I am passionate about our company brand and products, I am highly motivated and ambitious
and extremely dedicated to both the CA(SA) designation as well as my employer and brand. I
have only had one post-articles job and worked by way up to the highest position possible of
Group Director within two years from my initial Financial Manager position that I was hired for. I
have helped to grow the business from 1 dealer to 6 and 1 panel shop to 3 as well as turnovers
from R424M in 2012 to around R2BN in 2019 which includes an increase in staff from 100 to
almost 500. I have successfully implemented and completed many unique 'special projects' as
detailed in my CV as well. I was the first CA(SA) in the group and we now employ four CA(SA)'s
full-time, all of whom I have trained personally.
DEVELOP
• I personally feel very strongly about Development, be it within my physical community or the
staff within our group of companies or the Accounting community. I was a formal tutor at
university for four years as well as during my time at PwC during my articles which
demonstrates this. I love teaching and giving people new skills.
• Through continuous effort this has become part of our culture at work and is driven by HR
where we always advertise positions internally first and promote from within (with a
development plan for each staff member and training provided in-house)
• This also led to us creating our own internally managed MERSETA-Accredited training center
in Durban two years ago, at great expense.
• I have personally trained 5 CA(SA)’s that we currently have employed with our group as well
as dozens of Financial Managers and controllers during my 8 years with the Supertech Group
as well.
INFLUENCE
• I believe that I have a very positive influence with everyone I meet due to my upbringing, my
previous experience as well as my position within our Group which allows me to interact with
a very large number of people, be it staff of which we have over 400 as well as many
suppliers, BMW SA & BMW Finance, customers, companies in many regions where we have
our 6 Dealerships which we visit on a weekly basis.
• I always to my best to positively influence everyone I meet in any way possible, the
circumstances are different for each interaction depending on the situation.
• Care always needs to be taken regarding negative influence or unintended influence over
people and staff which can happen by setting a bad example through your actions (which
affects the culture around you) as well as not giving staff of people enough space and
authority to make decisions and grow their confidence and abilities. I constantly re-assess my
interactions to try detect and correct these cases if they occur, but it starts with self-
awareness.
LEAD
• One of my core beliefs is leading by example and treating others how you would like to be
treated.
• There are only two active Directors within our Group, myself as FD and our MD and due to the
Covid challenges we have cut down our top level of management in terms of Dealer
Principals to two as well. So with four of us leading the entire R2BN+ group, we have to lead
very dynamically and strongly. Problem solving, customer-focus and agile decision-making is
key, particularly due to the competition in our industry and the prevailing market condition
over the last few years especially.
• I love to follow the idea of ‘teaching someone to fish’ instead of ‘giving them the fish’. I feel
that this is a core part of leadership and also links to the Development theme above.
Mahomed Sader
Group Financial Director : Supertech Group
SAICA TOP35u35 2020

Judging Pack Information
Supertech Durban has
History of the Group been one of the historic
icons and landmarks of
Durban since 1983.
The old premises was

located in a small
4000sqm premises on
South Coast Road in
Durban.
When I joined the group

in 2012, this was our only
dealership premises with
annual turnover of
R424M.
Executive Active
Directors
• Group Chairman & Owner : Shabir Tayob

(non-operational)
Ubaid Tayob Shabir Tayob
• Group Managing Director : M Ubaid Tayob
(full-time, operational)
• Group Financial Director : Mahomed Sader

(full-time, operational)
Mahomed Sader
I drafted and executed all sale and share
agreements for Shabir Tayob purchasing 100%
of the company from previous shareholders as
my first task in November 2012 which was a
R150M transaction
Headed new state of the art Supertech Durban

dealership project & move in 2013 (100M
investment) as well as led the Flagship
Pinetown Dealership project from start to
finish in 2018/2019 (R160M investment)
The Group has grown
• In March 2015 Supertech Newcastle (with
a panel shop) was purchased from a
private owner and Supertech became a
Group for the first time.
• In April 2016 Supertech Pinetown joined
the Group, purchased from Bidvest
McCarthy (with the BMW Motorrad Bike
franchise purchased shortly thereafter
from a private owner).
Supertech PMB
• Pietermaritzburg and Shelly Beach joined
the group in November 2017, purchased Supertech Shelly Beach
from a rival BMW group (SMG). A new
panel shop was designed and set up from
scratch in PMB in April 2019.
• Supertech East London was purchased
from a private owner in March 2019
which has made the group 6 dealerships
strong with a Motorrad bike dealership
and 3 Panel Shops.
Headed the project for the first i Dealer & M Dealer
subfranchises in the country as well as the first Green Building
Association 4-star rating for any Dealership in Africa. Also the
new BMW SA global design language renovations for ‘Future
Retail’ sales process and IT upgrades.
Supertech Durban Supertech East London
Supertech Newcastle
Supertech Durban Supertech Pinetown
Supertech PMB, Newcastle

& Durban Panel Shops
SA Tayob Supertech Group Training Academy :
This recent initiative is a R7M Merseta-Accredited training

academy for the Supertech Group and the community as a whole
where free courses will be offered to disadvantaged community
members and the local motor industry.
2018 & 2019 Toy Drives
• In November 2018 and again in
November 2019, Supertech collected well
over 7,000 toys (2,000 in 2018 & 5,000 in
2019) from staff & customers (including
Supertech’s large contribution) which was
donated to terminally ill children across
KZN.
• Both customers & staff banded together

to spread joy to these sick kids and brought
thousands of smiles to their faces.
Winter Warmth Campaigns

• In June 2019, Supertech collected well
over 1000 blankets from staff & customers
(matched 1 for 1 by Supertech) which was
donated to more than 30 homes & NGO’s.
It was a great effort to bring some warmth
to the less fortunate.
• We are looking forward to the current

2020 Covid-19 fundraiser that we are busy
with.
• These campaigns are in addition to the

large cash donations we do every year on
behalf of the directors and company.
External Financial audits and BBBEE
• All 6 dealerships within the Supertech Group are audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers which are one of the largest and most stringent audit
firms globally. We have had clean reports every year with no problems.
• The Supertech Dealerships have also always maintained their BBBEE compliance
statuses historically which is important to us in terms of national transformation.
Innovation & New Business Activities
The Group has had many innovations (and proposed innovations) that
differentiate us from other motor vehicle dealers.
Some of these are:
• Green Building 4 Star Rating
• SSS & Titan summits
• Group Media Team & Joy Mag
• Parts direct hotline systems
• Isetta Bar Restaurants
• Shoe shine machine & massaging chairs
• Redesigned Group website & Smart phone application
• SAT Training academy
• Supertech Black Loyalty Program
• Watercrest Brand Store in Hillcrest
• Group Billboard between DBN and PMB
• Integrated Kemayu SPA franchises at Flagship Dealerships (DBN & PTN)
• New Supertech Group Warrantees being finalised
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
PRECIOUS MDLALOSE
34 years old
 
SENIOR ASSOCIATE, INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Short Profile
‘If I were to caption a book about my life it would be Stories of a life of purpose,’ says Precious Mdlalose.
Her choices of work from the moment she qualified as a CA(SA) was to seek a life of purpose. She was
drawn to the public sector because she wanted to be a representation of service excellence in public
sector, particularly because of the far-reaching developmental impact in contrast to corporate. She
worked in male-dominated industries such as mining, automotive and financial services for both SMEs
and JSE-listed companies, providing interventions that require disruptive innovation and strategic
thinking. Her life ideology is to strive for excellence and with a particular focus on making a
developmental impact; given the IDC’s mandate, it was a perfect fit.
She used her time at IDC to train and mentor CA(SA) trainees with an emphasis on excellence and
leadership through servitude. Her contribution to CA(SA) training resulted in being nominated for the IDC
award for mentorship. She extended her CA(SA) skills to the corporate sphere through her seat on the
board of two venture capital companies, one of which is at research phase for nano technology. ‘I am
proud to be a black female representative on these predominantly male boards and my aim is to further
illustrate that women are formidable corporate participants and have both the intellectual and leadership
qualities to contribute,’ says Precious.
‘My contribution to the growth of my peers in the GIBS MBA 2017 cohort was just as fulfilling as my own
personal growth,’ she continuous.
‘I was able to engage with people of different backgrounds showing that the transition from interacting
with blue-collar workers to CEO of a JSE-listed business comes naturally.’ She completed the first year
of the MBA cum laude and won the award for the best overall student for customer-centric strategy. ‘This
specific award is in line with my passion for service excellence and innovative strategic thinking for
business solutions.’
While completing her MBA, she started an online bookstore with a group of four inspirational women. The
bookstore is the first of its kind in South Africa; they showcase books with protagonists of colour in all 11
official languages. The focus on protagonists of colour is to expand the current children’s book offering to
ensure that diversity prevails. Their goal was to make reading an integral part of early childhood
development in order to improve self-esteem, tolerance of diversity and literacy. They have collaborated
on a project with the Otto Foundation to source books for the Sunflower Learning Centre for the children
of Zonnebloem Girls’ and Boys’ Primary schools. They also collaborated with the National Arts Council to
bring authors to the townships across Gauteng for book-reading sessions.
‘My life has been a conscious pursuit of purpose and excellence,’ she says.
Watch video
and achievements?
• I completed my MBA in 2017, with an award for best student in customer centric strategy. i
completed the first year thereof Cum laude.
• I have been promoted into the Significant investment department to engage and look after
complex and strategic investments at IDC.
• I was nominated for a IDC star award for leadership and mentorship for my role in mentoring
CA trainees as well as overall point of assistance to my colleagues and team.

I and 4 of my friends started a company called Ethnikids. It is a online book store that focuses
on bringing diversity to childrens' books by showing protagonists of colour. Books are
available in all 11 official languages and encourage embracing ones ethnicity and that of others.
Representation is a very important part of shaping who children become and the role they play
in their community. It was important for us to ensure that all children learn that they matter, and
that there are people of all shades that contribute positively in the world.  
 
The company is not just an online book store but we conduct monthly books readings at local
libraries, we invite local authors to share their stories with children and manifest a love for
reading. Reading is linked to higher literacy and general openness to exploring and
acceptance. 
recent past?
Ethnikids partnered up with the Otto foundation to create a the Sunflower Learning centre for
the children of Zonnebloem Girls’ and Boys’ Primary schools. This learning centre has a diverse
offering of books and characters in all 11 official languages.  
 
Ethnikids started a Kasi tour where we visited libraries in under privileged communities such as
Alexander, Orlando west, Mamelodi etc. These tours were in partnership with the Department of
Arts and Culture and book dash.  
 
Ethnikids believes that the spread of reading to our communities will encourage children to
want more for themselves and be inspired to do more.
young leader?
I believe your actions speak louder than your words, I am a mentor in my job as well as in my
community. My nomination for a star award for mentorship show the appreciation from my
organisation and colleagues of my efforts.
 
I was nominated by my peers for an award for mentorship, this was for both my contribution to
CA trainees but to my team and colleagues in general. 
Top 35 finalist?
My qualification was not just a stepping stone for me but a bridge to help other people out of
their own situations. I want young children to understand their own potential and power and to
become the leaders our community so desperately needs.
 
I have done this through rolling up my sleeves and going to the places others do not delve. I
truly believe children are the agents of change and in order to make a great impact on our
comunity in general it is important to equip the children and guide them.  
 
I do not only carry this ethos in my community but in my profession as well, I was nominated for
a star award at IDC for mentorship role. I am always willing and ready to assist not just CA
trainees but my colleagues and team in general.  
 
I chose to work in the public sector to change the mindset that the public sector lacks skills and
competence. There are a great deal of people who give themselves to not just an economic
calling but a developmental mandate as well.
 
I believe you are what you do, and I aim to continue being an example and a motivation to
people in my profession and the community. 
DEVELOP
• I conduct CA(SA) Training to TOP candidates for sign off annually.
• I mentor
INFLUENCE
• I started the online bookstore that focuses on protagonists of colour and South African
indigenous languages for children under 11 years.
• I organize monthly library readings (Pre-COVID) and online reading sessions, to meet the
author and engage the reading material. This is an interactive session to make reading part of
recreation and create opportunities for non-structured learning.
• I conduct CA(SA) Training to TOP candidates for sign off annually.
• I engage in opportunities to inform strategy at IDC by being part of strategy groups who map
out Industry strategy.
LEAD
I purposefully chose to work in private sector to continue ensure CA(SA) knowledge and
expertise are used in this high developmental
9/23/2020 1. Ethnikids website About Us – Ethnikids
 s  
About us
Ethnikids is an online bookstore specialising in children's books that feature characters of colour
in various South African languages! We are passionate about igniting a love of reading in our
children, and providing diverse material that more children can relate to and identify with. We
have the widest selection of local and international books featuring protagonists of colour in
South Africa.
Who are we?
https://ethnikids.co.za/pages/our-story 1/3
9/23/2020 About Us – Ethnikids
Ethnikids was founded by 5 moms! After years of searching for books with characters that look
like our children (without much luck), we set out to to find books that have protagonists of colour,
from all corners of the world and bring them to you! Our mission is to empower the African child
by exposing them to diversity in the books they read!
Add diverse children's books to:
- Your Home
- Your School
- Your Library
Chat to us for recommendations.
Let your little boys and girls join in the fun!
https://ethnikids.co.za/pages/our-story 2/3
Project Summary Kasi Book Reading Tour
1. General Project Information

Project Name: Gauteng Kasi Book Reading Roadshow
*A full project plan is also available and can be requested from the project team.
2. Project Team
Project Role Name Department Telephone E-mail
Project Manager: Mpho Maje Project Management 0767982368 mpho@ethnikids.co.za
Team Members: Khumo Tapfumaneyi Marketing & Advertising 0823951785 khumo@ethnikids.co.za
Tina Akuoko Financial Management 0835809617 tina@ethnikids.co.za
Precious Molete Event management 0836840489 precious@ethnikids.co.za
3. Project Overview
Project Description
South Africa was recently ranked last out of 50 countries in an international survey measuring childhood literacy levels. It was found
that roughly 80% of Grade 4's cannot read for comprehension in any language. We don't believe that there are children who don't like
to read, we think that there are only children who haven't found the right book. Our mission is to ignite a love of reading in our
children. And to provide them with materials that resonate with them. Ethnikids would like to make reading fun for children by bringing
the books to life with 'Meet the Author / book reading' sessions. These book reading sessions will include an entertainer (magician) and
the chosen authors who will then read their books to the children. Ethnikids will be hosting these book readings in 5 townships all
around Gauteng. These books will feature characters of colour that they can identify with and have stories that they can relate to. This
will not only encourage love for reading but will also promote self-love.
Project Purpose
The purpose of this project is to addess a social need. As stated above, South Africa is faced with low literacy levels in children. This
affects the daily lives of these children and often jeopardizes their future. This has a significant effect on societies, both socially and
economically.
aim is to ignite a love of reading in children by making it fun and also affirm and empower children with material that they can identify
with and relate to. Ethnikids wants more children to be excited about reading and have more access to great diverse storybooks. We
to become national household names as we give them access
to a bigger platform and different audiences.
Objectives (in business terms)
The main goal for the project is to plan and execute book readings in different Gauteng townships in 2019. The following objectives will
ensure that this goal is achieved:
To organise a book readings at Eldorado Park on the 19 January 2019, Tembisa on the 23 February 2019, Soweto on the 6 April 2019,
Mamelodi on the 29 June 2019, Alexandra on the 27 July 2019.
Customers
1. Primary Customers: Children aged 4 8 and/or Primary Schools up to Grade 2

2. Secondary Customers: Parents or guardians accompanying children
Submitted by: [Mpho Maje] Page 1 of 3

Project Summary Kasi Book Reading Tour
High-level Requirements
1. The book readings to be held at Eldorado Park, Tembisa, Soweto, Mamelodi and Alexandra
2. The book readings to take place in 2019
3. Target audience number of children is 100 for each area
Project Milestones
1. Create project team and finalise project plan 29 November 2018

2. Kick-off meeting December 2018
3. Launch advertising and promotion campaing for the book readings January 2019
4. Have the book readings January until July 2019
Major Risks
Risk Likelihood Risk Rating

(Hi, Med, Lo) (Hi, Med, Lo)
1. Limited budget Med High
2. Limited resources High High
3. Timing risk Medium Medium
4. Weather Medium Medium
5. Lack of buy-in from Customers High High
4. Marketing Strategy
The book readings will be promoted via social media pages and in local newspapers and radio stations. The promotion of these book
readings is important as we want these sessions to be well attended and that we generate sufficient hype and excitement around
people attending.
5. Stakeholders
Stakeholder Interest in Project
Ethnikids This project allows Ethnikids to reach and serve more children across Gauteng
The children will benefit by getting to experience books coming to life! Ethnikids hopes this will spark a love
Children
for reading in children.
Parents, Schools and
The project will give parents, schools and libraries easy access to diverse, inclusive books.
Libraries
The communities will have free, family-friendly entertainment to attend on a Saturday morning. Public
Communities
facilities will also be publicised and utilised
The authors will benefit from having a greater platform. These book readings will enable access to markets for
Authors
the authors that would not have the opportunity otherwise.
The entertainers will benefit from having a greater platform. These book readings will enable access to
Entertainers
markets for the entertainers that would not have the opportunity otherwise.
Submitted by: [Mpho Maje] Page 2 of 3

Zonnebloem – Library book sourcing
Ethnikids sourced a majority of the books for the Sunflower learning center funded by the Otto Foundation.
“The Sunflower Learning Centre, which includes the library, and Community Keepers Centre, providing
fulltime psycho-social counselling support, were both opened on Tuesday April 25, 2017. The new library
is fully equipped with 4 000 books, printing facilities and a wi-fi hotspot, which will allow e-learning to take
place. It was funded by the Otto Foundation and The Bookery………Both new centres at the school are
situated close to the Shine Literacy o􀁷ice which will be collaborating with the library on projects to help
boost literacy and a love of reading among Zonnebloem pupils” - Southern Suburbs Tatler By Athina May
Reference Precious Mdlalose
Precious is one of a kind. She incapsulates the qualities needed both in a leader and a team member
and shifts seamlessly between these roles. I had the pleasure of studying with her for two years during
our MBA and saw Precious grow both in intellect but also in her ability to expand from a historically
CA financial background into someone who could fit into any debate, conversation or presentation.
I am not over exaggerating when I say that everyone wanted Precious on their team, her fiery
determination to succeed and win at any task matched with her innate humility, sense of humour and
creativity was a force to be reckoned with. Precious always came up with the new idea and it was not
only often what was adopted but was viable and well thought through. We quickly discovered on the
course that having a solid base in finance was a huge asset, Precious used this not only to advance her
only learning and excel in all her classes but to support others especially those not as financially
literate. This is a skill that will be hugely valuable in an office environment where bringing everyone in
the room on a journey is crucial. Precious managed to translate technical speak into the most basic of
concepts and this was incredibly powerful.
Precious managed to balance leadership of her team on projects with a firm hand while making
engagement fun and everyone feel like they had a say. We often worked all night to deliver on projects
and Precious was not only the one hunched in front of the computer delivering but the cheerleader
making sure everyone was ok and on track with their work.
I have seen Precious operate in various countries working with colleagues across China and the US
delivering projects in different environments and engaging with audiences from CEO’s to Professors.
She is respected and engaging with people of every background finding it easy to transition from
talking to blue collar workers waiting to get a taxi home to the CEO of a JSE listed business. Her
professionalism and warmth carried through in every circumstance.
I would have Precious on any team in any environment and she is a huge advocate for the way a CA
should be in the future, inspiring, engaging and creative. She would be an amazing CEO and would
earn the respect of any team she decides to lead
Daniella Lynch
Head of Major Projects
Pick n Pay
19Fredman Drive, Sandown, 2196
P O Box 784055 Sandton 2146 South Africa
Tel: 011 269 3000
Fax: 011 269 3116
www.idc.co.za
13 August 2020
Attention:
Top 35-Under-35 Conditions
Precious Molete is currently employed as a Senior Associate in our Subsidiary and Significant
and investment department at the IDC. Prior to that she was a Senior Associate in the Portfolio
Management department. In both roles, her responsibilities were to support our investee
companies with growth strategies and with ensuring that they perform at their best to achieve
both developmental and financial outcomes.
Precious is a very dedicated professional, her strengths lie in the following key areas:
 A very high level of attention to detail;
 She is great listener and can turn ideas into something tangible in a short space of
time
 Delivery focused and a great respector of timelines
 She communicates succinctly with people at all levels, whether by presenting or just
by sharing ideas or messages
 The ability to multi-task very well, without affecting the quality of her work.
These are some of her great qualities that I have experienced in the time that I have worked
with Precious.
As a qualified CA with an MBA, Precious is not only able to understand numbers, but she can
use the knowledge and experience she has gained over the years to solve real problems in
business. Her role at the IDC allows her to work across multiple sectors of the South African
economy, ranging from the Steel Sector to the financial services sector. She has proven to
be versatile across the range of responsibilities that we have allocated to her.
I would recommend Precious as a very strong contender for this award due to how she is
applying her skills daily to influence others (peers and customer) and continuing to be a strong
leader within the IDC and with our business partners.
Yours faithfully
Lucretia Khumalo
Divisional Executive: Customer Support and Growth
Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited Reg.No. 1940/014201/06
Directors: B A Mabuza (Chairperson), T P Nchocho (Chief Executive Officer), P Mthethwa, L I Bethlehem, N P Mnxasana, B Dames, N D B Orleyn, R M Godsell,
Dr S Magwentshu-Rensburg, A Kriel, Dr N E Zalk
Group Corporate Secretary: P B Makwane

To Whom It May Concern
I am extremely pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Precious Mdlalose. Precious and I
are co-founders of Ethnikids, which is an online bookstore that sells children’s books. In the time that
I have worked with Precious, I have found her to be a very hardworking professional. One of the
reasons why Ethnikids successfully overcame the challenges associated with the start-up stages, is our
ability to work so well together. Precious’ ability to plan a strategy and make sure that it is
implemented accurately and quickly have contributed immensely to Ethnikids’ success. One of the
main reasons that Precious and I have been successful in growing the business is her ability to give her
utmost best into every detail of all the projects we executed.
During the years that we worked together, I have had the opportunity to observe her interpersonal
style. Precious is a pleasant individual who is reliable, dedicated and enthusiastic. Precious is also a
natural leader whose communication and organisational skills are exceptional. I fully recommend
Precious for the Top 35 under 35 as I am positive of her ability to be an influential young professional
who is continuously striving to improve in all aspects of her life. If you have any further questions with
regard to her abilities, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards
Mpho Maje
Ethnikids Co-founder
0767982368
To: Top-35 Under-35 Competition
Date: 13 August 2020
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please receive herewith my reference for Precious Mdlalose for the top-35 under-35
competition.
Precious has influenced my life both personal and professional in a remarkable way.
She assisted me with both professional work and studies during my Master of
Business Administration (MBA). She was my mentor during the entire MBA journey!
Precious is an ambitious, diligent, smart, hardworking and determined woman which
characters have seen her through her professional life.
Furthermore, she assisted and provided guidance on some transactions at IDC. Her
diverse local and cross-border knowledge is an asset to whichever task she is faced
with. She is professional in all her engagements and always scarifies her time to help
others. A selfless woman who goes beyond the call of duty. She thinks outside the box
and is a solutions seeker. She has great interpersonal skills and is a pleasure to work
with her.
She portrays values of professionalism and leadership including accountability,

supporting all members requiring support, recognises their efforts, contributes towards
the development of others and encourages them where necessary. Precious is just a
consistent high performer and drives a culture of high performance. She is such a
pleasure to work with and displays qualities of an excellent and competent Leader!
It is my wish and hope that she succeeds in the top-35 under-35 competition and in
turn without doubt she will work towards the manifestation of its vision.
With kind regards,
Sizakele Madlala.
PRECIOUS MDLALOSE
CA WITH A HEART AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD
I do not know anyone more worthy of recognition for a global award and even more, than
Precious Mdlalose. In this instance her standing in SAICA and the principles I know the Institute
stands for, speaks volumes.
I have been Precious’s colleague and peer for a little over 8 years. My experience with
Precious has been one of excellence and unwavering professionalism in her work and beyond.
No task has been too high or beneath for her to run with and fulfil.
Her work in the IDC, Investment Monitoring and Significant and Subsidiaries Investment
Department inspires me and I believe most of our colleagues in the institution.
Precious has flawlessly carried her accountant role whilst being able to carry out the
developmental mandate and issues that require a global view.
Whilst in her IDC and developmental role, she successfully started and completed her MBA and
founded a well renowned company, Ethnikids1, with a group of women that became a voice for
the importance of reading in all languages including the mother tongue.
I believe that I am not alone in my praise of Precious and her all-rounded excellence.
She is a worthy a recipient of an accolade that speaks to professionalism, development and
balanced treasure.
1
https://ethnikids.co.za/
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
DIVYESH JOSHI
35 years old
 
GENERAL MANAGER:
FINANCE, MTN SOUTH AFRICA
Short Profile
‘There is no limit to what the human mind can achieve.’ This single thought, lovingly instilled in Divyesh’s
mind by his grandmother from a young age, has been the core of his work ethic and ambition. Always
driven to do more and do better, at the age of 27 Divyesh was among the youngest to be put into the
partnership process at PwC. Taking a decision which others may have deemed insane, he decided to get
some commercial experience and joined MTN. A year later, at 28, he was the youngest general manager
at MTN South Africa and the first recipient of MTN SA CEO’s Award for Aspirational Leadership. At the
time he managed a team of some 15 functional areas and 500 staff members, and he credits the diverse
skills one learns as a CA(SA) as being a major contributor to his success.
Listening to and understanding the perspectives of others and giving people the space to try are the
qualities he learned from the life of his beloved guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Divyesh applies these
lessons daily in leading his teams at work as well as at the BAPS Swaminarayan temple where he chairs
the temple management committee. The activities of the temple are a beacon of development, support
and comfort to the community. The temple brings the community together on a weekly basis, feeds
hundreds of people, creates platforms for development of children, teenagers and women alike, provides
both social and spiritual learning and, most importantly, offers a shoulder of support in difficult times like
the present.
Innovation and constant learning are also close to his heart. ‘It is my firm belief that there is no situation
in which one cannot innovate. In my experience, it has not been the single billion-rand idea but the
countless thousand-rand ideas that have made all the difference. And those are certainly not in short
supply. If we just nurture the talent around us, give them some time, and invest in the relationship, then
there are very few stars that will not take the opportunity to shine.’ With this philosophy, Divyesh drives
his team to deliver solutions which have saved the company millions and inspire individuals’ confidence
in their own abilities.
Not only a student for life but also a passionate teacher, Divyesh takes every opportunity to lecture both
academically and spiritually.
Watch video
and achievements?
• Youngest person to be offered partnership at the time in PwC (Age 27)
• Youngest person to be made General Manager at MTN (Age 28)
• Implemented Fingerprint biometric solution making MTN the first Telco is SA to use this Fraud
prevention solution
• First recipient of the MTN Aspirational Leadership Award
• Created and manage Financial Analytics programme at MTN
• Successfully implemented IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 solutions - First Telco in SA to do a full

retrospective application
• Successfully designed and implemented a new vetting and decisioning engine
• Highest Sustainable Engagement score from all General Managers in MTN
• First to pilot Geolocational credit acquisition and management strategy

I am currently the Chair of the Pretoria BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir (Temple) and Community
center. The center performs various socio spiritual activities, including but not limited to:
- weekly gatherings for Children, Teens, Youths and Adults.
- weekly feeding of full vegetarian meals to all attendees
- public speaking, singing and music lessons
- Gujarati classes
- Health drives, blood drives
- Relief efforts - most notably Covid-19 at present
recent past?
The most recent would be the relief efforts co-ordinate by my Temple Management Committee
to support the communities affected by Covid. Of the community and some 200 congregants,
many are indigent, unable to read or understand english, and do not have good access to
medical care. The committee set up a number of plans to assist the community. These include:
• Weekly (or bi-weekly dependent on need) distribution of fresh fruit and vegetable parcels
• Setting up an emergency hospital transport service
• Setting up an information and support team who remains in contact with the affected
individuals and helps them in every way
• Set up of a quarantine site Purchase, sharing and sanitisation of necessary medical

equipment and PPE
• Preparation of essential medication to be kept at each home in preparation of Covid
• Funeral arrangement and support
Some two weeks into our launch, we had already dealt with an outbreak of 20 people in the
community and helped contain this outbreak through the measures put in place.
young leader?
In my career and in my personal life I have been fortunate to have come across many unique
and highly effective leaders. Many of whom I call role models. From them I have forged a style
leadership which works for me. From the example of my spiritual Guru Pramukh Swami
Maharaj, I learned that as a servant leader one must put others forward, one must speak in a
manner which is encouraging and not disparaging, I learned that I should allow my teams to
innovate, even they make mistakes, I learned that one must keep a broad and open mind and
not bicker over small matters. Most of all I learned that it is not ME who will grow and be
effective through all of these lessons, but US.
My team will attest that I am ever available to listen to their challenges, and to challenge them
to grow. I live my philosophy and never allocate work which I have never tried out myself. The
element I strive hardest to live is this example.
Top 35 finalist?
For years I have followed SAICA’s Top35 under 35 in absolute of the profiles and the
achievements of my young and talented peers.
My story, starts out likely many others who have climbed the rocky mountain on the journey to
becoming a CA.I grew up in Limpopo in the small town of Louis Trichardt. My dad was a
salesman at an electronics store and mum was a housewife. These two together with my
grandmother were my first role models and sacrificed all they had to make sure I got a great
education.
They left me with 3 indelible lessons which I keep with me until today.
• First they taught me to believe in and work towards a cause which is bigger than myself
• Second, they taught me that there is no substitute for kindness, integrity and hard work
• And Finally, that there is no limit to what the human mind can achieve.
I never really did consider myself to ever be suitable for such an accolade. After all much of my
time is spent in solving problems and developing people. That is until I received a message
from one of the graduates in the Financial analytics graduate programme which I run, a few
days ago.
The context is that the two us us had just concluded a project which had very significant
implications for MTN. We had to build a financial model which in truth neither of us knew how
to. But we put our heads together and with my experience and her incredible intelligence we
came up with an answer that won the day.
She wrote me a message saying how much she had learned from me and how much she
admired by leadership. I was touched by the absolute sincerity of her words. The truth is that in
this world it may sometimes feel that it is the big idea people, or the big title people or the big
pay cheque people who get recognised. But her simple sentiment reminded me that there is an
important place in this world for those who spend their lives developing others.
And so I hope that should I be successful in my nomination, others like myself who spend their
time watering the mighty oaks, will know that their contributions matter and do not go
unnoticed.
After all, titles, money and big ideas even may fade eventually, but the positive impacts we
make on others lasts a lifetime.
Thank you once again for considering my nomination.
DEVELOP
• Developed and implemented an organisation wide governance and decision making
framework which has cut decision making time down by 60% and has saved in excess of
60,000 hours in the organisation
• Conceptualised and implemented an End-to-End fully integrated ERP solution which

processes some 4000 transactions per month of value in excess of R4,5 billion without any
human intervention
• Designed and implemented a bespoke new vetting decisioning system which is responsible
for vetting of the companies 3,1 million postpaid customers. The solution has increased
acquisition by 52% and reduced credit risk.
• Designed and implemented various system innovations to digitise and automate processes in
Finance which have resulted in operational efficiencies in excess of R1 billion over the past 3
years
• Developed system solutions to implement IFRS 15 at a contract by contract level for some
3,1m contracts
INFLUENCE
• Chair of the BAPS Swaminarayan Management Committee of the Pretoria Temple. The
temple is runs various community upliftment projects, including feeding, health care,
children and youth development, community outreach, Covid support etc.
• Guest Lecture Accounting and Financial Management to CTA students
• Created the MTN Financial Analytics Programme in conjunction with NWU – a graduate
programme which has become a hub for innovation in the fields of financial analytics, credit
analytics and big data in the organisation – one project was presented in New York
• Manage the MTN CA TOPP programme which has produced in excess of 40 qualified CA’s
over the past few years, most of whom are from the Thuthuka Programme
LEAD
• Lead a team of some 550 staff as GM: Finance, and currently lead a team of 70 highly
talented individuals as GM: FP&A
• First recipient of the MTN CEO Award for Aspirational Leadership (2016)
• Consistent improvement in Global Culture Audit (A survey across all levels and all
operations in the MTN Group) score for 5 years running
• Achieved the highest sustainable engagement score in GCA out of 65 GM’s in 2020
(Primary score monitored by MTN Group to identify level of engagement of staff)
PORTFOLIO OF
EVIDENCE
DIVYESH J. JOSHI CA(SA)
ACTING CFO – MTN SOUTH AFRICA
Dear Judges,
Firstly let me express my immense gratitude at being selected as a finalist for the prestigious
SAICA Top 35 under 35 accolade. I am indeed humbled by the honour but more so by the
incredible calibre of my peers, both current and prior.
Since my early childhood, there have been two aspects to which I have been naturally inclined.
The first is teaching and developing others to identify and grow to their potential. This has been
an immense passion of mine. The second is looking at problems as opportunities for learning and
innovation.
My education, qualification and career trajectory have allowed me incredible opportunities to

explore these avenues. But I am most grateful for the opportunity to daily work with individuals
of such immense talent and potential.
Over the past few weeks as SAICA has been drip feeding details and write-ups about the
finalists, I have been touched by the number of people who have reached out to me to share
with me the ways in which I have played a part in their journeys. Be it the friend who I tutored
maths and physics to at school who now has a PhD in Chemical Engineering, or the graduate
who I worked with to develop a proposal which took him to the US to showcase our
innovation, or the 59 year old lady whose job it was to unstaple and re-staple documents, who
learned how to use a computer and went on to become the administrator for the largest
number of invoices processed. The satisfaction for me is not that of having my name up in lights,
but knowing that I have, in my own way used my skills and talents to pay it forward, and help
others become immense contributors to society at large. The satisfaction lies in knowing that I
have helped in my small way to unlock a mind that can never again be caged.
For this opportunity, I wish to thank my Gurus Pramukh Swami and Mahant Swami, who are the
very epitome of saintliness and people management. The biggest lessons in management I have
learned from the humble way in which they serve.
Contents Page number

Key Highlights and Achievements 3
Developing solutions to drive growth and efficiency 4-7
Leading and Building Motivated and Effective Teams 8-11
Influencing Society for a better tomorrow 12 - 14
Testimonials
2
KEY HIGHLIGHTS AND
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Among the youngest individuals to be offered Partnership at PwC (Age

of 27)
• Youngest General Manager (Equivalent of Managing Executive) in the
history of MTN South Africa (Age of 28)
• Youngest Acting CFO in the history of MTN South Africa
• First recipient of MTN CEO’s Award for Aspirational Leadership
• Chair of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Temple Management Committee
- Pretoria
• Lectured CTA class (Support Class for UNISA students) in 2014 and
achieved 100% pass rate
• Designed and rolled out a new governance and decision making
framework which has reduced decision making and approval time by
more than 60% and saved for than 60,000 work hours in the past 9
months
• Designed and Implemented technology solutions which have yielded
financial benefits in excess of R1billion over the last 3 years.
• First SA Telco to implement IFRS 15 solution at a contract by contract
level for some 3,1m customers – and has now built the solution into the
billing – a first of its kind among global telcos
• Started the MTN Financial Analytics Graduate Programme
• Run the MTN TOPP Programme which has produced more than 40 CA’s
in the last 3 years.
3
Innovative implementation of a ground breaking new solutions
In 2017, Divyesh lead a proposal to introduce a completely new vetting system in order to
transform the credit management landscape. The solution has galvanised the Postpaid vetting and
acquisition environment and manages some 3,1m customers.
Who says Finance people

can’t design IT systems?!
Introducing MACS…
The new solution includes

industry wide unique
features all designed by
Divyesh and Team, such
as:
• Fraud Management
scoring and prediction
• Sales Deal and Device
based risk
management strategy
• Geolocation based
analysis, sales strategy
and risk assessment
• Identity and Bank
account verification
• Risk change modelling
to see the impact of
proposed changes on
risk and sales
Developing Solutions to drive growth and 4

efficiency
Driving ground breaking new decisioning techniques based on detailed
analytics
To take analytical decision making to the next level Divyesh started a Financial Analytics programme in
2017 which collaborates with North West University to facilitate industry related research projects
with MTN. Divyesh proposes the types of project and existing members of the team work with the
Masters students in order to pilot their projects in MTN. Below are some excerpts of some of the
innovative projects done by the Financial Analytics team.

efficiency
Thinking differently about the same old business…
Among the various projects done by the graduates, the below was Divyesh’s pet project which
entailed using credit risk information together with geolocation in order to understand credit
behaviour. The project was the first of its kind, so much so that the owner of the map tool invited the
graduate to New York to present the project.

efficiency
Fixing the basics
From the time of taking over the finance environment, it was clear that the finance environment needed to take a
quantum leap forward, but first the basics needed to be fixed. The business with its some 4,500 staff was suffering
from immense red tape and paper pushing. Lack of digitisation, efficient tools and ways of work was causing
immense frustration both in and outside of the company. Keeping focus on superior customer service, Divyesh and
team implemented some 150 projects in one year to improve the ERP, the banking, treasury and hedging, billing,
collections vetting environments.
Some major projects implemented over the past 3 years:

• Fingerprint biometrics to fight identity fraud – first Telco to implement this
• iSupplier platform which allows some 200 suppliers to receive purchase order, submit invoices and track
payments electronically
• OCR solutions for processing more than 10,000 invoices per month
• Business2Business full ERP integration which carries some R6 billion worth of transactions every year
• Implementation of multiple ways to pay (Credit card, Real time EFT reactivation, MTN App, website etc.)
• Build of a contract by contract full IFRS 15 solution integrated into MTN’s new billing system
• Successful implementation of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 (Only Telco to have implemented a solution for IFRS 15 on a
contract by contract basis)
All the optimisations implemented have yielded benefits in excess

of R1 billion for MTN SA

efficiency
PEOPLE LEADERSHIP
ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE PAST
4.5 YEARS
• Received the first MTN Aspirational Leadership award in 2016

• Took over as General Manager: Finance in the second half of 2015. Staff
morale was very low. Company had just come out of a gruelling restructuring.
• Only GM managing a team of this size and span (550 staff)
• Global Culture Audit (“GCA”) results for 2015 (prior to my tenure) indicated
declining scores on all levels – have achieved consistent increase in Sustainable
Engagement score since taking over department
• Culminating in being the GM with the highest “Sustainable Engagement Score”
in 2020
• Started the MTN SA Financial Analytics programme which has produced 10
innovative young masters graduates
• Successfully run the MTN TOPP Programme which has produced some 40+
qualified CA’s over the last few years
*GCA – MTN Group makes use of the GCA survey across all its operations to understand the
engagement of its staff. The priority score monitored at levels is known as the sustainable
engagement score which measures how engaged the workforce is.
Leading and Building Teams 8

Introducing……….
The MTN CA TOPP Programme
• Managed by Divyesh
since 2018, the
programme has
produced some 40
CA’s, a majority of
whom are from
Thuthuka
Introducing……….
The Financial Analytics Programme
• Started by Divyesh in 2017

• Facilitates industry related
research project for Quants
Masters students
• Responsible for Financial
analysis using big data insights
and credit analytics

Global Culture Audit Reports showing improvement in sustainable
engagement for all years as General Manager
Table below shows marked improvement in GCA scores when

Divyesh took over the area which had some 550 staff
2015 vs 2016 vs
Category Total Favorable Score - 2015 2014 2015
Sustainable Engagement 52 -1 9
Innovation 29 -1 12
Diversity 63 -2 1
Pay & Benefits 26 -4 10

Leadership 24 -1 13
Work Organisation & Efficiency 43 -5 12
Employee Development 36 -1 8
Direct Supervisor 49 -8 21*
Performance Management 19 -5 3
Company Image 43 -9 16*
Communication 35 -5 15*
Goals & Objectives 49 -8 13
Competitive Position 26 -16 9

Values 45 -2 11
Retention 30 -1 9
Divyesh continued this improving trend when he took over

FP&A
FP&A FP&A
2018 vs 2017 2019 vs 2018

(80) (40)
Sustainable Engagement 9 Sustainable Engagement 8

BRIGHT Strategy 7 BRIGHT Strategy 5
Communication -3
Communication 8 Company Image 3
Company Image 9 Competitive Position 5
Competitive Position 1
Direct Supervisor 3
Diversity 0
Corporate Integrity 9 Employee Development 8
Direct Supervisor 13* Innovation 3
4
Leadership 8
Employee Development
Pay & Benefits 1
Leadership 10 Retention 0
Pay & Benefits 9 Work Organisation & Efficiency 5
NPS 8
Retention 0
Agility Index 5
Work Organisation & Efficiency 11* Inclusion Index 3
NPS -1 Ethics Index 1
Corporate Integrity Index 5
Digital Mindset 4
10
Leading and Building Teams
MTN SA PUBLISHED THE GCA SCORES FOR THE FIRST TIME BY GM IN
2020 – DIVYESH RANKED THE HIGHEST
MTN SA Dimension Scores
Sustainable
Group Name Engagement BRIGHT Strategy Diversity & Inclusion
General Manager Category Score Category Score Category Score
FINANCIAL FORECASTING PLNG Divyesh
AND ANALYSIS 77% 61% 77%
REV ASSUR & FRAUD MGMT Elgiva 75% 74% 85%
S&D BRANDED CHANNEL Gaba/Maria 75% 73% 86%
S&D RTL CHANNEL Paul 74% 75% 89%
EBU FINANCE BUSINESS Davies
PARTNERING 74% 89% 89%
PRICING & INTELLIGENCE Jay 73% 67% 81%
NETWORK ENGINEERING Zoltan 73% 76% 80%
REGIONAL OPERATIONS- Chris
WESTERN CAPE 72% 84% 80%
CTO-NETWORK DEPLOYMENT Krishna 72% 77% 78%
MTN REGULATORY Moses 71% 58% 75%
FINANCIAL OPERATIONS Andrew 70% 65% 75%
IT OPERATIONS AND TESTING Barnie 70% 69% 73%
REGIONAL OPERATIONS - Simo
GAUTENG 69% 75% 75%
MTN BUSINESS CLIENT SERVICES Thandeka 66% 66% 74%
TECHNOLOGY ENTR SERVICES Amith 65% 62% 77%
CTO-NTWK OPS Ernst P 65% 67% 77%
CUSTOMER VALUE MGMT Fadzai/Bernice/Amith 65% 56% 84%
REGIONAL OPERATIONS - Matthew
NORTHERN REGION 65% 73% 80%
MTN PROCUREMENT & FACILITIES Kazeem
MGMT 64% 62% 73%
REGIONAL OPERATIONS - Ernest G
KWAZULU NATAL 63% 69% 74%
IT ARCHITECTURE AND PROJECT Adriaan
MGMT 63% 76% 82%
IT DELIVERY Wellington 62% 64% 80%
CX CUSTOMER CARE Lester 62% 65% 66%
BILLING & CREDIT RISK Dudu 60% 55% 70%
MTN BUSINESS REGIONS Noluthando 60% 60% 79%
REGIONAL OPERATIONS- Vusi
EASTERN CAPE 59% 60% 74%
LEARNING AND Tebogo
DEVELOPMENT,OD 58% 55% 78%
S&D INFORMAL CHANNEL Sham 56% 60% 70%
TPMO Hester 53% 69% 74%
HR OPERATIONS Keagile 53% 58% 72%
REGIONAL OPERATIONS - Sunette
CENTRAL REGION 51% 58% 57%
MTN BUSINESS SALES Lindile/Magatho 37% 31% 51%

Special community upliftment project through home visits with saints of
BAPS
Two years back the Pretoria temple management co-ordinated a project of home-to-home visits by
the saints of BAPS Swaminarayan Organisation. The objective was to help with de-addiction
campaigns, to promote family unity and to encourage households to take a step forward in spiritual
progress. A number of people took solemn vows to give up their addictions to alcohol and
cigarettes etc. Many families also promised to endeavour to eat one meal of the day as a family, and
to have at least one family time meeting without the help of the TV, Dinner Plate, or Technology (i.e.
A family sharing session.) More than 200 homes were visited.
Pictured above is the team that co-ordinated the home visit programme.
Programmes for the development of children

One of the centres primary focus is the development of children, teenagers and youth. At the
centre, there are separate age appropriate social and spiritual development activities for all these age
groups. Each week the children get the opportunity to learn to do public speaking as they deliver
presentations, the opportunity to learn to sing and play musical instruments. Pictured below is a
special prayer hosted for learners. As well as a musical training session. The organisation also host
practical workshop sessions for youth and teenagers on career days, how to prepare for interviews,
how to build a CV, how to land your first job etc.
Influencing society for a better tomorrow 12

Community building through celebrations of various festivals at a grand
scale
One of the pillars of development in the organisation is the holding of community celebrations of
events in the Hindu calendar. This helps in bringing people together and keeping culture and a sense
of community alive. Picture below are some of the new year celebrations held yearly, where some
400-500 unique food items are offered to God in thanks for all that is given to us. This food is then
packaged and distributed to all. The event is attended by some 500 members of the community
Pictured below is the annual candle walk and procession held in Laudium to spread light and hope
through the community. This event is attended annually by some 500 people.

Supporting the community through feeding and health drives
The centre plays a very active role in supporting the community, many of whom cannot afford
basic medical care, and some who rely on the temple for a wholesome meal. Once a week, the
temple feeds members of the community a full and healthy vegetarian meal. To keep costs low, the
meals are prepared entirely by members of the temple. This is done throughout the year. In
addition, the temple arranges health days, flu vaccine days and blood drives.
Supporting the community through Covid-19

Embedded in the ethos of the organisation, and visible through the actions of our Guru, is the
principle of standing by your fellow man in troubled times. The centre provides various forms of
support during the Covid pandemic. This includes the provision of fresh fruit and veg packs to
needy every two weeks. The provision of a trained support team for those affected by the virus. A
provision of hospital transport as well as quarantine facilities, medication and medical equipment.
A number of the congregation and community are indigent, many cannot speak or read English.
Captured here are the excerpts of a presentation done to the community on a zoom call to provide
guidance and explain the support which the centre has put in place to support the community. The
session reached some 300 people.

15
16
17
18
19
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
RICARDO MANTOVANI
34 years old
 
CFO,
PNP PARIBAS PERSONAL FINANCE
Short Profile
Ricardo Mantovani regards himself as fortunate to have had so many opportunities in life. Despite having
grown up under the shadow of a learning disability he believes that with the right mind set and
determination, anyone can achieve great things. The experience he gained through his CA programme
has allowed him to develop both himself and the businesses he has worked in.
As a newly qualified CA(SA), he was given the opportunity to go on a secondment to the USA, to the
KPMG North Carolina office. There he gained the confidence to conduct business across different
approaches and got his first insight into the high level of regard with which the international community
hold the SAICA programme. On his return, he was promoted to a manager at KPMG Cape Town and held
this role for a year before being approached by RCS Financial Services to become their financial
manager.
During his time at RCS he was responsible for developing the finance department. He then had the
opportunity to play an integral part in the acquisition by BNP Paribas Group into Africa. This experience
was crucial to his development and resulted in him being promoted to the Head of Finance role in BNP
Paribas Personal Finance United Kingdom.
Here, he has been able to achieve more than he could have ever imagined. He led the first unsecured
loans securitisation transaction totalling £570 million for BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK. He has
overseen the restructuring of the finance function in the UK and the implementation of new, innovate
ways of working to ensure that the finance department remains key to adding value to the company.
Ricardo has also helped lead numerous commercial negotiations, most notably for one of their top UK
partners to secure a five-year contract − a key part of the company’s strategy.
Developing and working on varied topics resulted in him being promoted to CFO at BNP Paribas
Personal Finance UK, which is one of the major countries in the BNP Paribas Group. He has also been
included as part of the Leadership for Tomorrow talent programme within the BNP Paribas Group.
Ricardo is looking forward to his future growth, helping to develop and innovate business within the BNP
Paribas Group.
Watch video
and achievements?
Played an integral part of the acquisition of BNP Paribas Group in RCS Group in South Africa.
The success of the acquisition resulted in my being head hunted for a role in the finance
department in the UK.
Lead the first unsecured loans securitisation transaction for BNP Paribas Personal finance UK –
totalling £570m. This transaction was a Key enabler in the wider group strategy for liquidity and
capital benefits to drive growth.
I have been in charge of overseeing the strategic restructure of the finance function which has
entailed the design and implementation of new innovate ways of working to ensure the finance
teams remains key to adding value to the company
Being promoted into CFO role within BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK which is one of the key
strategic locations within BNP Paribas. BNP Paribas is the largest bank in Europe and BNP
Paribas Personal Finance is the consumer lending arm of the group that operates in 30
countries with over 20 000 employees worldwide.
Leading on the commercial negotiation for one of our top UK partners through which we
successfully secured a 5 year contract, another key enabler in the strategy for the company.
Significant growth lever for the business with ambition with partner to grow volumes to £1bn
over next 5 years.
Being included as part of the Advanced level of the Leadership For Tomorrow talent program as
part of BNP Paribas Group. This program is talent program focussed around key talents within
the group and provides training, seminars and mentoring to help develop leaders for tomorrow
and foster talent within the group. I have been part of this program for the last couple of years
on the advanced level and participate in regular training offered – I have also recently offered
my services to be a mentor on the course for younger emerging talent members.
More recently – I have played an integral role during the COVID pandemic where I looked to
second parts of the finance team into operations to help during the pandemic. As this allowed
us as finance specialists to help operations in key areas of need i.e. reporting, data analytics,
system development and financial impacts to / from customers. As this allowed operations to
remain focussed on their key skill areas. One of the key areas that I am proud of is through
working closely with operations – we were able to identify a process to automate queries from
customers who needed payment holiday support due to the pandemic so that the online web-
form feed into our core systems directly. This meant being able to work a backlog of over 10
000 requests within a day that would have taken 15 FTE circa 9 days to do manually. I am
passionate about this as shows the value that finance and different mindset can bring to certain
scenarios. The finance area has a unique opportunity to use its understanding of finance and
systems to help drive improvements for the business and through this pandemic we have
strived to do this.

As part of our company strategy we part take in a number of charity events within the company
for our nominated charity Marie Curie UK. Marie Curie is a registered charitable organisation in
the United Kingdom which provides care and support to people with terminal illnesses and their
families.
Within my role as CFO this includes budgeting the financing for these events which is core to
enabling their success. I also actively market the support of these causes as part of internal
communications at BNP Paribas Personal Finance.
recent past?
Part of my role has included the development and launch of a transformation plan which is
focussed on digitalising tools within finance and focussing areas on value-add tasks for the
business. I am passionate about digitalisation within our industry and believe the strategic
implementation of digitalisation programs will generate positive outcomes across the business
community.
Finance analysts and business partners are at the centre of the finance strategy. The
organisation structure is set up throughout all finance teams to promote strong analytical skills
into the company. As I am passionate to drive the future of finance and for us to move away
from a transactional based model to a value add model for the business. So I am empowering
our teams/people to be problem solvers which generates powerful business solutions as that is
the future of finance from my perspective and have finance as key strategic role for the
company strategic delivery.
Most recently through the COVID pandemic – our finance team has been central in driving a
number of innovative solutions, including automation, to help enable our front-end call centre
agents to support customers through the pandemic with payment holidays and payment
support. I had driven the teams to ensure that during this time we provided invaluable support
to the operations support and worked with key executive members in the business to drive this.
As CFO of a key subsidiary of BNP Paribas Personal Finance we have the opportunity to share
some of our best practises we have within the UK that are shared across all other countries. I
work closely with Finance Operating Office in Paris central teams responsible for recording best
practises in countries and ensuring our work with UK is recognised at senior levels in Paris. As I
firm believer in celebrating success at all times and taking set back to reflect on achievements.
I have been afforded the opportunity to attend executive training to help develop and grow into
my new role and this has empowered me to work more effectively with my teams and business
areas and cement my leadership skills.
The external training has also allowed me the opportunity to reflect on my path as a CFO and
where I will continue with this going forward. As an executive of a large bank I have being
afforded the opportunity to be part of developing important changes for the future to ensure
that banking contributes in an innovative and sustainable way to the economy. Sustainable
finance is key to the future of business and due to the crucial role that banks play in economic
stability globally, I believe it is increasingly important to marry sustainability into the banking
model. The executive training has shown me that the fact I am the CFO at a large global bank
holds a unique opportunity to help influence and impact economies in this role and drive
towards sustainable finance as a business norm, it is very exciting to be a part of this.
young leader?
I believe in the cliché that you lead by example. And I strive to set a work ethic example for my
teams based on that principle. Part of this philosophy includes my involvement in the mentoring
scheme for the Leadership For Tomorrow talent program in Paris. On a more direct team level; I
also mentor 2 colleagues within the UK finance department.
I am Passionate about finance and about having an impact within the business. So where
possible, I dedicate a great deal of personal effort to ensuring support for the CEO and other
executive on company strategy and meeting targeted goals.
I take a keen interest in keeping in touch and supporting my colleagues in South Africa. As
although I am currently working in Europe – I really strive for an open and collaborative mindset
to share insights back into our South African subsidiary and likewise learn if any transferred
skills can be applied into the UK. I am a firm believer we are stronger together and not one
person has the answers; by sharing between countries on topics it ensures we remain at
forefront of international banking standards.
Top 35 finalist?
I am passionate about the experience I gained through my Chartered Accountancy program.
SAICA have created and maintained a program which is held in exceptionally high esteem within
the international community. I have carried my enthusiasm for the CA (SA) into my career, and
strongly believe it has enabled my success. I grew up under the shadow of a learning disability
whereby I was diagnosed with dyslexia and a low reading age. My parents were told that it was
unlikely that I would achieve a matric certificate and I was therefore sent to a special needs
school. Determined to achieve despite this diagnosis; it cemented a determination to try my
utmost best in everything I do. Having successfully overcome these hurdles in my studies, my
CA (SA) accreditation is one of my proudest accomplishments, and I could little fathom the
exciting career opportunities it would offer me in the 10 years since obtaining it. I am so
incredibly proud, and privileged, to stand here today as an ambassador for the CA (SA) brand.
To have been underestimated and told I would not matriculate, and stand here today as a CFO
of one of the global banks, all before my 35th birthday. It is a testament that although one may
think and process things differently; there are opportunities that present themselves with the right
mindset and determination, you truly can overcome anything.
I have grown from strength to strength over the years; learning to manage my disabilities and
recognise the strengths which it provides. Utilising my different approach to thinking to help see
alternate opportunities and strategies within business. I have a drive and ambition to get to the
top and to prove, that without question, I deserve to be here.
I am passionate about creating and developing opportunities for my teams, not simply within the
Finance Department but in the operations of the business organisation at large. I am honoured
to have been nominated and be a part of the Leadership For Tomorrow talent program in Paris
as this has provided me with wonderful exposure and opportunities. I am lucky, as I love what I
do. I find energy in thinking outside the box and helping to drive the business forward; through
helping to develop and enhance systems, programs and operations to help get the best out of
the resources that we have at our disposal. Within these resources, I highly value both my
colleagues and staff. In this unprecedented time a manager needs to be constantly in tune with
supporting the varied requirements of employees. I am passionate about inspiring and helping
others to reach and achieve their optimal growth and development.
DEVELOP
BNP Paribas Personal Finance UK
Lead on the 1st Securitisation transaction for the company for £570m part of its funding plan
for the company growth plan. This was a first for the BNP Group that achieved liquidity and
capital benefits and was a resounding successful first issuance within the UK investment
market with all notes oversubscribed. As this was new to the company – utilised my CA skills to
assess and manage all risks from the transaction and to implement BAU controls to manage
the transaction on an ongoing basis.
Lead on the contract negotiation for one of our UK top electronical partners – Dixons. I was
involved throughout this deal and performed all business case reviews and building the strategy
for the new virtual joint venture and ultimately leading to a 5 year contract with ambition to
secure £1bn annual lend by 2023. I was able to demonstrate both financially and wider
business skills to Dixons management that BNP was the right partner to take their credit
business further and negotiated clauses with Dixons for wider BNP involvement within the
Nordics subsidiary so always trying to grow the group business.
As part of the commercial function within finance we are involved in a number of tenders and
commercial initiatives where using CA skills we are able to provide business cases and
negotiate contract terms to help grow the business and achieve the strategic goals.
Created a best in class commercial and pricing function within the UK that is best practise
within the BNP Paribas Personal Finance companies and we helped contribute to an ECB
review of pricing monitoring by companies and was used as best practise for Group wide
pricing policy to be deployed.
Utilising the technical knowledge and business wide focus on risks – I have been able to grow
the various functions within the UK and to set up best practises that are regularly shared at
CFO conferences showing the UK practises and sharing the knowledge and celebrating these
best practises. These range from accounting and tax frameworks through to quarterly
department pack wide business review on all functions that is presented to general
management in Paris covering everything from tax, accounting, capital management,
commercial, business update and regulatory topics.
Lead on various efficiencies across the business and not just limited to finance with the sole
aim of delivering benefits to the company and the P&L. These range from new digital payment
tools for our customers (reducing calls for ops and lowering FTE requirements), automating
customer queries and adjustments into the financial system (reducing FTE requirements and
handling increased volume), new outsourcing relationships to RCS in SA (reduced cost of
employees), new tools and workflows for finance processes (increased control and governance
monitoring). During COVID especially I was able to lead on a development on an accounting
system that lead to over 10k of customer requests for postponements be adjusted within a day
based on automated tool upload to our system rather than 9 days of manual work across 15
FTE. This was done with the assistance across transversal teams from IT and ops.
INFLUENCE
Involved in company initiatives to support our various charities Marie Curie and dallaglio rugby works.
Member of the Race and ethnicity group within BNP Paribas Personal Finance that is responsible for
diversity topics for the company and bringing together employees to achieve the goal of increased
awareness of all race topics and drive company changes on race diversity.
RCS SA
Attended presentation session at Tafel Berg high school about how I overcame my dyslexia and
learning
LEAD
RCS South Africa
Coming out of articles – my first role in RCS allowed me the opportunity to develop my
leadership goals as I needed to build up the finance team part of the company growth and to
bring in further skills to the department.
Lead on acquisition opportunities and performed due diligence reviews across opportunities to
acquire businesses. These opportunities allowed me to show my leadership skills across all
parts of business and assessing all risks linked to potential acquisition.
Lead on BNP acquisition into RCS and then subsequent integration into BNP practises for our
local finance requirements. This allowed myself the opportunity to learn the wider BNP
processes and policies and to adapt them into local application.

Moving to the UK – I took over leadership for over 40 members of staff and quickly learned the
UK market and integrated the UK further into BNP practises.
Lead on developing a new finance department strategy and vision statement. An investment
plan was deployed for further tools and recruitment to strengthen the department and support
on business activities.
During these unprecedented times during COVID pandemic – I lead on a number of initiatives
for the company to remain fully engaged for our customers, partners and stakeholders.
Finance played a key part during this time – with building automated tools for our customer
postponement applications, COVID reporting to regulator and reporting, securing funding lines
and supporting our operations colleagues on all reporting and finance topics.
Launched a finance operating office that is dedicated to finance transformation projects and to
deliver on improvements for the department. The key here was to build a way of working that
created vision for continuous improvements and for staff members to lead on their change.
Strategy covers People, Systems, Data and Processes.
Lead on company-wide strategy reviews as part of the 5 year development plan and bringing to
together company strategic reviews and monitoring the plan through KPIs and annual reviews to
ensure areas are delivered.
SAICA
TOP 35 UNDER 35
RICARDO
MANTOVANI
NOVEMBER 2020
BNPP Classification : Internal

R I C A R D O M A N T O VA N I
Overview Achievements / Highlights
Passionate – About everything I do!
1 CA (SA) program Completing articles + CA program -
enabler to make things possible.
Hard working – To deliver best for my team and the organisation!
2 International Within KPMG US & BNPP PF UK -
Making things possible – Always finding way to deliver! experience broadening horizon and value of CA value
Think and Act Different Leadership for Tomorrow program with

3 Developing
Open minded & Creative! Plans to connect to the future! myself & others BNP and mentoring future talent
4 Securitisation Delivering 1st transaction for BNPP PF for

initiative capital and liquidity to sustain funding for
partner growth
5 Commercial Leading on contract negotiations and for

initiatives key UK partner secured 5 year contract
with ambition to deliver over £1bn sales
6 Transversal Focused on supporting business areas and

focus delivering efficiencies. COVID pandemic
support for business.
7 Transformation Changing practises and developing

future ways of working. Finance for
the future.
8 Reaching C-suite Reaching CFO role for significant entity

level in BNPP Personal Finance
BNPP Classification : Internal

JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
BABALWA GOVA
31 years old
 
DIRECTOR, MAJALI CHARTERED
ACCOUNTANTS
Short Profile
Babalwa is a highly motivated and strong-willed individual who is passionate about women
empowerment and leadership and shares this with everyone she interacts with. This has formed her core
values, as she embodies this thoroughly.
She began her career with the goal of being an exemplary figure for any young woman who sees herself
redefining the norms centred on professional spaces and women. This was the motivation that made her
start her company, MaJali Chartered Accountants, in 2017 after working for the Auditor-General since
2012. The CA(SA) profession has allowed her to use the skills she has obtained to develop the
community she grew up in through various projects that have contributed and fostered financial growth
and economic development in the community. Through a partnership with a local radio station, she
shares baby steps to financial freedom with the community with an aim to equip people with the financial
literacy they need to better manage their household finances and make better financial decisions.
Through Nalithemba farming, a company she started with the aim of empowering the community to use
farming to alleviate difficulties and often extreme financial strain, she contributes to developing the
community by creating economic activity that allows them to participate in commercial farming.
She is CEO at MaJali Chartered Accountants and senior audit and technical manager at Kopax Chartered
Accountants. Both firms are involved in the training of future CAs(SA) by providing SAICA articles. These
roles have not only offering her with an opportunity to lead but also an opportunity to influence and shape
the minds of future CAs(SA) through the training programme, and especially understanding the impact it
has on a young mind to see a reflection of yourself in a position you admire and aspire to be in. To her,
this has been by far her greatest success.
Over the past four years she has successfully spearheaded small and major audits in both the private and
public sectors. She always focuses on making every moment a success and a learning opportunity,
thereby enforcing the culture of learning for trainees in both these firms.
As an entrepreneur, Babalwa is passionate about helping others to grow sustainable business and
contribute meaningfully to the economy. She hosts several programmes within her organisation, which
gave birth to ‘SAY G (Share as you Grow) with MaJali’. This project serves as a free coaching platform for
entrepreneurs and runs on the YouTube channel ‘SAY G with MaJali’. She interviews business owners
who have survived their first 1 000 day in business in different industries, in different age groups and with
varying years of experience to share the knowledge they have acquired through their entrepreneurial
journey and the tools they have used to build successful businesses.
Her passion for impact has led her on a path of seeking to influence and shape young minds. Since 2019,
she has been a part of the UKZN ASI programme, which is aimed at empowering CTA students through
mentoring, tutoring and coaching. It has been a satisfying journey for her to have a direct impact in
helping others manoeuvre what she considers to be the hardest year of the CA(SA) journey, CTA.
In this world, not a lot of people have the fortune to live their dreams, and Babalwa has had the privilege
of not only having the space to dream but the opportunity to fulfil her dreams at a young age.
Watch video
and achievements?
• Have MaJali CASA Inc registered as a training office and having a direct impact and influence
in training the CA's of the future.
• Receiving an award as a Country winner in the financial services sector of CEO Global's
monstering influential Women in Business , 2019 Awards
• Receiving an award as an emerging young black farmer from the Department of Rural
Development and Land Reform in Eastern Cape , 2020 Awards
• Starting a Youtube channel interviewing Entrepreneurs that have been in business for more
that 3 years and having them share their journey, successes, lessons learnt and advices to
give to other entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. This was used as a platform for
entrepreneurs to get cached by those who are walking the journey as them and who are
ahead in the journey. 

In 2019 I started a farming project in Mvenyane, Matatiel, A rural area in Eastern Cape. The
project is aimed at introducing commercial farming to the community to encourage the
community to fight unemployment by using the business skills I have, their farming expertise
and experience and the land they own to create economic activities. I introduced breading pigs
as a way of business to the community as well as vegetables. The community can breed pigs in
their separate homes following a standard schedule and diet and we sell all the pigs as a
collective in order to increase our capacity and stock. Our pigs and vegetables are sold to the
community and to surrounding towns. This is a project very close to me as it brings hope to a
poverty stricken community that raised me and I am also the sole investor and have put in
many hours working on the farm and with the community to get it running and ensuring it is a
success.
I have partnered with a community radio station, the voice of Matat 88.9 ( a local radio station
in Matatiel Eastern Cape), to educate the poverty stricken community with baby steps to
financial freedom. The project is aimed to run for 6 months, where I create the financial literacy
content to be with the listeners every Monday at 7:50 . I also participate by presenting the
session on Mondays and providing the community with basic tools and strategies to start
implementing immediately to work toward better financial management in households.
I am also a part of the UKZN African Students Intervention Program as a tutor and mentor. The
program is aimed at assisting CTA students with practical exam techniques and helping them
understand difficult concepts they are struggling with. It also provided each student with a
mentor who will be there to walk the journey with the student and help them cope with CTA
providing advice and support. I have been part of the program since January 2019 and it has
been a fulfilling experience to contribute in shaping the minds of future CAs(SA).
recent past?
Since 2019 to date in have been involved in the UKZN PGDA African Students Intervention
Programme aimed at assisting CTA students through tutoring and mentorship to help student
achieve better results and improve the number of CTA student that progress to ITC. I believe
this initiative is a way of having a direct impact and influence in shaping young aspiring CA's
and contributing towards the quality of CA SA's that will be produced in the future and will be
participating in the economy of our country.
young leader?
As a young professional and leader I lead from the front, I am not afraid to get my hands dirty
( even literally, when working on the farm) to show the next person its possible to achieve
anything when we work together, to walk the journey with those I lead and to lead with heart. I
actively seek out new challenges and opportunities for those around me to see that learning is
continuous and contagious. My work ethic and determination will be the legacy I live in the
hearts I have led.
Top 35 finalist?
I was 26 when I started my firm MaJali Chartered Accountants, and ever since then I have not
only used my qualification to continuously develop and improve myself but I have also used it
to impact others, in my community, students and young aspiring CA's. I have used my
qualification as a CA to influence and impact others in divers ways: 
• In business, helping SMME's (which I believe are the heart of the economy) to be financial
literate, remain sustainable and grow through my accounting firm  
• Taking the baton and being part of the firms that contribute in training future CA's by
providing them with the relevant training and exposure to equipment into being CA SA's the
future needs 
• Continuously participating in tutoring and mentoring CTA students at UKZN to improve the
pass rates and the number of aspiring young CA's that get closer to their dreams each year 
• In my community, by using my business skills as a CA to start a farming project that will bring
hope to the unemployed and economic activity in our community.
 
I have taken the road less travelled, I've become a 3 dimensional CA. I am betting the odds with
my days spent anywhere between the office, a lecture hall or getting my hands dirty on a farm,
and that for me is a story worth telling, by a Top 35 finalist 
INFLUENCE
DEVELOP
I began my career with the goal of being the exemplary figure for any young women who sees
herself redefining the norms centred around professional spaces and women. I encourage and
mentor young and aspiring Chartered accountants through:
• UKZN ASI the program amid at empowering CTA students through mentoring, tutoring and
motivational talks
INFLUENCE
I further host several programs within my organization and on various social media platforms
that aims at furthering and encouraging young people to see themselves archiving goals that
they may have thought to be unreachable before thorough:
• SAY G with MaJali- This project serves as a free coaching platform for entrepreneurs and runs
on the YouTube Chanel 'SAY G with MaJali'. In the project I interview business owners in
different industries, different age groups and varying years of experience and other
community based programmed programs that encourage entrepreneurship, financial freedom,
and leadership.
LEAD
I have always had the passion for entrepreneurship, to be able to start and grow something that
inspires others. This lead to the birth of MaJali Chartered Accountants, to which I am a Founder
and Director with the role to strategically grow the business, build and maintain stakeholder
relationships and give direction to the organisation on an operational level. In this role I
constantly provide leadership and guidance to the employees in the following programs within
the organisation:
•Providing training and coaching in the MaJali SAICA training program
•Partnering with accredited business colleges in providing TAX learnership programs
•MaJali Lifelong Learner program
I am a Group Technical Senior Manager at Kopax Chartered Accountants. This role has seen
me take the lead in AGSA audits and have exposed me to leading bigger teams of CA’s and
aspiring CAs in both PMFA and MFMA audits including Private Audits.
Nalithemba Farming was founded in 2019 with the aim of giving back and empowering my
community to engage in economic actives through farming. I provide strategic guidance to the
business and am responsible for the growth of the organisation.
Babalwa Gova’s career journey and notable projects
Career Journey and background
Babalwa Gova is 31-year-old, black female born in the rural Eastern Cape. I started my Journey towards the CA
SA qualification in university when I joined the ABASA student chapter committee as an academic officer and
later as a Chairperson of the student chapter in 2011. This stirred a curiosity in me and deep desire to be part
of this prestigious profession of chartered accountants. When I had the opportunity to serve my articles with
the Auditor General in 2012 I knew I was going to be a CA and I knew I wanted to use the CA SA qualification to
bring change to the community I come from and to small black entrepreneurs especially the youth. During my
time as a Trainee I served as the Chairperson of the Trainee Association Forum at Auditor General. I completed
my articles in 2014 and wrote my APC exam in 2015 where I qualified as a chartered Accountant. After
completing my articles, I stayed at the Auditor General for 1 year 9 months prior to joining CATHSSETA as a
Financial Manager. I left CATHSSETA in April 2017 to pursue my dream of owning my own accounting firm. I
have been the Managing Director of MaJali Chartered Accountants since May 2017. It is at this role where I
started using the CA SA qualification to give back to the community.
Work experience
• 2011- ICESA college Lecturer: Economics, Accounting, Managerial Accounting

• 2012- 2014 -Trainee Auditor Served articles with the AGSA
• 2015-2016- Assistant Manager: Retained by the AGSA as an assistant manager post articles
• 2016-2017- Financial Accountant: Employed as Financial Accountant with CATHSSETA
• 2017 – Present: Director at MaJali Chartered Accountants
• 2019 – Present: Group Technical Partner at Kopax CA
Entrepreneurial journey as Director at MaJali Chartered Accountants
As an aspiring CA I had always known that I wanted to be an entrepreneur and use my CA SA qualification to
help other entrepreneurs, with this passion MaJali Chartered Accountants was born in 2015. I started working
with small business owners and assisting them with tax, accounting, and bookkeeping on a part time basis. My
client base included Doctors, Lawyers, and retailers. The company employed 2 people in 2016 as the business
was stable. In April 2017 I left my formal employment to focus on growing the business and taking on more
clients. This resulted in us landing more clients including Kagiso Trust, Department of Tourism, Department of
Education. Late 2018 we started the process of applying for accreditation with SAICA as a training office, and
IRBA with the aim of including External Audit as a service offering to prospective clients. We successful
obtained our accreditation in 2019 and enrolled our first cohort of trainees in May 2019 on a journey that has
been a learning experience for the young and aspiring CAs and even a greater learning experience for myself
on a professional and personal development level. The company was successfully awarded a contract to
service the AGSA for a period of 5 years as a CWC firm also as an ESD firm of the AGSA. The opportunity
provided our trainees exposure to both private sector and public sector.
My First Passion project at MaJali was the MaJali Lifelong Learner Fund where I identified children with
potential, from as early as primary school, who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and enrol them in the
program. The program provided support to the children in the form of Mentoring, tutoring, school uniform,
meal allowances, books, and rewards for high performers at the end of each school term. The project was
funded by the proceeds made by MaJali Chartered Accountants.
Notable projects
Project 1: SAY G with MaJali
SAY G with MaJali is a project I started in 2018/19 for young and aspiring entrepreneurs. The project focuses
on interviewing entrepreneurs who have survived their first 1000 days in business and asking them to share
their journey, challenges faced, lessons learnt and advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. The project serves as a
free coaching platform for entrepreneurs and runs on the YouTube Chanel 'SAY G with MaJali. In this project I
interview business owners in different industries, different age groups and varying years of experience. This
programme allowed me the opportunity to pursue my passion for helping small business remain sustainable
and avoid common mistakes made in the first 1000 days in business, with the aim to help reduce the number
of small businesses that fail in their first 1000 days. I believe small businesses are the heartbeat of the South
African economy and as a CA SA I want to use my skills to help them remain sustainable and keep their doors
open, creating more employment opportunities for the ever increasing unemployed population.
Project 2: Nalithemba Farming
In 2019 I identified an opportunity to bring economic activities in the rural Upper Mvenyane, Matatiel , Eastern
Cape, through farming. The community of Upper Mvenyane has participated in farming for generations and
this has never been viewed as an opportunity to introduce commercial farming. As a member of the
community myself, I wanted to play my part in the community for us to create our own eco system, create
employment and fight poverty. Nalithemba (which means here is HOPE) was born to bring change to the
community and hope for a better life. The project capitalises on my business skills as CEO of MaJali and a CA
together with the farming skills and expertise of the community inherited from our forefathers.
Project 3: UKZN ASI Program
The UKZN African Student Intervention (ASI) programme is amid at empowering CTA students through
mentoring, tutoring and motivational talks. I have been part of the UKZN ASI programme since 2019 as a tutor
and a mentor. The programme has allowed me the opportunity to impact young aspiring CA's and equip them
with the tools they need to achieve their goals through tutoring and mentoring them, shaping their thought
processes in approaching questions and ultimately getting them ready to write their exams with confidence
that their knowledge and techniques will be sufficient for them to pass CTA and progress to ITC, a step closer
to achieving their CA SA dream.
Project 4: TVOM 88.9 - “Baby steps to financial freedom”
In 2020 I Partnered with a local community radio station The Voice of Matat (TVOM) 88.9. The radio station
has 45 000 listeners and has recently provided a live streaming option which has increased its audience. The
radio station is mainly focused at producing content for the Matatiel, Eastern Cape Community. I have
partnered with the radio station to be part of their drive to bring awareness on financial freedom and financial
literacy to the community. My Involvement is to produce content to be used during the session on " Baby
steps to financial freedom" and to present this content every Mondays at 7:50 on the breakfast show. I also
provide advice on questions relating to financial freedom during this session. This has been a very fulfilling
opportunity for me as it allows me the platform to engage with our rural community on matters that they can
relate to and I can have a direct impact in changing how they view money and their spending. Radio talks on
TVOM 88.9 - "Baby Steps to financial freedom"
Ref: RECOMMENDATION LETTER
Direct Tel: 021 526 0373
Direct Fax: 021 526 0311
E-Mail: xoli@mrtlaw.co.za
Date: 05 June 2020
Dear Sir/Madam
RE: BABALWA GOVA RECOMMENDATION LETTER
As MRT LAW INC we are pleased to be writing this recommendation letter for Babalwa
Gova.
She has displayed such high levels of understating of the subject matter which relates
to the transactions which we were dealing with and we continue using her skills.
The level of efficiency in completing the tax advice we needed as the company was
beyond what we have expected.
She’s not only a person who understands the need of the client, but she also goes
beyond what the client need to ensure client satisfaction.
The brilliance she carries as a CA when advising her clients and the level of
professionalism is of high standards and highly recommended of her.
Not only does she portray such values, but she epitomizes high levels of integrity,
honesty, efficiency, proficiency, and excellence in presentation.
In her advice to the client she doesn’t give the client false hope, but she gives an
advice with such honesty that the client knows precisely what to expect and what
the results will be.
She is an expect in her industry and as MRT LAW we certainly highly recommend
Babalwa Gova.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Directors: Romeo Tsusi LLB, LLM (CEO) and Xoli Mlenzana B Proc, LLB (COO)
Consultants: Zikhona Ndlebe LLB, LLM (Labour Law Expert); Gillian Erasmus LLB, LLM (Property Law Expert)
Candidate Attorney: Siphe Lekokotla BA, LLB Business Development Manager: Mishkah Wahab
Address: The Colosseum, First Floor, Foyer 3, Century Way, Century City, Cape Town 7441
Website: www.mrtlaw.co.za Level 1 B-BBEE Mohau Romeo Tsusi Law Inc Reg No: 2019/466921/21
Babalwa Gova's
Note worthy recognitions
Department of Rural Development
Agricultural Reform - 2020
Young emerging entrepreneur in the abettor
industry
CEO Global Award - 2019

Most influential woman in business and government
- Regional and country winner
Accountancy SA - August 2018

Cover feature " Eight woman with bold intentions"
Young emerging
entrepreure in the
abbitor industry award
In 2020 I received an award

presented by the MEC of
agriculture for young
emerging entrepreneur in the
abettor industry
Most
influential
woman in
business
award
In 2019 I received an award

presented by C.E.O global as
a country and regional
winner in the category "
Most influential woman in
business and government"
Cover feature :
"Eight woman with
bold Intentions "
Accountancy SA - August 2018
In August 2018 i was part of 8 woman on

the cover of the Accountancy SA magazine
where i shared my entrepreneurial journey
as a business woman.
Project 1 SAY G with MAJALI
Interview with Chad the Chalane Doumane is an

Sibabalwa Sesmane,
Don. experienced consultant
Founder of Unorthodox PR
and founder of Concour
and Media company,
consulting.
Interview with Mr Frank

Ngwenya Founder and CEO of
Fradu group.
Link to channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnb7Tqc-h8AeiyOili6Sbyw

Project 2 Nalithemba Farming
Nalithemba farming project
In 2019 I identified an opportunity to
bring economic activities in the rural
Upper Mvenyane ,Matatiel , Eastern Cape,
Project 3 Radio talks on TVOM

88.9 -
"Baby Steps to financial freedom"
In 2020 I Partnered with a local community radio
station , The Voice of Matat (TVOM) 88.9.
Alfred Nzo |Elundini |Qacha |KZN 45 000+ listeners
Ms. Babalwa Gova

Majali Chartered Accountants
Pretoria
0001
Sir,
APPLICATION FOR CONTENT CONTRIBUTION | baby steps to financial freedom
Miss Gova we’ve been watching in delight the exploits that you do in the entrepreneurial space
that always seem slim especially for the feminine generation in our country let alone the
diverse skills you posses in very strategic fields of Agriculture and Accounting.
Specifically, we need to discuss every monday morning of the month for the next six months
starting with the 07 July 2020 Monday telephonically at 07h50 for 10 minutes or less :
1. Household financials step by step towards financial freedom from salary ? .
The host presenter is Lady Dee co-hosted by Abongile (lady) & Geeranking (guy) , the name of
the show is Breakfast Buffet 06:00-09:00 mon – fri. In return we are willing to partner and
stretch a hand in your ever green concepts or future campaignsm .
Best regards
Ntlantla Geeranking Mgijima

Breakfast Buffet [Umdliva Wesidlo Sakusasa]
Tvom FM 88.9
MISSION STATEMENT Drive and sustain local content with sound values to inform, educate and entertain.
VISION STATEMENT Become the people’s media house of choice, the voice of the voiceless.
Page 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
RECOMMENDATION LETTER: MS BABALWA GOVA
Good day. I am writing this letter to make a recommendation for Babalwa, a tutor at the
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) African Student Intervention (ASI) programme, who has been
nominated as one of the 35 under 35 candidates. The programme enjoys the support of the
SAICA regional office and the Dean of the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance. The
programme's objectives are focused on empowering the targeted cohort of students through
its initiatives – mentoring, tutoring, motivational talks and assessing at postgraduate diploma in
accounting (PGDA) level. Babalwa has been a part of the programme since 2019 in the roles of
mentor and tutor.
Babalwa is a highly motivated individual and has become a very valuable resource to the
programme's activities. Babalwa is able to transition from the CEO of her company, with the
tight deadlines that come with it, to a compassionate mentor and tutor. Babalwa has great
relational abilities that the students relate to. In addition, she is committed, dependable, and
proficient. She is adaptable and willing to make the necessary changes especially taking into
consideration the challenges presented by the national lockdown.
I exceedingly prescribe Babalwa as a possible and qualified candidate for the competition. I
believe that Babalwa will benefit tremendously from her participation in the competition. It is my
desire that she finds recognition and resources to propel her future ambitions both in the
profession and as an entrepreneur.
Please do not hesitate to contact me, gumede1@ukzn.ac.za. (031) 260 6289 should you have
any queries.
Yours sincerely,
Ms. Zamanguni Gumede MAcc, CA(SA)

Co-ordinator: PGDA ASI|School of Accounting, Economics & Finance
School of Accounting, Economics and Finance

Postal Address: Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0) 31 260 6289 Email: gumede1@ukzn.ac.za Website: www.ukzn.ac.za
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
DANA PRETORIUS
32 years old
DIRECTOR, OUTSOURCED CFO

Short Profile
Dana Pretorius co-founded Outsourced CFO (OCFO) in early 2014 and has been director of the business
for the last seven years. OCFO is an innovative financial consulting firm that makes CA expertise
available to growing SMEs at affordable sliding scales as and when their businesses require it.
Dana has a passion for the development of other young finance professionals as well as the scaling up
SMEs, as finance has the capability of being a catalyst in growing and scaling up SMEs. Through OCFO,
Dana wants to equip other young finance professionals to make an impact in the SMEs that they are
servicing, locally and globally.
His strategic mind, innovative nature and passion for business and life have made him invaluable to the
OCFO growth story and he is a much-loved leader as the HR director at OCFO. He has single-handedly
set up OCFO’s CA(SA) training office and continues to drive the professional development of OCFO’s
staff and leaders.
He assisted OCFO to develop and implement a remote working strategy and digital culture and helped
implement a remote working pilot 10 months before lockdown. As their first CA(SA) working remotely was
appointed well in advance of the lockdown, their team was able to go remote within 24 hours.
Dana was selected by Investec as one of eight entrepreneurs to be part of the Financial Services
Innovation Global Exposure Programme in July 2018 in Singapore, representing entrepreneurs that
innovate the financial services industry.
He also oversees the fundraising department at OCFO and over the past seven years, Dana and the
OCFO team have assisted clients to raise more than R750 million in funding. These transactions consist
of multiple smaller transactions requiring innovative expansion strategies and deal-structuring facilitation
between entrepreneurs and their respective funders.
As project leader at OCFO, Dana oversees Investec’s finance readiness programme. They have won just
under R30 million in deals for their entrepreneurs in the last two years’ programmes combined.
Dana is also a co-founder of the Founders Foundation, a not-for-profit company that owns 10% of
Outsourced CFO. The main purpose of the foundation is to assist entrepreneurs in South Africa to
become active economic participants. The first projects that OCFO has been active in are the founders’
events − events where entrepreneurs can connect with peers and learn from those who have gone before
them to scale up their businesses. Through these events, they will continue to serve the entrepreneurs
building great companies in South Africa.
Watch video
and achievements?
• I co-founded Outsourced CFO in the beginning of 2014. We have been successfully operating
the business for the last 7 years. I have been a director of the business ever since. OCFO is
an innovative financial consulting firm, making CA expertise available to growing SMEs at
affordable sliding scales, as and when their businesses require it. (POE reference 1)
• I was selected by Investec as one from 8 entrepreneurs to represent entrepreneurs that

innovate the financial services industry to be part of the Financial Services Innovation Global
Exposure Programme in July 2018, where we visited Singapore as a Financial destination.
(POE reference 2)
• I oversee the fundraising department at OCFO. OCFO assisted clients to raise more than
R750m in funding over the last 7 years. These transactions consist of multiple smaller
transaction sizes, requiring innovative expansion strategies and deal structuring facilitated
between the entrepreneur and respective funders.
• Digital FundRaise Con Live Event Video: 26 March 2020 (POE reference 3)
• As project leader at OCFO, I oversee the Investec Finance Readiness Program.
• We won just under R30m in deals for our entrepreneurs in the last two years’ programs, with
my clients making out the majority of the amount of funding raised. (POE reference 4)
• I am the HR Director at OCFO. I assisted OCFO to implement a remote working strategy and
digital culture, and even assisted with the implementation of a remote working pilot, 10
months before lock-down, before we went 100% remotely during the lock-down. We
appointed our first CA working remotely from Oudtshoorn, well in advance of the lock-down
period. This allowed our team to go remotely within 24 hours when the lock-down was
enabled. (POE reference 5)
• At a SAICA virtual webinar on 30 October 2019, I talked about People Management in Virtual
Office. I shared innovative ideas on how to manage and unlock the potential of your CA staff
(POE reference 6)
• I assisted with free OCFO webinars for entrepreneurs, during the lockdown period, covering
below relevant topics. As the lock-down resulted into unprecedented times for businesses,
pir videos helped entrepreneurs with innovative ways to navigate relief funding, people
management, TERS pay outs and building a strategy during this time. Topics included:
• People Management in the new normal
• Outsourced CFO Webinar 'How business owners can navigate the unpredictable' - Manage
your team
• Outsourced CFO Webinar 'How business owners can navigate the unpredictable' - Building
a strategy (POE reference 7)
• Assisted entrepreneurs to raise more than R2m in Relief funding from SEFA in a 2-week sprint
• SAICA Training Office registration
• I completed the Assessor training course with SAICA on 16/12/2019 (POE reference 8)
• I applied and registered OCFO as a SAICA Training office for future CA’s to their articles with
our firm, with Financial Management being our main elective. (POE reference 9)
• I assisted with the appointed of our first SAICA Trainee who started to work at OCFO on 1
February 2020
• Investec Market Readiness Program - I assisted with running this pilot program for the first 7
entrepreneurs, and concluding the pilot during April 2020.
• I was selected to be part of the Triga Accelerator during 2019. (POE reference 10)
• I oversee the training of our CAs at OCFO. Recent training topics included:
• The 7 steps to assist your client to be funding ready
• How to build a financial model
• How to evaluate the business risk of your client
• How to analysis the business model of your client
• How to arrange a SARS repayment plan for your client
• Relevant to clients who had a tax problem, but required a tax clearance to apply for Relief
funding.
• How to optimise/scale-up a business
• The scaling down of businesses was more relevant during the last while (POE reference 11)
On 13/05/2019 I successfully completed the Financial Sector Conduct Authority RE1

Examination: FSPs and Key Individuals in All Categories of FSPs and RE5 Regulatory
Examination: Representatives in all Categories of FSPs. This allows me to be a Representative
and Key Individual of a Venture Capital Fund, with a category 1 FSCA license.
(POE reference 12). The innovative strategy with this is, is to allow us to set-up a Venture
Capital fund that can invest in OCFO clients in the near future. Through this structure, I hope to
give our CAs that work at OCFO, fund management experience in the near future as well.

I am a co-founder of the Founders Foundation. The Founders Foundation is a not for profit
company that we contributed 10% of Outsourced CFOs shareholding towards. The Founders
Foundation's main purpose is to assist entrepreneurs in South Africa to become active
economic participants. The first projects that we have been active are the founders events:
https://www.foundersevents.co.za/
Being entrepreneurs ourselves, we felt a gap in the ecosystem in Cape Town for credible,
founder-lead events. Events where entrepreneurs can connect with peers and learn from those
who have gone before them to scale up their businesses.
This is why we created Founders Events - the originator of our cornerstone events Cape Town
Founders Conference, FundRaise Con, Scale-Up Con, and Deep Dive.
Through these events, we will continue to serve the entrepreneurs building great companies in
Cape Town. (POE reference 13)
I am also a guitarist in our church band at NGK Kenridge and am also one of the small group
leaders at NGK Kenridge.
recent past?
• I was a speaker at a SAICA Virtual Office webinar on 30 October 2019, sharing learnings to
fellow CAs on managing staff in a Virtual Office environment. (POE reference 6)
• I have written innovative business thought pieces, to uplift the business community as well as
encourage young professionals to upskill themselves for the future.
• Your business Magazine (Feb/March 2019 edition): 7 Steps to being funding ready (POE
reference 14)
• Accounting SA (October 2019 edition): Upskilling for Millennials (POE reference 14)
Upliftment of business community

I was a facilitator at the Triga NextGen Conference held on the 18th of July 2020.
https://trigaventures.org/nextgen/
The conference is aimed at the next generation of entrepreneurs, between the ages of 25-30
years, helping them to build redemptive businesses.
Personal environment:
As part of a small group outreach we cleaned the beach at Melkbosstrand while we were still
allowed to go outside before the lockdown.
My grandmother recently passed away. I took over certain financial responsibilities for
managing the family business books.
I started a property company with my brother and cousin, leading the initiatives of identifying
the properties for investment and arranging the appropriate financing from financial institutions,
together with educating my relatives on financial acumen.
young leader?
I lead from the front. Even though I am a director, I don’t mind getting actively involved with
client engagement, to assist the team to deliver great service to our clients.
I am in sync with our team's needs. I engage frequently with our staff, to learn from how we can
make their engagement at our firm more enjoyable and more efficient.
I take extreme responsibility for the deliverables presented by my team members to our clients.
As a leader, I encourage our staff, by frequently running internal Monday Motivationals.
Top 35 finalist?
My core strengths are Strategy and being a Futurist. As a young CA leader, I have had the
privilege of working on projects that I am passionate about. My main passions are developing
the financial professionals of tomorrow and helping to grow and scale businesses in South
Africa. Businesses are experiencing so much financial chaos. I see my contribution as a
catalyst, enabling these businesses to scale optimally and become active economic
participants in South Africa.
I believe that I should be nominated to be a top 35 finalist because it would allow me to inspire
other young existing and future CAs to use their CA knowledge for really making a difference in
the entrepreneurial communities that they are involved in. That they too can be catalysts for
helping SMEs to scale. The Top35 platform would allow me to encourage other young
professionals to either start their dream job or go work at a company where they can live out
their passions.
In the COVID-19 context that we are in, I want to encourage businesses, to keep on innovating
and strategically position themselves for the changes that they are experiencing in their
industries. I want to encourage young professionals to continuously upskill themselves, to be
relevant to the changing needs of businesses. Allowing CAs to be the leaders of the future.

DEVELOP
SAICA Value Proposition: We facilitate the development of entry level CAs(SA) and facilitate the
development of the skills of existing members.
Dana’s contribution:
Dana has a love and passion for development of other people (Strengthsfinder Strength -
Developer).
This includes training of our employed CA’s at OCFO for the past 7 years, overseeing the
training of our SAICA Trainees as well as doing speaking engagements with the aim of
developing other CA’s and young professionals
• POE 9: Registration of Training Office with OCFO in 2019 (POE 9)
• POE 8: Assessor training qualification - Assess future CAs doing articles at OCFO (Refer to
Addendum B: SAICA Training Office Application OCFO
• (Motivation of how OCFOs values are aligned with SAICA’s Strategic intent to develop
• responsible leaders with the CA 2025 Objectives)
• POE 11: Innovative Advisory training to CFOs
• POE 6: Speaker at SAICA virtual webinar on 30 October 2019
• POE 15: Speaker at free OCFO webinar for young professionals
INFLUENCE
SAICA Value Proposition: We influence external stakeholders in the interest of our member
constituencies.
Dana’s Strategic and Futuristic strengths (Strengthsfinder) helped him to contribute to building
an innovative OCFO business model, making CA expertise available to growing SMEs at
affordable sliding scales, as and when their businesses require it.
• POE 5: Innovative remote working Strategist for OCFO
• POE 2: Selected by Investec to represent SA financial Services entrepreneurs with their
• Singapore Innovation Global Exposure Programme:
• POE 12: Financial Sector Conduct Authority Examination Completions - future ambitions to
be
• Key Individual and Representative of Category 1 Venture Capital Fund
• POE 10: Selected to be part of the Triga Accelerator

LEAD
SAICA Value Proposition: We lead in sustaining, developing and promoting the CA(SA)
designation, and the profession through ongoing member service for the benefit of our
members.
Please refer to a reference from OCFOs MD, Louw Barnardt, highlighting Dana’s Leadership
qualities (Addendum A)
● POE 1: Director and co-founder of OCFO
● POE 13: Co-founder of Founders Foundations and Founders Events Speaker
● POE 3: Responsible for OCFO Client Fundraise Drive
● POE 4: Investec Finance Readiness Programme Project Leader
● POE 7: Speaker at free OCFO lock-down webinars for entrepreneurs
● POE 14: Proof of innovative articles written for the business community.

Date: 27/07/2020
To whom it may concern,

Regarding: Dana Pretorius Reference letter to apply for the SAICA Top 35 Finalist

I have known Dana for the last 14 years as both as colleague and close friend. We co-founded OCFO
together almost seven years ago, acting on our desire to make the world a better place through
entrepreneurship.

As a SAICA Top 35 Finalist myself, I believe Dana has the personal characteristics to be considered as a
SAICA Top 35 finalist. His professionalism and drive as well as his passion, integrity and selfless care for
others make him a stand-out young Chartered Accountant.

His strategic mind, innovative nature and passion for business and life has made him absolutely
invaluable to the OCFO growth story. He is a much loved leader as the executive in charge of all people
matters at OCFO. He has single-handedly set up our CA Training Office and continues to drive the
professional development of our staff and leaders.

He has a passion for fundraising and has assisted numerous clients with their fundraising journey.
Please feel free to contact me regarding this nomination.

Yours Sincerely,

__________________________
Louw Barnardt CA(SA)
Managing Director- Outsourced CFO

Portfolio of evidence: Dana Pretorius Top 35 Application
Date: 07/10/2020
Dana Pretorius - application as SAICA Top 35 Finalist 2020
Below POE reference numbers agree to the reference numbers in the initial application for the
Top 35 under 35 competition.
POE 1: Director and co-founder of OCFO

https://www.ocfo.com/about-us-cfo/
POE 2: Selected by Investec to represent SA financial Services entrepreneurs with their

Singapore Innovation Global Exposure Programme:
● Below is a video clip of the programme
https://www.investec.com/en_za/welcome-to-investec/corporate-responsibility/our-comm
unity/Entrepreneurship.html
POE 3: Responsible for OCFO Client Fundraise Drive

● Please see a video I did at the Digital FundRaise Con Live Event on 26 March 2020,
where I cover the story of how OCFO assisted our clients to raise more than R750m in
funding. I feature in minute 13:30 to 28:05:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT9iWSOba4g&list=PLfqfdSbm9xMRFfBkOIn96NML
dNepB2j8-&index=29
POE 4: Investec Finance Readiness Programme Project Leader

● Please see a video about the Investec Finance Readiness Program.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2488178118071756
POE 5: Innovative remote working Strategist for OCFO
● Please see the cover page of OCFOs Strategy Plan for rolling out Remote Working 10
months before the lock-down, as well an email with a timestamp confirming the actions
taken at our firm.
POE 6: Speaker at SAICA virtual webinar on 30 October 2019
● I was a speaker at a SAICA Virtual Office webinar on 30 October 2019, sharing learnings
to fellow CAs on managing staff in a Virtual Office environment. Please see below video
as POE:
● SAICA Virtual Office webinar: 30 October 2019

● Minute: 01:50:28 to 02:28:00
https://livestream.com/SAICA/VirtualOfficeSeminar/videos/198381371
POE 7: Speaker at free OCFO lock-down webinars for entrepreneurs
● People Management in the new normal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Riq68uHgZ0&feature=youtu.be
● Outsourced CFO Webinar 'How business owners can navigate the unpredictable' -
Manage your team
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI5rQ-rBh_w&list=UUicfDcR9tov3Gowj3ihfQ_Q&ind
ex=2
● Outsourced CFO Webinar 'How business owners can navigate the unpredictable' -
Building a strategy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mudLsOdKZM&feature=youtu.be
● Outsourced CFO Webinar ‘What are the steps to take when rethinking your business
software?’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x20HXSjcD40
POE 8: Assessor training qualification - Assess future CAs doing articles at OCFO
● Registration date: 16/12/2019
● Assessor Number: A20040152
POE 9: Dana concluded the successful registration of OCFO as a SAICA Training Office
in 2019.
● Outsourced CFO can be found listed as a training offices as per below search portal.
● Refer to Addendum B: SAICA Training Office Application OCFO
(Motivation of how OCFOs values are aligned with SAICA’s Strategic intent to develop
responsible leaders with the CA 2025 Objectives)
● SAFinancial Management as elective.
https://www.saica.co.za/Training/Training/FindaTrainingOffice/tabid/412/language/en-ZA/
Default.aspx
POE 10: Selected to be part of the Triga Accelerator
● Below is a screenshot where I have been selected to be part of the Triga Accelerator.
● Below is Triga’s website link as well.
https://trigaventures.org/
POE 11: Innovative Advisory training to CFOs
Please see links to the internal recordings of where I did innovative training at OCFO:
Access to these internal videos has been granted to Mpho Netshivhambe: MphoN@saica.co.za
(He would be able to showcase the videos accordingly if requested by the panel)
Financial Model Training:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=11upYl1prI85-tTrZYukqPvjhAYRED62z
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UfLy4L5a131cjb8QWUJuf_8DlCOMmqEi
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1u3XaqOtXdgHiP6eOi3mbQdU3NTpEapSO
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1oE_E67tRBSVeot5exc9P3VZjq80ha8ON
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1pbx5k1rFRKsR1_r7uEmhOcIuyKQV4juI
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nNom9czd_LHCFE8UxWOCNdCTc6pwCBjx
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1DNez8_uScJbDJ39bmhrPjrbNiN9XAcMO
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1deVgGt7DlnyGYylMpgO8ke4kj8jd21Tv
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1mRnZ_TlNEyUsOB-ai8ZJgEsjSoQp1E3B
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kA6ICTmIgdrggad7bzF5gIRmjwoPENi_
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QPN-bQYIFKre6RseUraDQXLBNsZzF_jA
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ECn2gvtm2TLIaARNUN3N7HynTrLI1Sac
https://drive.google.com/open?id=11y_QmaWighXQSqkIq7nAzUy15-jJ48qO
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1c_ToVjPjSrgfCkiTK-iqYbswqlN6WiaJ
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1eOUOB3k1Rhr3sL_-_kTt7A_9ArcgYo0u
Pitch Deck Training:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wF382gFGTAg1ZVGqmi9MQNpEAkeTVye_
Financial Statement Analysis:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1cBk2tQc0f7JH8X7rEMC3asXX8lL7IXUJ
Steps to being funding ready:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nMHmaEs8130_fHhAxzlPG1P9goPjdmRW
Business Model Analysis:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ncXgEJ5UPKdEGwb7ouWaoZ8zcrhF9O9W
Business Risk Training:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SICy_0neg3qewderTegCKpwvcI82xQ7I
POE 12: Financial Sector Conduct Authority Examination Completions - future ambitions
to be Key Individual and Representative of Category 1 Venture Capital Fund
● Financial Sector Conduct Authority RE1 Examination: FSPs and Key Individuals in All
Categories of FSPs
○ Completion date: 13/05/2020
○ Examination Partner: Moonstone
○ Certificate number: 304567
● Financial Sector Conduct Authority RE5 Regulatory Examination: Representatives in all
Categories of FSPs.
○ Completion date: 13/05/2020
○ Examination Partner: Moonstone
○ Certificate number: 304531
POE 13: Co-founder of Founders Foundations and Founders Events Speaker

https://www.foundersevents.co.za/
● Fundraise Con Speaker

○ Event Date: November 2019
○ Speaking Topic: 7 steps to being funding ready:
○ Video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNrL9Tll-Lg&list=UUicfDcR9tov3Gowj3ihfQ_
Q&index=56
● Scale-up Con Speaker:

○ Event Date: 15/09/2020
○ Speaking Topic: Strategy in the business of new normal
○ Time in video: Minute 28:35 to 37:50
○ Video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w95jbnlQ6lQ
POE 14: Proof of innovative articles written for the business community.
● Your Business Magazine: February/March 2019 edition

https://bizmag.co.za/february-march-2019-edition/#febmar201812
● Accounting SA: October 2019
http://magazine.accountancysa.org.za/publication/?m=&l=1&i=624221&view=articleBrow
ser&article_id=3497974&ver=html5
POE 15: Speaker at free OCFO webinar for young professionals

● How to be relevant for the Future of Finance - webinar
○ Event Date:22 September 2020
○ Video link: https://youtu.be/qRhi8Q9IT94
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
MANDY MUCHNICK
32 years old
PRIVATE EQUITY TRANSACTOR, PAN AFRICAN

CAPITAL HOLDINGS.
AFRICA CHAIR FOR ONE YOUNG WORLD AND
CO-FOUNDER OF IMAGINE NATION
Short Profile
While Mandy is a transactor in the private equity industry, she spends a significant amount of time
investing in the future of the continent through her role as the Africa Chair for One Young World (OYW),
her non-profit imagine.nation, and as the co-chair of the FinBiz2030 Task Force.
OYW is the leading global forum for young leaders. The annual summit convenes the brightest talent from
over 190 countries across every sector, working to accelerate social impact. Delegates are counselled by
some of the most influential political, business and humanitarian figures such as the late Kofi Annan, Dr
Jane Goodall, Paul Polman and Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Mandy’s passion for not only contributing to society through her own work − she has built and supported
two crèches providing a safe learning environment for over 100 children annually and reaching over 20
000 vulnerable children together with her team through initiatives such as their annual Winter Warmer
since 2014 − but for wanting others to be given the opportunity she had to attend OYW and gain access
to the platform led her to becoming a formidable asset to the OYW organisation since she first attended a
summit in 2015. She was selected to be the coordinating ambassador for Southern Africa, a role that
requires holding the community together and acting as the linchpin between OYW HQ in London and
ambassadors. Under Mandy’s leadership, the region went from being relatively fragmented to a highly
connected, constantly engaged community of over 500 ambassadors who are delivering results on the
ground. In OYW co-founder Kate Robertson’s words: ‘We always knew Southern Africa had the potential
to be a leading hub globally and it had now not only been done, but the pace had been set for the
continent. Since her tenure, the cohorts of coordinating ambassadors throughout the continent turn to
her for guidance and support and we continue to see Africa move from strength to strength.’
Mandy loves investing in people, and this is at the centre of her investment philosophy at work and in her
upliftment initiatives. She feels strongly about identifying and nurturing talent in others, believing that
maximising individual growth is not only core to a meaningful life, but also critical to solving the world’s
main challenges. As the chair for OYW in Africa, she has the ability to do just that as she seeks out
organisations and individuals across the continent who share the values of OYW, guides their talent to
the annual summit, and most importantly, beyond into solving the goals as set out by the SDGs from
within their companies.
Mandy explains that at OYW they ask themselves, ‘What would the world look like today if global leaders
had been friends when they were 25?’ For that reason, they are working towards a dream where the
heads of government in every African country and the African conglomerate CEOs are OYW
ambassadors.
Mandy has played an integral role launching FinBiz2030 and establishing a task force committed to
tackling our most pressing issues. She has proven that one does not need to quit one’s job to make a
difference and that working in a corporate provides a strong platform from which to effect societal
change.
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and achievements?
• Working in the private equity space, first as a partner at Sana Partners (2017-2020) and now
at Pan African Capital Holdings (PACH)
• Chair for One Young World in Africa (2019-present)
• One Young World Coordinating Ambassador (2018)
• One Young World Delegate Speaker (2015)
• Albeit not that recent, It will always be a career highlight having spent the first 5 years of my
career at Investec from 2013-2017.

I am actively involved in community projects as well as driving change from within corporate SA
in the following three ways, each discussed more in detail below:
• Co-founder of a non-profit, imagine.nation;
• Chair for One Young World for Africa; and
• Co-Chair of the FinBiz2030 Task Force for South Africa.
The state of education in South Africa is dire and under-supported, particularly in the
formative years. Imagine.nation is a non-profit I co-founded to change that narrative and set a
different example. We believe not just in quality education for all, but also in education as a
sustainable enterprise whose ability to consistently deliver a high-quality product does not
waver year-on-year. We equally recognise the importance of our partners to be given a hand
up rather than a handout. This is why we ensure that any school built is also run as a
sustainable business and that once we are through the initial project phase, the school does
not rely on us for any components of running the school day-to-day, but rather only on
strategic assistance, education improvement initiatives and large capex plans such as
additional classrooms and healthy sanitation. Imagine.nation was co-founded by a group of
individuals who have full-time corporate careers but believe that it is the role of every South
African to have a positive impact on society. I personally headed up the fundraising and
building of two schools, Itsoseng and Boitshepo, in the Muldersdrift area. Building was only
phase 1 and we have been actively involved with monthly education mornings and strategic
initiatives since 2015. Please see the imagine.nation document of evidence loaded on the
Google drive folder for details on our significant milestones as well as the reference letter
from Collins from Boitshepo creche.
My work in social upliftment, alongside my career at the time at Investec, is what led Investec
to nominating me to attend the One Young World 2015 summit in Bangkok. One Young World
is dubbed the “Davos to people under 30” and has become the pre-eminent global youth
leadership forum bringing together 1,500+ representatives from 196 countries per year,
second only in representation to the Summer Olympics. Once accepted to attend the 2015
Summit, my profile was shortlisted and after a rigorous interview process I was selected by
One Young World to be one of the few Delegate Speakers among former heads of state,
global CEOs and celebrity activists. Attending One Young World changed my life in ways that
are difficult to articulate but most importantly, it strengthened my belief and resolve in the
importance of making a difference in your society even if it is not your full-time job.
Further, I wanted to ensure that as many other young people as possible could get the
opportunity I had, to sit in that room and discuss the world’s most pressing issues with not only
some of today’s greatest leaders, but with the leaders of tomorrow. Of the many deficits in this
world, leadership is certainly one of the top and it is critical for South Africa to develop a strong
generation of leaders both within and outside of corporate South Africa. This passion and
vision led me to being nominated as the Coordinating Ambassador for One Young World in
Southern Africa in 2018 alongside 25 other leaders from across the world. I was tasked with
ensuring the 500+ ambassadors in the region were highly connected through networking
opportunities and opportunities to accelerate their current impact. As I carefully planned and
religiously executed what I believed was needed, Southern Africa went from being one of the
lowest engagement regions to the most active region that year and continues to be in the most
active and highly connected regions globally.
In my personal capacity I also rallied as much support as possible for new delegates to be sent
to the Summit. After successfully getting new Delegate Partners on board in South Africa, One
Young World appointed me as the Chair for One Young World in Africa in 2019. This role
involves representing all of the organisations interests on the African continent and ensuring
that every country is represented at the annual summit. Africa will be home to 25% of the
world’s youth population by 2025 and it is critical of us to have a seat at the global table.
Please see the document of evidence relating to One Young World on the Google drive and
reference letters from Anisha Gordhan, Kate Robertson, Geoff Rothschild and Sneha Shah.
FinBiz2030 was launched as a joint initiative between One Young World and Chartered
Accountants Worldwide, the perfect initiative for me to get involved in as my two worlds collide
to set up a platform which delivers the critical message that business has to be at the table to
solve the SDGs. If not from a purely moral standpoint, then at least from the one where it is
becoming increasingly obvious that businesses cannot thrive in failing societies. In the long run,
we all sink or swim together and business have a critical role in ensuring the latter. I am
passionate about showing people that you do not need to quit your job to have a positive
impact on the world. The state of the world is in large part a result of the collective impacts of
the private sector, and each company is part of that puzzle. As a result, this, together with
access to resources, gives anyone working in a company a large platform to make a significant
difference in addressing the SDGs.
recent past?
Specifics regarding the detail provided to the previous question, and only dealing with the last
year (please see document of evidence for full track record) include:
1. Imagine.nation: From the beginning of the year and during the COVID 19 pandemic,
together with my team we have executed the below:
• COVID19 Essentials Response: Monthly packages have been sent to each child and
teacher including essential foods and toiletries, educational home kits, winter blankets,
masks for parents and safety caps with vizors for the children. We have raised sufficient
funding to provide this support for 6 months. The estimated number of people impacted is
calculated as follows:
• Number of children at Boitshepo: 66
• Number of teachers: 4
• Total number of people at Boitshepo = 70
• Average number of people per family: 4
• Total number of people not going to bed hungry during COVID19 = 280 per people per
day
• Extension of classrooms: Given the growth in enrolment in the school from when we
initially built when there were 35 children to the current 66 children, it has become
essential to add additional classes and allocate children into classes in the appropriate
age groups. We have done so and are two weeks away from completion of the extension.
• Annual Winter Warmer: We have been running an annual Winter Warmer with
imagine.nation for the past 5 years. We aim to distribute as many blankets as possible
each year to vulnerable children and elderly. In 2020, we have managed to fundraise and
distribute 6,100 blankets across several communities. In total over the years we have
distributed over 16,000.
• Note: Please see document of evidence for full track record including our total fundraising
from 2015 – present of R1.8m and what it was applied to.
2. One Young World: When taking on the role as the Southern Africa Coordinating
Ambassador in 2018, the community was highly fragmented and rarely got together. In
2018, Southern Africa was the most active region in the world in terms of connectivity by
way of events, which included not only high-profile speakers but also elements of action,
and media opportunities showcasing work being done. Upon taking up the role as Chair for
Africa, I was able to bring on 6 new Delegate Partners and assist them with the correct
selection processes within their organisations within the first 6 weeks of the role and in time
for the 2019 summit. In early 2020 we were able to fill a boardroom with many of South
Africa’s prominent business leaders to discuss the role the youth need to play in building the
future we want, the requirement of business to be at the table in achieving the SDGs and
the critical role One Young World plays in being a catalyst for change and access to a global
network which facilitates achieving more than any individual could on their own.
3. FinBiz2030: Worked together with SAICA to ensure the successful launch of the initiative in
South Africa in February. I have subsequently coordinated, alongside Lyle Malander, to
ensure that post the launch event that the South African Task Force, being the group of
CA(SA)s and One Young World Ambassadors who will take this initiative forward, was
formally put together with designated teams, team leaders and a clearly defined path
ahead. We also hosted a webinar as part of the global Building Resilience Series which
attracted 4,000 registrations from 66 countries and showcased deeply impactful stories of
One Young World Ambassadors and business leaders in South Africa. This series is
meaningful as it is becoming increasingly evident that the youth are feeling like the odds are
stacked up against them and that the mental health ramifications of the current adversity
being faced is far spread. We live in a world that places high importance on putting forward
the perfect highlights reel, but now more than ever it is important to share our vulnerability
and connect to navigate the way forward.
young leader?
First and foremost, my goal is to do good work. Setting an example is something that comes a
result of that. The order of the aforementioned is critical to me. Many of the inadequacies the
world faces today are a result of people trying to be role models or climbing the social ladder to
be seen as successful. These are situations, where the facades are divorced from reality, they
lead to poor service delivery, business failures and the world’s vulnerable suffering from a lack
of opportunity meant to be delivered by the leaders they look up to in both public and private
spheres.
I believe that setting an example to others is rooted in the work I do. I am proud of what our
non-profit has achieved, of my work in private equity and of my role in growing One Young
World’s reach on its most underrepresented continent. I pour my life’s work into these
initiatives; I learn from my stumbles and I try to take some time to reflect on the wins. It is these
real experiences that I hope set an example, because it is these real experiences that await any
who hope to achieve their dreams. It is about putting in the hard work when most people are
not watching, the early mornings and late evenings, that move you forward and that I believe
will move our country forward too.
Top 35 finalist?
I have never loved answering this type of a question! On reflection as to why, it might be
because I wonder whether I really am worthy of such a list despite all I have mentioned in this
application. This imposter syndrome is no stranger to me - I am a female in the highly male
dominated world of private equity. Suspending this unwelcome guest of doubt, which I have had
to do at many times in my career, I truly believe that the work I have done is important. Together
with some amazing people, we have achieved incredible things. We have changed the trajectory
of the lives of thousands of people - from pre-schoolers in poverty, to dreamers across Africa! I
have grounded my work in commerciality, from all the empowering things I have learned as a
CA(SA), proving fiscal sustainability to be a super-power in the world of making a difference, as
well as in some of the toughest boardrooms in the country. We CAN change the trajectory of
South Africa and I believe the story of the work I do, and how I got here from growing up in a
small town in the Free State, has the ability to drive others to the action that our country, and the
world, so desperately needs. I am also a mother and I hope that through sharing not only my
wins, but my struggles, I can be someone who other women look to for leaning in and as hope
not for perfection but for doing your best, and that being good enough.
DEVELOP
Using my skills as a CA to make an impact is where my journey in social upliftment started.
While studying at UCT, my brother and I wanted to find a way to use our skills for good. This led
us to founding the first ever social enterprise project at UCT (Siyaya). We found unemployed
would-be bread winners and started by training them in a self-developed four-week course on
business skills from how to open a bank account to how to develop a business plan and keep a
set of basic accounts. For candidates who showed commitment to the course over the
month, we extended a micro loan of R500 to help them get their business started. Key
outcomes:
• 90 volunteers join us in Khayelitsha over the 2.5 years we ran the project;
• 100 trainees attended our course;
• Over 25 businesses successfully started including clothing, vegetable gardens and fish and
chips shops; and
• Rated in the Top 200 social projects in the world by the Dell Social Innovation Challenge..
This business curriculum has subsequently been taught in my hometown of Parys, in Alexandra
and in the Muldersdrift area to ensure that the schools we build through our current non-profit
(imagine.nation) are run as sustainable businesses.
INFLUENCE
• Influence shows in the number of teams I have been able to lead and the number of people I
have been able to rally to support the various causes that I feel passionate about. This
includes but is not limited to:
• Over 90 volunteers who joined us during the time of Siyaya and over 200 volunteers who have
joined us in Alexandra and Muldersdrift area since founding imagine.nation, the majority of
which are regular supporters and many include senior executives from corporate SA;
• The number of people we have been able to gain the confidence of, and who have made it
possible to raise over R1.8m for imagine.nation;
• Building the Investec CA Programme CSI initiatives between 2013 - 2015, and spreading this
to further CA training programmes across Johannesburg, to ensure that our profession, as
next generation of leaders of corporate SA understand the societies in which we operate in
and appreciate the responsibility that lies on all of us, if not only from a moral point of view
then at least from one in which people understand that businesses cannot thrive over the long
term in failing societies.
• The ability to bring on Partners for One Young World through gaining the trust of senior
executives at large companies by providing evidence of that impact of not only myself, but of
others who I have gotten on board in prior years.
• The ability to build the Southern Africa One Young World community into the most active
community globally with no budget relying on the support of people who were willing to
believe in the vision and mission.
• The ability to connect with people globally as seen through driving the launch of FinBiz2030 in
Nigeria.
LEAD
Leading people and organisations:
• Investec, Sana Partners and Pan African Capital holdings:
• At Investec Property I led the financial strategy of the newly founded Investec Property
Equity team including how we would assess transactions, what would be included in
presentations to Investment Committees and was the key liaison between the commercial
team and internal and external legal team from Werksmans who drafted the ultimate
negotiation metrics. (The Property fundamentals and industry experience lay in the broader
team).
• Since 2016, I have played a lead role on several transactions ranging between R200m –
R1bn.
• One Young World
• As Southern Africa Coordinating Ambassador for OYW:
• Represented and led a community of 500+ Ambassadors.
• Brought 75-100 people together for physical events with waiting lists for each event.
• As Africa Chair:
• Guide organisations in their selection processes i.e. recently assisted EOH in formulating
their processes and sat on the final panel alongside senior executives such as Megan
Pdigadu.
• As Co-Founder of our non-profit, imagine.nation, I have led the team from the founding days
throughout our registration processes, strategic plans, fundraising initiatives and execution of
plans into the organisation we are today.
• Investec
• As a second year CA I was selected to run the Investec CA Programme CSI committee, a
position usually held by third years. Formerly CSI initiatives raised R20,000 per annum and
had ad-hoc events at an orphanage and creche we had adopted. In 2014, the CSI
committee raised R250,000, which became the new benchmark, and ran weekly mentorship
programmes at the orphanage and bi-monthly events at the creche.
• The Investec CA Trainees were in Accountancy SA at the frontier of social change after I
initiated a drive to unit CA Trainees in Johannesburg to all adopt a creche through Seeds of
Africa and follow the Investec formula. To this day, KPMG, EY, PwC, FNB, and Standard
Bank CA Trainees run this initiative.
• After my first OYW conference in 2015, I was selected as the Returning Ambassador for
Investec to guide and equip the 2016 delegation of 10 to Ottawa.
imagine.nation NPO
Background to the organisation and overview of personal involvement and impact
Who we are
Timeline of events
A non-profit founded by young South Africans with a firm belief

that every person has the ability to change the world in a
positive way. We aim to enhance opportunities for South
African children living in rural areas and give them a real fighting
chance by building sustainable schools.
Why
The future of our country rests on the pillars of education.

Formative-year education in rural South Africa is in a dire state
and receives little comparative support. Typical classrooms
have a teacher to child ratio of 1:40. For every 100 students in
grade 1, 48 will make it to high school and only 4 will pass maths
with a grade in excess of 50%.
How
Empower teachers to own schools, get the requisite training

and run their schools as sustainable social businesses.
What
Imagine.nation build pre-primary schools and provides

curriculum support in order to ensure safe and clean learning
environments that inspire learners and teachers for a brighter
tomorrow. Cash flows and applications
Our wins to date Category: Cash donation and application
`
1 June 2015 - 31 May 2016 1 June 2016 - 31 May 2017 1 June 2017 - 31 May 2018 1 June 2018 - 31 May 2019 1 June 2019 - 31 May 2020 1 June 2020 - 29 July 2020
100 10,001 - - - -
Total
10,101
Donations - Winter Warmer Blanket Drive 52,692 73,877 90,850 164,620 229,831 212,701 824,571
Donations - Creche Classroom build and extension 67,331 - 29,686 36,570 5,000 100,000 238,587
2 schools built and fully Monthly educational Donations - Monthly Food Parcels
Donations - Covid19 Food Parcels
3,000
-
35,200
-
26,310
-
6,660
-
1,250
91,526
-
87,600
72,420
179,126
equipped including classes, mornings through our Parties Donations - Easter
Donations - Party With Purpose
-
-
750
-
-
-
-
-
-
800
-
-
750
800
toilets, a kitchen and ongoing with Purpose. Total
All of the above are verifiable via bank statements
123,124 119,829 146,846 207,850 328,408 400,301 1,326,356
educational materials. Over 30 Parties hosted. Category: Direct payments to service providers 1 June 2015 - 31 May 2016 1 June 2016 - 31 May 2017 1 June 2017 - 31 May 2018 1 June 2018 - 31 May 2019 1 June 2019 - 31 May 2020 1 June 2020 - 29 July 2020 Total
Mandela Day Food Bags by PnP Meyerton 50,000 50,000
Classroom undercover veranda* 12,000 12,000
Annual Santa Shoe Box 10,000 12,500 12,500 16,800 51,800
> 500 children > 20,000 Monthly food 75 families Summer uniforms* 5,000 5,000
.impacted beneficiaries in drops since supported Apr – Winter uniforms*
Waterless toilet solution**
6,000
30,000
6,000
30,000
through the our annual 2016 for Aug 2020: food Perimeter fence** 38,000 38,000
Winter Warmer. children's daily + essentials + Kitchen** 38,000 38,000

schools. New winter uniforms 7,500 7,500
meals. home edu kits. Winter warmer masks 12,000 12,000
Winter Warmer through the Angel Network 60,000 60,000
. Total 60,000 29,500 48,500 92,800 - 79,500 310,300
All of the above is verifiable by invoices and refernces if required
> R1.6m cash raised. > R0.2m in-kind donations. * Presented by Mandy Muchnick to (and funded by )the Investec staff initiative known as the Cradle Project (Mandy Muchnick is a former employee at Investec)
** Presented by Mandy and Joni Muchnick to (and funded by) Standard Bank Investment Banking (Joni Muchnick is a former employee at Standard Bank)
Total cash fundraising and expenditure 183,124 149,329 195,346 300,650 328,408 479,801 1,636,656
The future Category: In-kind donations 1 June 2015 - 31 May 2016 1 June 2016 - 31 May 2017 1 June 2017 - 31 May 2018 1 June 2018 - 31 May 2019 1 June 2019 - 31 May 2020 1 June 2020 - 29 July 2020 Total
Monthly education mornings: Party With Purpose
Vegetable garden
• Expanding our flagship site at Boitshepo to cater for Tables and chairs
Stationery and educational materials
the influx of children who have enrolled; and Toys

Mandela Day toiletries by Verimark
• Equipping sites with solar energy and education New Jojo Tank
Estimated total value 200,000
technology that lower the barriers to access of world- Total cash and in-kind donations 1,836,656
class education.
We hope to have you join us soon!
Until then…. please visit imagine.nation on social media

Instagram via https://instagram.com/imagine.nation_insta?igshid=vgmqyz30zodk
and/or
Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/imagine.nationza/
MANDY MUCHNICK CA(SA)
64 Esprit Estate, 29 Bowling Avenue, Wendywood, 2090
mandybenjamin@icloud.com | +27731750771
Education
2008-2012 UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN CAPE TOWN
Bachelor of Business Science in Finance and Accounting and Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA)
• Dean’s Merit List: 2009-2011. Cumulative GPA: Over 70% 2009-2011. Macroeconomics tutor 2009.
Experience
2020- Present Pan African Capital Holdings (“PACH”) JOHANNESBURG
Private Equity Consultant
• Work on new deals encompasses deal origination, financial modeling, transaction structuring, preparation of investment
committee proposals, commercial and financial due diligence activities, offer letters and assessment of legal documents.
• Reporting on portfolio company performance, assessment of existing capital structures and road shows for new debt packages.
• Originated a deal in 2020 with an equity value > R500m.
2017-2020 SANA PARTNERS JOHANNESBURG

Partner
• Key responsibilities in line with those currently executed at PACH.
2013 – 2017 INVESTEC BANK JOHANNESBURG/LONDON

Property associate
• Part of a two-man start up, within Investec Property, aiming to be the pre-eminent property equity provider in South Africa.
• Active in all areas from team strategy to deal origination, negotiating, closing and transaction management.
• Built a book over the period with an underlying asset value > R1bn.
Chartered Accountant Program

• Exposure included compulsory rotations in Operational Risk, Group Finance (Investec Bank PLC), and Internal Audit, as well as
applicant-based rotations in Principal Investments, Investor Relations and Leverage Finance.
• Head of the CA Programme CSI committee growing it from an initiative of R20,000 per annum to R250,000 per annum with the
Investec CA Trainees being recognised in Accountancy SA at the frontier of social change.
Leadership &
Skills
2014- present IMAGINE.NATION JOHANNESBURG
Co-founder and director of a non-profit organization with focus on education and social entrepreneurship
• Built two schools with an education curriculum distributed to over 1,000 students in the Muldersdrift area.
• Annual winter-warmer blanket drive reached over 20,000 recipients in the last four years.
ONE YOUNG WORLD (OYW) BANGKOK/OTTAWA/THE HAGUE/LONDON

2019-present Africa Chair for One Young World
• Manage key strategic relationships with OYW sponsors and counselors on the continent.
• In charge of seeking the best talent on the continent to have their voices heard on the largest global stage for people under 30.
2018-2018 Coordinating Ambassador Southern Africa

• One of 26 leaders from around the world selected to build the infrastructure and manage the Southern Africa community.
• Managed a community of 500 OYW Ambassadors ensuring that they were connected through relevant local events in various
cities and that their work was reported on through social media and international impact reports in order to gain the support
needed to support their initiatives.
• Most active region in the global community in 2018.
2015- present Ambassador and delegate speaker

• Presented my non-profit (imagine.nation) work to 1,500+ delegates from over 190 countries, speaking alongside the CEO of
Verizon, Ronan Dunne on a panel on digital life and making tech available.
2010-2011 SIYAYA CAPE TOWN

Co-founder a non-profit organization with focus on social entrepreneurship
• 90 volunteers, 100 trainees in our course and several businesses successfully started.
• Rated in the Top 200 social projects in the world by the Dell Social Innovation Challenge.
2000-2010 TENNIS
• Represented Northern Free State from 2000-2001 followed by Gauteng from 2002-2006.
• Ranked in the top 20 for singles and top 10 for doubles in South Africa. UCT 1st team from 2008-2010 (Captain 2010).
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To whom it may concern,
I consider it a great opportunity to write this letter of recommendation for

Mandy Muchnick for the SAICA 35 under 35 as Mandy embodies what the
next generation of corporate leaders need to look like. Mandy and I first met in
2015 when she attended her first One Young World Summit which was
hosted in Bangkok that year. Mandy had been selected out of the 1,500
delegates in attendance as one of the few Delegate Speakers to share her
work on her non-profit, imagine.nation, in a panel on the main stage alongside
One Young World Counselor and Verizon Consumer Group CEO, Ronan
Dunne.
Mandy’s passion for not only contributing positively to society through her own
work, but for wanting others to be given the opportunity she was to attend
One Young World and gain access to the platform and network quickly led her
to becoming a formidable asset to One Young World. In 2018 she was
selected to be the Coordinating Ambassador for Southern Africa, a role that
requires holding the community together and acting as the linchpin between
the One Young World team based in London and the hundreds of
Ambassadors in the region. This is critical to One Young World being different
to any other organisation; we are not a talk shop, we are about action and our
Coordinating Ambassadors play a key role in ensuring Ambassadors are
presented with opportunities to enhance their work and that action is
ultimately delivered all year round by our community. Mandy worked tirelessly
to not only sustain momentum for the new members of the community after
the 2017 Summit, but to build a truly connected community between all
Ambassadors who have attended the summit since the first one in 2010. This
was achieved through organising high profile action orientated events,
tracking the impact of individual Ambassadors and making useful connections
between them. Under Mandy’s leadership, the Southern Africa region went
from being relatively fragmented to highly connected, constantly engaged and
delivering results on the ground. We always knew South Africa had the
potential to be leading hub in the world and it had not only now been done,
but the pace had been set for the continent. Since her tenure, the following
cohorts of Coordinating Ambassadors throughout the continent turn to her for
guidance and support and we continue to see Africa move from strength to
strength.
For One Young World, the time for the organisation to formulate and deliver
on a long-term plan for engagement with the Africa’s young leaders is now;
the work is urgent. My best vision would be for the heads of government in
every African country, and the CEO’s of every African conglomerate, to be
One Young World Ambassadors. It’s a dream – but it’s the right one. Mandy’s
ability to hold her own at a table with some of the most well-known global
leaders and her track record of inspiring and mobilizing people made her a
perfect candidate to take up the role as the Organising Committee Chair for
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Africa in 2019 and work towards achieving the urgent goals we have for the
continent.
At One Young World we value action above all. From key new relationships
and Delegate Partners, to playing a core role in successfully launching and
managing FinBiz2030 in South Africa as well as currently doing so in Nigeria,
within weeks, in true Mandy style, she was delivering and continues to do so.
This, all while juggling her career and a newborn.
Mandy is an asset to us on the African continent and we have little doubt that
great strides will continue to be made. She is a force and an important
benchmark for the kind of leadership that is going to be required from the CA
and business profession
Yours faithfully,
7/31/2020
Kate Robertson
Co-Founder & CEO One Young World
07919572475, kate.robertson@oneyoungworld.com
Geoff Rothschild
12 Garden Road, Orchards, Johannesburg,2l92
To: The SAIGA Top 35 under 35 Judg6 Commlttee

Reference tor Mandy Muchnick
Dear All
It is a privilege for me to recommend Mandy Muchnick for the SAICA Top 35 under 35 Award. Mandy
Muchnick qualified as a CA(SA) in 2015 after completing her articles at lnvestec. She spent a further
two years at lnvestec, co-launching the Property Private Equity team within lnvestec Property.
Thereafter, she embarked on a journey in the generalist private equity space and joined Sana Partners,
a newly founded private equity fund. ln January 2020, she moved with a partner from Sana Partners to
join Pan African Capital Holdings, a black-owned private equity fund with a diverse portfolio of
investments.
I first met Mandy at the One Young World 2016 Summit in Ottawa where she was leading the lnvestec
delegation as a Returning Ambassador. This was the 7th annual summit by One Young World which
had been established in 2009 by Kate Robertson and David Jones, who were at that stage senior
executives in the Havas lnternational organisation. The summit attracts over 1,500 young people (who
have been selected and sponsored by their companies or have won highly competitive scholarships)
from 190+ countries around the world.
Afrer attending One Young World and being convinced in the power of this network, I felt the need to
get involved and help build the brand in South Africa in order to have our country and our continent well
represented at the largest youth gathering globally.
Mandy joined the One Young World Local Organising Committee in 20'18 when she was appointed as
the Coordinating Ambassador for Southern Africa. Up to that point, we had not had a Coordinating
Ambassador who had successfully united the local community (Ambassadors who had attended
previous Summits). lwatched in 2018 as Mandy gathered every resource at her disposal to build this
community into what it is today. She was never afraid to ask people to get on board and her authentic
nature and passion around doing so is what resulted in the country having the highest quality events
and interactions. This is exactly the type of world-class initiative that the One Young World brand is
synonymous with. Today, South Africa has an active Ambassador community and is setting the pace
for One Young World communities globally.
Mandy went out of her way to get deserving talent the opportunity to attend the annual Summit either
through their companies or special scholarship programs. She has always been action orientated and
delivers on he[ promises. Today, we are able to fill a boardroom with the most welFknown CEOS in the
country (from leading companies and organisations such as lnvestec, PwC, EOH, Risk lnsights,
Accenture, Deloitte, MMI and the University of KZN) to discuss One Young World, the role of our youth
and the opportunity for them to attend this prestigious event. The aim of the event is to develop the
youth, to give them access to a global network and opportunities and facilitate them returning to make
a difference in their companies, communities and country at large, especially in the entrepreneurial
space. There is currently a strong pipeline of the country's top companies conveying their interest in
sending their best talent to the next Summit taking place in April 2021 in Munich.
ln addition to the above, Mandy acknowledged the opportunity that existed in bringing the CA(SA) and
One Young World networks together, as Chartered Accountants Worldwide and One Young World had
done in London, to address the Sustainable Development Goals. Wth the support of SAICA, Mandy
played an active role in the successful launch of the FinBiz2030 Task Force in South Africa. She
continues to manage the various workstreams associated with the Task Force ensuring that results are
delivered.
Mandy juggles the above alongside a demanding career and family. She embodies the type of positive
influence and leadership we need to see emerging in our youth. lt is for that reason that I believe she
is the ideal candidate in the lnfluence Category for the SAICA 35 under 35 Award.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any other information.
J*'H
Geoff Rothschild
Past Chairman of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Cell: 082 441 3289

Sneha Sanghrajka Shah
162 Park Street, Montclair NJ 07042, USA
To the SAICA Top 35 under 35 Judges Committee
Recommendation of Mandy Muchnick
Dear Sir / Madam
Please accept my recommendation of Mandy Muchnick for the Top 35 under 35 Award. I have
known Mandy since 2015 and met her at One Young World, where she was an Ambassador,
having been recognized for her incredible philanthropic work with One Young World and
imagine.nation.
Over the years I have gotten to know Mandy better, and am constantly inspired by her passion
for purpose and impact, her excellent business acumen, unquestionable integrity, deep
relationships across public, private sector and civil society, and her consistency of execution
against her promises. Her impact is measurable, whether it is through her non-profit work or
through her business role, and she exemplifies purpose-driven leadership.
In her personal life she is also always looking for ways to uplift and inspire others, and her
positive energy and commitment to others is truly deserving of recognition.
I cannot recommend Mandy highly enough for this award. She is truly the example of “be the
change you wish to seek”, and is a role model for other young leaders in South Africa. I hope
you will select her for this important award, and please do not hesitate to contact me should
you need any other information.
Sincerely
Sneha Shah
MD Business Accelerator, Refinitiv
Former MD, Africa – Thomson Reuters (2013-2018)
Tel: +1 (332)-999-8768
Email: snehasshah@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snehasshah/
BOITSHEPO DAYCARE CENTRE
Boitshepho STAND 206 C PLOT 89
COPPERHOUSE ROAD NOOITGEDACHT
30 JULY 2020
To
SAICA and The 35 under 35 panel.
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR MRS MANDY MUCHNICK:
I write this letter to make my recommendation on Mrs Mandy Muchnick for the SAICA
awards for the 35 under 35.
I do have a number of reasons for recommending this Young wonderful woman who is
always going all out to make a difference in the lives of many people. I first met Mandy Five
years ago when she visited our little crèche ( Boitshepo Day care centre) which is situated in
an informal settle in Nooitgedacht in the Muldersdrift area, and from that day she got
committed to make a difference in the lives of our little ones and she never stopped doing
amazing things until today.
Since the day she visited Boitshepo things started happening, as we were operating in a very
tiny shack she started by building some wonderful class rooms for the kids. After building
the class room she never stopped but went all out to make sure there is furniture available
inside the classes. When we were still amazed, Mandy always made sure that the kids have
stationery for them to be able to learn effectively. We have never ran out stationery as she
always make that learning continues at Boitshepo.
Apart from stationery, Mandy helps us with toys for kids to play with and she also makes
sure that our kids are always dresses warmly when they come to the crèche as she always
provides some winter clothes in every year
Another amazing work of Mandy at Boitshepo, she managed to build us some extra classes
and a kitchen where we prepare food for the kids. She did not only built the kitchen bit also
made sure that she get some monthly food donation for the crèche.
This amazing young woman did not only focus on helping the creche but she extended her
assistance to make a difference in the lives of the community at large by organising some
people to come and help the community with vegetable garden after realising the need for
self sustainability for our community. As we speak now so many house holds have got their
own vegetable garden through the efforts of this amazing young woman.
As we always interact about the community where I live she realised so many social issues
which need attention and she decided to be part of the solution to the social issues in my
community. On issues like high rate of unemployment due to skill shortages some abuse,
she introduced us to us to RADA which is an organisation that help in skills development in
the community and also provides counselling to the troubled young people. Mrs Mandy
Muchnick got bothered by the issue of poverty in my community and she also wanted to
help solving the problem. She went out to source some food for our my community and
since the beginning of Covid 19 lockdown she has being providing some food parcels to the
members of my community on a monthly basis since April to date where the issue of
poverty has become a forgotten issue as I speak.
Amazingly, as we are now living with the Covid 19 pandemic we were so worried about how
we and the kids are going to cope with the new normal that we need to live with at our
schools, but Mandy provided the mask for the kids and also supplied the wonderful caps for
the kids which have an attached face screens on them and that really thrilled me. Now our
crèche is ready to re-open since we have the PPE for the kids and all thanks to Mandy, our
Star lady.
There are many more amazing things that this wonder young lady is doing for our Creche
and the community at large , hence I feel that she is the right person to be given an award
for the wonderful, selfless works that she is doing.
For further information you may please not hesitate to contact me on 074 835 6964
Hope this recommendation will be considered
Your Sincerely
Collins Kgomoeswana (074 835 6964)

The SAICA Top 35-under-35 Awards Panel,
RE: REFERENCE LETTER TO SUPPORT MANDY MUCHNICK’S NOMINATION
It is a great privilege to write this letter of recommendation to support Mandy Muchnick’s nomination for
the SAICA Top 35-under-35 Awards. Mandy and I crossed paths in 2014 while she was completing the
TOPP program at Investec Bank Limited. Since then, we have built not only a close professional
relationship but also a close personal relationship.
In 2014, Mandy joined the Investec Principal Investments division, Investec’s on-balance sheet private
equity investment business for a 6-month rotation. Mandy’s proactive approach, her enthusiasm about
private equity and her thirst for knowledge quickly captured the attention of the senior transactors in the
team. She was asked to develop a financial model for one of the largest transactions ever done by
Investec. Mandy had no prior experience of financial modelling for leveraged buyouts. She applied
herself, perfected her problem-solving ability and produced an extremely impressive financial model
with very little guidance. This cemented Mandy’s reputation of being highly intelligent, dedicated,
diligent, having an incredible ability to process complex financial concepts and this resulted in her
quickly being identified as one of the exceptional young talented leaders at Investec.
Following changes at Investec, I resigned in 2017 to start a black-owned and black woman-owned
private equity fund. Mandy had always shown a keen interest in private equity and decided to join me
at Sana Partners in October 2017 until January 2020. In January 2020, Mandy joined me at Pan-African
Capital Holdings where I have since been appointed CEO.
We have walked a long journey together. Mandy has shown incredible growth during this time. She is
now an experienced private equity transactor who thinks strategically, displays an entrepreneurial spirit
and applies a developmental mindset to all she does. Mandy is able to identify opportunities by
continuously challenging the status quo to find new and innovative ideas. Beyond her passion to drive
performance, Mandy is a natural leader and displays strong leadership capabilities in all her
engagements.
Mandy is an extraordinary individual. Making the world a better place and leaving her world better than
she found it are principles she lives by every day. She has an incredible fighting spirit to persevere
through any challenge that comes her way with courage and equanimity. Mandy has a solid moral
compass, acts with the highest integrity and lives by a strong set of values and principles. Her
magnificent interpersonal skills have resulted in her extensive global network which she is able to
leverage to assist with most challenges presented to her.
Outside of her professional life, Mandy has been the regional Coordinating Ambassador for the One
Young World Forum. One Young World is akin to the World Economic Forum but targeted to young
leaders younger than 35. Mandy has demonstrated her leadership qualities by building One Young
World’s brand eminence in this market and mobilizing corporates and individuals to execute
1
developmental projects in the country. She has also been a delegate speaker at the global One Young
World Forum twice. Mandy is now the Chair of the One Young World Organising Committee for Africa
and the FinBiz2030 Task Force.
Mandy is also a member of the Johannesburg Hub of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers
Community. This is a collection of extraordinary young individuals passionate about making a
grassroots and strategic impact. The Hub is a thought leadership and influencing hub for the youth
voice through dialogue, policy contributions and partnerships.
Mandy’s passion for social upliftment since a very young age led her to start a non-profit organization
called imagine.nation. imagine.nation focuses on formative year education and social
entrepreneurship. At Investec, she focused on programs to drive change from within companies and
developed an Adopt A Creche partnership between CA Trainees at the various audit firms and banks
which up to this day support a network of 300 children. During the Covid 19 crisis, Mandy and her team
at imagine.nation have led initiatives that have seen distributed over 6,000 blankets and masks
distributed to needy communities as well as food and essentials parcels which have fully supported the
70 children and their families from the pre-school that she built in 2015 every month since Covid 19
broke.
I have the deepest personal and professional respect for Mandy. Mandy always goes the extra mile to
ensure she delivers outstanding results professionally and personally. There is no doubt that she is
deserving of this nomination and should be recognized for all her special efforts both in her professional
life and for the extensive developmental work she does with communities. Mandy is committed to and
passionate about making a positive impact to businesses and to peoples’ basic lives. South Africa
needs more young talent like Mandy who are committed to doing ethical business sustainably which
includes taking care of the communities in which we operate and preparing younger generations to
excel in their future. Young leaders like Mandy must be recognized and celebrated!
Yours sincerely,
________________________________
Anisha Gordhan
CEO
Date: 30 July 2020
2
ONE YOUNG WORLD
Background to the organisation and overview of personal involvement and impact
About One Young World Overview of my journey
Nov-15 Nov-16 Dec-17 Oct-18 Dec-18 Mar-19 Feb-20
One Young World is the preeminent global forum for young leaders. The annual Summit
convenes the brightest young talent from every country and sector, working to First OYW Summit attended Attended the Appointed as
accelerate social impact. Delegates from 190+ countries are counselled by influential in Bangkok
respresnting Investec and
2018 OYW
Summit in The
Africa Chair for One
Young World
political, business and humanitarian leaders. Professor Muhammad Yunus, Paul imagine.nation
Selected as one of a few
Hague
as Coordinating
(Present role)
Polman, Justin Trudeau, JK Rowling, Sir Richard Branson, Meghan Markle and OYW Delegate Speakers
out of the 1500+
Ambassador for
Southern Africa.
the late Kofi Annan have been just a few among the regular counselors since One delegates.
Assisted in the launch
Young World started in 2010. Returing Ambassador

heading up the Investec Coordinating Ambassador Southern Africa
of FinBiz2030 in SA.
Appointed as Co-
delegation of ten people Built and managed a community of 500+ Chair of the FinBiz
at OYW Ottawa 2018 Ambassadors. 2030 Task Force.
What makes the One Young World community different?

Coordinating Ambassador Southern Africa
At the end of the Summit, Delegates become One Young World Ambassadors and
return to their countries, communities and organisations with enhanced tools and As a Coordinating Ambassador you are entrusted to deliver results in line with a world-
motivation to make a difference. Through the network of 12,000+ young leaders they class brand. The challenge with the role is one of resourcefulness as while you are
are able to accelerate existing initiatives, establish global partnership and gain access given an incredible brand to work with, no budget is assigned. It is necessary to be able
to new opportunities offered through One Young World on a regular basis. to bring people along the journey with you and convince Partners in the power of this
platform. That was perhaps the most difficult, but most rewarding part of the journey.
One Young World prides itself in not just being a talk shop. This is why the Summit is The following was achieved:
merely considered the start of the journey, Coordinating Ambassadors are appointed to • 5 high-profile events, with 75-100 Ambassadors at each, across SA (photos and
each major region and tasked with being the glue that holds the communities on the further details have been included below);
ground together as well as the connection between local communities and HQ in • First ever event outside of JHB (one in CT and two in PTA);
London. The impact of this structure has grown to such an extent that the number of • Several smaller and focused meet up groups throughout the year;
Ambassadors who get together through local events annually far surpasses the number • A social media platform and following built from scratch to 1500+ followers
of Delegates at the main summit. (2,000+ today) on Instagram (@oywafrica);
• A whatsapp group which now boasts over 150 active participants;
Quantifying the Summit and community impact • A highly connected and collaborative community that continues to stand out
globally;
One Young World goes to great lengths to ensure that the community is not only • Identified and mentored my successor and continue to provide support; and
supported through various funding opportunities, but that each active Ambassador’s • Provided a foundation of relationships on which to continue building.
impact is measured and reported on through the Ambassador Impact Report conducted
by a Big Four audit firm annually. Africa Chair
I accepted this role just before having my baby. This is only an important reference point
because it speaks to the leadership of this organisation who insisted I take the role
despite my new responsibilities on top of my career. Key stats to date:
• Six new Partner organisations signed in 2019;
• Every African country represented at OYW 2019 (sponsorship + scholarships);
• Secured invitations for Ambassadors to meet the Duke & Duchess of Sussex;
• Prospective Partner meeting with OYW co-founder Kate Robertson and over 20
large SA corporate CEOs in Feb 2020; and
Sharing the experience • Successful launch of FinBiz2030 SA with Finbiz2030 Nigeria in the pipeline.
Our community is about action – watch here (3,5 minutes): Ambassadors In Action or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLCOh2apZmg Co-Chair FinBiz2030
What it is like to attend a Summit – watch here (4,5 minutes): One Young World 2019 • Assisted in the launch, establishment and continued management of a Task Force
Summit Highlights or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymIinsMc664&feature=youtu.be comprising 4 teams made up of over 30 individuals (OYW Ambassadors and CAs)
Bangkok 2015, Delegate Speaker JHB Feb 2018, Ambassador event - Connect & Collaborate CT March 2018, Ambassador event – Connect & Collaborate
Panel debate on making tech inclusive alongside Verizon Partner onboarded: Workshop 17 Partner onboarded: Thomson Reuters
CEO, Ronan Dunne and three Delegate Speakers Attendees: 100 OYW Ambassadors Attendees: 20 OYW Ambassadors
Guest speaker: Professor Thuli Madonsela Guest speakers: Dr Louise van Rhyn, Saidah Carter
JHB May 2018, Ambassador event – Global insights and local actions PTA Aug 2018, Ambassador event – Social entrepreneurs in action
Partners onboarded: Investec and Rise Against Hunger Partner onboarded: Vintage Coffee
Attendees: 75 OYW Ambassadors (capacity limit) Attendees: 30 OYW Ambassadors
Speakers: Jeremy Gardiner (The Global Economy), Lindiwe Mazibuko, Rolene Strauss, Natan Pollack (The Real Influencers) Guest speakers: Vintage Coffee Founders, Kevin & Rebecca Clarke
PTA 2018, OYW 2018 Delegation send-off JHB 2018, OYW 2019 Delegation send-off Africa Delegation at OYW 2019 in London pictured with
Partner onboarded: Dutch Ambassador and Embassy Partners onboarded: Investec, Brand SA, Her Majesty’s Trade Com OYW Counselors from Africa – Professor Thuli Madonsela,
Speakers: Emma Wade-Smith OBE, Tanya Dos Santos, Riante Naidoo Kumi Naidoo and Caroline Mutuko
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
NANCY CHAKABUDA
34 years old
AFRICA
 
MIDDLE EAST CONTROLS
LEADER,
CUMMINS AFRICA MIDDLE EAST
Short Profile
Nancy’s career spans more than 12 years in auditing, internal controls, risk management, process
improvement, and corporate governance. She currently leads the Internal Controls function for the Africa
Middle East (AME) region for Cummins Inc, a global power leader and Fortune 200 American
multinational. In this role, Nancy has successfully implemented a data analytics-driven strategy for
controls and risk assessment for the region’s multi-faceted environment. She chairs the Regional
Controls Council, where her team’s data analytics provide a benchmark for driving process
enhancements.
Nancy incorporates and aligns multiple business stakeholders’ interests for goal congruence towards
controls objectives. She has launched initiatives to support her strategy, such as regional controls reports
and annual training schedules focused on policy alignment, controls awareness and implementing
accounting standard changes; the strategy is a benchmark for controls practices globally. As the key
liaison for external audits across AME, she successfully coordinates a structured audit monitoring
process for more than 12 entities.
Nancy’s responsibilities extend beyond leading a high-performing, multi-cultural team – she is a member
of the region’s Finance
Leadership Team and performs the chief of staff role for the CFO, supporting finance leadership
initiatives.
Nancy’s humble background fuels her passion for coaching and mentoring young professionals for
success. She carries out formal and informal mentorships within her organisation and was selected as a
sponsor for the organisation’s Young Professional Network. She is an active member of the organisation’s
Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Team, planning and executing events that support the D&I strategy.
Nancy is an alumni mentor of the Dream Girls Academy, an NPC supporting and empowering young
females for personal development. 
Outside her organisation, she demonstrates her commitment to uplifting others. She is a member of the
Professional Development Sub-committee of African Women Chartered Accountants, which executes
exam preparation and career development workshops for prospective African female CAs(SA).
Nancy is also a non-executive board member of Indalo Inclusive South Africa NPC, an organisation
focused on promoting, advancing and strengthening eco-inclusive entrepreneurship.
She is a strong advocate for lifelong learning − she holds an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business
Science (GIBS), attaining top student awards and course distinctions during her PGDip and MBA.
Notably, she received a Top Student award in personal leadership development and a distinction in her
dissertation on corporate governance for MNCs in developing economies. Nancy is also a certified fraud
examiner (CFE).
Watch video
and achievements?
• In September 2018, I was promoted from Internal Controls Manager, to Internal Controls
Leader for the Southern Africa Region of Cummins Africa Middle East (approximately covering
6 countries)
• After 6 months in February 2019, I was promoted to lead the full Internal Controls function for
the entire Africa Middle East Region (covering approximately 13 countries).
• In this position, I joined the Finance Leadership Team for the Africa Middle East region, where
I also perform the role of Chief of Staff for the Executive Finance Director (CFO).
• For the past year I have successfully led a team of experienced professionals across the
region to deliver the controls strategy, support the business with process advisory and risk
management, Policy awareness, effectively manage our multiple stakeholders (finance and
business), and support statutory compliance. 
 
The following are key achievements in my role as Africa Middle East Controls Leader over the
past year that I have led the function:
• Leading a Statutory Accounts monitoring process (with measures of progress) to drive 100%
timely completion for entities in the AME region (13 countries), as the key liaison for the
External Audits. Bridging US GAAP and IFRS for the statutory process, particularly new
standards (IFRS 16), through training and analysis templates.
• Leading a data analytics intensive strategy for the Internal Controls function, to drive risk
assessment, risk management, and partner with the business through identifying profit and
loss exposure points
• Launching a Quarterly Internal Controls report for the region as a communication tool to
support the Internal Controls Strategy
• Developing an Annual Training Calendar for the region, focused on Policy, Controls and
Accounting Standard Changes (IFRS) impacting the region, facilitated by the Internal Controls
function for Business and Finance teams.
• Controls Council Chair- Chairing the Controls Council, a forum consisting of Business and
Finance Leaders across AME to form a collective approach to controls risks.  
 
On a personal level, my achievements are as follows:
• The attainment of my Master of Business Administration in April 2018 from the Gordon
Institute of Business Science where I achieved a distinction in my dissertation which explored
Corporate Governance in Multinational Companies operating in developing countries. My
dissertation applied the lens of institutional theory, to evaluate the impact of environments
with weak state transparency, on the corporate governance practices and financial
performance of multinational companies.
• Additionally, I received a Top Student Award in Personal Leadership Development. 


I am part of a sub-committee for AWCA (African Women Chartered Accountants), specifically
for the Training and Professional development facet. AWCA is a non-profit organisation
advancing the development of prospective and current female Chartered Accountants in South
Africa. As part of this sub-committee to date, we have assisted the Board Member in charge to
organise events and sessions for professional and personal development, such as qualifying
exam preparation workshops for prospective chartered accountants and a career fair. 
 
I have also been recently appointed as a Non-Executive Director (Voluntary Board Role) for an
NPO called Indalo Inclusive South Africa NPO (March 2020), which aims to create a community
of successful eco-inclusive enterprises. Through this role, I am looking forward to being part of
an organisation that advocates for topical issues such as environmental awareness, while
promoting entrepreneurship. As a previous Audit Manager of several NPO clients, I am looking
forward to providing value from a finance perspective and legislative guidance as necessary. 
I am an alumni Mentor of the DreamGirls Academy mentorship program (2018), which caught
my eye as I am passionate about coaching and development: This organisation’s objective is to
empower young teen girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, and young women in key aspects
of life (career and personal), by pairing them with professional women. Through this program I
was empowered to mentor a young teen from a disadvantaged background for a period of
time. The program refined my approach to mentoring and further fuelled my desire to coach
and enable other young women, as I do within my organisation today. 
recent past?
• I am passionate about coaching and development of others. I am also passionate about
diversity and inclusion which resonates with one of the core values of the organisation I work
for. Resultantly,
• I am actively involved in Diversity and Inclusion (D & I) initiatives within my organisation, where
I am part of the local Diversity and Inclusion site team, which facilitates site events on notable
dates e.g. Heritage Day and incite awareness of D & I aspects.
• Additionally, I carry out formal and informal mentorships within my organisation. I am

particularly focused on providing career guidance and equipping young women with the tools
they can use to drive their careers, particularly those who have just started out their careers
within finance, whether CA or non-CA’s.
• I have been recently been identified as a sponsor for the region’s Young Professional Network
Program (Session sponsor) – this program is focused on professionally developing young
talent within the organisation, which aligns to my personal mentorship initiatives within the
organisation.
• Additionally, I volunteer to assist various groups within the organisations – for example as a
Finance Leader, I have recently been invited to facilitate a “Managing your Home Budget
during COVID” session for the Women’s Network within the region. 
• As part of the organization’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives recently, Finance
Leaders including myself volunteered to attend an event uplifting NPO’s, where we formed a
panel to allow individuals from these organisations to ask finance-related items they require
advice on. 
young leader?
Coaching and Development have been a passion of mine since I was in Audit. One of the key
commitments I have made to myself as a young leader is to lift as I rise: I believe that leadership
is not in one’s title and technical expertise only, but it is found in the positive influence that one
exudes, and the lasting impressions that others remain with from interactions with that
individual.  
 
Considering this, as a young leader, I am setting an example by involving myself with initiatives
that live to this, uplift and include others, whether its gender-based initiatives, diversity-based
initiatives or simply formal and informal career guidance for upcoming finance professionals. I
strive to motivate others to reach higher through sharing goal-setting tips with them, painting
my own career progression which has been an outcome of continuous goal setting, setting
timelines and refinement of these goals as I progressed. 
 
I am also fully committed to leading by integrity and setting this tone and culture through my
personal and work interactions. Integrity is a core value of mine, through which I hope to set an
example for young female accountants; that staying true to your values and living them,
knowing yourself and being consistent, are key components of breaking that glass ceiling which
women face in the corporate world today. 
Top 35 finalist?
I currently lead the Internal Controls function for the Africa Middle East region, for a Fortune 200
American Multinational Company. Throughout my tenure as the Internal Controls Leader for the
region since the beginning of last year, I have successfully designed and implemented a Data
Analytics driven Controls and Risk assessment strategy for the Africa Middle East Region,
coupled with a structured communication strategy. The region I support is diverse, multi-
faceted and complex, and through the strategy we have been able to target actions and see
measurable improvements in the Controls Environment. Through my role, I have also
established the department as a technical pillar for changes in accounting standards and
bridging the gap between Local standards and US GAAP for Finance teams. I also sit on the
AME region's Finance Leadership Team, where I took on the additional duty of Chief of Staff for
the AME Executive Finance Director. The Finance Leadership team sets and drives execution of
the tone and direction of the finance strategy for the region.
Most importantly, I pride myself in successfully leading a high performing multi-cultural team,
consisting of team members based cross-border, within different countries of operation in the
region. I am an exemplary leader not only through technical expertise, but I strive to incite
determination, motivation and upliftment in those I interact with. I am passionate about
coaching and mentoring in the sphere of personal and career development, which I fulfill
through informal and formal mentorships which I undertake within my work environment.
I have broken barriers associated with young African women progressing into leadership
positions in the corporate world and succeeding, through determination, personal goal setting,
hard work and authenticity (staying true to self is a core value of mine).  
Coming from a humble and challenging background, where my mother was left to raise 5
daughters single-handedly after my father passed away, I am an example to prospective and
young CA’s that background does not define one’s future: vision, willpower and focus are a
powerful combination to pave the way to success. Being a CA (SA) and holding an MBA with
academic achievements, have been aspirations of mine since high school, and I would be
gratified to share my journey of resilience and focus that have bought me to achieve this, and
thus far in the corporate world. 
DEVELOP
• Designed & implemented an analyticsdriven strategy for controls and risk assessment for
AME region
• Leader of technical training sessions for accounting standard changes & US GAAP vs IFRS
variations
• Launched Annual AME Training Calendar & Quarterly Controls reports
• Coordinator of structured external audit monitoring process (statutory accounts) for 13

entities in AME, for timely completion
• Developed research document for Foreign Exchange management in Africa for Cummins Inc.
and Cummins AME use by business & finance leaders
INFLUENCE
• AWCA Sub-committee member – Professional Development
• Alumni Mentor of the Dreamgirls Academy NPC
• Cummins Young Professional Network (YPN) Sponsor/Mentor
• Cummins Diversity and Inclusion Team Member
• Cummins Women Employee Resource Group - Session Facilitator for
• “Budgeting during COVID”
• Cummins Formal and informal Mentor
• Non-Executive Director (Indalo Inclusive South Africa, NPC)
LEAD
• AME Finance Leadership Team Member
• Chief of Staff for AME CFO
• Chairperson of Regional (AME) Controls Council
• Leader of multicultural team of professionals within the AME region
• Accountability up to AME board level & Corporate Finance Executives

NANCY CHAKABUDA
CA (SA), MBA, CFE
Cummins Africa Middle East (subs. Cummins Inc.)
Title: Africa Middle East Controls Leader

Additional role: Chief of Staff for AME CFO
Other: AME Finance Leadership Team Member
PROFILE
I am a transformational leader, whose purpose is to influence change and make a positive

“We are human only through the difference within my field of work, and in people’s lives. Experiences from my career and
humanity of others” personal journey thus far, inspire my advocacy for continuous learning, staying true to self,
– Nelson Mandela uplifting others, and the power of consistency. I am an ambassador for the CA (SA)
profession, as I demonstrate my technical and leadership skills, through my role as the
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS Africa Middle East Internal Controls Leader, for a Fortune 200 American Multinational. I
have pushed past the corporate glass ceiling that young African women often encounter,
through hard work, resilience, and authenticity. My core fulfilment comes from coaching and
Board Member (Non-executive mentoring others for success, a passion I drive through mentorships and volunteer activities,
Director) – Indalo Inclusive South in and out of my organisation. My goal is to leave a legacy of being an influential leader, and
Africa NPC a positive change catalyst for people and organizational development.
African Women Chartered

Accountants (NPC) – Training & PORTFOLIO SUMMARY – DEVELOP | LEAD | INFLUENCE
Professional Development Sub-
DEVELOP INFLUENCE
Committee Member
· Designed & implemented an analytics- · AWCA Sub-committee member –
driven strategy for controls and risk Professional Development
assessment for AME region · Alumni Mentor of the Dreamgirls
EDUCATION: · Leader of technical training sessions for Academy NPC
accounting standard changes & US · Cummins Young Professional Network
v Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) GAAP vs IFRS variations (YPN) Sponsor/Mentor
· Launched Annual AME Training Calendar · Cummins Diversity and Inclusion
v Master of Business Administration, & Quarterly Controls reports Team Member
Gordon Institute of Business · Coordinator of structured external audit
Science, GIBs (Ranked by UK Financial · Cummins Women Employee Resource
monitoring process (statutory accounts) Group - Session Facilitator for
Times as Nr 1 MBA in Africa, 2017, 2018,
2019)
for 13 entities in AME, for timely “Budgeting during COVID”
completion · Cummins Formal and informal Mentor
· Developed research document for · Non-Executive Director (Indalo
v Postgraduate Diploma in General Foreign Exchange management in Africa Inclusive South Africa, NPC)
Management, Cum Laude [GIBS] for Cummins Inc. and Cummins AME use
by business & finance leaders
v Chartered Accountant, South Africa
[SAICA]
v Honours Bachelor of Accounting LEAD OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

Science [UNISA] · AME Finance Leadership Team Member · Top Student Awards (PGDip) –
· Chief of Staff for AME CFO Microeconomics (Prices & Markets)
v Bachelor of Commerce in Financial · Chairperson of Regional (AME) Controls & Human Behaviour & Performance
Council in Africa
Accounting [UCT]
· Leader of multicultural team of · Top Student Award (MBA) –
professionals within the AME region Personal Leadership Development
· Accountability up to AME board level & · Dissertation (MBA) completed with
LOCATION: Corporate Finance Executives distinction – “Corporate Governance,
Johannesburg, South Africa weak state transparency & financial
performance.”
1. DEVELOP 2. LEAD
Africa Middle East Controls Leader Regional Controls Council Chair

I lead the Internal Controls function for the Africa Middle East I chair the Region’s Controls Council which consists of key
Region for Cummins Inc, a global power leader and Fortune business (Entity General Managers) and regional finance
200 Multinational. In this role, I align multiple business leaders from across the AME region. My team’s data analytics,
stakeholders’ objectives for goal congruence towards controls risk assessments and the AME Controls Scorecard provide a
objectives. I have successfully devised and implemented a data benchmark for discussion and action plans by the AME
analytics driven strategy, to highlight exposure points to Leaders, and a measure of improvement.
business and finance leaders, monitor risk and target controls
improvements., leading to measurable controls progress. Chief of Staff for AME CFO and Member of the AME
Finance Leadership Team
To couple this, I have implemented a monthly AME Controls As Chief of Staff and as a member of the Finance Leadership
Scorecard incorporating data benchmarks for 18 legal entities Team (FLT) for the Africa Middle East region, I drive the
across the AME region. This scorecard provides an overview to monthly Agenda for the Leadership meetings. My key success
the AME leaders (business and finance), of their entities’ since taking this additional role in 2019, was introducing
controls risk level and improvements required. “Thought Leadership”/ Leadership themes monthly, including
articles and videos, which formulate the basis of the FLT
I have also set the function as a technical center for policy and actions and strategy for the Finance community e.g. Talent
standard updates, through developing an Annual Training Management, Employee Retention & Change Management.
Calendar for the AME Finance and Business Community. Key
achievements in my current role have been: I have also led Finance Leadership Reach Out Calls and
Townhalls. Most recently, I had the opportunity of facilitating a
1. Devising & implementing a “Four Pillar” Controls session for the AME finance community as part of our COVID
strategy incorporating data analytics, for the AME reach out initiatives to stay connected to employees. I selected
region focusing on: the theme “Bring Your Kids to Work Day”, where the Finance
- Finance Process risk assessments and Improvement Community virtually joined with their children, including
- Business Process risk assessments and Improvement introductions amongst everyone and their families.
- Monitoring and Communication – Formal Monthly and
Quarterly reports and an Annual Training Calendar Leader of multicultural team across AME region
- Systems Implementation Support and new process I lead a team of professional based in different countries in the
design region – despite the complexities of remote leadership, I have
2. Bridging the gap between US GAAP and IFRS for the successfully managed to build a high-performing, value-adding
AME entities’ statutory account process, through and congruent team that is well-recognised in the region.
training and analysis guidelines for new standard
implications, for Finance Teams.
3. Key liaison for External Audits across AME, and
successfully leading a monitoring process (with
measures of progress) to ensure timely completion of
statutory accounts for the region in 2019 (13
countries).
Other projects:
Africa Forex Management Project: Not only do I focus on my
core daily duties, I involve myself with strategic and value-
adding Finance projects – During 2018, I prepared a research
document on Foreign Currency Management in Africa (current
and historical analysis of 11 countries), which was used by the
Cummins Inc. (USA) Executive Development Program and the
Regional Finance Teams, as a basis to understand the
nuances of Forex in Africa and assess risk mitigations.
Other: Amongst my extracurricular activities in the
organisation, I was also selected to conduct a Senior Leader’s
Internal Controls Onboarding Module: During 2018, I was
Talk at the Cummins Onboarding Week for new employees. I
also part of a Finance Functional Excellence Project Team, to
have also been selected as a change agent for a business
develop and Regional Finance Onboarding Module – my core
relocation program (2017) to facilitate seamless transition
focus in this project was developing the Internal Controls
amongst employees pre and post relocation. Additionally, I was
Onboarding Module for new finance employees. This module
selected as a change catalyst for an AME Leadership
has since been rolled out across the region for incoming
Employee Connect Initiative (2019).
employees monthly, and as a refresher for existing finance
employees.
NANCY CHAKABUDA
SAICA TOP 35 UNDER 35 FINALIST
16 Majuba Road
Helderwyk Estate
Brakpan
1541
Date: 26 May 2020
Reference for Nancy Chakabuda: Africa Middle East Controls Leader
To the Judging Panel of SAICA Top 35 Under 35
I write in my capacity as Nancy’s previous manager and now as the Cummins Business Services Regional Director
(I am a member of the Africa Middle East Leadership Team for Cummins Africa Middle East). I managed Nancy
directly for two years, when I was the Africa Middle East (AME) Controls Leader (November 2017 to February 2019),
after which she was promoted to take over the department from me. She has now been leading for just over a year
(February 2019 to date).
Nancy started off as an Internal Controls Manager, while I was still leading the department. During this time, Nancy
was highly dependable, and I recognised her talent and leadership potential by promoting her to lead the Southern
Africa part of the region in September 2018 (Internal Controls Leader, Southern Africa) as part of her development
journey. This until she was then promoted to take over the entire department for the AME region in February 2019.
At her age this was an incredible achievement as Cummins is a listed American Multinational Company (Fortune
200).
In the last three years I have watched Nancy develop and flourish personally and as a leader, while demonstrating
her technical capabilities. Additionally, it is widely noticed within the organisation that Nancy always seeks to be
involved in supporting others’ personal development, whether it is workplace initiatives (Dream Girls Mentor
Program and Diversity and Inclusion Team member) or mentoring junior finance team members in her personal
capacity (some whom are within the business unit I lead now). Her approachability, tenacity for supporting and
developing people, passion for transformation in her area of work (risk and controls), and her ability to build
relationships and effectively business partner, have led to her being highly respected at her young age, by business
and finance staff, managers and leaders in the region like myself, and senior leaders from our corporate office in
the USA. Nancy has demonstrated that she is not only confined to her role requirements, as I have watched her
involving herself in different areas within the business, to solve business and finance problems that would not
necessarily fall under her responsibility. Nancy displays a key leadership quality that I believe has fostered buy-in
and recognition for the work she does: she is not for self but for everybody.
Key notable achievements since her promotion to Africa Middle East Controls Leader, which we recognise
her for are:
- Leading the Statutory Accounts monitoring process for the Africa Middle East entities to 100% timely
closure in 2019, as the key relationship manager in the region for the External Auditors and Finance
Leaders.
- Leading changes in accounting standards for the statutory process (IFRS 9, IFRS 16) through providing
regional trainings and developing analyses guides.
- Bridging the gap between US GAAP and Local Accounting Standards across Africa (including IFRS). Nancy
has also been instrumental in facilitating complex financial statement disclosures for entities in the AME
region.
- Driving a Data Analysis driven Controls strategy – her team performs risk-based analytics monthly
(Dashboards), which have proved effective in providing Management and Leaders measures of the status
of the controls environment, whilst also providing them with insight into areas of potential exposures.
- Developing an AME Training Calendar through which her team trains finance and business teams on
technical policy items and processes to mitigate topical controls risks within the region.
- Launching an AME Internal Controls Quarterly Report for Business and Finance Leaders.
- Nancy has developed a structured monthly and quarterly Internal Controls communication strategy for the
region which has raised awareness of Internal Controls in the region and directed improvement efforts by
business and finance teams.
- Controls Council Chair – Nancy facilitates/chairs the Controls Council (consisting of senior business and
finance leaders across the AME), bringing a structured approach to tackling risk and controls and ensuring
a consistent approach to controls and policy compliance across all the entities.
- Successfully leading a cross-border team across the Africa Middle East Team, as her team members are
based in the different countries of operation.
I have also noted Nancy taking on the additional role of Chief of Staff for the AME Finance Director, through which
she has introduced Leadership concepts to focus on, for each meeting.
Key notable achievements while I was managing her are as follows:
- Nancy prepared a Research document on Foreign Exchange management in Africa (history and influences
into Forex in countries of operation), whose content was incorporated into that used for the Cummins Inc.
Executive Development Program. It remains a backdrop document for understanding Forex implications
and history across the region for the AME finance teams.
- Controls improvement projects where she has received recognition – Filtration Business Unit Controls
Committee which she was part of with business and finance teams, in terms of reviewing, providing controls
advice, and monitoring controls and processes, which led to measurable improvements in the Business
Unit’s controls environment.
- Controls training and improvement projects where she worked collaboratively with the Corporate Policy and
Controls Teams to drive consistency in approach within our region – Inventory Shrinkage reserve policy.
- Additional activities – Nancy was part of a Finance Onboarding Project where she developed the Internal
Controls Onboarding Session for the Onboarding Module.
- During the time that I managed her, Nancy excelled in her MBA studies while remaining committed to her
work, where she attained a distinction in her Dissertation on Corporate Governance within Multinational
Companies.
As her previous manager, I cannot help but feel proud to see where Nancy is today, from the time she started
working in my team as a Manager, and I have no hesitation in recommending her to be considered for Top 35 under
35 CA’s within our CA community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Thank you
Kind regards,
Zakhele Nkosi, CA
C (SA)
CBS Regional Dir
Director, Cummins Africa Middle East
Tel: 082 902 1671
Indianapolis
United States of America
Date: 28 May 2020
To the Judging Panel: The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
Please find below my reference for Nancy Chakabuda
I am a Controls and Policy Director in Cummins Inc. (Corporate) and I work with Nancy frequently,
supporting her while she executes the Controls strategy for the Africa Middle East region. She is currently
the Africa Middle East Controls Leader.
Nancy has displayed professionalism and leadership excellence in managing the Controls function for the
AME region and leading and coordinating her team’s efforts. She always brings a sound mind to problem-
solving and does not hesitate to go the extra mile in resolving issues noted. She is well recognised and has
developed a good consultative approach and relationship with my team and others in Corporate.
Nancy’s technical abilities are unquestioned as she often assists me with resolving technical dilemma’s that
not only affect her region but other regions too. She provides a solid sounding board, with an ability to think
beyond the surface of a problem.
One key thing that I would like to recognise Nancy for is her Controls Strategy, which has seen us adopting
some aspects of it to apply it to other regions – particularly the Risk assessment approach, Statutory
Accounts monitoring, and Continuous monitoring/analytical tools that her team has adopted.
Another key accomplishment is the technical training that her team facilitates in the AME region. Not only
are they used by the region, but Nancy’s IFRS trainings for standard changes have been used for
distribution to other regions, whom I have invited to attend her sessions. The training sessions that her
team provides on controls and policy items, are indeed leading practice for a controls function.
Nancy is passionate about transformational and positive leadership and people development. She
encourages her team to self- develop, and actively seeks out mentors for her team to ensure that they are
focusing on their development.
I would highly recommend Nancy to be considered as a finalist for the Top 35 under 35 SAICA competition.
Please contact me for any further information
Yours sincerely,
Denise Manders (CPA)

Distribution Business Unit Accounting Policy Director
Contact: +1 812 340 0844 / denise.manders@cummins.com
The Lombardy Estate,
24 Lombardy Road, Broadacres,
Sandton
28 May 2020
Character Reference: Nancy Vimbai Chakabuda
To the SAICA Judging Panel
My Full name is Joshua David Ganesh. I have worked for Nancy Chakabuda for over the last 2 years at Cummins Africa
Middle East (Pty) Ltd. The first time I had interacted with Nancy, her strong business acumen and technical
competencies around a complex business structure like Cummins really resonated with me. Nancy Chakabuda serves
currently as the Africa Middle East Controls Leader and is my direct line manager. Nancy Chakabuda leads a diverse
team, spanning cultures from Southern to West Africa, as well as Middle East. Leading two continents ranging from
more than 60 countries (with full operations in 13 countries) presents many challenges from a Controls Standpoint,
coupling various local Statutory Accounting policies in-country, together with bridging the gap with compliance at a US-
GAAP perspective stands testament to a high-performing culture that Nancy has instilled in our team. So much so that
we lead the Global Controls Mandate in many areas and is considered best practice.
Quantifiable Notable Events
To quantify this, I can speak to the Statutory Accounts Audits that occur in every company-owned-entity across Africa-
Middle East. Nancy leads this Programme and provides technical support at an Audit Level, AFS preparation level, as
well as guidance on Company Accounting policies and that satisfy the IAS 8 requirements. Statutory Audits are complete
and Annual Financial Statements are filed within six months of year end date. Currently, some countries are embarking
on a journey involving a System migration and Nancy is leading the Data-clean up Drive by ensuring that all entities
involved in the migrations have a well supported Balance Sheet and substantiated balances moving over. Nancy leads
the Business Intelligence Controls Reporting, including integration with Audit Command Language Software programme
that produces automated exception reports at a transactional level basis, this brings in automation in the Internal Audit
Environment. From a Predictive Analytics Standpoint, our team demonstrates predictive analytic capability that includes
data around critical Subledger Balance Sheet Items such as Account Payable Subledger Accounts including
Indirect/Direct GRNI (Goods Received Not Invoiced), Open Work-in-Progress Jobs, CAPEX WIP and Buyouts. Other
tools that Nancy leverages off includes PowerBI for Inventory Shrinkage reporting as well as Microsoft Projects when
managing critical Finance Execution Strategies as part of her Chief of Staff Role.
Leadership & Risk-Based Approach
Nancy has brought in Agility; Dynamic; Enthusiasm and an Empowering leadership approach, her drive for continuous
improvement demonstrates her Problem-Solving capability in a manufacturing & distribution environment such as
Cummins. At the start of this letter, there is mention of the complex structure and business model of Cummins, Nancy
has taken this in her stride and displayed Stakeholder, Risk and Issue Management with Corporate to manage the
communication between the Controls Environment on the ground and the action plans that is required at a Corporate
level. The Controls Mandate involves a high amount of your time to travel within the two Continents, especially Africa
(higher channel footprint), Nancy has gained a vast amount of experience from Southern to West Africa and different
Controls Environments. This helped her develop an agile way of approaching issues and has not settled for a “one size
fits all approach”, this really impressed me as Nancy refused a “tick-the-box” Controls or compliance approach.
The heart of Controls involves assessing the entire Company’s operations from a Risk-based approach and ensuring
critical controls are in place, both operationally and financially. This ensures the likes of Financial Statements, Internal
Audits, Management Reports, Planning and Financial Reporting are at a high level of integrity, accurate and precise. It
allows the detection and prevention of potential fraud, misstatement and misuse of assets. From a Corporate
Governance Standpoint, it’s an extremely high demanding and critical function that I believe Nancy has demonstrated
Competencies at a high performing level.
Diversity & Inclusion, Corporate Social Responsibility and Mentorship
At Nancy’s age, qualifications, experience and current mindset in her career journey, I cannot think of a better candidate
that deserves this award, not only in the country, but in the Continent. Cummins is a Global Fortune Company, with a
large footprint in Africa-Middle East, Nancy’s work is directly attributable to the impact that the Cummins has on the
region. Finally, Nancy gives back to the young graduates coming through the ranks at Cummins by being a part of the
“Young Professional Network” group and is involved in Corporate Social Responsibility Projects every year at Cummins,
that focuses on helping our local communities, this involves Nancy is a part of the Diversity and Inclusion Local Team
at Cummins and is involved in D&I initiatives and provides updates to the Leadership team on the progress of these
initiatives. Nancy currently mentors young professionals in Cummins, sharing value from a personal and professional
level. This involves dedicating her personal time, training and developing future leaders in Cummins
In Conclusion
To truly witness and experience Nancy’s value, is to shadow her first hand or to be a part of her team (as I am), I have
tried my best to illustrates Nancy’s commitment to the Continent, her leadership style, her strong competencies, her
Risk and Stakeholder Management, her quantifiable involvement in the region, her use of modern tactics and
intelligence, her analytical and data-driven mindset, her involvement in the community and leading such a diverse team
(including Team members from Nigeria, Senegal, Angola, Dubai, Saudi-Arabia, South Africa)
To demonstrate such leadership at Nancy’s age makes me wonder what lies ahead of her, Nancy’s arrays of
qualifications does not stop her drive for self-development in the academic space, Nancy is always striving to develop
herself as I have noticed she has now embarked on attaining her Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) qualification. Who
knows what the future holds for Nancy say five to ten years time? Who knows, maybe a Civil Contributor for our
Country, maybe a Global leader, I will surely be an advocator for this.
Yours sincerely
Joshua Ganesh, BSc Chem Eng, CBA (CIMA)
Tel: +27 799 618 998

3. INFLUENCE
i. African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) NPC -

Professional Development Sub-Committee Member
I have been part of the Professional sub-committee (since
May 2017), supporting the AWCA, by leading and planning
qualifying exam preparation workshops, and other personal
and career development events, for prospective African
female Chartered Accountants each year. The aim is to
equip them, with the necessary skills they require to become
Chartered Accountants and professionals. Recent events
we have facilitated are:
1. ITC Preparation Workshop (January 2020) - Exam
preparation and best practice sessions from guest lecturers,
and motivational talk from a guest speaker.
2. AWCA APC Workshop (November 2019) – A volunteer

panel of well-known lecturers and motivational speakers,
facilitating sessions for exam preparation and best practice
for APC candidates.
3. AWCA Career Fair (October 2019) – A career fair at the

SAICA offices, that involved having subject matter experts in
different fields within the CA Profession from our networks,
hosting a series of talks for their respective fields, for
prospective Chartered Accountants.
We facilitated similar events during 2018 and 2017

(including a Financial Literacy workshop in 2018).
Please accept this testimonial of Nancy Chakabuda’s participation in the African Women Chartered
Accountants Forum (AWCA). The AWCA is a non-profit organisation founded in 2002 in order to
facilitate access to the profession by young aspirant Chartered Accountants. To date, 124 students
have been supported through the AWCA Bursary Fund, which plays an important role in contributing
to the growth in the number of black female Chartered Accountants.
As a professional believing in the continuous development of self and others, Nancy’s membership
with the AWCA commenced in May 2017 out of interest in the upliftment and support of females in
this profession. She joined the AWCA’s Professional Development subcommittee, whose mandate is
to nurture the development of the female professional during their articles, whilst they write
qualifying exams and attain their competencies to eventually enter the profession.
Through active participation in the subcommittee and under the leadership of Lebogang Senne (and
now Tumi Mokgoko), Nancy has been instrumental in the planning and execution of the following
initiatives that provide focused interventions for African females on their journey to becoming
chartered accountants:
· The Initial Test of Competence preparatory workshop for candidates writing their first CA
board exam (January 2018, 2019 and 2020);
· The Assessment of Professional Competence preparatory workshop for candidates writing
their final CA board exam (November 2018 and 2019);
· AWCA’s first Career Lift-Off, a career conference for trainee accountants and beyond to
explore and delve into their options in finance whilst networking with qualified, specialist
professionals (October 2019); and
· encouraging new AWCA membership and sub-committee participation;
all of which received visible, positive feedback for the tangible difference these interventions made.
The above events require rigorous planning and execution, with constrained resources in order to
deliver visible, quality support interventions. These would not have been successful without Nancy’s
expertise and input to the team on each.
We believe there is a lot more work to be done in the above arenas and others where the mandate,
sustainability and relevance of the AWCA must be fulfilled, yet the AWCA, through this particular
subcommittee has been, with Nancy on board, playing its part.
It is my submission that Nancy has, and continues to contribute her wide skill, enthusiasm and
knowledge in dedicating her spare time to this cause.
Tumi Mokgoko
AWCA Professional Development Sub-committee Head
ii. Dream Girls Academy NPC - Alumni Mentor, 2018
I enrolled for the Dream Girls Mentoring program through an

Employee Volunteer Program offered to my organisation,
from April 2018 to October 2018
(www.dreamgirlsacademy.com). Dream Girls Academy is an
NPC supporting and empowering young females for
personal development. Through this program, I was trained
formally as a mentor and paired with a female high school
student to mentor over a period (vision boarding/ personal
development/ school applications).
Part of our own development as mentors, was preparing our

own vision boards – one of the key items on my 2018 vision
board was to be part of the SAICA Top 35 U 35 (see picture
of my vision board at the right), and I am truly gratified and
humbled to have reached this milestone 2 years later.
iii. Cummins Employee Resource Groups
I am involved with the following within my organisation:
1. Young Professional Network Sponsor

Selected as a sponsor for the Young Professional Network
program, focused on developing young talent within the
organisation (refer to reference included).
2. Local Diversity & Inclusion Team (LDIT)

Part of a team (since 2018) organizing Diversity and Inclusion
events and awareness days, to increase D&I mindfulness in the
work environment e.g. Heritage Day Fashion Shows, Mental
Health Awareness Sessions (refer to reference letters included).
3. WE Network Session Facilitator

I successfully facilitated a session for the Women Employee
Group during COVID lockdown – “Managing your home budget
during COVID”, sharing budgeting concepts with women in the
organisation to empower them to effectively save through the
difficult COVID time (refer to reference letters included).
4. Mentor (Formal and Informal Mentorships)

In addition to the above, I carry out formal and informal
mentoring of professionals (refer to mentee reference included).
Johannesburg, South Africa
Date: 8 September 2020
To the Judging Panel: The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
Herewith my reference for Nancy Chakabuda:
I am the Diversity & Inclusion Leader for Cummins Africa Middle East, working across many countries and
employees at different levels to drive diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the organization. Nancy is one of the
employees at leadership level who has consistently demonstrated commitment and vigor in her involvement in
D&I initiatives. Despite a highly demanding job, she makes time for being part of Employee Resource Groups
(ERGs) and imparts skills to different employee groups.
Nancy raised her hand to be part of a cross-cultural ERG at a JHB site, raising awareness of D&I with
employees, so people appreciate differences and treat others with inclusion.
She has used her knowledge, abilities and skills to empower our women with financial skills. Nancy can demystify
complex concepts and show employees how to practically manage their lives leveraging financial empowerment.
She has created fantastic content and tools our women. Nancy has also empowered our young professionals by
accepting the role of sponsor in their ERG. Here she shared her leadership lessons and insights on how young
talent could successfully integrate into the organization for success. This required multiple meetings and
guidance that she selflessly offered.
I have attended a few of the Finance Leadership Team meetings where Nancy serves as the Chief of Staff. She
always shares latest thought leadership to empower the whole finance community with flawless, concise and
impactful presentations.
I recommend that Nancy as finalist for Top 35 Under 35 SAICA competition because she uses her skills not just
to excel at her work and add business value but to lead and develop others outside of her direct team. And she
does this in an authentic, humble and non-assuming manner, without wanting recognition but truly putting others
at the center of what she does. She stands out as a female leader that lifts as she rises and showing others the
way.
Yours sincerely,
Lamona Rajah
Diversity & Inclusion Leader, Cummins Africa Middle East
Contact: +27 82 8317371/ lamona.rajah@cummins.com

23 Magwa Crescent
Waterfall City
2090
Cummins Africa Middle East
27/05/2020
Character Reference: Nancy Chakabuda
Dear Sir/ Madam
It is with pleasure and confidence that I support Nancy Chakabuda’ s nomination for Top 35, Under
35. Nancy is the Cummins Africa Middle East Controls Leader and a Mentor to me. Nancy is an
articulate, bright young woman who has a strong academic background. She is deeply committed to
being an excellent mentor and the growth of young individuals in the workplace.
She brings strong technical knowledge to our mentor sessions and always gives the best career
advice. During the period of having her as a mentor and guidance shared by her I have received
numerous compliments about improvements in my work ethic and a promotion in the workplace.
Technical knowledge is important, but I believe what matters most is the mark that a mentor leaves
with you after having a conversation with them. Nancy has a beautiful gift of lighting up every room
she walks into with a bright smile and a caring energy. She is genuinely concerned with the well-being
of her employees and mentees.
She is the safe place we run to when we feel stuck and it is guaranteed that after a conversation with
her you will come out with a fresh perspective and a positive attitude.
She is a true light.
Yours sincerely
Mamile Nhlabathi
Tel: 072 902 6281

JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
HANEKE VAN ZYL
34 years old
PROGRAMME DIRECTOR: GENERAL

 
ACCOUNTANCY AND RESEARCH,
UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE
Short Profile
As a young academic, Haneke lives by the saying that good leaders do not tell you what to do, they show
you how it is done. She has set her mind to ensuring that she does just that – she leads by example and
does not let opportunities or challenges that can broaden her horizons pass her by. It is exactly this
mind-set – initially sparked by volunteering as a group coordinator − that started her on her journey from
a wide-eyed Afrikaans-speaking girl from a small Northern Cape town to a respected leader who holds
her own in discussions with colleagues who outrank her in experience and age.
She joined the School of Accountancy at the University of the Free State in 2015 as a financial
accounting lecturer. By 2018, she had fulfilled both the roles of a year-group coordinator and Accounting
subject head. In this three-year period, she obtained her master’s degree, was promoted to senior
lecturer and was appointed as Programme Director: General Accountancy and Research.
In her current position, she secured two professional programme accreditations to expand the available
opportunities for students. She established the school’s research committee, put measures in place to
drive research activities, and is co-supervising two master’s students.
She is a lecturer who is a student of her own craft. Testament to this is her PhD focusing on students’
accounting language comprehension and her role in a SAICA-funded academic literacy project in
collaboration with the School of Accountancy. She reviews and authors academic textbooks and
chapters in textbooks,, serves on SAICA’s AGA competency framework development team and has
marked the ITC – living the words of Scott Adams: ‘Every skill you acquire doubles your odds of
success.’
As academic career can easily become stagnant, but she has established herself, at the age of 34, as a
noteworthy leader. Through her willingness to learn and hunger to develop, she ensures that her voice is
heard.
Haneke is the mother of two amazing little girls and proudly holds the designation of CA(SA), but she is
also much more. As Wolfgang Riebe said: ‘Everyone is gifted, but some people never open their
package.’ She strongly supports this statement and believes it is her responsibility to open her package
by exploring all possibilities to reach her full potential.
Watch video
and achievements?
• Obtained Masters Degree in Financial Accounting: University of the Free State 2017
• Participated in the UFS 3Minute Thesis competition: Runner up in Masters Category
• Completed the technical Review of financial accounting textbook released in 2019: Mastering
Group Financial Statements Volumes 1 and 2 (Juta).
• Co‐author of chapters in financial accounting textbook released in 2019: Accounting

Standards 18th edition.
• Promoted to Senior Lecturer at the School of Accountancy, University of the Free State: 2018
• Appointed as Programme Director: General Accountancy and Research at the School of

Accountancy, University of the Free State: October 2018:
• As programme director I have obtained first-time accreditation for our programmes by SAIPA
and ACCA and re-introduced the CIMA programme for which prior accreditation have been
obtained.
• As head of research, I have established the School’s first research committee and for the first
time secured a “blanket” ethical clearance for teaching and learning related research
conducted by the School of Accountancy.
• Presentation of conference paper at the 2019 Southern African Accounting Association

Biennial International Conference Proceedings. Title: Boilerplate Disclosure: An Evaluation Of
Accounting Policy Disclosures By Companies Listed On The JSE: Consumer Goods Sector.
• Runner‐up for Best Paper in Financial Accounting category (refereed track). 

Member of AGA Working Committee: developing a competency framework for the AGA (SA)
qualification.
• Author of various Non‐accredited articles: Journal: Accounting Weekly: news portal for
accounting and finance professionals Southern African Institute for Business Accountants
(SAIBA).
• Fulfilling an important role in the SAICA- funded Academic Literacy project that was recently
launched at the School of Accountancy: The project is aimed at addressing the academic
literacy of accountancy students. In consultation with the University of the Free State’s Centre
for Teaching and Learning, the School of Accountancy, led by an appointed team of which I
am part of, is applying certain planned interventions in order to attempt to address the lack of
comprehension of accountancy-related terminology by students. The interventions are aimed
to develop practices that can be implemented by every lecturer in all disciplines. The initial
phase of testing some of the planned interventions have been rolled out to the Taxation and
Financial Accounting Modules of the second year B.Acc students and the third year B.Com
students by one of my colleagues and myself. We are currently in the process of evaluating
the effectiveness of these interventions, and the further development of other planned
interventions, to be able to determine the most successful interventions that can be expanded
to other subject areas and year groups.
• Co-supervisor of two Masters students. 

 

• I am an active contributor to the NGO Meals on Wheels;
• On an annual basis, we contribute and collect funding to buy Christmas gifts for under-
privileged children: during December of 2019, we packed care packages for foster families
and foster children.
recent past?
I am passionate about students and their success. History has proven that a large part of our
student body do not pursue the CA (SA) route and I consider it my duty to ensure that we
provide them with viable alternatives. Students go through great difficulties to be able to study
at the School of Accountancy and we are obligated to ensure that these attempts are not in
vain. It is for this reason that I pursued and obtained the first-time accreditation for our
programme offerings by SAIPA and ACCA and re-opened the CIMA programme for which prior
accreditation have been obtained. These additional accreditations and programmes are
envisaged to provide additional professional “houses” to our students. The re-introduction of
the CIMA programme has proven to be a desirable offering as there are currently 37 registered
students. The revised SAICA AGA (SA) accreditation is our next goal. 
One of the modules that I am responsible for is a research methodology modules. I the past,
this module focused on a qualitative research approach; in light of the 4th industrial revolution
and the need for researchers with analytical skills, I have changed this module’s approach to be
more of a quantitative nature. Students are exposed to Microsoft Word, Excel as well as the
data analytics software SPSS. This approach should ensure the development of students’
computer literacy skills and should provide students with a competitive edge. I believe the
revised approach is adding value to students’ learning experience and the number of
enrolments have increased from in 18 2019 to 68 in 2020. 
Research is undoubtedly a very important focus area and it is becoming increasingly more
important in light of possible promotion opportunities. In the past, the approach to research has
been characterised by some reluctance, for various reasons. As head of research at the School
of Accountancy, I have made it my purpose to change this notion. I thus established the
School’s first research committee and for the first time secured a “blanket” ethical clearance for
teaching and learning related research conducted by the School of Accountancy in an attempt
to make it easier for colleagues to conduct research activities. Historically research within this
department had not received sufficient attention and guidance, however with the establishment
of the above mentioned committee, we aim to increase the level of research output at the
school of Accountancy and to date this endeavour has proved to be successful. Colleagues are
working on their personal research with renewed vigour and passion. 
young leader?
I started my career as lecturer at the School of Accountancy, University of the Free State in
January 2015. Within the time frame of three years I have managed to successfully fulfil the
roles (in sequential order) of year group co-ordinator for the B.Com Accounting third years and
B.Acc second years followed with being the subject head of Accounting. In 2017 I completed
my Masters degree in Financial Accounting after which I was promoted to senior lecturer. I was
subsequently appointed as Programme Director: General Accountancy and Research in 2018. 
As a young, focused and curious academic, I live by the saying that good leaders don’t tell you
what to do, they show you how it’s done. I have set my mind to ensure that I do just that – I
lead by example. I do not let opportunities that can enrich my learning journey pass me by and I
rarely say no to new challenges that can broaden my horizons and from which I can gain
valuable experience. It is exactly this mind-set that started me on my journey to becoming the
Programme Director of General Accountancy and Research – I volunteered to be the year group
co-ordinator for the B.Com Accounting third years and B.Acc second year and the rest of my
journey followed. Without setting this as my end goal, I have established myself, at the age of
33, through my willingness to learn, as a noteworthy leader that leads by example. My learning
journey has put me in a position where I am making contributions on a departmental and
faculty-level that is recognised for its value. I am a respected colleague who participates in
meetings with colleagues of much higher seniority. Due to my willingness to learn and my
hunger to develop myself, my opinion is valued and it carries weight. 
Top 35 finalist?
The most honest answer to this question is because I believe I am more. I am more than just
your “average” Chartered Accountant – I am also an Academic, a programme director for
general accountancy and research, a senior lecturer, a holder of a Master’s degree, a PhD
student, an active member of the academic and professional society, a woman, a mother of two,
a wife, a sister and a friend.
Being one of five sisters meant that I had to fight for what I wanted from the very start. Our
humble upbringing taught me that nothing worthwhile came easy and that disappointment was
something that you had to learn how to deal with and how to overcome. I chose to not have my
circumstances define me and I made the decision to be an achiever in everything that I do. My
parents worked very hard to take care of us but we never got any handouts. In grade seven I
achieved on an international level for sport and was selected to participate in an overseas
tournament. The message was clear: if you want to go, you need to pay your own way. So I did. I
made a plan (nothing illegal) and sought funding from various gracious donators, I sold baked
goods, handmade jewellery etc. I got up every morning before school to practise and in the end I
was able to go on this tour and I was one of the leading female goal scorers during the
tournament. At that young age, my determination and grit, and sometimes hard-headedness,
had already found a place in my soul.
My parents could not afford to pay for my studies at the University, I had to fund this on my own
and I had to support myself completely – food, clothing, books, etc. All costs were covered by
merit bursaries, a loan from the bank (for which my eldest sister signed surety) and by me giving
extra class to students, working as a waitress, tutor, marker and student assistant at the
University throughout my four years of study. Even though times were tough, these jobs enabled
me to cover all my costs and taught me how to prioritise and how to “keep on keeping on”,
because regardless of my workload, I managed to excel in my academics – throughout my
undergraduate studies, only one subject was not passed with a distinction; I was under the top
ten achievers for both my third year of study and my CTA year.
I joined the School of Accountancy at the University of the Free State in 2015 as a lecturer in
financial accounting. Within three years I completed my Master’s degree, I was promoted to
senior lecturer and appointed as Programme Director for general accountancy and research. I
form an integral part of the Management Committee of the very institution where I completed my
studies. Within academics it is easy to become stagnant in your career, however, I decided to be
different right from the start. I knew that I would never be satisfied with staying at the same level
for too long. I believe I owe it to myself, after all the sacrifices and hard work along the way, to
grab every opportunity that comes my way, and to make a success of it. I am now fortunate
enough to be in a leadership position where I make a valuable and noteworthy contribution: both
on departmental and faculty-level.
As programme director for general accountancy, I strive to ensure that adequate opportunities
are available for students to enable them to evolve into the best versions of themselves. To this
end I have recently been able to obtain two important professional accreditations for our
programme offerings.
In the field of research I have the end goal in mind to increase research at the School and for
this purpose I established a research committee and completed various tasks in order to ensure
that our department is in a position to conduct research activities. I am currently investing in my
own research experience by co-supervising two Masters Students.
As a lecturer I aim to be a student of my own craft to ensure a purposeful and innovative

teaching and learning environment. Testament to this is the fact that the topic of my PhD has
student’s comprehension of the accounting language as a central theme and I also play an
important role in a recently launched project of the School, funded by SAICA, to address the
issue of student comprehension (or lack thereof) of academic content.
Within the academic and professional society I review and author chapters in textbooks, serve
on the SAICA AGA competency framework development team and have marked the ITC a
number of times.
I have achieved some success in my life (and I am definitely not done yet), but only because I
work extremely hard – I go the extra mile – always. The reason why I choose to go the extra
mile: I want to stand out from the crowd, I want to be more and achieve more. I am never
satisfied with mediocrity. As Scott Adams said: “Every skill you acquire doubles your odds of
success.” By the grace of God I have been blessed with extreme willpower and a hunger for
more. Through hard work and dedication I have proven, at a relatively young age, myself to be a
leader who leads by example and who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. I have risen from
being a wide-eyed Afrikaans speaking girl to a leader that can hold my own in discussions with
colleagues that outrank me by both experience and age. Through my actions I have ensured that
my voice is heard and matters, regardless of my age. I am the blessed mother of two amazing
little girls and I hold the designation of CA(SA) proudly, but I am so so much more than just that.
As Wolfgang Riebe said: “Everyone is gifted, but some people never open their package.” I
strongly support this statement, but I also believe that it is my responsibility to open my package
by exploring all possibilities in order to reach my fullest potential.
DEVELOP
• Appointed as lecturer in 2015. By end of 2018 I completed my Master’s degree, I was
promoted to senior lecturer and appointed as Programme Director for general accountancy
and research. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Accounting.
• Member of the SAICA AGA (SA) competency framework development team and SAICA AGA
(SA) accreditation visit teams.
• Author and technical reviewer of academic textbooks.
• Previous marker of the ITC and external moderator for other academic institutions.
• Secured the first-time accreditation for our programme offerings by SAIPA and ACCA.
• Re-opened the CIMA programme for 2020 for which prior accreditation have been obtained
(37 enrolments in 2020).
• Revised the approach of a research methodology module to be more of a quantitative nature.

Students are now exposed to Microsoft Word, Excel as well as the data analytics software
SPSS. (Number of enrolments have increased from in 18 2019 to 68 in 2020.)
• Established the department’s first research committee and for the first time secured a
“blanket” ethical clearance for teaching and learning related research conducted by the
department to develop and encourage research activities.
• Plays a key role in a SAICA- funded Academic Literacy project recently launched at the
department.
INFLUENCE
• Member of quality control task team during national COVID-19 lockdown.
• Key member of departmental Management Committee.
• Member of department’s Undergraduate Recruitment (Marketing):
• Planned, coordinated and managed a filmed production of senior students and staff of the
department participating in the #Jerusalema dance challenge; and
• Planned, coordinated and managed the department’s first virtual Practitioners Day (28 – 30
September 2020).
• Development and implementation of a departmental research strategy; provision of support to

colleagues and students pursuing research activities.
• Developing researcher in the field of accounting: o Presentation at 2019 SAAA Biennial

International Conference: Runner‐up for Best Paper Award in financial accounting category at
the conference; and
• Author of various non‐accredited articles.
• Key contributor a faculty management, general faculty and departmental meetings.
• Revision and updating of Faculty Year Book (prospectus of programme offering including
details such as compulsory modules for completion, years of study, etc.).
LEAD
• Combined second- and third accounting year group co-ordinator: (2015 – 2017).
• Accounting subject head: (2017- 2018).
• Co-ordinator of two undergraduate accounting modules and two post graduate research
modules.
• Programme director for:

• BCom Hons in Management Accounting programme (CIMA);
• General Accountancy programmes (undergraduate and post-graduate); and
• Research.
• Chair of Departmental Research Committee (2019 – present).
• Chair of a faculty-composed combined 4th Industrial Revolution task team during 2019.
• Co-supervisor of two Masters students.

Page 1 of 12
FOREWORD
As a young academic, I live by the saying that good leaders don’t tell you what to do,
they show you how it’s done. I have set my mind to ensure that I do just that – I lead
by example and I do not let opportunities or challenges that can broaden my
horizons pass me by. It is exactly this mind-set – initially sparked by volunteering as
a group co-ordinator - that started me on my journey from a wide-eyed Afrikaans
speaking girl from a small Northern Cape town to a respected leader who holds her
own in discussions with colleagues who outrank her by experience and age.
I joined the School of Accountancy at the University of the Free State in 2015 as a
financial accounting lecturer. By 2018 I had fulfilled both the roles of a year-group
co-ordinator and the Accounting subject head. During this three year period I
obtained my Master’s degree, was promoted to senior lecturer and appointed as
Programme Director: General Accountancy and Research.
Within my current position, I secured two professional programme accreditations to
expand the available opportunities for students. I established the School’s research
committee, put measures in place to drive research activities and I am practicing
what I preach by co-supervising two Masters Students. I am a lecturer who is a
student of my own craft. Testament to this is my PhD focusing on student’s
accounting language comprehension and my role in a SAICA-funded academic
literacy project in collaboration with the School. I review and author academic
textbooks and chapters, serve on the SAICA AGA competency framework
development team and have marked the ITC – living the words of Scott Adams:
“Every skill you acquire doubles your odds of success.”
An academic career easily become stagnant, however, I decided to be a rolling stone
that gathers no moss. Consequently, I have established myself, at the age of 34, as a
noteworthy leader. Through my willingness to learn and hunger to develop, I
ensured that my voice is heard.
I am the blessed mother of two amazing little girls and I hold the designation of CA
(SA) proudly, but I am so much more. As Wolfgang Riebe said: “Everyone is gifted,
but some people never open their package.” I strongly support this statement, but I
also believe it is my responsibility to open my package by exploring all possibilities
to reach my fullest potential.
Page 2 of 12
PORTFOLIO OF EVIDENCE: H.A. VAN ZYL

CONTENTS:
 A: QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS
 B: TEACHING AND LEARNING
 C: INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP
 D: RESEARCH AND CREATIVE WORKS
 E: EXTERNAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE DISCIPLINE/PROFESSION/COMMUNITY
A: QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS
 B. Acc degree: University of the Free State (2007) (Top ten achiever)
 B.Acc. (Hons.) degree: University of the Free State (2008) (Top ten achiever)
 Qualifying Examination Part 1(QE 1) (2009)
 Advanced Diploma in Auditing (APT) (2010)
 Public Practice Examination Part 2 (PPE) (2010)
 CA(SA), South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) (2010 – to present)
Membership number: 20017422
 Masters in Financial Accounting (M.com) 2017
B: TEACHING AND LEARNING

B1: Achievements:
 Tutor and marker in accounting: University of the Free State (2006 – 2008)
 Best tutor: Accounting: University of the Free State (2008)
 1st Place: Economic & Management Sciences Tutor: University of the Free State (2008)
 Best overall tutor: University of the Free State (2008)
Page 3 of 12
B2: Scope and quality of teaching and learning activities

Substantial experience in facilitating learning of a high quality at UG level and some
experience at a PG level:
 Junior lector in Financial Accounting – 2nd year, 3rd year and CTA(Certificate in theory
of Accounting – Honours) level (01/01/2009 – 31/12/2009): University of the Free
State
 Lecturer and module co-ordinator of two undergraduate accounting modules: Second

year accounting (B.Acc students) and third year accounting (B.Com students):
University of the Free State (2015 – 2017)
 Senior lecturer and module co-ordinator of two undergraduate accounting modules:
Second year accounting (B.Acc students) and third year accounting (B.Com students):
University of the Free State (2018 – present)
 Lecturer and module co-ordinator of two post graduate research modules: B.Com Hons
in Accounting (2019 – present) and B.Com Hons in Management Accounting: University
of the Free State (2020 – present)
 Lecturing of undergraduate module third year accounting (B.Acc students) and post
graduate accounting module for B.Com students in 2016 and 2020 during maternity
leave of lecturer.
 Presentation of Boot camp for postgraduate CTA students during 2017 and 2018.
Participation in internal review processes to promote high quality teaching and learning
 Moderation of test papers first year accounting (B.Acc students) and second year
accounting (B.Com Students).
 Peer-evaluation of co-lecturers via attendance of classes presented and provision of
feedback on experience.
 Member of quality control task team during national COVID-19 lockdown: review and
moderation of content of first year accounting for B.Acc students and first and second
year accounting for B.Com students to ensure quality and adherence to standards.
Appropriate teaching & assessment practices used with diverse students
 Various teaching and assessment practices are applied such as:

o Use of clickers for class work and in-class assessment
Page 4 of 12
o Use on online assessments via Blackboard

o Use of in-class group activities such as group work and group presentations
o Assessment via formal scheduled tests as well as informal class tests.
Participation in module/programme design, materials development, tutor training
 For the four modules presented (Second year accounting (B.Acc students) and third
year accounting (B.Com students): B.Com Hons in Accounting and B.Com Hons in
Management Accounting: University of the Free State) responsibilities include, but are
not limited to:
o Designing of module outcomes, module programmes and module guides
o Development of teaching material for use in classes
o Development of additional material for use by students (i.e. revision material,
summaries etc.)
o Compilation of material for presentation by tutors in tutor classes and co-
ordination of tutorial sessions for second year accounting (B.Acc students) and
third year accounting (B.Com students).
o Explanation and discussion of material for presentation by tutors in tutor classes
of above mentioned groups.
B3: Professional teaching development & scholarship

Engages in activities to develop & reflect on teaching practices on an ongoing basis
 Regular presentation to/discussion/consultation with co-lecturers on teaching

practices applied in order to develop current practices applied.
 Attending of training of various new strategies to implement.
 Constant awareness of the changing learner environment and seeks to align teaching
practices.
 Reflection on results of students after tests in order to identify possible areas in need
of specific attention and development.
 Plays a key role in a SAICA- funded Academic Literacy project that was recently
launched at the School of Accountancy: The project is aimed at addressing the
academic literacy of accountancy students.
In consultation with the University of the Free State’s Centre for Teaching and
Learning, the School of Accountancy, led by an appointed team of which I am part of,
Page 5 of 12
is applying certain planned interventions in order to attempt to address the lack of

comprehension of accountancy-related terminology by students. The interventions
are aimed to develop practices that can be implemented by every lecturer in all
disciplines. The initial phase of testing some of the planned interventions have been
rolled out to the Taxation and Financial Accounting Modules of the second year B.Acc
students and the third year B.Com students by my colleague, Mrs. L Bruwer, and
myself. We are currently in the process of evaluating the effectiveness of these
interventions, and the further development of other planned interventions, to be able
to determine the most successful interventions that can be expanded to other subject
areas and year groups. The end goal is to have these interventions become part and
parcel of all the modules in the programme offerings and not be seen as an “add-on”
or “once-off” quick fix.
B4: Educational leadership

Leadership role in programme management; demonstrates academic leadership in the
academic programme
 Programme director for General Accountancy: University of the Free State -

responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
o Monitoring, evaluation and ensuring the effectiveness and success of the General
Accountancy programmes offered within the School of Accountancy.
o Revision and updating of Faculty Year Book and contribution to marketing of
programmes.
 Planned, coordinated and managed a filmed production of senior students and staff
of the School of Accountancy participating in the #Jerusalema dance challenge:
(https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=5112248742134282&extid=VKxZrcdxCRxz
PiXU)
 Planned, coordinated and managed the School of Accountancy’s first virtual
Practitioners Day (28 – 30 September 2020)
o External liaison with relevant professional bodies such as SAICA, SAIPA, ACCA, CIMA
etc. I have been able to secure the recent accreditation of the programmes offered
by the School of Accountancy by SAIPA and ACCA. I have also re-introduced the
CIMA programme in 2020 in order to increase student enrolments.
o Approval of post graduate student applications.
o Provision of academic advice to current and prospective students.
Page 6 of 12
 Programme director for Research: University of the Free State - responsibilities

include, but are not limited to:
o Monitoring, evaluation and ensuring the effectiveness and success of research
activities conducted at the School of Accountancy.
o Chair of the School of Accountancy Research Committee.
o Consideration and approval of Masters and PhD student applications.
o Development and implementation of a research strategy for the School of
Accountancy.
o Obtaining of ethical clearance for research activities conducted by the researchers
within the School of Accountancy.
o Monitoring of research conducted at the School of Accountancy and provision of
support to colleagues conducting research.
o Arranging research committee meetings.
o Ensuring adherence to research-related rules and regulations as determined by
Faculty; administration of departmental-approval of research proposals.
C: INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP
C1: Internal service within the university
Regularly plays a role in departmental/faculty administration/management with leadership
responsibilities
 Programme director for General Accountancy and Research: University of the Free
State.
 Member of School of Accountancy Management Committee
 Member of School of Accountancy Undergraduate Recruitment (Marketing)
Committee
 Chair of School of Accountancy Research Committee
 Chair of combined 4th Industrial Revolution task team
Active participation in departmental & faculty meetings, committees, etc.
 Co-ordination and conducting of Research Committee meetings.

Page 7 of 12
 Attendance of faculty management, general faculty and departmental meetings;

Makes contributions to subject meetings, faculty and departmental meetings when
appropriate.
Mentors new academic staff and young researchers
 Assists new academic staff in the resolution of queries or uncertainties.

 Assists co-workers commencing with research.
D: RESEARCH AND CREATIVE WORKS

D1: Involvement in and outputs related to research and creative works
Produces publications (e.g., articles, books, chapters) of quality
 Non‐accredited articles: Journal: Accounting weekly: news portal for accounting and
finance professionals Southern African Institute for Business Accountants (SAIBA).
o To provide or to accrue – that is the question; Feb 20, 2018
o Measurement of Biological Assets; Oct 17, 2017
o Back to Basics: when restructuring is your lifeline; Apr 18, 2017
o Agriculture: Mo(o)ving from biological assets to inventory; March 22, 2016
o How much is that doggy (read: Item of property, plant and equipment) in the window?;
Oct 11, 2015
Please refer to the website link to articles:
https://accountingweekly.com/?s=haneke+van+zyl
 Technical Review of financial accounting textbook released in 2019: Introducing
Mastering Group Financial Statements Volumes 1 and 2.
 Co‐author of chapters in financial accounting textbook released in 2019: Accounting
Standards 18th edition.
Presents research papers at national academic & professional conferences
 Presentation of conference paper: 2019 Southern African Accounting Association

Biennial International Conference Proceedings, Johannesburg, South Africa: Runner‐up
for Best Paper Award in financial accounting category at the conference.
Page 8 of 12
Acting as co-supervisor for postgraduate research
 Currently co-supervisor for two Masters students.
Emergent internal reputation in his/her field based on publications & research &/or
creative / scholarly outputs
 Masters Runner up in the “Three Minute Thesis Competition 2017” hosted by the UFS
postgraduate school on 25 August 2017.
 Runner‐up for Best Paper Award in financial accounting category at the 2019 Southern
African Accounting Association Biennial International Conference.
E: EXTERNAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE DISCIPLINE/PROFESSION/COMMUNITY

Participation in professional/academic association
 CA (SA), member of South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) (2010 – to

present) Membership number: 20017422; attended the annual SAICA summer school in
2015 and 2016.
 Member of the SAICA AGA(SA) Working Committee: developing a competency framework
for the AGA (SA) qualification, 2018 – present
 Member of SAICA AGA (SA) accreditation review team – Review of CUT BFN; UJ, 2020.
 Marking of the Initial Test of Competence exam papers at SAICA (Appointed as Assistant
Umpire for the ITC marking of 2018.)
 External moderator for Akademia (2019 – present)
Acts as a consultant to NGOs, public & private sector organisations
 Provide consultation on the monthly and annual accounting (payroll etc.) and taxation
preparation and submission of Adnitor Trading (Pty) Ltd; Tjaka Investments (Pty) Ltd
and Red Oak Restaurants (Pty) Ltd.
Page 9 of 12
Tel. (051)401-3376 / bruwerl@ufs.ac.za

Enquiries: Mrs. L. Bruwer
28 May 2020
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION: MRS HA VAN ZYL
It is my pleasure to recommend and support Mrs. Haneke van Zyl for the SAICA Top-35-under-35
competition. I have known Mrs. Van Zyl for close to eight years – first in my capacity as a lecturer at the
School of Accountancy (SoA) at the University of the Free State (UFS), then as her direct supervisor
during my period as head of the department of the SoA, and currently as a colleague. Mrs. Van Zyl has
worked in the School of Accountancy for nearly six years and has consistently proven herself as a natural
leader with exceptional technical as well as organisational skills.
Mrs. Van Zyl is a qualified chartered accountant, and she successfully completed her Master’s Degree
(MCom) in 2017. She was a top-achiever as a student in the School of Accountancy, and she also
completed the first year of her traineeship at the UFS as an academic trainee. She has extensive teaching
experience, with a primary focus on final year students, where she is continuously innovating and
reimagining the teaching and learning of financial accounting in all our accredited programs.
Mrs. Van Zyl has made quick career progression in the six years at the UFS. Not only did she complete
her Master’s Degree, as indicated above, but she was also promoted to senior lecturer within the first
three years of her appointment at the department. Promotion to senior lecturer at our institution, on
average, takes about four to five years.
As an extension of her exceptional leadership capabilities, she was appointed as Programme Director:
General Accountancy and Research at the SoA during the 2018 academic year. In this role, Mrs. Van
Zyl has made an enormous contribution to the development of research in the department. Not only on
a student-level, where she is in charge of two postgraduate modules where research capabilities taught
and developed in students, but also a significant contribution to the development of research capacity and
skills for academic staff in the department.
Skool vir Rekeninkunde/School of Accountancy

205 Nelson Mandela Drive/Rylaan, Park West/Parkwes, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa/Suid-Afrika
P.O. Box/Posbus 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa/Suid-Afrika, T: +27(0)51 401 9111, www.ufs.ac.za
Page 10 of 12
As Programme Director Mrs. Van Zyl has also successfully steered and managed the process of obtaining
two professional accreditations to the benefit of students studying at the UFS – both were received within
a period of 18 months.
Mrs. Van Zyl is a shining example of what it means to be a successful woman in higher education. Not
only is she an active SAICA member that contributes to the profession on multiple levels, an academic
who is currently pursuing her Ph.D., a program director who ensures the academic integrity and success
of our academic programs, but she is also a wife and a mother to two little girls…all of this under the age
of 35. The fact that she can balance the demands of her professional life in academia without sacrificing
her own wellbeing or that of her family is testimony to her drive and dedication. To have achieved the
level of professional success at her young age is also an indicator of even more remarkable things to
come from this trail-blazing woman.
I wish her all the best in her Top-35-under-35 journey.
Yours sincerely
L. BRUWER
SENIOR LECTURER (CA(SA) / MCom Taxation)
Skool vir Rekeningkunde/School of Accountancy

205 Nelson Mandela Drive/Rylaan, Park West/Parkwes, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa/Suid-Afrika
P.O. Box/Posbus 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa/Suid-Afrika, T: +27(0)51 401 9111, www.ufs.ac.za
Page 11 of 12
25 May 2020
‘Top 35 Under 35’ Award Adjudication Panel

SA Institute of Chartered Accountants
Dear Sirs / Madams
REFERENCE LETTER: MRS HANEKE VAN ZYL CA (SA)
I write this reference letter in support of Mrs Haneke van Zyl’s nomination for the ‘Top 35 Under
35’ Chartered Accountants (SA) Awards for 2020. I have worked closely with Haneke in my
capacity as her immediate line manager since I was appointed as Director of the UFS School of
Accountancy on 1 April 2019.
I have close to twenty five years’ experience in higher education (much of which has been in
leadership positions), and during this period I have worked with many Chartered Accountants
(SA) – but I can attest that I have encountered few with Haneke’s leadership abilities.
Haneke performs three key leadership roles within the UFS School of Accountancy, i.e.:
• As coordinator of Accounting 3 module on the BCom (Acc) programme and the Accounting
2 module on the BAcc programme: In this capacity Haneke is responsible for ensuring the
quality of delivery of these modules, and for their effective administration. With close to
600 students enrolled for these modules, this is no mean feat. But given Haneke’s
effective leadership of the modules, there is no need for me to be concerned about these
module offerings from either an academic quality or an administrative perspective.
• As programme director of our General Accountancy (non-CA) programme offerings. This
role involves not only overseeing the effective programme administration and the
programme curriculation of our BCom Accounting, BCom Honours (Accounting) and
BCom Honours (Management Accounting) programmes, but includes the building of
relationships with the professional bodies that accredit these programmes. These
professional bodies include the SA Institute of Professional Accountants, the Chartered
Institute of Management Accountants, and the Association of Chartered Certified
Accountants. In the past two years, Haneke has been successful in ensuring that these
Page 12 of 12
bodies (re)accredit our programmes, and in increasing the awareness of these bodies (and
their activities) among our students. As such, Haneke’s initiatives have been vital in
ensuring the success of the School of Accountancy – given that a large percentage of our
students are unlikely to qualify as Chartered Accountants (SA) – and we need to offer
them alternative ‘professional homes’.
• As chair of our School Research Committee. It is generally accepted that research is a
matter of great importance to universities – and this is increasingly the case also for their
accounting departments. Under Haneke’s guidance as chair of our School Research
Committee, I am pleased to report that we have made great strides in facilitating
opportunities for our academic staff to further their qualifications, to supervise M and D
research studies, and to undertake their own research endeavours (e.g. leading to
publications in journals and presentations at conferences).
Of course, by performing these roles, Haneke serves as a key member of the Management
Committee of the School of Accountancy. It is very unusual to find one person who is able to
perform this diverse range of tasks successfully – but we are very fortunate to have found this in
Haneke van Zyl. She is academically strong, possesses excellent professional skills, and is a hard
worker with a caring disposition. Despite her age she is undoubtedly an academic leader who is
respected by colleagues in the School of Accountancy and in the Faculty of Economic and
Management Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS).
Haneke has also established a profile for herself by becoming involved in endeavors outside of
the UFS, including in the education space at SAICA and by authoring of textbooks.
Haneke van Zyl is a real star in the UFS School of Accountancy, where she stands out despite the
School being fortunate in having more than 20 very capable Chartered Accountants (SA). As such,
Haneke would be a worthy recipient of the prestigious ‘Top 35 Under 35’ Award of the SA
Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Please feel free to contact me at 051 401 3588 should you require any further information.
Yours faithfully
PROF FE PRINSLOO CA (SA)

DIRECTOR: SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
TRAMAYNE
MONAGHAN
32 years old
CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER, ACTING

CFO, CPI, TENCENT AFRICA
Short Profile
At 26 years old, Tramayne Monaghan was the youngest divisional CFO for Tencent. He has spoken at
global conferences and is a mentor to three digital businesses: Broadley Speaking, African Secret and
TurnUp Music. He has launched and run various consumer mobile products such as WeChat, WeChat
Wallet, VOOV, JOOX and PUBG Mobile and has assisted Naspers’ COVID-19 responses in South Africa.
He believes in the antithesis of the traditional CA. The brand he has built for himself is one he hopes
young CAs(SA) will take up − the new CA is courageous and ethical, analytical and creative. He has
spoken at numerous global conferences about this new age of work and the new digital world.
Tramayne’s goal has always been to use his platform and the company he works for as a springboard to
do good. He has been a part of numerous bursary campaigns through the brands he represents: VOOV,
JOOX and PUBG Mobile. Education is important to him, so he drives this narrative internally.
He drives an internal culture of leadership growth through an internal accelerated leadership plan that
includes mentorship and learning. This plan was a product of his desire to open minds to new ways of
thinking, but also to allow Tencent staff members to go on their own unique and individualised leadership
journeys. He devised the plan and implemented it with a business coach they have brought in to run it. ‘I
believe humans need to grow. I am outspoken on development areas for high performances including
meditation, breathing techniques and owning your power,’ says Tramayne.
‘My ethos is simple: we are all leaders and I will only be judged on how I grow those around me. But I am
also open and authentic about my own struggles. These have resulted in my driving harder to be a young
leader and to show others the path is there with the right work ethic and, more importantly, with the right
mindset. I use my platforms to drive a change in thinking and challenge the status quo. I believe the
world is non-linear. I believe that the greatest asset we can acquire is asking why.’
Tramayne has been a digital mentor to young CAs(SA) through SAICA’s mentorship projects. He currently
mentors three digital businesses as he drives to lead, share and influence.
‘I have driven my brand of “non-traditional” CA for years now’, says Tramayne. ‘I have created paths
outside of finance to achieve success at a young age. Finance was my one tool, but I have built a
repertoire to which I think young CAs(SA) can aspire. I speak about humanity and a love for growth; I
want the world of young CAs(SA) to enhance the environment around them. My dream is to create a
young leader that transcends their story and develop one that puts them into the news for the good they
will do.’
According to Tramayne, the profession needs a voice that outlines change. The profession needs to see
the value that can be placed outside of debits and credits. ‘I will never stop developing my narrative on
what a CA(SA) should be. I am not perfect, but I can be the blueprint for a generation of incredible young
CAs(SA).’
Watch video
and achievements?
• Launched local servers and drove the mobile game PUBG Mobile in Africa and 5 x the users
based in 6 months - largest mobile game in SA now
• Being reappointed CFO and taking over CPO after a gap in our c-level staff members
• Interim CEO for 2 months while the current CEO took lead on Covid-19 response projects for
Naspers
• Advisor to tech and music start up - Turnup
• Spoken at global conferences on finance, humanity and recently the impact of esports on
children

• Was a part of the team to assist in importing of PPE through Naspers
• Helped build http://4u4me.me/ as a response to Covid-19
• Helped develop the local gig2earn campaign to ensure local artists can earn money during
lock down https://www.dstv.co.za/whats-on/news/articles/joox-s-gig2earn-initiative-brings-
audiences-a-big-live-concert/
• I always try to give back to education through our products. Launched the bursary campaign
through PUBG (2020), JOOX(2019), VOOV (2018 - see Daily Sun article)  
https://mycitybynight.co.za/pubg-mobile-launches-playitforward-campaign-win-a-r25000-
bursary-as-a-pubgm-ambassador/  
http://dirtypinkcity.com/2019/best-music-blogs-south-africa-music-blogger/share-your-
beats-with-joox-win-r50000-towards-your-tuition-fees/
• Initiated the WeChat fund in 2015 - to fund startups in SA https://ventureburn.com/2015/12/

exclusive-wechat-launches-r50m-fund-mobile-startups/
recent past?
My goal is always to use my platform and the company I work for as a spring board to do
good.  
 
I drive an internal culture of leadership growth through an accelerated leadership plan that
included mentorship and learning. This plan was a product of my own desire to open minds to
new ways of thinking, but also to allow Tencent staff members to go on their own unique and
individualised leadership journeys. I devised the plan and implemented it with a business
coach we have brought in to run it week to week. I believe humans need to grow and another
project I spear head is a monthly high performance for all staff. Examples of lessons include
meditation, breathing techniques, breaking internal barriers. 
young leader?
My ethos is simple, we are all leaders, and I will only be judged on how I grow those around me.
My responses above give an indication on how I drive this within the company. But I am also
open, and authentic, about my own struggles. These have resulted in my driving harder to be a
young leader and to show others the path is there with the right work ethic, but more
importantly, with the right mindset. I use my platforms to drive a change in thinking and
challenge the status quo. I believe the world is non-linear. I believe that the greatest asset we
can acquire is asking why.
Top 35 finalist?
I have driven my brand of "non-traditional" CA for years now. I have created paths outside of
finance to achieve success at a young age. Finance was my one tool, but I have built a
repertoire to which I think young CA's can aspire. I speak about humanity and a love for growth,
I want the world of a young CA's to enhance the environment around them. My dream is to
create a young leader that transcends their story, and develop one that puts them into the news
for the good they will do. 
 
The truth is the profession needs a voice that outlines change. The profession needs to see the
value that can be placed outside of debits and credits. I will never stop developing my narrative
on what a CA should be. I am not perfect, but I can be the blueprint for a generation of
incredible young CA’s.
DEVELOP
I have been lucky enough to be involved with some amazing companies in my time. I offer
unpaid advisory, mentorship and coaching to those around me to try and share my knowledge.
I have signed up to the formalised Mentorship Challenge and have assisted the growth of
African Secret. African Secret is led by a remarkable female entrepreneur in Cape Town.
I have been an advisor to Turnup Music for years and assisted in them being invested in by
Tencent Africa. I advise a digital agency and two mobile apps in South Africa.
I spend my time doing this to further enhance the skill sets of entrepreneurs who want to grow
and make a change for themselves.
INFLUENCE
I am fortunate enough to have a speaking platform. I use this platform to influence thinking and
stretch the minds of the audience. My narrative is based on not accepting the status quo and
pushing into a new digitised era.
I have used my influence over Tencent Africa to create various bursaries through the products
we support to enhance the lives of students. I have achieved this numerous times.
LEAD
Throughout my career, I have focussed on growing as a leader. The only measure of what this
entails and the impact of leading can be seen in what those around you say about you. I have
used some sourced commentary on those I have worked with, worked for and those who have
worked under me to illustrate my leadership ability.
I have been leading and advising startups and businesses for some time now, and this is also
illustrated under the develop section. Whether it is mentoring an online business or
conversations with young CA’s, I use my platform to help grow those around me.
Tramayne Monaghan
CA(SA), MBA
32
Tencent Africa
Chief Innovation Officer

acting Chief Financial Officer
acting Chief People Officer
www.tramayne.co.za
Online profiles:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tramaynem/
https://twitter.com/Tramayne23
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tramayne+monaghan
1
Table of Contents
Career Highlights 3
Lead | Develop | Influence 4

Lead 4
Develop 4
Influence 4
LEAD | Career References 5

Brett Loubser: CEO Tencent Africa 5
Carin Langner: Associate Director Deloitte 5
Lee-Anne Lawrence: Head of Operations Tencent Africa 5
Samantha Modena: People Manager Tencent Africa 6
DEVELOP | Unpaid Advisory 7

Suzanne Broadley: CEO Broadley Speaking 7
Ian Halliday and Suzanne Broadley: Founders FindIT and My Cookie Trail 7
Thabiet Allie: CEO Turnup Music 7
Agnes Letsoalo CA(SA): Audit Senior EY Memphis, USA 7
Nomfundo Vanessa Libazi CA(SA): Specialist Support to the CEO Mercedes Benz
South Africa 7
Mentorship Challenge: African Secret 8
INFLUENCE | Speaking Engagements 9

Gerinda Engelbrecht - CA of the Future Conference 9
Carmen Whittles - CA Exchange: Speed Mentoring 10
Colin Webster - Global Esports Executive Summit hosted by International Esports
Federation 11
Andrew Fassnidge - Africa Tech Summit hosted by Rwandan Government 12
Matt Knight - Finance Leaders 2020 12
YPO 2019 - The Life of RE 13
In the Press 15
Scholarships 15
Covid-19 Naspers Support 15
Various other PR pieces 16
2
Career Highlights
First-time pass of undergraduate BComm Accounting at NMMU - 2009
First-time pass honours BComm Accounting at NMMU - 2010
First-time pass of SAICA Board 1 - 2011
First-time pass of IRBA Board 2 - 2012
Registered as a CA(SA) at 25 - 2013
Youngest divisional CFO for Tencent - 2015
Launch of VOOV business unit - divisional head of business - 2016
Completed first-time pass of my MBA through Regenesys - 2018
Launch of PUBG MOBILE business unit - divisional head of business - 2019
Cover of Accountancy South Africa - 2020
Interim CEO of Tencent Africa during Covid-19 pandemic for two months - 2020
Launch of tramayne.co.za - 2020
3
Lead | Develop | Influence
Lead
Throughout my career, I have focussed on growing as a leader. The only measure of what this
entails and the impact of leading can be seen in what those around you say about you. I have
used some sourced commentary on those I have worked with, worked for and those who have
worked under me to illustrate my leadership ability.
I have been leading and advising startups and businesses for some time now, and this is also
illustrated under the develop section. Whether it is mentoring an online business or
conversations with young CA’s, I use my platform to help grow those around me.
Develop
I have been lucky enough to be involved with some amazing companies in my time. I offer
unpaid advisory, mentorship and coaching to those around me to try and share my knowledge.
I have signed up to the formalised Mentorship Challenge and have assisted the growth of
African Secret. African Secret is led by a remarkable female entrepreneur in Cape Town.
I have been an advisor to Turnup Music for years and assisted in them being invested in by
Tencent Africa. I advise a digital agency and two mobile apps in South Africa.
I spend my time doing this to further enhance the skill sets of entrepreneurs who want to grow
and make a change for themselves.
Influence
I am fortunate enough to have a speaking platform. I use this platform to influence thinking and
stretch the minds of the audience. My narrative is based on not accepting the status quo and
pushing into a new digitised era.
I have used my influence over Tencent Africa to create various bursaries through the products
we support to enhance the lives of students. I have achieved this numerous times.
4
LEAD | Career References
(Note: all references can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tramaynem/)
Brett Loubser: CEO Tencent Africa

Tramayne is not a typical accountant. At Tencent Africa, we have worked in multiple product
domains over the last few years, from social platforms to mobile fin-tech, from video and audio
streaming to mobile games, ride-sharing services to mobile platform development and
deployment.
Regardless of the complexity, at times managing multiple of these domains simultaneously,

Tramayne has an uncanny ability to adapt and apply creative thinking to any environment within
which he immerses himself. I believe this strength is rooted in Tramayne being a voracious
reader. He is a deep thinker and finds great joy and excitement in exploring radical new
directions for our business efforts and adapting seamlessly to them. He is also a strong
executor and takes on any task handed to him, including unexpected areas, such as office
remodelling and design.
It is quite unusual for an accountant to head up an innovation department, but in the case of
Tramayne, he is eminently suited to this diverse and dynamic challenge. His broad knowledge,
adaptability and deep insight into business modelling and business processes give him an edge
that makes him a powerful asset in our organisation.
Carin Langner: Associate Director Deloitte

I’ve known Tramayne for many years. He has a zest for life. His natural ability to connect with
people sets him apart. He has always had a clear view of what he wants from a career and
pursued it relentlessly. His meteoric rise to the top is testimony to his dedication, his ability to
think outside the box and challenge the status quo. Well done Tramayne! Keep innovating and
inspiring our youth.
Lee-Anne Lawrence: Head of Operations Tencent Africa

It has taken me 15 years in the working world to realise I have only ever worked for a boss. I
have given years of commitment to a boss, I have given years of passion to a boss, I have given
years of lost family time to a boss. Don't get me wrong they were good bosses in terms of
the"definition" but when you get to experience a leader it changes things. It changes how you
work, it changes how you see work, it changes how you do work and it changes how you want
to work with others. For the first time I work for someone who is a coach, who shows teams how
it is done, who works alongside you, never fails to empower you, who understands the value of
5
self-awareness, inspires performance, cultivates personal growth of each team member, seeks
out perspectives, ideas and solutions and lastly leads with complete transparency of information
and intent. For the last two years, I have given the commitment to a leader, for the last two
years I have given passion to a leader, for the last two years I have given lost family time to a
leader. But for the last two years, I have received a commitment from my leader, for the last two
years I have received passion from my leader and for the last two years I have received daily
inspiration and unwavering trust from my leader. Tramayne Monaghan, I consider you a
privilege, and privileges are not taken for granted in my world.
Samantha Modena: People Manager Tencent Africa

Tramayne Monaghan, where do I even begin to describe someone with such a diverse array of
talents. I’ve worked with Tramayne since 2015 as my manager/leader and have only but grown
since reporting to him. He has a unique ability to get the best out of people whilst pushing them
to succeed and encouraging them to operate outside of their comfort zone, but at the same time
being there every step of the way in helping guide them to grow and reach their true full
potential.
Being in HR, I know how important it is to ensure that staff are always motivated, engaged and
encouraged to complete what needs to be done, and Tramayne certainly has the ability to get
this out of people, even people that he does not necessarily work directly with by way of his
infectious “can-do” and “we’ll figure it out” attitude. He is adaptable, willing to assist with
whatever needs to be done and one of his main focuses is to help others grow - he sees the
potential in people.
He wears many hats within our company, starting out in a finance role, he then moved into an
innovation-focused role and now wears the hat of Chief Financial Officer, Chief People Officer
as well as Chief Innovation Officer. This really shows how determined and adaptable he is as a
person. He gets himself involved anywhere in the business that he can to assist others to grow
the company, as well as himself.
He has a unique leadership style in the way he goes about his daily work. He leads in a way
that does not resort to micro-managing people. He takes the time to get to know and understand
the individual as well as their strengths, talents and weaknesses, then leads and motivates them
using these. He leads in a way that is fair, and I certainly believe that this is the way all leaders
should lead today. People know what needs to be done, they know if they have not done
something BUT he is always there to help them sort out the problem/issue, always there to
assist and provide guidance and to move forward instead of only focusing on the mishaps and
short-falls. He knows how to get the right people “on the bus”, and then let them get the work
done. In this way, people feel motivated to complete their tasks, to go above and beyond but
stay accountable at the same time.
6
Tramayne is certainly someone that is all rounded. He has an incredibly diverse skill set, is
humble and willing to learn and ask questions when necessary, is adaptable, hard-working, an
excellent leader, an overachiever in everything that he does, loves people, manages to get the
best out of people and is just an all-round awesome person.
DEVELOP | Unpaid Advisory

(Note: all references can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tramaynem/)
Suzanne Broadley: CEO Broadley Speaking

As a digital agency, Tramayne has helped my business think and act more strategically. The
coaching he's provided has been invaluable to facilitate efficiencies in the digital offerings I have
crafted. From client communication to billing and everything in between, Tramayne offers
pragmatic and innovative guidance which has taken my business to the next level.
Ian Halliday and Suzanne Broadley: Founders FindIT and My Cookie Trail
The launch of our app was supported by Tramayne's immense experience in the tech
environment. His expertise in launching and running innovative consumer apps meant that we
could tap into his guidance on projected uptake, monetization, offering refinement and
consumer experience. Within South Africa's very niche app market, we are confident that no
one in the country has as much know-how about successfully launching apps as Tramayne.
Thabiet Allie: CEO Turnup Music

As an advisory board member, Tramayne has helped guide TurnUp Music in becoming a
destination for local music.
Tramayne’s real-world insights and connection to both the local and pan African markets have
been of tremendous value. We would certainly not have been in the space we are without his
insights.
Agnes Letsoalo CA(SA): Audit Senior EY Memphis, USA

I met Tramayne through SAICA's CA networking event. In a short time, he was able to provide
inspiration through sharing insights on his career journey. He offered good advice on career
building, taking risks and embracing change. Through engaging with Tramayne, one can expect
much-needed encouragement and guidance in navigating their career.
7
Nomfundo Vanessa Libazi CA(SA): Specialist Support to the CEO Mercedes Benz
South Africa
Tramayne is an amazing speaker and motivational mentor!
Mentorship Challenge: African Secret

I applied for a mentorship challenge at https://www.mentorshipchallenge.co.za . I was accepted
and connected with Stacey Jane Smith. Stacey runs an eCommerce site and is an
entrepreneur. She ideates, markets and sells her own range of indigenous wellness products.
https://myafricansecret.co.za
I assist in strategy and attempt to assist a scalable purpose-driven entity. Stacey is a solo
entrepreneur trying to scale her business.
“As my mentor, Tramayne is helping me zero in on what’s most important in order to grow and
take my business to the next level. A key factor being ‘why’ I am offering the products and
services that I am so passionate about. Another very important element being financial planning
and budgeting, which a lot of product-based and creative entrepreneurs struggle with, but is so
fundamental in achieving business success. Even though our mentor-mentee relationship is
fairly new, I already see a change in my vision, focus and mindset, which can only bare
positively for my aspirations.”
8
INFLUENCE | Speaking Engagements
(Note: most engagements can be found at https://tramayne.co.za/speaking/ )
Gerinda Engelbrecht - CA of the Future Conference

Tramayne is someone who can add value and who is a transformational leader.
Tramayne is able to share his knowledge and experience with others in an authentic manner.
And he is a great speaker who effortlessly holds the attention of delegates, from young students
to serious business leaders.
9
Carmen Whittles - CA Exchange: Speed Mentoring
Tramayne’s particular talent at relating to each individual’s personal ambitions is commendable.
Tramayne’s skills in presenting makes for an impactful, memorable and engaging presentation.
Tramayne is incredibly appealing and relevant and effortlessly captivated the attention of our
otherwise “digitally-inclined” young audience, with his natural story-telling ability.
10
Colin Webster - Global Esports Executive Summit hosted by International Esports
Federation
Tramayne was on a panel at the Global Esports Executive Summit in South Korea where he
discussed the potential of esports to support physical and mental well being. The panel
discussed the impacts competitive environments have on a young community, as well as the
shift to more holistic training.
11
Andrew Fassnidge - Africa Tech Summit hosted by Rwandan Government
The Africa Tech Summit is held annually in Rwanda. Tramayne spoke on artificial intelligence
and its potential proliferation in Africa. The panel discussed the risks and opportunities of the
technology with regards to skill gaps and governments interventions.
https://www.africatechsummit.com/kigali/cth_speaker/tramayne-monaghan/
Matt Knight - Finance Leaders 2020
I'm fortunate to be working for an Institute where the bulk of its members are finance-savvy
Chartered Accountants. However, very few CAs can combine a solid financial foundation with
Tech & Business acumen. Yet this is what stands out for me about Tramayne. He blends all of
these traits: a young guy with heaps of experience, that is bringing fresh thought and maturity to
how we define modern, business leadership. It is because of this that Tramayne has become
one of SAICAs star attractions at some of our recent flagship events, like the Top 35 Under 35
Awards, Finance Leaders, and Cloud in Practice.
12
YPO 2019 - The Life of RE
YPO is a global leadership community of chief executives with approximately 29,000 members
in more than 130 countries. Tramayne spoke on the power of re-humanising technology and
explained to the 2 000 attendees that technology is merely the tool we have the privilege of
wielding. The speech titled ‘Building for Emotional Humans’, is one he has championed for
business to be more mindful of the products they build and how to find success in humanity.
Tramayne was also on a panel with acclaimed author Alexa Clay, discussing the role of the
misfit in an organisation and the need for innovation to keep pushing boundaries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyoK-18yJgI
13
14
In the Press
Scholarships
I have had the fortune of running two products for Tencent Africa, VOOV and PUBG Mobile.
During my tenure, I used marketing funds to specifically create bursary campaigns in the desire
to give back.
PUBG Mobile:
https://esportscentral.co.za/pubg/pubg-mobile-announces-playitforward-campaign/
VOOV:
https://zoutnet.co.za/articles/news/48789/2018-11-30/top-mbilwi-pupil-wins-r100-000
Covid-19 Naspers Support
I was a part of the team that assisted in acquiring the Naspers donation of PPE to the South
African government. The team negotiated, performed procurement and payments from foreign
suppliers.
https://www.naspers.com/news/naspers-delivers-personal-protective-equipment-for
15
Various other PR pieces
http://magazine.accountancysa.org.za/publication/?m=52861&i=672365&p=110
https://www.accountancysa.org.za/top-35-under-35-2020-finalist-tramayne-monaghan/
https://financeleaders.saicaevents.co.za/
https://www.africatechsummit.com/kigali/cth_speaker/tramayne-monaghan/
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tramaynem_tech-summits-africa-activity-6501711174394998784-Po8_
https://twitter.com/AfricaTechSMT/status/1095947009503170560?s=20
https://moguldom.com/185152/why-a-tech-enabled-future-is-within-reach-for-africa-tech-summit-kigali/
http://cliffcentral.com/gcs/gareths-guests/tramayne-monaghan-voov/
https://twitter.com/Tramayne23/status/1001757708725510144?s=20
https://www.gq.co.za/culture/tech/voov-launches-new-feature-that-allows-users-to-withdraw-cash-16565702
https://zoutnet.co.za/articles/news/48789/2018-11-30/top-mbilwi-pupil-wins-r100-000
https://www.nag.co.za/2019/07/29/tencent-preps-local-pubg-mobile-servers-for-launch/
https://capetownguy.co.za/africa-to-get-its-first-dedicated-pubg-mobile-servers/
http://www.caofthefuture.saicaevents.co.za/wp/dt_team/tramayne-monaghan/
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/saica-ca-sa-_accountancy-accountancy-profession-activity-6564887853887746048-lc
W0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjQeEbA3g2o
https://www.saica.co.za/brochures/default.asp?BrochureId=1783
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyoK-18yJgI
https://twitter.com/YPO/status/1103702210557419520?s=20
https://www.instagram.com/p/ButvZvAlvU1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.ypo.org/2019/02/ypo-edge-speakers-15-more-visionaries-added/
http://www.mondatosummit.com/msafrica19-speakers/fyd1flkf09ezsj3ow02wqyy82p6zko
http://www.mondatosummit.com/africa-speakers
https://www.mondato.com/s/AfricaPostEventReport2019.pdf
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tramaynem_speaking-at-the-mondato-summit-for-africa-activity-65136958432986152
96-GEoM
https://ventureburn.com/2019/08/awief-conference-speakers-announced/
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/koen-schobbers_ready-to-fly-to-korea-to-speak-at-the-4th-activity-657237083583379
0464-qj-A
https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/459/197894.html
http://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/377444/international-gaming-industry-valued-at-about-usd130-billion-in-2019
https://www.saica.co.za/News/NewsArticlesandPressmediareleases/tabid/695/itemid/6284/language/en-ZA/language/
en-ZA/Default.aspx
http://www.caofthefuture.saicaevents.co.za/wp/dt_team/tramayne-monaghan/
https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/511/200038.html
https://www.accountancysa.org.za/cover-story-tramaynes-ten-cents-worth/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjQeEbA3g2o
16
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
JOY MALETE
31 years old
DIRECTOR: CONTROLLERSHIP, VISA

Short Profile
Apart from being a CA(SA), Joy is an all-rounded confident, committed and driven individual who is
always looking for new challenges and experiences. She is a philanthropist at heart who is passionate
about youth development and empowerment and is ready to serve wherever the need arises.
With over nine years’ cumulative working experience, mostly in financial services and asset management,
Joy currently works as Director for Controllership for VISA SSA. She is responsible for the accounting and
tax for SSA and on a short-term business development assignment focusing on mid-market clients in
SSA. Joy is also preparing for her CIMA strategic case study exam sitting scheduled for November.
Prior to joining VISA, she was employed by STANLIB as a senior financial manager for the STANLIB Asset
Management and Multi Manager entities. In this role, she led numerous accounting projects, the most
critical being the automation of the revenue accounting system and the deferred bonus scheme which
resulted in about 70% time savings in the daily and monthly processes. She was identified as one of the
2016 top achievers and selected to participate in the Liberty Action Learning Projects (ALP) targeting
young emerging talent within the Liberty Group. All ALP projects required the teams to focus on real
challenges/opportunities faced by the group and to build implementable solutions.
She has seen accelerated growth in her career, having experienced rapid promotions resulting from her
commitment to delivery, her positive attitude and work ethic, her leadership traits, and being a team
player.
As a firm believer in community development, particularly among young people, in 2019 Joy
spearheaded a concept under the title ‘Future-proof your career’ which focused on delivering workshops
to young people on elements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Her team comprised leaders in their
specific fields of tech who agreed to deliver these workshops pro bono. Having been a youth leader at
church, she has run several youth camps over the years, with the most recent focusing on leadership
development.
She has been invited on various occasions to speak on issues pertaining to domestic violence. This
passion birthed a foundation called the BTS foundation, with education and empowerment as its core
pillars.
She also does talks and presentations on finance-related topics. These have become more popular
during lockdown due to the impact of COVID-19 on the country’s economy and its people.
She serves as an ex officio member of the risk committee of Meals on Wheels Community Services
South Africa.
Watch video
and achievements?
• Being identified as a top performer and selected to participate in an "Action learning project/
ALP or CEO project" targeted at young emerging talent within the Liberty group, focusing on
building solutions for Pre-existing problems.
• Experienced rapid promotions during my tenure at STANLIB. Being promoted from financial
accountant, to Finance Manager and then Senior Finance Manager within a period of 3,5
years. This saw my team grow from 3 direct reports to double the size as my responsibilities
grew.
• Identified an accounting error of over R7m that resulted in a process improvement and
automation of the deferred bonus scheme calculation.
• Led a revenue automation project that resulted in approx. 70% time savings.
• Building a goal oriented and high performing team. Meeting all our project and statutory
deadlines well in advance compared to prior periods, within my first full year at Visa.
• Fostering trust, personal growth and development within the team. I have recently managed
to assist my direct report in getting a new role within tax in line with his career growth
prospects.
• Consistently exceeding expectations in my roles, at annual calibration, including my current

role at Visa where my performance evaluation came back as an "exceeds expectation" within
my first year in the role.
• Picked up on a fundamental accounting error in the revenue / transfer pricing calculation that
was consistently applied across the CEMEA region, resulting in a principle/policy application
change and approx. $5m recoveries for entities under my management.
• Being one of the youngest to hold a Director role at Visa SA.

I'm a firm believer in community, with a special focus on young people and the most vulnerable
in our communities. 
 
In 2019, I spearheaded a concept under the title "Future proof your career" which focused on
delivering workshops for young people on concepts of the 4th industrial revolution. I brought
together a handful of champions within the industry, to deliver the talks Pro-Bono. What started
as a workshop for the Spruitview youth, sparked interest and saw these very workshops being
conducted in other locations, Berea and Yeoville.  
 
I also do talks that focus on educating and empowering women (and men) on issues pertaining
to domestic violence. This includes getting them help where needed given that I'm not an
expert in the field. This passion birthed a foundation called the BTS foundation, which I lead
with 3 other wonderful young ladies, with education and empowerment being the pillars of the
foundation. I've done talks at the Boksburg girl guides, a number of churches within the East
Rand and at camps, with plans to take this to schools. 
 
Being a youth leader in the church, I've lead a group of young people who adopted special
projects, with a focus on community, on an annual basis. We ran a clothing distribution for a
community called Vlakplaas within the church's vicinity, shoe drive for a local school
(Tshivirikani Primary school) , food donations for Vlakplaas and I also provide Financial support
towards the soup kitchen that is run by the church for the Vlakplaas community. 
 
I also serve as a member of the risk committee for the Meals-On-Wheels Community Services
SA, a nonprofit organization that is focused on preparing and delivering meals to the less
fortunate. The purpose of the committee, being a first for the NPO, is to come up with a risk
framework/ universe and a consistent monitoring of operational and financial risks, to assist the
Board and management in establishing a control environment that will provide sponsors the
comfort that the organisation applies the best standard practices, while also meeting their
targets on feeding the needy. 
 
I'm a philanthropist at heart and I get involved wherever a need or opportunity arises, including
work related projects in support of the Nelson Mandela day.
recent past?
With the devastating effect of Covid-19, particularly on families that are reliant on casual jobs to
feed their families, we’ve experienced a surge in what has always been the reality of many
South Africans, and that is going to bed with an empty stomach. With a lot of families being hit
had, my family has made a commitment to feed at least one family on a monthly basis and
ensure that all their basic needs are catered for.  
 
I’m also part of our local church initiative, where we contribute and raise funds to feed families.  
In April/ May, enough funds were raised to feed over 22 families in Vlakplaas. The food parcels
where enough to ensure that each family would be able to enjoy healthy balanced meals for the
next 3 weeks. This is an ongoing initiative. 
 
I’ve also recently joined the VISA Women’s Network, which is aimed at facilitating the
professional growth of female employees by offering networking and career development
opportunities. 
The goal of the Network is to empower women to meet their career goals and maintain work life
balance. 
 
I was also involved in a Mentor day that organized by Company for the Get On Skills
Development Organisation , where I volunteered to give a finance 101 talk to the young people.
I shared tips on basic financial management and budgeting and ended off with a few words of
encouragement to inspire hope in them. 
 
I run annual camps for young people, being a youth leader in my church, with the recent one
being hosted at the Stoneyridge campsite in Magaliesberg in October 2019. We had the
pleasure of having Michael Gadise, a Life skills Strategist and Mentor, take the young minds
through leadership training. 
 
I managed to assist a young lady from Vosloorus, Phomelele Dhladhla (21), who was selected
to participate as a delegate at the Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN)
2019 programme but lacked funds to cover her travel and accommodation costs. We
brainstormed on ways to raise the funds, ran an entire funding campaign on back-a-buddy and
social media, which didn’t gain much traction. We eventually managed to get all the required
funds through personal interactions and requests from individuals. My husband and I had the
privilege of being cited as one of her biggest supporters and sponsors, as she singled us out in
a newspaper article (KathorusMail) in Aug 2019, as she managed to secure all the funds
required for her accommodation and flights. 
young leader?
I try as best as I can to practice what I preach, and live up to the teachings I’m trying to teach
to/ instill in the youth. 
 
I am a very open individual and I have created an environment built on trust for the other young
people close to me where I share my experiences, including my failures and accomplishments,
to show that failure does not mean the end but rather an opportunity to try again and to also
inspire hope that it is possible to live your dream. 
 
What also helps is that I did not grow up with rich parents. The fact that my mom passed away
when I was 12 and had to be brought up by my father, who was barely making enough to get
me through school and having to work hard to get good grades and score myself a bursary, has
made me more relatable to them because I'm a living example of the notion that money, or the
lack thereof, is never to be made an excuse for not chasing your dreams. Given that I have
resources they might not have access to, I try as best as I can to make those resources
available to them, like organizing career days and 4IR seminars at no cost to them, with the
hope that they will also pass on the baton to the others coming after them so that we break the
poverty cycle within our home communities. 
Top 35 finalist?
After thinking long and hard about whether or not to take part, I've had to sit down and take
stock. I then came to the realization that what I've done thus far is good enough. Good enough
to make me a suitable and deserving candidate to make the Top 35 under 35 finalist. 
 
It is quite easy to downplay your achievements and I was often intimidated, and equally
inspired, by all the wonderful accomplishments by my fellow CAs, particularly those in
business. 
 
Having considered the impact and improvements I’ve made in the business environment, my
involvement with the youth, the CSI projects I’ve worked on - I've actually done pretty well,
serving in corporate, serving in my community, being a leader both at work and in my
community. I am an all rounded leader, goal driven, who takes initiative and actually gets things
done, and it is for this reason that I should be nominated as a 2020 Top 35 finalist. 
DEVELOP
Being a natural analytic, not only did my CA journey enhance this inherent trait, but it developed
the leader in me. I will forever cherish the seven years of fine tuning.
In my roles as a Finance Manager and Senior Finance Manager at STANLIB, my skills as a

Chartered Accountant have seen me lead numerous projects that required sound technical
knowledge as well as leadership skills to drive the projects to fruition. I’ve identified accounting
errors of over R7m in the deferred bonus scheme, which resulted in process improvements and
the automation of the deferred bonus scheme calculation in an effort to improve the controls
and minimize such processing errors in future. I’ve also led the revenue automation project,
which resulted in approximately 70% time savings in the monthly processes. I was often pulled
into steering committees for new product launches, to give input in the construct of the
contracts in order to ensure that the binding agreements put together by the legal team comply
with the International Financial Reporting Standards upon application. This was driven largely
by a fix that was implemented in the accounting treatment of legacy offshore Investment
contracts that required untangling and reconstruction.
In my current role as a Director for controllership at VISA, I picked up on a fundamental

accounting error in the revenue / transfer pricing calculation that was consistently applied
across the CEMEA region, resulting in a principle/policy application change and approx. $5m
recoveries for entities under my management.
INFLUENCE
My passion for youth development comes second to none. In 2019, I spearheaded a concept
under the title "Future proof your career" which focused on delivering workshops for young
people, who wouldn’t ordinarily have access to such, on concepts of the 4th industrial
revolution. I brought together a handful of champions within the industry, to deliver the talks
Pro-Bono. What started as a workshop for the Spruitview youth, sparked interest and saw
these very workshops being replicated in other locations, Berea and Yeoville, using the same
team that I had put together.
I serve as a member of the risk committee for the Meals-On-Wheels Community Services SA, a
nonprofit organization that is focused on preparing and delivering meals to the less fortunate.
The purpose of the committee, being a first for the NPO, is to come up with a risk framework/
universe and a consistent monitoring of operational and financial risks, to assist the Board and
management in establishing a control environment that will provide sponsors the comfort that
the organization applies the best standard practices, whilst also meeting their targets on
feeding the needy.
Being a youth leader in the church, I've led a group of young people who adopted special
projects, with a focus on community, on an annual basis. We ran a clothing distribution for a
community called Vlakplaas within the church's vicinity, shoe drive for a local school
(Tshivirikani Primary school) and food donations for Vlakplaas. I also provide Financial support
towards the soup kitchen that is run by the church for the Vlakplaas community. 
LEAD
I believe in inclusive leadership. “True leaders don’t create followers; they create more leaders.”
The fact that my direct reports look to me for mentorship and advice, has made me believe
more in my leadership abilities. I believe that I am more of a supportive leader than a directing
leader. I believe in creating a safe learning environment, where people aren’t scared of making
reasonable mistakes and ultimately growing from those mistakes. I’ve lead under resourced
teams as a result of budget constraints, however the kind of working environment that I had
created for my finance team, and thanks to the kind of leadership I also had, resulted in us not
missing a single deadline. I’ve motivated for my direct reports’ promotions and moves to other
departments in line with their career progression plans because their development is much
more important than avoiding the process of recruiting for a backfill.
Not only am I a leader in the workplace, but also in my community. I celebrated my 31st birthday
in July, my inbox was flooded with messages from young people telling me how fortunate they
are to have me in their lives and encouraging me to continue being who I am and how they are
watching and are being inspired. Not only is this humbling, but it certainly encouraged me to
keep doing what I love doing and that is to empower young people and being readily available
to provide the much needed guidance and support as best as I can. Getting those unexpected
phone calls asking for advice, be it relationship or career advice, is confirmation enough that my
dream and desire of wanting to be available to them has become reality.
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
ADAM KAJEE
33 years old
CFO, EVERGREEN LIFESTYLE

Short Profile
Adam Kajee has always strived to be the best − from his early years as a top South African swimmer
through to representing the South African men’s water polo team. Today, his career in finance is no
exception.
Adam’s interest in investments initially led him to Coronation Fund Managers and to completing his
chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation. From there, his passion for private equity and actively
growing businesses landed him the position of executive assistant (and investment analyst) to both
Jannie and Piet Mouton of PSG Group. The position was part of PSG’s mentoring programme and
allowed Adam access to the engine room of PSG, where he attended all board and executive meetings.
He also formed part of the PSG Alpha team (Private Equity Division) where, alongside the PSG Alpha
CEO, he spearheaded the industry research, due diligence and eventual transaction of PSG’s largest
initial investment of R675 million for a 50% equity stake in the premium retirement lifestyle brand
Evergreen Lifestyle. Upon conclusion of the transaction, Adam was offered the position of CFO at
Evergreen from October 2017.
Evergreen is changing the way people retire in South Africa, and Adam’s financial innovation is offering
more South Africans the opportunity of a dignified retirement lifestyle. He has been instrumental in the
growth of the business, which has seen assets grow threefold in two years. However, even more
rewarding for Adam is the thousands of lives he has influenced through the job opportunities created
over this period. Adam is convinced that job creation is a key ingredient of South Africa’s future
prosperity.
Adam believes that true success in life is measured by one’s positive influence on others’ lives, and he
has had the opportunity to influence lives through his involvement as a founding trustee of the Ruta
Sechaba Foundation (established in 2016). The foundation provides academic- and sport-related
scholarships, bursaries and awards to qualifying black learners at Curro and Curro-managed schools.
Adam has served as chairman since its inception, and over time the foundation provided more than 1 300
bursaries to previously disadvantaged learners. The foundation, and what it provides, is something that
brings Adam great pride − it embodies his own life experience by giving other previously disadvantaged
leaners access to a life-changing scholarship opportunity.
Adam’s passion for private equity and influencing lives through job creation and transformation has
culminated in him founding ThembiSA Equity Investments (Pty) Ltd. This is a B-BBEE private equity
company focused on building, transforming and empowering South Africa’s businesses of tomorrow.
Watch video
and achievements?
Chairman and founding trustee of the Ruta Sechaba Foundation which has, to date, provided
over 1,300 scholarships and bursaries to previously disadvantaged learners - giving them
access to private schooling and, ultimately, a better life.
• Closing PSG Group’s largest initial investment into a company: Evergreen Lifestyle.
• Appointed Evergreen Group’s Chief Financial Officer at the age of 30.
• Being instrumental in the growth of the Evergreen Group, which has seen assets grow from
R1.5bn to approximately R5bn creating over 14,000 job opportunities in the last 2 years.
• Changing the way people retire in South Africa and offering more senior South Africans a
premium retirement lifestyle whilst looking after their dignity.

Giving back through professional skill and experience:
“I am passionate about sport and education”
Chairman and founding trustee of the Ruta Sechaba Foundation:

In 2016 I was involved in the establishment of the Ruta Sechaba Foundation, which provides
academic and sport-related scholarships, bursaries and awards to qualifying, black learners at
Curro and Curro-managed schools. The PSG Group BEE Education Trust and Dipeo BEE
Education Trust were the initial donors to the foundation – today it is open to all corporates and
individuals who wish to contribute to education in South Africa in a structured form.
I am proud to say that, to date, the foundation has issued over R45m in scholarships and
bursaries to over 1,300 previously disadvantaged learners, and I look forward to seeing
thousands more issued in the years to come!
The funding of the Foundation has been set up to ensure that it remains a sustainable and
long-lasting contributor to society. The PSG Group BEE Education Trust, of which I am a
trustee, has committed to distribute the majority of its income to the Ruta Sechaba Foundation.
The trust owns 2,5m PSG Group shares worth more than R600m, and is debt-free. The
foundation has since attracted a further 4 external funders who are currently contributing
R3.5m per annum.
The Foundation, and what it provides, is something that I am very proud of as it embodies my
own personal life experience, by giving other previously disadvantaged leaners a similar
opportunity in life. Through my sporting ability I received a water polo scholarship to attend the
private school Reddam House, for the purpose of building up the senior school’s water polo 1st
team into one of the top teams in South Africa. We achieved our purpose when we went from
losing our first match 22-0 against Rondebosch Boys, to beating them in my Matric year -
becoming one of the top-rated water polo schools in South Africa. My experience playing a
significant role in the building of the Reddam House brand made a life-long impression on me.
With a similar vision in mind, the sport-related scholarships and bursaries of the Foundation
was born – this time with an emphasis on Cricket. The Titans programme was then established,
the biggest ever bursary scheme for talented, previously disadvantaged cricketers in South
Africa. The Foundation covers more than just the school fees for learners in this programme
and is set up to ensure the learner excels in both academics and cricket. The dream is for
transformation within the sport and to have one of the Curro schools’ batting against the best
school in South Africa. We are inspired with the hope that one day a beneficiary will represent
the Proteas.
To date almost 100 Ruta Sechaba beneficiaries completed matric with a bachelor’s degree pass
(university exemption). I am pleased to say that 15 of them are currently studying towards
becoming a CA (SA).
Giving back through time:

“For me, true joy is seeing its reflection in others”
I believe that time is ones most valuable asset and that if you’re not giving of your time, you’re
not fully embracing your ability to give. My wife and I have been active volunteers with
Reach For a Dream “RFD” since 2016. RFD believes in the power of dreams and encourages
children to use their dreams to fight life-threatening illnesses while trying, as far as possible, to
make these dreams come true. My wife and I have the privilege to facilitate “dreams” by
spending the day with the dreamer and their family, and ensuring our dreamer’s dream runs
smoothly, and is the memorable moment its designed to be. So far, we have fulfilled 17 dreams,
chaperoned 2 Camp Sunshine weekends and have been involved various other initiatives.
Being a part of a young child’s dream is one of the most memorable experiences and seeing
their joy is something money cannot buy.
recent past?
Throughout my journey I have learnt that a key ingredient to success is “opportunity”.
In my youth, sport was a passion that led to representing the South African Men’s Water Polo
team. I was blessed to receive a scholarship through sport which allowed me many
opportunities, most importantly access to a prestigious, private high school’s education. This
education lead me to a university entrance to the University of Cape Town, and eventually to
becoming a CA (SA). Through this experience I learnt that high achievers in sport are generally
hard-working and determined people, and often all they need is an opportunity to prove
themselves. Therefore, during the setup of the Ruta Sechaba Foundation, I took the initiative to
speak to the PSG Group CEO and explain my life experience, where Reddam House awarded
me a scholarship for water polo in the hope of building one of the best water polo teams in
South Africa, and how this ambition eventually put Reddam House on the map. This idea
became a catalyst to us changing the criteria for the Foundation to also include sports
bursaries.
Off the back of this initiative the Titans cricket program was then launched. The Titans program
is particularly special as it offers bursaries to impoverished cricket players, mainly from
township areas. The Foundation pays for all schooling, transport and sport-related costs, giving
them an opportunity to uplift their lives. Having been on the receiving end of a similar
opportunity, providing opportunities to others is that much more rewarding.
Uplifting my Evergreen residents:
One of the largest risks to seniors is “longevity risk” or “outliving your assets”. This risk, and the
increase in ongoing costs of living, is something senior citizens constantly worry about.
Evergreen has implemented many strategies around levies over the years, resulting in a myriad
of levy structures existing within a single village, and large disparities in the cost of levies. When
I took over as CFO, the strategy was to make a profit from levies - one of the first actions I took
as CFO was to change the strategy, and policy, to only achieve break-even from levies, as well
as to bring parity within villages. I believed this approach to be fairer to our residents, while also
enhancing the attractiveness of our product. The implementation of the strategy has seen over
R10m in levy savings for residents, with some residents saving as much as R2,500 per month.
We could have left existing residents on the same contractual levy basis, and only applied the
new policy to new purchasers, but I believe that doing what’s right always yields better results
in the long term.
young leader?
Leading by example:
I have always been one to lead by example, from my early days captaining various water polo
teams, up until now in my business career. Being a great leader means creating opportunities
for others - but first you need to become a leader. I believe that in order to become a leader you
need to also create your own opportunities to get there. It was with this belief that I propelled
myself into the leadership role of the Evergreen Group CFO, at the age of 30, in 2017.
In 2016 I formed part of the PSG Alpha team (Private Equity Division) where, alongside the PSG
Alpha CEO, I spearheaded the industry research, due diligence and eventual transaction of PSG
Group’s largest initial investment. An initial investment of R675 million for a 50% stake in the
premium retirement lifestyle brand, Evergreen Lifestyle (Evergreen).
I first came into contact with Evergreen in 2015 when I visited my wife’s grandmother at the
Evergreen Muizenberg village. I was impressed with the village and it changed my perception of
retirement villages. Therefore, when we started looking into the retirement village industry and,
specifically, the life right model, Evergreen was at the top of my mind. My wife’s grandmother
even took the rest of the PSG team on a tour of the village, providing them with insightful
information before we started engaging directly with Evergreen management.
The Evergreen deal took months to conclude, with the investment case into the retirement
village industry often being questioned. I remained firm in my conviction that was based on the
in-depth financial model I had built, and the vast research I had done into the local and
international industry. Around the time the deal was being concluded, the PSG Alpha CEO
suggested putting my name forward for the Evergreen Group CFO position. The suggestion
took me by surprise, but looking back now it has validated the way I conducted myself
throughout the deal process, and it was a huge honour that PSG trusted me to fill an important
leadership position at their largest initial investment.
The retirement village industry is not as sexy as my previous industries (asset management and
private equity) but the position of CFO aligned with my vision of becoming a business leader
and, more specifically, now allows me to make a difference in an industry that looks after our
vulnerable, senior members of society.
We are currently leading the charge on the way people retire in South Africa and have
successfully grown the business from 500 units, to 1,175 units, and an asset base of R1.5bn, to
approximately R5bn, in just over 2 years. Our ambition is to reach 10,000 units in the next 10
years.
Leading through job opportunities:

With South Africa’s unemployment rate at its highest level ever, I am passionate about job
creation and believe it will be the key contributor to South Africa’s success.
During my tenure as CFO of the Evergreen Group we have increased permanent employment
from 70 employees to 250. New Evergreen villages have created a further 100 jobs for
outsourced suppliers. During our aggressive roll out of units, from 500 to 1,175, we have
created more than 14,000 construction-related job opportunities. On our path to 10,000 units,
we envisage creating over 150,000 job opportunities for the Country, of which approximately
1,500 will be permanent jobs after completion.
Leading through opportunity:

Being a founding trustee and Chairman of the Ruta Sechaba Foundation, which has provided
over 1,300 opportunities, is my biggest achievement to date.
Leading the way through innovation:

Evergreen has developed a flexible pricing product that is unequalled in the retirement industry.
Flexible pricing means that seniors can purchase a life right for a new house, or apartment, at
discounts of up to 30% of the listed price. This has drastically increased the accessibility of a
premium retirement lifestyle to many senior South Africans who have been previously unable to
afford it. Flexible pricing also assists in other ways, such as for those who are unable to sell
their family home in the current climate, and are now able to price their homes more realistically
to attract buyers. In turn, this enables them to purchase an Evergreen life right at a reduced
price and remain cash neutral. Others may be able to liberate capital from the sale of their home
after purchasing a life right, and bolster their retirement savings. Evergreen makes this model
work financially by adjusting the return capital to the life right holder’s estate on termination.
Leading by doing what is right:

Evergreen has implemented many strategies around levies over the years, resulting in a myriad
of levy structures within a single village, and large disparities in the cost of levies. When I took
over as CFO, the strategy was to make a profit from levies - one of the first actions I took as
CFO was to change the strategy, and policy, to only achieve break-even from levies, as well as
to bring parity within villages. I believed this approach to be fairer to our residents, whilst also
enhancing the attractiveness of our product. The implementation of the strategy has seen over
R10m in levy savings for residents, with some residents saving as much as R2,500 per month.
We could have left existing residents on the same contractual levy basis, and only applied the
new policy to new purchasers, but I believe that doing what’s right always yields better results
in the long term.
Leading the way in governance:
Good corporate governance is key to the success of any company, and during my first year as
CFO we established a Finance and Risk committee which has resulted in a significant
improvement of the governance structures within the business. We have since incorporated a
Social and Ethics committee as well, and are in the process of putting together our CSI
strategy, which is an exciting opportunity to give back further.
Leading by going above and beyond:

COVID-19 has impacted the entire world and poses a significant threat to our senior village
residents. As a business, we responded with immediate action, by locking down our villages
one week prior to the national lock-down. With the villages on lockdown we had to implement
several initiatives to support business operations and residents. Due to the back log of online
grocery orders, we undertook to purchase and deliver groceries and supplies to our residents
during lock-down. I was the delivery driver for our Bergvliet village, conducting daily deliveries
for our village residents. As a leader I believe you are never too important to perform any job
within the company, and being able to put our residents needs and safety before mine brought
a great sense of pride.
Leading through support:

Shaving my head was a visible show of support and solidarity to our Evergreen health workers
who are out there on the frontline during lockdown while the rest of their country remained
safely in their homes.
Leading in health care for seniors:

Health care is key to our business, and in 2019 we set up Evergreen Health in order to have
complete control over our service delivery, and quality of health care to our residents. There is a
world-wide increase in Dementia and our aim is to become a leader in this field, with the hope
of helping many families deal with this dreadful disease.
A leader makes time for others:

Being able to donate money is a blessing, but a great leader also makes time to help others.
You are never too busy to help others, and these kinds of actions speak for themselves.
Volunteering at Reach For a Dream is as much a blessing for me as it is for the dreamer. While I
will always admire the business leaders who donate their money to a worthy cause, it is those
who donate their time as well that are the kind of leader I strive to be.
Leading through continued learning:

The day you stop learning is the day you die. My passion for the investment industry lead me to
pursuing my CFA. Through hard work and dedication, I passed all 3 CFA levels on my first
attempt. Now, being in the property industry with Evergreen, I am completing my EAAB exams
to become a Principal Estate Agent. Wherever I find myself, I consciously look for the
opportunity to learn and improve.
Leading by example:
Due to the impact of COVID-19, and in order to preserve cash for the business, I took a
significant salary cut so that the majority of my team members never had to.
Top 35 finalist?
I believe that embodying a CA (SA) does not start the day you get admitted by SAICA, but long
before that. I have always strived for excellence and to be the best at whatever I set my mind
to. Sport was my first passion. Hard work and determination is a part of who I am and I believe
it is these qualities that led to me being ranked the number one swimmer in South Africa, from
the age of 8 to 14 years old, followed by being a South African Men’s Water Polo player until
2013. Now, my focus and passion has shifted to making a difference to society and the
business world through my CA (SA) designation.
What the CA (SA) designation means to me can be broken up into two parts:
1. CA
As a born entrepreneur it has always been my dream to start my own company, and I am
fortunate enough to have a father who is a CA (SA) and who actually nominated me for this
competition, which is an honour in itself. Through my father I learnt early on that the finance
function is the core of any business, and therefore I knew that becoming a Chartered
Accountant would provide me with the right foundation to achieve my dreams.
2. SA
Sport enabled me to travel the world, and one thing that always stood out to me was that no
country can compare to the beauty and diversity of South Africa. I have fought for my country in
the swimming pool and continue to do so out of the pool. I love South Africa and believe it is a
land of opportunity. The question that drives me is, “how can I use my CA to change SA?”
I am determined to help South Africa prosper.
The CA (SA) designation is more than a profession to me, it ties into my core beliefs. I do not
just use the designation; I live it out in my everyday life. The SAICA fundamental principles of
integrity and objectivity align with my practising beliefs. In a country where corruption is rife,
integrity and honesty are values we need to uphold now, more than ever. Practising these
values guides me to always do the right thing, even when no one is looking.
The CA (SA) designation has been my foundation for opportunity:

My designation provided my first job at the prestigious Coronation Fund Managers and allowed
me to further my education receiving my CFA designation. Through following my passion for
private equity and growing businesses my designation secured the opportunity to be mentored
by Jannie Mouton CA (SA) and Piet Mouton from the PSG Group, and most recently, James
Wilson CA (SA) from the Amdec Group. My designation gave me the opportunity to become a
leader, at the age of 30, of a company that is driving growth and job creation in South Africa,
whilst changing the lives of seniors. It has given me the opportunity to give back in ways I never
imagined. Through the designation, I have been a part of the Ruta Sechaba Foundation, which
has issued over 1,300 scholarships to young, previously disadvantaged learners, providing
them with a similar opportunity to that which I was given. Seeing my name and signature on the
scholarship confirmation, and congratulatory letters, and realising the impact it will have on that
person’s life, brings me a great feeling of joy and success.
This is only the beginning:

The CA (SA) designation has kept me firmly on the right path to my childhood dream of starting
my own company. Through the experience I have gained, and my passion to be actively
involved in growing businesses; I am pursuing my dream which is currently in the early stages
of fruition: “ThembiSA Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd”.
ThembiSA Equity Investmens (Pty) Ltd “ThembiSA” is a B-BBEE private equity and investment
holding company dedicated to South Africa’s prosperity. With South Africa’s unemployment rate
at its highest level to date, ThembiSA sees job creation as the key contributor to the country’s
success. ThembiSA believes that the Small to Medium Enterprise “SME” sector has the largest
potential for job creation. SMEs often lack access to funding and strategic direction, hindering
their growth. ThembiSA is focused on becoming the chosen investment partner for SMEs,
assisting them in reaching their full potential and thus becoming significant contributors to
solving South Africa’s largest problem: unemployment.
ThembiSA is passionate about transformation and has identified opportunity in the revised B-
BBEE codes that have necessitated the need for SMEs to comply with these codes in order to
attract business. By partnering with ThembiSA SMEs will increase their B-BBEE ownership
points, as ThembiSA is 100% black-owned. Through ThembiSA’s unique mentoring
programme, we look to transform our investee companies by increasing black management.
A 100% black-owned B-BBEE private equity and investment holding company founded on two
fundamental pillars: TRUST and HOPE. The name “Thembi” means trust the key to every
successful relationship. We believe that in the midst of the turmoil in South Africa “SA” there is
hope for a brighter future. Through this vision ThembiSA meaning hope was born – a company
that is a trustworthy BEE equity partner, hopeful for the future of its country – South Africa.
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” Desmond Tutu
2020 will be known as the year of COVID-19. They say true leaders are born in times of crises’,
how much more so in the times of a pandemic? I believe I am doing the CA(SA) designation
proud during these extraordinary times. At the time of submitting my application, Evergreen has
manged to avoid retrenchment through our tight cash management and innovative ways of
bringing in cash during COVID-19. We look after 1200 seniors, and with them in mind we took
immediate action by locking down our villages completely, a full week before the national
lockdown. We implemented several initiatives to support business operations, as well as
residents, whilst minimising the risk of COVID-19. Managing your way through a pandemic is
not something you learn at university, however, I do believe that the lateral and logical thinking
the CA (SA) designation provides has set me in good stead.
Looking ahead, unemployment will be at its highest ever level due to COVID-19’s effects, and
the country will need leaders to come through and drive growth and employment like never
before. The country is going to need young, ambitious and highly skilled leaders to step up. I
believe young, entrepreneurial CA (SA)’s will be a large contributor to turning our country
around after this pandemic, and through ThembiSA I intend to play a significant role in this. In
the hope of ThembiSA flourishing, my ultimate plan is to live a life of giving. Giving of my time,
and money, and providing opportunities to many. Living a successful life through the
opportunities I have given to others is what excites me, and even more so is knowing that this is
only the beginning.
Therefore, in ending I believe that I am a living example of the opportunities the CA (SA)
designation can provide to those willing to make a difference.
INFLUENCE
Chairman and founding trustee of the Ruta Sechaba Foundation which has, to date, provided
over R45million in scholarships and bursaries to 1,300 previously disadvantaged learners -
giving them access to private schooling and, ultimately, a better life.
Developing a funding model to ensure the Ruta Sechaba Foundation is a long-lasting

contributor to society.
Ruta Sechaba Foundation’s sport element was modelled on my life experience.
Launch of the Titans cricket program, South Africa’s largest schools cricket bursary
programme.
My beautiful wife and I have been active volunteers at Reach For a Dream since 2016. I am a
firm believer that time is one of our most valuable assets and if you’re not giving of your time,
you’re not fully embracing your ability to give. Helping with dreams is as much of a blessing for
us as it is for the dreamer - because for me true joy is seeing its reflection in others.
Changing the way people retire in South Africa and offering more senior South Africans a
dignified retirement lifestyle.
Saving residents over R10million in levies from changing strategy and doing what is right.
DEVELOP
Closing PSG Group’s largest initial investment into a company “Evergreen Lifestyle” and
becoming Evergreen Group’s Chief Financial Officer at the age of 30.
Being instrumental in the growth of the Evergreen Group through financial innovation, which has
seen assets grow from R1.5bn to approximately R5bn creating over 14,000 job opportunities in
the last 2 years.
Engineering Evergreen’s first corporate facility of R120million and raising over R1bn in
development finance.
Good corporate governance is key to the success of any company, and during my first year as
CFO we established a Finance and Risk committee which has resulted in a significant
improvement of the governance structures within the business.
LEAD
Through hands on active leadership we managed to contain the COVID-19 positive cases to
0.1% of residents throughout our retirement villages which is well below our competitors and
international peers.
Leading from the front and going above the call of duty – during hard lockdown (COVID-19) I
was a grocery delivery driver (no job is too big or small no matter who you are).
During COVID-19 - leading cashflow management and cost cutting measures to avoid
retrenchments and ensure liquidity.
My passion for private equity, and driving job creation and transformation, has culminated in me
founding ThembiSA Equity Investments (Pty) Ltd. A B-BBEE private equity company focused on
building, transforming and empowering South Africa’s businesses of tomorrow.
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Creating opportunities for others
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Creating your opportunities
Evergreen Lifestyle
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Evergreen Lifestyle
Showing support
Evergreen Lifestyle
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Dreams become reality
Link to website  https://thembisaequity.co.za/
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Who are we
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 trust
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 hope
7
28 May 2020
Dear Sir/Madam
This letter serves to confirm that Adam Kajee has been the Chairman and Trustee of the Ruta
Sechaba Foundation from 2016 to date.
Since its inception in 2016, the Ruta Sechaba Foundation has awarded over 1 300 scholarships,
benefitting financially disadvantaged and academically strong learners. The scholarship
beneficiaries have attended Curro schools across the nine provinces of South Africa.
Mr Kajee was responsible for building the financial model of the Trust, ensuring its solvency,
sustainability, and continued support to learners in need. He has assisted the Trust in producing
audited financial statements and unlocking more funding from a couple of donors. In four
academic years, the scholarship fund has invested R45m towards the tuition of disadvantaged
learners. Many of these learners come from townships and rural villages of South Africa.
Mr Kajee has a keen interest in sport and lives by the Latin phrase “mens sana in corpore
sano” (a healthy mind in a healthy body). As a result, a portion of the scholarships have been
allocated to promising school athletes who have gone on to compete nationally and
internationally in cricket, soccer, hockey, and athletics.
Close to 100 Ruta Sechaba Foundation beneficiaries have written and completed Grade 12 since
the scholarship fund started. Over 90% of these scholars completed with university exemption and
are enrolled in degrees such as Accounting, Medicine, Engineering, Law, Education
and Humanities. Close to 15% of these learners are registered for a Bachelor of Accounting,
Bachelor of Business Sciences and Bachelor of Commerce degrees. The Ruta Sechaba
Foundation has partnered with post-school bursary providers to assist some of the scholars with
higher education funding.
Kind regards,
Phakamisa Ndzamela
………………………………
Administrative Head; Ruta Sechaba Foundation

25 May 2020
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Our work involves helping a child to identify a dream that is in his or her heart. A dream, which can lift
them away from the symptoms and treatment of today and carry them into another world. A world of fun,
stimulation, family time, hope, love and caring. Whatever the dream, it’s often enough to give a child the
will to carry on the fight.
Reach for a Dream is a non-profit organisation, which tries to fulfil the dreams of children suffering with
life-threatening medical conditions such as Leukaemia, AIDS, cancer, organ transplants etc. These children
may consequently not enjoy a lifespan that others take for granted.
Children’s dreams are communicated to us through the medical team. We require the approval of the
medical team and the child’s parents before planning begins. Children are not informed of the dream
arrangements until everything has been organised.
Race, religion or income is of no concern to our organisation, and families are never asked to contribute
financially to the organisation for their child’s dream. Dreams vary from a packet of chips to owning a
bicycle, flying in a helicopter, meeting their hero, or going on holiday.
We rely solely on the generosity and kindness of sponsors to help us fulfil these dreams.
This letter serves to confirm that Adam and Sarah Kajee joined Reach For A Dream as volunteers in 2016
and have played an integral part in fulfilling the mandate of the Foundation.
On behalf of the Western Cape Reach For A Dream office, it is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank Adam
and Sarah for the role they have played in inspiring hope and engendering happiness in the lives of our
special dreamers. It has been a privilege to have them part of the team.
If you should need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kindest Regards
Heidi Rowley
Tel: 021 555-3013
Branch Manager – Western Cape
heidi@reachforadream.org.za
(t) 011 880 1740 (f) 011 880 2108 Directors: Board Members:
Dear Leya In Cherished Memory of:
info@reachforadream.org.za Mervyn Serebro Chairman June Crawford The Late Brian Miller
www.reachforadream.org.za Peter Moyanga Vice Chairman Carla da Silva The Late Owen Parnel
PO Box 1570, Cresta, 2118 Julia Sotirianakos CEO Gail Dludla
Reg No. 1991/006185/08 Kevin Klaff
Enclosed please find an amount of R400,00 (Four Hundred Rand Only), for cleaning services for the
NPO 004-109 PBO 18/11/13/1483 Busi Mabuza
month of June 2019.
Imraan Mahomed
Craig Nossel
Melvyn Stamelman
2nd Floor, Ou Kollege Building
35 Kerk Street, Stellenbosch, 7600
Phone +27 21 887 9602

Fax +27 21 887 9619
Email info@psgalpha.com
P O Box 7403
Stellenbosch 7599
To whom it concerns
REFERENCE FOR ADAM KAJEE
It is with pleasure that I submit a reference for Adam Kajee.
During Adam’s employment at the PSG Group as an executive assistant, he played a significant
supporting role in the group’s research and eventual investment into the retirement industry.
Specifically, he assisted with industry research and due diligence work which culminated in a successful
transaction. The transaction involved an initial investment of R675 million for a 50% stake in the
premium retirement lifestyle brand Evergreen Lifestyle “Evergreen”.
Adam was able to quickly understand the retirement village industry and particularly the life right model
and remained firm in his conviction of the investment case into Evergreen. Adam conducted himself
well during the investment process and showed sound analytical and technical abilities as was required
in his role as an investment analyst.
As part of the transaction, Evergreen became an autonomous company (it was previously managed by
its former parent Amdec Investments (Pty) Ltd.). This necessitated the need for a dedicated CFO for
Evergreen and after some discussions, I recommended Adam for the position notwithstanding the fact
that he was not an experienced financial manager at the time. This is in keeping with the PSG Group’s
philosophy of giving people the opportunity to prove themselves. Adam has shown significant personal
and professional development in the two years since joining Evergreen and has contributed significantly
to the analytical rigour and quality of financial reporting of Evergreen over this period. Adam has
significant potential to further grow into an experienced and rounded senior executive and business
leader and he is a valued member of the Evergreen team.
Evergreen has shown significant growth since our initial investment and we are proud to be associated
with a company that is changing the way people retire in South Africa. We look forward to its continued
success.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you like to discuss anything further.
Yours faithfully,
________________
NICO DE WAAL
CEO
Directors: W L Greeff, P N de Waal

PSG Alpha Investments (Pty) Ltd.
Registration number 2009/022552/07
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
NTOKOZO MOJAPELO
34 years old
 
ASSURANCE DIRECTOR,
SNG GRANT THORNTON
Short Profile
Ntokozo Mojapelo has 14 years’ experience in the auditing field, having joined then Grant Thornton in
2006 as a trainee accountant.
In 2015, she was appointed assurance director at Grant Thornton at the age of 28. She became not only
the youngest but also the first black African female to be appointed director at Grant Thornton South
Africa. She has directed an audit portfolio that comprised both private and public sector clients, leads the
Public Sector segment and People and Culture (Human Resources) department, and was a member of
the Grant Thornton National People and culture committee whilst also being the SAICA training officer for
the Pretoria office.
She has also been a panel member of the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA) Audit
Development Programme (ADP).
She has always been passionate about the growth and development of those around her and always
looks for opportunities to realise this passion. With the integration of Grant Thornton and
SizweNtsalubaGobodo in 2018, Ntokozo is now a member of the National Skills Development
Committee, responsible for the learning and development of employees throughout the various service
lines within SNG Grant Thornton. She is also the IRBA oversight registered auditor for the Pretoria office
in charge of the IRBA ADP.
She is passionate about the development and upliftment of previously disadvantaged communities and is
involved in various community projects. In addition to being actively involved in the CSI initiatives driven
by SNG Grant Thornton, she is part of a small fellowship of six individuals who regularly provide career
guidance, purchase and distribute Bibles in local languages, food parcels, school uniforms and
stationery, whilst also supporting those communities, depending on their needs. Furthermore, she
mentors young entrepreneurs with an intention to empower them to grow and sustain their small
businesses. She has seen these businesses grow, becoming formalised, creating jobs and making a
difference in their communities.
Ntokozo contributed to the August 2016 special feature on transformation in Accountancy SA and has
overseen the Businesswoman of the Year South Africa judging process and awards between 2014 and
2016.
Being a God-fearing wife and mother of two, her personal experiences demonstrate that an ordinary
person from an unremarkable background can succeed and make a difference.
Watch video
and achievements?
• Being appointed equity partner (director) at Grant Thornton Pretoria at the age of 28.
• First black female partner for Grant Thornton in South Africa.
• Youngest partner across the Grant Thornton network in South Africa at the time of
appointment.
• This is before the integration between Grant Thornton and Sizwe-Ntsaluba Gobodo.

My involvement in community projects is through a small fellowship of 6 individuals (Catch the
Fire), where we contribute as we are led by the Spirit of God to get involved wherever God
wants us to. Recently we have purchased food parcels and food vouchers for various families
just before and during the national lockdown. These are families that are based in Diepsloot
squatter camps, Johannesburg, Plastic view squatter camps in Pretoria as well as Moloto, just
outside of Pretoria. At the beginning of this year, we purchased school uniforms for a number of
children based in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. We also purchase and distribute bibles in local
languages on a regular basis and also support rural and local churches financially and
otherwise, depending on the needs of the church and surrounding community.
I’m also actively involved in the CSI (CSR) initiatives driven by SNG Grant Thornton. One of our
main areas of Corporate Social Responsibility is a co-ordinated drive to assist a disadvantaged
community at multiple levels. We support the community of Steve Biko Ville, a township in
Hammanskraal, Pretoria where we have built a computer laboratory and donated laptops to a
disadvantaged school. Annually, we donate Christmas gifts and educational material but more
importantly, spend time with the young toddlers at the nursery schools and creches that we
assist. Recently, we have also assisted in providing a proper structure for the day care centres
by replacing “long drop toilets” with proper flush toilets (but unfortunately, water still has to be
trucked in at times). We host a career day annually for high school learners where we inspire
them and assist with subject and study choices. The elderly also warrant assistance as they
set the path for us. Together with other generous donors, we have assisted in building a proper
brick structure for an old age home. This has been a wonderful project since inception, as
previously the elderly were housed in a shack with both male and female residents sharing one
bedroom with no proper facilities. Today the old age home has separate bedrooms for males
and females, ablution facilities, water tanks, a decent kitchen, dining hall and a reception area.
On a regular basis, we also obtain a needs list from the home and assist in providing the items
listed. This ranges from toiletries, cleaning and laundry products for the home (listed only a few
of the items).
recent past?
I have always been passionate about the growth and development of those around me. As a
result, I always look for opportunities to realise this passion. During my traineeship, I realised
that the then mentorship programme, where our performance was monitored, lacked a pro-
active approach to mastering the emotions that come with the challenges of training towards
the Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification. When I completed my traineeship, I then
designed and implemented a mentorship programme to close this gap. The inception of the
programme resulted in improved productivity, efficiencies, quality as well as personal growth for
our trainees. Currently, I’m part of the National Skills Development Committee that is
responsible for the learning and development of all our employees throughout the various
service lines within SNG Grant Thornton. The overarching purpose of this committee is to
empower and grow our people to be the best they can be as both professionals and individuals.
My passion also extends to entrepreneurial development where, I advise and mentor young
entrepreneurs with an intention to empower them to grow and sustain their small businesses.
I’ve been proud to see some of these businesses grow, achieving a significant increase in
turnover over the past few years. These businesses have also become formalised and have
created jobs, making a difference in their communities. I believe that small businesses, both
formal and informal are the backbone of communities and provide a livelihood to millions of
South Africans. My desire is to see as many as possible grow and become sustainable.
young leader?
My core leadership principle is growing and empowering others, not only making them aware of
the potential they carry, but also helping them to unleash that potential. For me, leadership is
not only about being at the forefront, or about the position or title that I hold, but it is about
transforming and making a difference or an impact in the lives of those around me. I set an
example through demonstrating that leadership is about empowering people by giving them
responsibility and accountability in areas where they may have not otherwise had the
opportunity. I allow people to take the lead while remaining in the background, motivating,
coaching and supporting them. I use my God-given platforms, position, gifts, skills and
qualification, to as far as possible, uplift those below me by exposing them to environments and
conditions that are reserved for those in high positions. My faith and belief in God has taught
me that I am a leader not because of my intelligence and abilities, but by the grace of God. My
responsibility, therefore, is to lead as God would have me lead, empower His people and to be
a blessing to humanity. Those around me would testify that I consider myself to be a servant,
using the platforms I’ve been given to uplift and empower others.
My core leadership principle is growing and empowering others, not only making them aware of
the potential they carry, but also helping them to unleash that potential. For me, leadership is
not only about being at the forefront, or about the position or title that I hold, but it is about
transforming and making a difference or an impact in the lives of those around me. I set an
example through demonstrating that leadership is about empowering people by giving them
responsibility and accountability in areas where they may have not otherwise had the
opportunity. I allow people to take the lead while remaining in the background, motivating,
coaching and supporting them. I use my God-given platforms, position, gifts, skills and
qualification, to as far as possible, uplift those below me by exposing them to environments and
conditions that are reserved for those in high positions. My faith and belief in God has taught
me that I am a leader not because of my intelligence and abilities, but by the grace of God. My
responsibility, therefore, is to lead as God would have me lead, empower His people and to be
a blessing to humanity. Those around me would testify that I consider myself to be a servant,
using the platforms I’ve been given to uplift and empower others.
Top 35 finalist?
I believe that my journey towards being a Chartered Accountant (CA (SA)) and Director at SNG
Grant Thornton will inspire others to persist and endure whatever hardships they face in
pursuance of their dreams. My upbringing was not glamourous and was typical of most rural
black girls in South Africa. I was born in Mpumalanga, in a small rural village called Dundonald,
which is about 30km from the Oshoek Swaziland border post. I am the eldest of 3 siblings, born
to parents who were both educators. My formative years were typical of a rural child; going to
school and playing outdoors with friends using whatever we could find. I was fortunate in that
my parents were able to put food on the table, unlike many of my friends and schoolmates, so I
took every opportunity I could find to share the little I had with them. To get a better education,
my parents sent me to study at Steelcrest High School in Middleburg (170 km from home),
where I had to learn to stand on my own two feet from a tender age. After I matriculated, I
enrolled fulltime with what was then Technikon Witwatersrand, now known as University of
Johannesburg (UJ). After 3 years, I graduated with a National Diploma in Accounting
(undergraduate studies).
After completion of my undergraduate studies, I was fortunate to obtain a training contract with
Grant Thornton Pretoria (Muckleneuk), where I was signed up for a period of 4 years instead of
3, due to not having a SAICA accredited degree. I simultaneously registered for a Post
Graduate Diploma in Accounting (BCTA) at UJ which was a pre-requisite to the Certificate in the
Theory of Accounting (CTA) programme (now called Postgraduate Diploma in Applied
Accounting Sciences). I was now a trainee, living in Braamfontein Johannesburg, working in
Muckleneuk Pretoria and attending classes in Auckland Park Johannesburg at the UJ Kingsway
Campus daily. Needless to say, I did not have a car of my own at the time and relied on public
transport. My day would begin at 04h30 where I’d walk alone in the dark to catch a taxi from
Noord Taxi rank, Johannesburg to Pretoria to be in the office by 08h00. After work, I’d catch a
taxi to the Pretoria CBD, and walk about 2.5 km to the Pretoria Bosman Station where I’d catch
another taxi back to Braamfontein, arriving at around 18h00 and then make my way to class,
which started at 18:00 so I was always late. After class, I’d make my way back to my flat and
get to bed at around 23h30 daily. This was my routine for the first few months of traineeship
(articles).
I managed to move to Pretoria in the subsequent months and my parents were able to make
significant sacrifices to buy me a small, older car. I then completed the BCTA programme and
registered for CTA the following year. I was determined to accomplish my goals, but as the
eldest sibling, I always carried a great sense of responsibility towards my family. Goal-
orientated and determined, earnestly desiring to do better for myself and my family, I took my
younger sister in to live with me so she could have a better education by attending a school in
Pretoria. I did not fully realise the magnitude and impact this responsibility would have on me.
This meant that I had an extra mouth to feed as well as now needing to be a mother to a
teenager. The long working hours with endless deadlines and the extra parental responsibilities
to a teenager started to take a toll and me and my studies suffered. I soon realized the impact
when I received my CTA results. After all the juggling, the hard work, the late nights I failed my
CTA at the end of that year. Little did I know that this was not my last failed attempt at CTA but I
kept on trying. I completed my articles and was retained by the firm as an Audit Supervisor.
Whilst doing CTA and completing my articles, I met my ‘would be’ husband. We got married
and started a family two years after I completed my articles. Adding to my already
overstretched work duties, parenting – I now became a wife. I was still a CTA student at that
time!
I fell pregnant a year after we got married, and I was still studying CTA. This particular year I
wrote my final exams heavily pregnant. This was the year I finally passed my CTA, in fact, I
received my final results on a hospital bed a few hours after giving birth to our first child. I
received a double blessing from God that day. He delivered as He had promised so many years
before. Now a mother to a bouncing baby, I continued with my studies, passing both my board
exams at first attempt. I was an Audit Manager at this stage and immediately after qualifying as
a Chartered Accountant {CA(SA)}, I was approached for partnership (directorship) in the Pretoria
office and had to serve 1 year as a qualified CA(SA) before my formal appointment.
My journey thus far had not been easy, the challenges I encountered were enough for anyone to
give up. From those sleepless nights studying, working, catching taxis and many
disappointments with CTA to starting a family whilst raising my younger sister.
Today I look back fondly on those memories and thank my God for walking this journey with me
every step of the way. I can honestly say that I have Him to thank, for the endurance,
persistence, patience and mental stamina to see me through. He has indeed been my strength
from within.
DEVELOP
• Ntokozo believes that any business or audit firm is as strong as its people. She is passionate
about the growth and development of the people within her firm, SNG Grant Thornton.
• She is part of the SNG Grant Thornton National Skills Development Committee, Assurance
working group focused on Technical training for upcoming Chartered Accountants in South
Africa (CA(SA)) and senior personnel who have already qualified as CA (SA)’s.
• With her CA(SA) skills, Ntokozo advises and mentors young entrepreneurs at no cost with the
intention of empowering them to grow, sustain their business and also comply with the
applicable laws and regulations.
INFLUENCE
• Ntokozo is part of a small fellowship of 6 individuals that contributes financially and otherwise
to under privileged families and communities.
• They meet the needs of families and communities using their own resources. This ranges
from supplying food parcels, food vouchers, school uniforms, other school supplies,
clothing, bibles in local languages, career guidance, teachings/trainings on specific
subjects/topics (i.e. personal financial fitness, physical and spiritual fitness), assisting
learners with admissions to schools and universities, etc. depending on the need of that
family or community.
• Ntokozo is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Ambassador for SNG Grant Thornton
• Actively involved in the CSR initiatives driven by SNG Grant Thornton Pretoria since 2012
focussed on assisting Steve Biko Ville, a disadvantaged community in Hammanskraal,
outside of Pretoria
• Give annual motivational talks and career guidance to the grade 10 – 12 students of Steve
Biko Ville as part of the annual GT in the Community CSR initiatives.
LEAD
Ntokozo has always believed that she is a leader, not only because of the position that she
holds but because of her ability to influence and inspire others. She has an open door policy
and uses her leadership skills to grow and empower others, allowing them to realise and
utilise their potential, enabling positive returns for the firm.
This had led to:
• increased productivity, job satisfaction, confident employees and positive staff morale
• a good relationship and trust with employees

SAICA top 35 under 35 - 2020
Finalist: Ntokozo B Mojapelo
SAICA Top 35 under 35 entry form
Reference letters attached:

1. Reference letter 1 – Alex Philippou (SNGGT Regional Leader)
2. Reference letter 2 – Jonathan Jansen (SNGGT Direct Report)
3. Reference letter 3 – Neridha Moodley (SNGGT People and Culture Leader)
4. Reference letter 4 – Ntuthuko Mbuyane (Catch The Fire organisation Executive Member)
5. Reference letter 5 – SDC appointment letter
6. Reference letter 6 – Nqobile Shika (Antrizy, business mentee)
7. Reference letter 7 – Charmaine Pirrie (Previous mentee & ex-SNGGT employee)
8. Reference letter 8 – Dineo Manala (Ex-Grant Thornton employee)
9. Reference letter 9 – Charlene Harrald (SNGGT Tax Assistant Manager)
10. Reference letter 10 – Johan Blignaut (Grant Thornton Pretoria, Managing Partner)
11. Reference letter 11 – Senior Pastor Themba Manana (Let’s Go To Glory Worship Centre)
In The Community photos:

1. Catch The Fire Moloto outreach, March 2020
2. Catch The Fire Diepsloot squatter camp outreach photos, May 2020
3. SNG Grant Thornton CSI project – Steve Biko Ville
Extracts of some social media posts since the announcement of the SAICA Top35under35 Finalists:
1. Michelle Masiyanise
2. Audrey-Njamfa Ndamkou
3. Zakira Hussen
4. Chris Neizel
5. Julega Adams
6. Rethabile Mashala
7. Bhavik Naran
Annexures attached:
1. Annexure A – Curriculum Vitae
2. Annexure B - Qualifications, membership certificates & ID copy
3. Annexure C - Extract of the August 2016 Accountancy SA
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven

“I have learnt that challenges are inevitable, yet no challenge is permanent; to everything there is a
season, a time for every purpose under heaven. In life, one is either going through a challenge, has
overcome one or will be faced with one. These are the seasons that come with life, to drive us
closer to our purpose, so why not embrace them? Knowing that each season will pass gives one
hope of a better day tomorrow. People are not remembered for the challenges they avoided, but
for the challenges they overcame. Throughout all the seasons, value what matters the most, grow,
and have faith.” Ntokozo Mojapelo
Nominee: Ntokozo B Mojapelo
SAICA region: Northern
Full names and surname: Ntokozo Busisiwe Mojapelo
Date of birth: 26 September 1986
Email address: ntokozo.mojapelo@sng.gt.com
Cell phone number: 072 588 8255
SAICA membership number: 10001963
Job title: Assurance Director
Years in this position: 5 years
Company name: Sizwe-NtsalubaGobodo Grant Thornton (SNG Grant Thornton)
Linked-in link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ntokozo-mojapelo-436793b2/
What are most recent significant career highlights and achievements? Please list as bullet
points.
- Being appointed equity partner (director) at Grant Thornton Pretoria at the age of 28.
- First black female partner for Grant Thornton in South Africa.
- Youngest partner across the Grant Thornton network in South Africa at the time of
appointment.
This is before the integration between Grant Thornton and Sizwe-Ntsaluba Gobodo.
Share more about the community project/s that you are actively involved with on a regular
basis.
My involvement in community projects is through a small fellowship of 6 individuals (Catch the Fire),
where we contribute as we are led by the Spirit of God to get involved wherever God wants us to.
Recently we have purchased food parcels and food vouchers for various families just before and
during the national lockdown. These are families that are based in Diepsloot squatter camps,
Johannesburg, Plastic view squatter camps in Pretoria as well as Moloto, just outside of Pretoria. At
the beginning of this year, we purchased school uniforms for a number of children based in Limpopo
and Mpumalanga. We also purchase and distribute bibles in local languages on a regular basis and
also support rural and local churches financially and otherwise, depending on the needs of the church
and surrounding community.
(Reference letter 4 from Catch The Fire attached)
1
I’m also actively involved in the CSI (CSR) initiatives driven by SNG Grant Thornton. One of our main
areas of Corporate Social Responsibility is a co-ordinated drive to assist a disadvantaged community
at multiple levels. We support the community of Steve Biko Ville, a township in Hammanskraal,
Pretoria where we have built a computer laboratory and donated laptops to a disadvantaged school.
Annually, we donate Christmas gifts and educational material but more importantly, spend time with
the young toddlers at the nursery schools and creches that we assist. Recently, we have also
assisted in providing a proper structure for the day care centres by replacing “long drop toilets” with
proper flush toilets (but unfortunately, water still has to be trucked in at times). We host a career day
annually for high school learners where we inspire them and assist with subject and study choices.
The elderly also warrant assistance as they set the path for us. Together with other generous donors,
we have assisted in building a proper brick structure for an old age home. This has been a wonderful
project since inception, as previously the elderly were housed in a shack with both male and female
residents sharing one bedroom with no proper facilities. Today the old age home has separate
bedrooms for males and females, ablution facilities, water tanks, a decent kitchen, dining hall and a
reception area. On a regular basis, we also obtain a needs list from the home and assist in providing
the items listed. This ranges from toiletries, cleaning and laundry products for the home (listed only a
few of the items).
(Reference letter 1 and 3 from SNG Grant Thornton attached)
Tell us how you have taken initiative to uplift your business community or personal
environment in the recent past.
I have always been passionate about the growth and development of those around me. As a result, I
always look for opportunities to realise this passion. During my traineeship, I realised that the then
mentorship programme, where our performance was monitored, lacked a pro-active approach to
mastering the emotions that come with the challenges of training towards the Chartered Accountancy
(CA) qualification. When I completed my traineeship, I then designed and implemented a mentorship
programme to close this gap. The inception of the programme resulted in improved productivity,
efficiencies, quality as well as personal growth for our trainees. Currently, I’m part of the National
Skills Development Committee that is responsible for the learning and development of all our
employees throughout the various service lines within SNG Grant Thornton. The overarching purpose
of this committee is to empower and grow our people to be the best they can be as both professionals
and individuals.
2
My passion also extends to entrepreneurial development where, I advise and mentor young
entrepreneurs with an intention to empower them to grow and sustain their small businesses. I’ve
been proud to see some of these businesses grow, achieving a significant increase in turnover over
the past few years. These businesses have also become formalised and have created jobs, making a
difference in their communities. I believe that small businesses, both formal and informal are the
backbone of communities and provide a livelihood to millions of South Africans. My desire is to see as
many as possible grow and become sustainable.
(Reference letter 5 SNG Grant Thornton SDC appointment letter attached)
How are you proudly setting an example as a young leader?
My core leadership principle is growing and empowering others, not only making them aware of the
potential they carry, but also helping them to unleash that potential. For me, leadership is not only
about being at the forefront, or about the position or title that I hold, but it is about transforming and
making a difference or an impact in the lives of those around me. I set an example through
demonstrating that leadership is about empowering people by giving them responsibility and
accountability in areas where they may have not otherwise had the opportunity. I allow people to take
the lead while remaining in the background, motivating, coaching and supporting them. I use my God-
given platforms, position, gifts, skills and qualification, to as far as possible, uplift those below me by
exposing them to environments and conditions that are reserved for those in high positions. My faith
and belief in God has taught me that I am a leader not because of my intelligence and abilities, but by
the grace of God. My responsibility, therefore, is to lead as God would have me lead, empower His
people and to be a blessing to humanity. Those around me would testify that I consider myself to be a
servant, using the platforms I’ve been given to uplift and empower others.
(Reference letter 2 from SNG Grant Thornton Direct report attached)
Motivate why you should be nominated as a 2020 Top 35 finalist?
I believe that my journey towards being a Chartered Accountant (CA (SA)) and Director at SNG Grant
Thornton will inspire others to persist and endure whatever hardships they face in pursuance of their
dreams. My upbringing was not glamourous and was typical of most rural black girls in South Africa. I
was born in Mpumalanga, in a small rural village called Dundonald, which is about 30km from the
Oshoek Swaziland border post. I am the eldest of 3 siblings, born to parents who were both
educators. My formative years were typical of a rural child; going to school and playing outdoors with
friends using whatever we could find. I was fortunate in that my parents were able to put food on the
table, unlike many of my friends and schoolmates, so I took every opportunity I could find to share the
little I had with them. To get a better education, my parents sent me to study at Steelcrest High
School in Middleburg (170 km from home), where I had to learn to stand on my own two feet from a
tender age. After I matriculated, I enrolled fulltime with what was then Technikon Witwatersrand, now
3
known as University of Johannesburg (UJ). After 3 years, I graduated with a National Diploma in
Accounting (undergraduate studies).
After completion of my undergraduate studies, I was fortunate to obtain a training contract with Grant
Thornton Pretoria (Muckleneuk), where I was signed up for a period of 4 years instead of 3, due to not
having a SAICA accredited degree. I simultaneously registered for a Post Graduate Diploma in
Accounting (BCTA) at UJ which was a pre-requisite to the Certificate in the Theory of Accounting
(CTA) programme (now called Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Accounting Sciences). I was now a
trainee, living in Braamfontein Johannesburg, working in Muckleneuk Pretoria and attending classes
in Auckland Park Johannesburg at the UJ Kingsway Campus daily. Needless to say, I did not have a
car of my own at the time and relied on public transport. My day would begin at 04h30 where I’d walk
alone in the dark to catch a taxi from Noord Taxi rank, Johannesburg to Pretoria to be in the office by
08h00. After work, I’d catch a taxi to the Pretoria CBD, and walk about 2.5 km to the Pretoria Bosman
Station where I’d catch another taxi back to Braamfontein, arriving at around 18h00 and then make
my way to class, which started at 18:00 so I was always late. After class, I’d make my way back to my
flat and get to bed at around 23h30 daily. This was my routine for the first few months of traineeship
(articles).
I managed to move to Pretoria in the subsequent months and my parents were able to make
significant sacrifices to buy me a small, older car. I then completed the BCTA programme and
registered for CTA the following year. I was determined to accomplish my goals, but as the eldest
sibling, I always carried a great sense of responsibility towards my family. Goal-orientated and
determined, earnestly desiring to do better for myself and my family, I took my younger sister in to live
with me so she could have a better education by attending a school in Pretoria. I did not fully realise
the magnitude and impact this responsibility would have on me. This meant that I had an extra mouth
to feed as well as now needing to be a mother to a teenager. The long working hours with endless
deadlines and the extra parental responsibilities to a teenager started to take a toll and me and my
studies suffered. I soon realized the impact when I received my CTA results. After all the juggling, the
hard work, the late nights I failed my CTA at the end of that year. Little did I know that this was not my
last failed attempt at CTA but I kept on trying. I completed my articles and was retained by the firm as
an Audit Supervisor. Whilst doing CTA and completing my articles, I met my ‘would be’ husband. We
got married and started a family two years after I completed my articles. Adding to my already
overstretched work duties, parenting – I now became a wife. I was still a CTA student at that time!
I fell pregnant a year after we got married, and I was still studying CTA. This particular year I wrote my
final exams heavily pregnant. This was the year I finally passed my CTA, in fact, I received my final
results on a hospital bed a few hours after giving birth to our first child. I received a double blessing
from God that day. He delivered as He had promised so many years before. Now a mother to a
bouncing baby, I continued with my studies, passing both my board exams at first attempt. I was an
Audit Manager at this stage and immediately after qualifying as a Chartered Accountant {CA(SA)}, I
was approached for partnership (directorship) in the Pretoria office and had to serve 1 year as a
qualified CA(SA) before my formal appointment.
4
My journey thus far had not been easy, the challenges I encountered were enough for anyone to give
up. From those sleepless nights studying, working, catching taxis and many disappointments with
CTA to starting a family whilst raising my younger sister. Today I look back fondly on those memories
and thank my God for walking this journey with me every step of the way. I can honestly say that I
have Him to thank, for the endurance, persistence, patience and mental stamina to see me through.
He has indeed been my strength from within.
Other contributions:
I contributed to the Accountancy SA Special feature on transformation in the August 2016 edition.
(Annexure C - Extract of the August 2016 Accountancy SA attached)
5
In The Community:
1. March 2020 – Moloto outreach, outside Pretoria

Distribution of food parcels and bibles to a local church
2. May 2020 – Diepsloot squatter camp, Johannesburg
Distribution of food parcels to the community
2. May 2020 – Diepsloot squatter camp, Johannesburg

Distribution of food parcels to the community
3. SNG Grant Thornton CSI projects – Steve Biko Ville
Mama Shado Day Care

3. SNG Grant Thornton CSI projects – Steve Biko Ville
Mama Shado Day Care

SNG Grant Thornton CSI projects – Steve Biko Ville

Old Age Home

Steve Biko Ville Annual Career Day:

Computer Lab and donated laptops
Extracts of some of the Social Media Posts since the announcement of the SAICA Top35under35
Finalists
- Pre-issuance reviews for the Auditor General of South Africa.
2. Tax compliance (all tax types)
- Delegation and review of all tax work done in the tax compliance division for clients in my
portfolio.
3. Statutory / secretarial work
- Delegation and review of all statutory work done in the secretarial division for clients in my
portfolio
4. Consulting / advisory
- Perform agree upon procedures for clients
- Providing business and tax advice to clients including business restructurings
- Tackle client’s challenges and provide recommendations or solutions
5. People and culture (Human Resources)
- Learning and development of employees
o Train and mentor employees
o Induction of new employees
o Member of the National skills Development Committee
- Recruitment of employees
- Employee performance management and reviews
- SAICA Assessor for Trainee Accountants
- Oversight Registered Auditor for the ADP
- Review and approval of leave for employees
- Review and approval of timesheets and expense claims
- Functions performed prior to the SNG Grant Thornton integration:
o SAICA training officer
o Determining, review and approval of the annual salary budget, monthly salaries and
bonus reviews
o Determining or calculating charge out rates for all employees
o Approval of all Human Resources related costs
o Presenting the monthly Human Resources report in the Partners’ meetings
A n n e x u r e C
Ntokozo Busisiwe Mojapelo
CURRICULUM VITAE
10 Wilkins Bunting Road Contact number: 072 588 8255
The Hills Game Reserve Estate E-mail: ntokozo.mojapelo@za.gt.com
Mooikloof
0182
Personal profile:
Ntokozo is a chartered accountant and a Director at Sizwe-NtsalubaGobodo Grant Thornton (SNG
Grant Thornton). She specializes in external audit, tax compliance and outsourcing for privately-held
businesses. She also heads up the Public sector and People and culture (Human Resources)
portfolios in the Pretoria office. She was a panel member for the IRBA ADP Programme. Ntokozo
has a heart for people, transferring skills and believes everyone has great potential that should be
unleashed to bring about positive change. She believes that the future belongs to those who are
able to adapt quickly and consistently, those who not only acquire knowledge but are also able to
learn new and unlearn obsolete concepts repetitively to keep up with the pace of development.
Additional personal information:

Maiden surname: Mbuyane
ID number: 8609261074082
Gender: Female
Marital status: Married
Race: African
Driver’s licence: C1
Languages: Swazi, Zulu, Sepedi, Setswana and English
Educational background:
Year Qualification obtained Institution
2013 Public Practice Examination Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA)
2013 Initial Test of Competence South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
(SAICA)
2012 Post Graduate Diploma: University of South Africa
Applied Accounting Sciences
Year Qualification obtained Institution
2007 Post Graduate Certificate in University of Johannesburg
the Theory of Accounting
(Bridging)
2005 National Diploma: Accounting University of Johannesburg
(Cum laude)
2002 Matric / Senior certificate Steelcrest High School
Professional qualifications and membership:

South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA)
Work experience:
Duration Position held Name of company
1 March 2018 to present Assurance Director SNG Grant Thornton
1 March 2015 to 28 February 2018 Audit partner
Human Resources Partner
Grant Thornton
1 March 2013 – 28 February 2015 Audit Manager
(Pretoria office)
14 March 2009 – 28 February 2013 Audit Supervisor
15 March 2006 – 13 March 2009 SAICA trainee accountant
1 August 2005 – 7 March 2006 Bookkeeper Marantos Hughes Financial
and Chartered Accountants
Key responsibilities in current position:

Assurance Director (both Private and Public - Address client concerns and ensure
sector) that the services provided meet client
expectations
- Business development
- In-charge of public sector audits –
o gain new clients and retain
oversee and conduct all pre-issuance
existing clients
reviews and public sector audits
o extend/expand the services
allocated to Grant Thornton Pretoria
provided to clients
by the Auditor General of South Africa.
o maintain positive and long
term relationships with clients Tax compliance
- Participate in strategic planning and
- Delegation and review of all tax work
development for the firm
done in the tax compliance division for
- Manage client portfolio and meet the
clients in my portfolio.
pre-determined budget requirements
- Plan and manage audit engagements Statutory / secretarial work
o Deliver an effective and
quality audit to clients
- Delegation and review of all statutory
work done in the secretarial division
for clients in my portfolio
Consulting / advisory
- Providing business advice to clients

including business restructurings Other contributions:
- Tackle client’s challenges and provide
recommendations or solutions Ntokozo contributed to the August 2016
special feature on transformation in the
People and culture
Accountancy SA publication (Refer to
- Previous SAICA training officer Annexure D).
- Learning and development of
employees
o Train and mentor employees
o Induction of new employees
- Recruitment of employees
- Review and approval of the annual
salary budget
- Determining or calculating charge out
rates for all employees
- Approval of all Human Resources
related costs
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
MOJALEFA ‘JEFF’
MOSALA
29 years old
 
LECTURER,
UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE
Short Profile
In his role as business ethics and financial accounting lecturer, Mojalefa ‘Jeff’ Mosala has a unique
opportunity to shape the minds of future chartered accountants in a fast-changing world.
Since joining the University of the Free State, he has demonstrated his passion for education and the
development of the profession. He received the Innovative Teaching and Learning Award for his ground-
breaking and value-adding work and presented his work on community engagement at the South African
Higher Education Community Engagement Forum (SAHECEF) in 2019.
In his role as a successful Thuthuka programme manager, he mentored students, which allowed him to
understand modern-day students and their challenges and provide support for better academic
performance and well-being.
He volunteered for several activities at the university such as serving as a representative of the EMS
Faculty on the university’s Community Engagement Forum Committee, mentoring accounting students
and providing academic support where needed.
His passion for serving extends beyond the borders of the university. As a marker for the APC and ITC
board exams, Jeff is contributing towards the development of chartered accountants. He is chairperson
of the SAICA Bloemfontein District Forum and is involved in SAICA’s mathematics camps.
He participates in governance structures of several non-profit organisations. This includes serving at

national level as an investment and audit committee member at the United Congregational Church of
Southern Africa (UCCSA). Jeff also serves as director of finance at the Free State Cricket Union (FSCU),
an affiliate of Cricket South Africa, as a board member and chairperson of the finance committee. FSCU
is responsible for training and grooming upcoming cricket talent in the Free State for the national senior
teams. Moreover, he serves Catch Fire, an NPO that tackles youth challenges by creating opportunities
for occupational engagement through dance.
Jeff believes in the value of servanthood and believes a CA(SA) is unlocked when they provide solutions
for our country by being accountable in their spaces, big or small. ‘I understand the responsibility that
comes with my abilities; I pursue relevance in the modern age as a young CA(SA) by continually seeking
to add value. That is how I approach my teaching, mentoring and leadership responsibilities.’
Watch video
and achievements?
• Serving as a board member and director for Free State cricket union, the youngest board
member and director at the union (Since 2018)
• Appointed to serve as a member of an Investment committee at a national level for an NPO

(Since 2018)
• Being able to successfully run the Thuthuka Program at the University of the Free State (2018
to 2019)
• Wining the teaching and learning award for "Innovative teaching with community
engagement" within my first year as a lecturer (2019)
• Successfully improving the teaching and assessment of Business ethics, and attracting
positive attention through the media, on the module and Accountancy profession (2019)
• Presenting for the first time at an international conference on community engagement and
Accountancy (2019)
• Successfully securing R150 000 in funds for a project assisting matric students at the
University of the Free State (2019)
• Hosting a SAICA Central region Annual dinner successfully as the master of ceremony (2019)
• Serving as a SAICA Central district committee member, which helps promote the profession
in schools (2019)
• An invitation to serve as a Reviewer of a Journal African Journal of Business Ethics-Ajobe and

reviewed an article (2019)
• Elected to be regional Treasurer for Southern African Accounting Association (2019)
• Appointed an external moderator by Central University of Technology (2019)

Research on the future of teaching and learning for CAs, to teach pervasive skills needed in the
future per CA2025. This is the award that I got for innovative teaching and learning, with the
first engagement done to test the viability of the model.
 
The fast-changing world, now mostly driven by the 4th Industrial Revolution, keeps challenging
Higher Education Institutions to remain relevant and produce competent professionals that can
function effectively in a changing workplace.
 
At the same time, professions need to remain relevant. Therefore, in anticipation of the possible
impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution on the Accounting profession, the South African Institute
of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) recently released an adjusted competency framework (CA
2025), which enhances the focus on pervasive skills. These skills include, amongst others,
interpersonal skills, leadership, and citizenship. This aligns with the business world's
expectations for future Chartered Accountants to have a broad pervasive skill set, an
awareness of stakeholder needs, the ability to share knowledge, and a connection with the real
world.
 
In addition, the University of the Free State (UFS), recently again emphasized its strategic focus
on engaged scholarship. Engaged scholarship creates opportunities for universities to interact
with the diverse community in which it exists. Through these interactions, the curriculum,
teaching, learning, research, and students'
pervasive skill sets are developed and enriched. The UFS, therefore, promotes opportunities for
students to engage in community-based education, to build their skill sets, and effectively
connect them to the real world while studying. 
SAICA offers an annual Mathematics camp at the UFS, attended by the top 200 grade twelve
learners from quintile one to three schools. During the camp, learners are assisted with
Mathematics, Science, and Accounting academic content and skills. In seeking a possible
vehicle to address the current issues faced by especially the accounting profession, the author
identified the SAICA Mathematics camp as a possibility to enhance and develop the pervasive
skills set of UFS accountancy students.
Free State Cricket union 

This is an affiliate of Cricket South Africa (CSA), which develops and promotes the cricket
sports in the Free State. The union also contributes to the national team in Cricket. Other
objectives include reaching out to the rural areas, getting kids to play sports, and promote
positive sports participation instead of negative distractions. This happens through coaching
clinics, school competitions, and coaching by our union coaches. Budget allocations and
spending by the management and good corporate governance practice is essential.
Mathematics Maths Camp raised R150 000 in funding 
• Been assisting in this project since 2018
• This is a project led by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, which addresses
the need and promotion for Mathematics, science, and accounting subjects to learners,
particularly in quintile 1-3 in matric. They are hosted at UFS hostels and funded by SAICA,
mostly and the university.
• The issue that is being pursued/resolved?
• Mathematics, Sciences, and Accounting failure rates for quintile 1-3 schools
• Lack of soft skills for accounting students of UFS who learn from the project
• Lack of community engagement by accounting students
• The expected outcomes/impact
• The motivation for learners from poor schools, increased interest in Mathematics, sciences,
and accounting-related careers. Improved technical knowledge of Math, sciences, and
accounting improved soft skills by accounting students
• Qualitative benefit
• Confidence for the learners, leadership skills
Mentorship and referral 

Most students on my campus struggle with planning for their future and professional decisions,
so I have put myself up for students who need my guidance until they finish their CTA studies. 
 
recent past?
I took the Thuthuka Program manager role at the University of the Free State in 2018 till 2019,
as I add value to the lives of the young people who might be able to relate with me. To be
motivated to work hard and know that it was possible to achieve your life goals. This was one
of the best decisions in my life. I was able to add quality and the appropriate use of the
resources provided by SAICA and its members. Through the program, I have been able to
contribute towards improving the lives of 80 plus students and guiding them to achieving their
goals.
Since starting with Lecturing 2019, I have been able to add value to different students and
added meaning to the Business Ethics module, which has become a spotlight area in the
accountancy profession. And, successfully adding value to the students and the students
enjoying to learn and understand the importance of business ethics in our profession. I continue
to contribute towards changing and adding value to the young people's lives whom I have
taught and mentored. 
I shared a post on LinkedIn recently (in May 2020), to share motivation with others who might
be going through a tough time. It was a picture of me in the library, taking a nap while I was still
an accounting student. The post read like this; "This was me a few years back. In the study-
lock (kovsies know this one), spending late nights consistently. In the picture, I was taking one
of my 10 minutes" power naps" I was exhausted *A friend took the photo. Needless to say, "the
course was chowing." I made friends from other faculties, mostly medicine. Some pretty much
slept here. I remember those who used to book seats, territorial and all.*Mostly accounting
students, they know themselves 
This post got over 25 00 views and 61 comments and still counting, it was a motivation
movement.
The other movement was towards the support needed to be given to the president during this
time (April 2020), where I was encouraging South Africans to be optimistic and follow the
regulation. It was read like this; 
"Mr. President and the Minister of health have shown real leadership in unfamiliar
circumstances. 
Their ability to consult/consider various experts, stakeholders, and impact on different people
has been great to watch. Just the commitment and effort 
It has not been perfect, and yes, things might still get worse, but for now, these leaders have
been great under these circumstances. 
Yes, it's their job, but they have done well (Even WHO attests to this). I wouldn't want to be in
any country at this stage." 
young leader?
I am a full-time lecturer at the University of the Free State, having started in 2018 at the age of
27, and I decided I wanted to mentor and assist other young people in achieving their dreams
and successfully finishing their studies. I have been able to add value in different areas as a
Business Ethics Lecturer, Thuthuka Program Manager, Auditing Lecturer, and Financial
accounting. In addition to these roles, I have been able to get into serving on Non-Profit
Organizations that are changing the lives of young people. Through my involvement as a
Treasurer (Director of Finance), the Free State Cricket Union has been able to add and change
the lives of the people of the Free State through sports (cricket). I am reaching those in rural
areas and cities to being able to unite people, making them happy, and building a positive
environment. Through my willingness to add value, it means I have been able to be part of
impacting the lives of thousands of young people.
Hard work and perseverance pays 

I have been able to live my life as an example that your background does not need to define
your future. Hard work and daily effort achieving a dream are critical to reaching your goals. I
have taken full opportunity of education and the opportunities it provides, consistent hard work
is what got me to learn. 
 
Willingness to serve 
I am willing to serve others and assist where there is a problem—using my energy and skills
to come up with new and innovative ways of doing things. I have been able to make time to
give back to the community as a citizen with some level of skill gained as a qualified chartered
accountant. I do not wait for the "right circumstances" before I can do something positive. I
believe in leading at the top, one needs to serve at the bottom.
Willingness to Learn 
I have applied the always learn approach; even though I am qualified, I know that others know
more than me. I have challenged myself to understand how different people and cultures
think. I can accommodate diverse perspectives, always seeking common ground. That is how
I have been able to enter many spaces without trouble. I am working with people old enough
to be my fathers or mother but still able to get common ground on various projects where I
have been involved. 
 
Making use of my opportunities 
Within a short time after qualifying, I have been able to part of so many projects, because I
understand that opportunities we get today create opportunities for the future. I am always
hungry to make the most use of a chance as I use these to learn and grow. 
 
Integrity 
I have not cut corners, and I have a clear set of moral goals for my life. This is so that I can
get out of trouble and leave a clear and conscious living. This is particularly important for me
personally so that those that come behind me understand that the best way. To be honest and
not look for short opportunities for success—standing up for the right thing even under every
circumstance, if how I managed to finish my studies and serve to address social problems.
Reliability 
I have developed a quality which I think can make anyone a success, the skill of being
reliable. Being reliable is a skill that most people struggle with; it also has to do with
reputation. Once you set a terrible title of being "unreliable," people don't want to associate
with that. I am a reliable person. 
Top 35 finalist?
Firstly, I have been able to comply with the necessary foundation and pillars of the SAICA Code
of Professional Conduct, namely: integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care,
confidentiality, and professional behavior. I have demonstrated (according to my record) in all my
dealings, that I can uphold these principles in the past and continue to do so. And also, because
of the understanding that they are essential to me as a member of the profession.
SAICA recognizes and also supports the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, goal number
4, which is based on education speaks to the current activities listed in my community projects
and my daily job as a lecturer. The various interventions and volunteering and time are offering
talks to the understanding of the importance of the Sustainable Development goals, particularly
the one of education. I have been able to impact the lives of many young lives in terms of the
education through my lecturing full-time job, and active involvement of high school learners
projects that I volunteer to assist in any way possible.
To be on top of anything, which includes Top 35 of SAICA, one needs to demonstrate value. This
is shown by the Manager's references on what I have been able to add in the different capacities
working with the different people and organizations.
In the 2020 welcoming package letter, the Chief Executive officer of SAICA refers to the key
issues that the profession needs to get around to maintain and uphold the reputation of the
profession. These include:
Ensuring the continued relevance of the accountancy profession: For the accountancy
profession to remain relevant, we need to be seen to add value in other innovative ways. One is
also to be seen to solve social problems with our skills, whether be it at a small business or like
me by sharing these skills with organizations that add value to society. Or teaching and
educating future CAs in a way that they can understand the world in a way that they can remain
relevant. I have demonstrated by winning an "Innovative teaching and learning award."
Growth and transformation of the profession: My fulltime profession as a lecturer developing the
future of CAs in diverse forms.
Public Interest/ Corporate Citizenship: I have demonstrated my willingness to share my skills as

a CA and serve in my space, the province where I stay, for the development of sport in rural
areas, for the national team, for matric learners and my students. The understanding that my
decisions can build a community and making the most of the opportunities available to make it
happen.
By gaining the respect of the business, government, and civil society: I have been able to build
and maintain relations in the Free State with the government department of education, social
and business with the involvement with their projects to improve education for learners and for
students. This important for SAICA has a flagship accountancy body in the continent, to
demonstrate that its members can serve their communities to add value and solve societal
challenges, by leading the change, leading with skills, by influencing for reasonable reforms in
education and society issue.
• I have my life about developing young people in sports through my involvement as director of
finance for a sporting organization, as a leader in the organization.
• I have developed young people's education, confidence, skills, and passion for the profession
as my daily job and inspiring them by sharing knowledge and skills.
• I am working with the future of the profession daily, helping to shape the future of the
business through my contribution as an innovative lecturer.
• I have been able to attract positive attention to the profession and the brand of SAICA, which
speaks to the current brand and the future SAICA professionals. In my area, my space, I have
raised the flag on the profession such that SAICA would be proud to associate with my work
and involvement. I have a story that needs to be shared, to inspire, and encourage the young
future of the profession, especially on the issue of serving this country, showing stewardship
towards our country, and being seen as problem solvers.
• I have shown what an individual can achieve within a short space of time, if they have a doing
mindset, and want to change the situation for the better. I have shown it is essential to start,
where you are, in any way possible, when you want to change things. I do not sit back, and I
continue to make things happen because I do not know when my time will end. I live my
motto, live, and impact lives in such a way that in a short time, you can add the most or
maximized value. 
DEVELOP
• Innovative teaching award winner from teaching and learning at the university
• 2019, 1St place for Innovative teaching and learning: engaged scholarship
• 2020, 2nd place for creative assessment practice in my module (business ethics) and
presenting at a conference.
• Conference presentation on engaged scholarship at an international conference
• Mentorship to CTA students and undergrad students on;
• Study plans and progress
• Career planning and brainstorming
• Voluntary member of the EMS Faculty Task Team (Produced the 4IR findings document and
impact on higher education).
INFLUENCE
• Mentorship to CTA students and undergrad students on;
• Study progress
• Career planning and brainstorming
• School visit information sessions, in partnership with high school accounting teacher for
Grade 10-12 accounting students who are doing accounting at school.
• Secured funding for 2020 SAICA Maths camp (cancelled due to COVID-19) meant to assist
learners from lower quintile schools with Maths, Science and Accounting.
• Lecturer for accountancy students in the business ethics area
• Lecturer for accountancy students in financial accounting
• Business ethics external moderator (Central university of technology)
• Board member to assist an NPO “Chesa” started by a local in Welkom in the Free State.
Focuses on teaching/managing art, music and dancing to the youth with the area. All funding
is sourced from National Lotteries.
• SAICA Bloemfontein district committee chairperson (membership activities, school visits and
support).
• SAICA APC and ITC Marking (First time in 2020)
• Thuthuka program manager (2018-2019)
• I am a Community Engagement Forum committee voluntary representative from EMS faculty.

LEAD
• Treasurer of Free state cricket union, and related responsibility
• Board member at Free State cricket union
• Chairperson of the finance committee at Free State cricket union
• Investment and audit committee member: United Congregational church of southern Africa
(National office). A Christian church NPO with churches all around South Africa.
• SAICA Bloemfontein district committee chairperson.
• Business ethics external moderator (Central university of technology)
• Innovative award winner from teaching and learning at the university
• 2019, 1St place for Innovative teaching and learning: engaged scholarship
• 2020, 2nd place for creative assessment practice in my module (business ethics).
• Board member to assist an NPO “Chesa” started by a local in Welkom in the Free State.
Focuses on teaching/managing art, music and dancing to the youth with the area. All funding
is sourced from National Lotteries.
25 May 2020
Top 35 Under 35 Adjudication Panel

SA Institute of Chartered Accountants
Dear Sirs / Madams
REFERENCE LETTER: MR MOJALEFA “JEFF” MOSALA
I have written this reference letter in support of Mr Jeff Mosala’s nomination as one of the Top
35 Under 35 Chartered Accountants (SA) for 2020. I have worked closely with Jeff in my capacity
as his line manager since I was appointed as Director of the UFS School of Accountancy on 1 April
2019.
I can report that, as module coordinator of our Business Ethics 2 and Computer Applications &
Controls 1 modules, Jeff has done a great job in ensuring that these modules are offered
effectively both from an academic quality / relevance as well as an administrative perspective. It
must be emphasised that this is no mean feat: teaching these modules to groups of 500 to 600
students on our BAcc and BCom (Acc) programmes is not easy, especially as most of them lack
an understanding of the workings of accounting systems in business (particularly in their first two
years of study). But given Jeff’s leadership of the modules, there is no need for me to be
concerned about the appropriateness of these module offerings. In the Business Ethics module,
Jeff is also responsible for the management of the Project Alpha initiative – which is done in
collaboration with EY.
The modules Jeff is responsible for were thoroughly evaluated as part of the SAICA monitoring
process which took place early in 2020, and the team confirmed that they are entirely satisfied
with the quality of these modules – attesting to Jeff’s competence as a module coordinator and
key lecturer. I might add that the SAICA monitoring team was particularly complimentary of the
way that we embed ethics into our accounting curricula.
2
Given Jeff’s successes to date, we have agreed that from 2020 he will become involved with the
lecturing of our Accounting 3 module for non-CA students and the Accounting 2 module for CA
students.
Jeff has further excelled in a number of leadership roles in the UFS School of Accountancy,
including, as:
• Project Manager of our Thuthuka Programme (for the period April 2018 to December
2018);
• A member of one of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences’ Task Teams
responsible for dealing with the implications of the 4th Industrial Revolution on our
pedagogical approaches;
• A marketer of the accounting profession and our School’s programmes to high school
learners in the region;
• A mentor and role model to many of our students.
Jeff Mosala is one of our rising stars and as such would be a worthy recipient of the prestigious
Top 35 Under 35 Award of the SA Institute of Chartered Accountants for 2020.
Please feel free to contact me at 051 401 3588 should you require any further information.
Yours faithfully
PROF FE PRINSLOO CA (SA)

DIRECTOR: SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
Reference- Mr Mojalefa Mosala CA(SA)
I have known Mojalefa Mosala since 2018 when he was appointed as a Thuthuka Coordinator at the
University of the Free State. He has been popular among the students at the university who were
studying to become future chartered accountants.
Mr Mosala is efficient, detail-oriented, and extremely competent. He often finishes a task well before
the deadline. Besides being Thuthuka coordinator he became involved in the SAICA transformation
initiatives programme in the Free State province.
Following are all activities he contributed or participated towards programmes we hosted
 Logistics - Business game for 150 grade 11 learners in September 2018

 Facilitated - Thuthuka Development camp in 2018 were we hosted 200 grade 12 learners
 Organised - Free State Provincial Olympiad for grade 7 learners
 Organised - SAICA symposium around the area of Bloemfontein
 Fundraising - 2018 we received R75000 for the grade 12 learner camp
 Fundraising - 2020 we received R160000 for grade 12 learner camp
Mr Mosala is a unique individual with a positive attitude motivated by his charismatic energy and
willingness to be led and lead. His polite manners have given me a great pleasure to work with him.
Kind regards
Godfrey Legwale- Project Manager Transformation
011 6216600
godfreyl@saica.co.za
17 Fricker Road
Illovo, Sandton
SAICA Nominations Panel
RE: Mojalefa Mosala Top 35 under 35 Referral
Dear Sirs
I write this letter as a referral for Mojalefa Mosala who has entered the Top 35 under 35 competition for
2020. In 2018, Mojalefa was the Thuthuka Programme Manager at the University of the Free State.
The responsibilities of the Programme manager are extensive, however, the underpinning factor is the
Programme Manager’s engagement with the students. Thuthuka students, by their nature, are selected
for Thuthuka funding due to the fact that they are academically performing but also have a financial
need. Mojalefa was instrumental in ensuring that the correct students are part of the Thuthuka
programme and that those students are supported to ensure a high pass rate. This means assisting
students in all aspects and not only academically but providing them with the necessary tools to remain
resilient and ensure that they navigate the ebbs and flows that life has to offer. Some of the students
are first generation graduates and therefore face tremendous pressure to make their families proud.
Mojalefa was entrusted with the joys, pressures, highlights and lowlights that the students faced while
trying to keep them motivated enough to keep pursuing their journey towards becoming a Chartered
Accountant.
In his tenure as Thuthuka programme manager, Mojalefa ensured a 14% increase in the throughput
pass rate for students who were at CTA level. Considering that the CTA year is one of the toughest that
students face, this is a testament to Mojalefa’s passion for assisting students and ensuring that they
reach their full potential to success.
There is no better candidate to represent the Top 35 under 35 than Mojalefa. He has successfully
married his love for the CA profession and his passion for assisting others to ensure that he empowers
future CAs(SA). Ubuntu is the central tenet that South Africans grow up with and Mojalefa successfully
demonstrates this in all aspects. He is the epitome of the SAICA motto by always striving to “Develop,
Influence and Lead” and anchors the Thuthuka logo by ensuring he “Inspires Success”.
Kind regards,
Teboho Moephudi
Project Director: Thuthuka
Contact: Tebohom@saica.co.za / 082 219 3766
17 Fricker Road, Illovo, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196 POSTAL ADDRESS Private Bag x32 Northlands 2116 TEL +27 11 621 6600 FAX +27 11 622 3321
CALL CENTRE 08610 SAICA (72422) EMAIL saica@saica.co.za
Thuthuka Education Upliftment Fund Registration No. 2002/001562/08

Enquiries: Ms. Zola Thamae
051 407 3509/0824477459


20 May 2020
Dear Sir/Madam
RE: REFERAL LETTER OF MOJALEFA JEFF MOSALA CA(SA)
This serves as confirmation that Mr. Mojalefa Jeff Mosala is known to me for the past two years as we
serve on the same Board of Directors for Free State Cricket.
Mr Mosala as young as he is, was not shy to apply for the position of a Finance Director upon end of term
of his predecessor.
His contribution within the Board brought new fresh ideas/dimension/ways of doings things, thinking
outside the box approach that assisted in implementing methods to the benefit of Free State Cricket
Union.
His understanding/mentality is to bring out positive change, expressed his thoughts around costs saving
without compromising quality. His board pack presentations are always on time within the time frame for
board members to peruse and apply their minds before the engagement.
His approach when dealing with the potential sponsors of the Free State Cricket Union made them to
commit, extend the contract for at least three more years.
He went on representing Free State Cricket Union at national level when all finance directors from nine
provinces were invited to present their budget for the ensuing cycle at Cricket South Africa. His
presentation received recognition in that he was requested to form part of the workshop that was
organised for all the committee members in Finance, Remuneration and Risk and Audit Committees to
make a presentation.
Mr. Mojalefa Jeff Mosala is reliable, effective and efficient and I have no qualms in recommending him to
any potential institution or sector as his service is professional.
Hope you find the above in order.
Sincerely,
PN (ZOLA) Thamae
President: FSCU
Pholetsi I Moseki CA(SA)
Cricket SA: Chief Financial Officer
Cell: +27 74 573 9874
Email: pholetsi@cricket.co.za
25 May 2020
RE: CHARACTER REFERENCE FOR MR MOJALEFA MOSALA CA(SA)
To Whom It May Concern
I have known Mr Mosala for just under a year, but during this period I have been more than
impressed with his intellect, passion, integrity and work ethic.
Mr Mosala is a Board Member and Chairperson of the Finance and Commercial Committee of one of
Cricket South Africa’s major affiliates – Free State Cricket (“FSC”). As the CFO of Cricket SA, I have
the pleasure (and sometimes the misfortune) of interacting with multiple individuals from our
affiliates (all 14 of them), and being the nature of the sporting environment, others do not leave
much of an impression.
Mr Mosala is part of a new breed of young professionals who are using their skills to serve their
communities and the country. He is absolutely committed to serving FSC and cricket in general;
appreciating the necessity for sport to function as a business if it is to serve its purpose. As a
member of the Board, he brings innovative thinking, commitment, and guidance to improve
governance and financial management, that should lead to the sustainability of FSC.
Sport is a crucial enabler to nation building – including bringing joy to the masses; and offering
opportunities to earn a decent livelihood. For sport to serve this crucial purpose, it requires
individuals who live by the philosophy of servant leadership; and I am glad to confirm that Mr
Mosala personifies that attitude.
FSC and cricket in general, is fortunate to have him as a dedicated servant. I can only hope that he
remains committed to what can sometimes be a thankless job!
Sincerely,
PI Moseki
Ref.: Reference Letter_Mr JM Mosala 26th June 2020
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Sir/Madam,
REF.: REFERENCE LETTER FOR MR MOSALA & NOMINATION ENDORSEMENT
Greetings from the OFFICE of SOUTH AFRICA SYNOD of the UNITED CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (SA SYNOD-UCCSA).
It is with great pleasure that I endorse the nomination of Mr Mosala for the SAICA’s 2020 Top-
35-under-35. Our organization is a public benefit organization that prides itself with being
prophetic, professional and pastorally caring approach to our missional work.
Mr Mosala in his capacity as the member of both our Synod Audit Committee and
Investments Committee has made indelible contributions in terms of influencing our financial
policy, internal auditing and controlling systems.
Mr Mosala’s undeniable contribution is visible in the improvement of our own internal finance
systems. In a very short period of time since he joined the ranks of our Investments and Audit
committees our financial management and accounting systems have been enhanced in a
tremendous way and thanks to Mr Mosala for his guidance. He is a professional, innovative
and visionary leader.
I am very pleased to affirm and endorse his nomination. I am pleased to confirm his status in
our church as that of GOOD STANDING. I believe that Mr Mosala is making a valuable
addition to the advancement of auditing and accounting field.
I would gladly answer any request for further information.
Yours Sincerely,
………………………..
Rev Thulani Ndlazi
(SYNOD SECRETARY)
“Reaching New Frontiers: Hope & Healing"

Prophetic Pastoral Professional
www.sasynod.org.za
SYNOD OFFICERS: Chairperson: Rev Daniel George (DipTheol) Chairperson-elect: Rev Conraad Williams (DipTheol)
Secretary: Rev T Ndlazi (BATheol-Honours, MAR), Treasurer: Dr Sibusiso Dludla (MBChB, Dip-Bus Dev Studies)
Date: 21 May 2020
Character Reference: Mojalefa Reginald Mosala CA(SA)
My interaction of with Mojalefa Reginald Mosala started in 2018 in October through

our partnership support program with SAICA. He was amongst the young Lecturer at
the University of the Free State which played a sterling role aimed at encouraging,
inspiring and motivating our learners to pursue careers in the fields of Science,
Mathematics and Accounting. He was part of the team that arranged and hosted MEC
of Education in the Free State and his entourage at the annual SAICA award
ceremony.
I came to notice Mr Mojalefa Mosala as a goal-orientated person, who is efficient,

detail-oriented, extremely competent and passionate about education. These
noticeable attributed were demonstrated by the successful and meticulous manner in
which the arrangements of SAICA Mathematics awards we conducted.
These unique attributes cemented a relationship between the Department of

Education and Mr Mosala which resulted in him being invited to motivate the top
matriculants. Most importantly and beneficial to us is what he achieved at his young
age and he easily became a motivating factor and demonstrated that everything is
possible regardless of your material condition or background. Success knows no
colour, age, gender but hard work, dedication and focus. He inspired learners from the
rural Free State and give them advice on the journey he has travelled as a Chartered
Accountant.
In summary, I think for someone his age he has demonstrated care and serving on
programs that involve education in the Free State.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,
Mr ET Montso – Chief Director: Curriculum Management in the Free State.
Email: T.Montso@fseducation.gov.za
Contact: 079 503 5770
Lecturer:
Business Ethics
I have been lecturing Business ethics module since 2019. Students in my modules:
 2019 = 1320+ Students & 2020 = 1000+ Students
University website headline for a successful ethics competition and the winning group in class.
Link: https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/news-archive-item/campus-news/2019/june/ufs-accounting-
students-win-project-alpha-competition
Link: https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/Express-News/students-impress-with-
presentation-skills-20190709
Presentation schedule
Title
Presentation:

MEDIA HEADLINES: SAICA MATRICULANT CAMPS
Link:https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/newsletteritem?NewsletterID=7563#newsletter_13524
https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/newsarchiveitem/campusnews/2019/july/matric-learners-hone-
maths-skills-at-kovsies

Thuthuka Program: Graduations
Central Region SAICA Dinner MC: Volunteering

JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
THABO GODFREY
MONGATANE
33 years old
CEO,
THE KOLANO GROUP
Short Profile
Thabo Mongatane is a family man, coach, youth development practitioner and an entrepreneur who
advocates for black excellence and living a life of purpose. He is CEO of the Kolano Investment Solutions
Group specialising in consulting, advisory, SMME development and talent management. He is also a
founder of Kumbaya Africa, a start-up incubator for NGOs and social entrepreneurs across sub-Saharan
Africa.
His selfless passion for the development of young leaders earned him international recognition in 2019
when he was admitted to the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders – a flagship
programme founded by Barack Obama to develop the next generation of impact leaders. He completed
a leadership development programme in civic engagement and leadership with the University of
Nebraska–Lincoln in the USA and served as a research fellow at LDI Africa, a Washington DC-based non-
profit working with emerging African entrepreneurs and companies for growth.
Thabo is a graduate of SA Business Coaches, a community of business coaches assisting entrepreneurs,

professionals and NGOs to unlock value and achieve their goals. He mentors and coaches entrepreneurs
and young changemakers across South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and Zambia to achieve
the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thabo combines his skills as a CA(SA),
civic advocacy and coach to work with business, government and the community to find sustainable
solutions to social challenges such as unemployment, access to education and economic transformation.
He combines his experience with his passion for the development of communities in working with youth
advocacy groups to bring about social change.
He was chairperson of the SA State Theatre’s Audit and Risk Committee, a member of SAICA’s
Regulations Committee and a task team member for the INTOSAI Competency Framework in Oslo,
Norway. He is a facilitator and examiner for the SA Institute of Government Auditors’ RGA programmes
and public sector regulatory framework courses. Thabo believes that more CAs(SA) are needed to
professionalise the public sector, SMMEs and non-profit organisations. In his experience, being a CA(SA)
goes beyond just numbers, it is about having the knowledge and critical thinking skills to solve everyday
problems. Being a CA(SA) is about being a positive influence and contributor; it is about serving your
country with pride.
He was selected for the SAICA/Deloitte Leadership Development Programme in May 2020. His long-term
goals include serving in the United Nations, World Bank and the African Union on programmes to
enhance socio-economic development across Africa.
Watch video
and achievements?
• 2020 - Accepted into the Shanduka Black Umbrellas Incubation Programme
• 2020 - Selected for the SAICA ED Personal & Leadership Mastery Programme
• 2019 - Mandela Washington Fellow (6 week Leadership in Civic Engagement Course at the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA)
• 2019 - Mandela Washington Fellowship Professional Development Experience ( Research

Fellow at LDI Africa, Washington DC )
• 2019 - Founder of Kumbaya Africa Development Initiative (Executive Coaching and

Mentorship Programme for Young African Leaders working on SDGs in SA, Kenya, Nigeria,
Zambia and Ghana)
• 2018 - SA Business Coaches (Professional Coaching Training based on International

Coaching Federation)
• 2017 - Co-Founder of the CLM Foundation (Coaching and Mentorship Programme for High
School Learners)
• 2016 - Co-Founder of The Kolano Group (Consulting, People and SMME Development)

I established the Kumbaya Africa Development Initiative, with the vision to develop an
incubator for Social Entrepreneurs across Africa addressing multiple SDGs. We provides pro-
bono executive coaching and mentorship programmes for young Changemakers in SA, Kenya,
Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana. Our work was recognised internationally and as founder, I was
accepted into the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders to study
Leadership in Civic Engagement at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I was also awarded the
opportunity to further my research work at LDI Africa, a social enterprise based in Washington
DC. The MWF Professional Development Experience is only awarded to 70 out of the 700
fellows on the 2019 fellowship. We've partnered with LDI Africa to raise funds for Kumbaya
Africa and develop an international fellowship programme - the Young Director's Programme. 
To date seven (7) non-profit organizations are beneficiaries of the Kumbaya Africa initiative and
receive by coaching to assist them develop strategic and operational goals to reach the vision
of their organisations. Kumbaya assists with social capital and fundraising where needed, e.g
COVID-19 fundraising. 
 
I am also a co-founder of the CLM Foundation, a non-profit company providing coaching and
mentorship to high school children. The foundation has reached over 24 000 learners to date.
Based on the success of the programme, we officially registered an NPC with a plan to secure
strategic partners and rolling out the initiative nationally. 
 
Through CLM and Kumbaya Africa, we plan to recruit 100 qualified coaches and experienced
mentors to volunteer on these programmes. We also assist beneficiaries of the Kumbaya Africa
initiative to recruit volunteers, mentors and coaches. Through partnership with our local and
international partners, we will ensure that our beneficiaries receive world class service and
support. 
recent past?
I quit my job at the height of my career to establish The Kolano Group of companies. Our aim
was to create an organisation that will not only promote skills development in the profession,
but invest in smaller businesses. In the past four years we have supported over 5 start-up
accounting firms through subcontracts and executive coaching. We have grown our brand
internationally, whilst creating jobs for young graduates and professionals. The group has
invested in agriculture and supports smallholder farmers with offtake agreements and working
capital. 
 
I not only work with the international community through Kumbaya, but i am a volunteer
executive coach for the SA National Civic Organisation Waterberg District. I am assisting the
organisation establish the Waterberg District Business Forum which will support SMMEs within
Mogalakwena, Lephalale, Modimolle, Thabazimbi, Mookgopong and Bela-Bela municipalities. 
 
Through Kumbaya Africa we have developed cross-continental strategic partnerships which will
enable the organisation to create a global incubator for social entrepreneurs. The efforts we
have put in are already yielding results and indirectly benefit thousands of people across the
continent. For example, between January and May we have assisted Black Womxn Caucus and
Positive Action Kenya with developing COVID-19 initiatives including the Crisis of Care
WhatsApp counselling programme. In Kenya we helped we helped Positive Action Kenya with
their crowdfunding initiative to buy essential goods including food for the less fortunate. In
Ghana we are working with young IT Graduates to establish a mentorship programme that will
promote basic computer training at high school level. Based on the success of these
programmes, we will replicate the models in different countries, through the Kumbaya Africa
Young Director's Exchange programme, in collaboration with LDI Africa. 
young leader?
As a Thuthuka Alumni, I have also been giving back by volunteering in various Thuthuka
Programme initiatives since 2006. The extent of my involvement with SAICA is covered in
various publications including an Accountancy CA profile titled "Introducing Godfrey
Mongatane." Other articles are widely publicised online and videos are available on YouTube. 
 
I've been an academic mentor at UL, a Thuthuka High School Camp Leader, a mentor for CTA
students at UJ, UL and UP. I have also volunteered as a coach and inspirational speaker for
numerous organizations including ABASA, AWCA, AGSA, UCT, Rhodes University, High
Schools etc.
Through this work, I've developed a deep passion for humanitarian work especially outside the
accounting profession. I became a business coach in 2018 through SA Business Coaches and
started coaching young Changemakers across the continent. We are actively recruiting young
professionals to volunteer in community projects, we are currently working with ABASA on a
crowdfunding initiative with FEENIX for university students. The presence of Kumbaya Africa
within the continent and globally, inspires young leaders to not limit their dreams.
I am also an entrepreneur, our group of companies had employed over 25 people before the
lockdown pandemic and continue to assist other SMMEs set and achieved strategic goals. 
 
I also use social media to promote social intelligence, provide coaching and advise through
engagement with the online community, predominately made of accountants and young social
entrepreneurs from over 50 countries. 
Top 35 finalist?
SAICA explains that the Top 35 competition to be a success by "... recognising and promoting
young CAs(SA) under the age of 35 who are not just achieving extraordinary results in their
professional capacity, but also have a significant impact on society." 
 
I have not only achieved my personal career goals in record time, but have invested a big part
of my life to living a life of purpose and service. I believe the contributions i have made to the
profession, the country and the continent are tangible, and are exemplary for other young
people, especially recently qualified CAs. 
 
SAICA had committed to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and encourages
members to actively contribute by playing a positive role. The work I've been doing for the past
15 years is aligned with the SDGs and has received international recognition through the
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. I believe in setting an example for
those who look up to me, and therefore I am confident that the many young CAs who follow my
career journey will find inspiration to be a shining light in their communities and circles of
influence. 
 
With my combined experience as a youth and leadership coach, coupled with the research
conducted during the Mandela Washington Fellowship, I believe I can be a valuable asset to the
Top 35 under 35 Alumni. I have studied international business models of social enterprises such
as Prosper Lincoln, Cause Collective, KIVA, Global Health Corps and TechnoServe. 
 
Why the Influence Category? 
Influence is defined in the oxford dictionary as "the capacity to have an effect on the character,
development, or behaviour of someone or something, or the effect itself." 
 
The testimonials from various organisations and individuals are evidence of the influence my
contributions and service has and continue to have. As a role model within the profession and
continent, i believe many young people will be inspired to not only focus on their success, but
be socially intelligent servant leaders. 
DEVELOP
• Assisting SMMEs across SA with business development and growth consulting and advisory
through Kolano Consulting and Advisory.
• Providing start-up entrepreneurs with executive and business coaching for scale (investor
ready).
• Serving as a strategic board advisor and Business Coach for Umvuzo Business & Skills
Development, a business incubator in KZN.
• Convening the Waterberg Business Forum in Limpopo (six municipal districts) to promote
local SMMEs and youth employment.
• Serving as a working group member of the ABASA Business Forum advocating for small &
medium practices.
• Co-Founding MFE Chicken to promote local entrepreneurship, employment and food security
in rural Limpopo.
INFLUENCE
• Assisting Non-Profits for socio-economic development through Kumbaya Africa.
• Volunteering in SAICA and Thuthuka initiatives to promote Maths, Science and the
development of Black CAs(SA).
• Being actively involved in ABASA, IIA and SAIGA initiatives to promote accountancy,
professional development.
• Advocating for the rights of financially excluded students and providing extra CTA classes
(University of Limpopo, UNISA).
• Participating in national and International knowledge exchange programmes on business and

professional development.
• Participating as conference and webinar speaker – Accounting and Finance Show, Leaders
of Tomorrow, 1Million Cups Lincoln, ABASA Forum, SAICA Gamechangers, Golden Key SA
etc.
• Serving as facilitator for SAIGA’s public sector legislative framework courses thereby
professionalising the public sector to promote accountability.
LEAD
• Establishing Kolano Invest, Kolano & Associates and Kolano Assurance, employing over 30
consultants in 2020.
• Developing Appreci8 – a personal, professional and business development coaching

programme to promote high performance of employees, youth, accounting professionals and
entrepreneurs.
• Successfully introduced strengths based leadership within the Kolano Group and to clients for
efficiency and effectiveness.
• Developed strategies for the AGSA’s Learning & Development Business Unit.
• Successfully mentored and coached hundreds of Thuthuka students who are successful
CAs(SA).
• Unqualified audit opinions at the SA State Theatre after years of modified opinions.
Asidlaleni Sports Academy
Msogwaba Chess Club

Stand no. 017152/ Msogwaba, Pienaar/ Msogwaba Public Library
tselanf@gmail.com /eddiebhila@gmail.com
The SAICA Top 35 Under 35 Judges 19 May 2020
SAICA Building
17 Fricker Road
Illovo
Sandton
2196
RECOMMENDATION: THABO GODFREY MONGATANE CA(SA) FOR TOP 35 CA UNDER 35
Good Day Judges
Thabo Godfrey Mongatane was nominated for the SAICA Top 35 Under 35 Competition for his
contributions to the profession and the African continent.
Asidlaleni Sports Academy is a community organisation that develops young people in rural areas
by providing them with sporting opportunities. We train them in sports such as Chess and raise
funds to assist them in participating in national and international competitions.
Mr. Mongatane and his organisation, Kumbaya Africa Initiative have been very supportive in
helping our organisation meet its objectives in the past few years. They have done this through
many ways which include assisting us in drafting strategic documents and by sponsoring some
of our players helping them reach heights they could only ever dream of. In 2019, Kumbaya Africa
assisted in sponsoring Banele Mhango (a grade 11 FIDE Chess Master) to compete in the World
Junior Olympiads which were held in Turkey. The success of Mr. Mhango in Turkey led to him
winning the 2019 Mpumalanga Sports Star of the year Award. The story of Banele’s success was
covered extensively in the media and he won a cash prize of R20 000. This would not have been
possible without the help of Kumbaya Africa and Mr. Mongatane.
Thabo Mongatane’s dedication to youth empowerment and leadership development deserves

recognition. It is for this reason that we, as Asidlaleni Sports Academy wish to recommend him
for the Top 35 under 35 Award. We know that such an accolade will only empower him to do more
Thank you
Kind Regards
Name : Eddie Bhila

Position: Chairperson Asidlaleni Sports Academy
Organisation: Asidlaleni Sports Academy
Email: eddiebhila@gmail.com
Cellphone Numer: 2771 581 4519
PAGE 1
The SAICA Top 35 Under 35 Judges
SAICA Building
17 Fricker Road
Sandton
2196
12 August 2020
Dear Judges
Recommendation of Thabo Godfrey Mongatane for the top 35 under 35 competition
Thabo Godfrey Mongatane is a young leader deserving of the SAICA Top 35 under 35. His
contribution to the Auditor General of South Africa’s Graduate Development Programme
strategy and policy on transformation are commendable.
During his time at the AGSA, Thabo performed exceptionally. His career progression is testament
of his commitment to transformation and economic development. He has represented the office
on local and international assignments delivering quality outputs.
Thabo was the first academic trainee of the AGSA and was actively involved in recruiting for the
office. He also volunteered and offered pro-bono weekend support classes at national and
provincial offices. Many of our current and former trainees look up to him as a mentor and a
coach.
We are proud of Thabo, the work he is doing across Africa. We are inspired by his passion for the
development of others.
I, Bongi Ngoma recommend Mr. Mongatane for the 2020 Top 35 under 35 Award.
Yours Faithfully
Bongi Ngoma
Chief Financial Officer
Telephone : (012) 422 9633
Email : bongin@agsa.co.za
BLACK WOMXN CAUCUS

28 May 2020
SAICA Building
17 Fricker Road
Illovo
Sandton
2196
RE: Recommendation Letter for Mr. Thabo Godfrey Mongatane CA(SA) For Top 35 CA Under 35
Thabo Godfrey Mongatane, is a Chartered Accountant in practice and a visionary at heart. As the CEO of
Kolano Investment Solutions, I was introduced to a seemingly different version of the conventional rigid
thinker of the financial sector. Instead I met a visionary with a broader understanding of social impact as
a practice and way of life. A thought-provoking combination which incorporates financial literary,
character building and critical thinking as the basis of his engagement. Financial literacy is a skill that is
often overlooked, and when provided, rarely speaks to the unique experiences of women particularly
black women within the civil sector and society more broadly. This overlooked gap poses a threat for social
impact drivers, given that this is a growing requirement for the sustainability of the work we do.
His multimodal approach (one that is intersectional in nature) to life and business coaching makes his
intervention strategies catalysts for tangible solution thinking. This is a necessary skill for ensuring social
impact is felt, long after the initial impact. His application of solution driven thinking has proven to be a
critical skill I have acquired under his guidance and one that has had substantive impact in my life as the
Founder and Chairperson of Black Womxn Caucus and the organization at large. The long and short of it;
he is an influencer.
To be an influencer of his caliber, one must possess the innate belief in the greatness of people, a belief
that Thabo has demonstrated continuously, and it is evident in his business and coaching. His coaching
stresses the ability to work within your field of specialty to maximize capacity in order to influence other
sectors of society. Black Womxn Caucus has benefited tremendously from being adopted under Kumbaya
Africa.
Black Womxn Caucus

NPO registration 221- 243
38 15th Street Newlands
Blackwomxncaucus@gmail.com
BLACK WOMXN CAUCUS
Over the past three years Black Womxn Caucus has expanded its reach from a university-based social
movement to a national movement that has partnered with a range of institutions, constituencies,
communities and families to change the discourse on GBVF in South Africa.
His quest to merge his distinctive talent of being able to scout and nurture talent is strengthened through
Kumbaya Africa, an incubation hub for social entrepreneurs. Kumbaya Africa primarily focuses on
providing pro-bono executive coaching and mentorship to young changemakers. Kumbaya Africa seeks to
bring emerging African leaders to think collaboratively about solutions for Africa, with the zeal to also
tackle the rest of the world. Through Kumbaya Africa, the leadership of Black Womxn Caucus has been
exposed to a rich network of contemporary African leaders that have been and continue to benefit from
the coaching of Thabo Godfrey Mongatane. Through his coaching, Black Womxn Caucus was able to
launch the Crisis Of Care WhatsApp Helpline that seeks to provide free and accessible psychosocial
support on WhatsApp during the National Lockdown in South Africa. Through the launch of the helpline
we have received extensive support and mentorship from him which includes but is not limited to;
exposure to a network of professionals to offer pro bono specialized services to our initiative, financial
start-up support and business coaching.
Thabo’s coaching can strengthen individual strengths in order to maximize the overall impact of the
organization. By doing so, he emphasizes the need to self-actualize and to dare to be different. This is
paramount given the ever-changing ways of building global relations.
Therefore, it is my absolute honor to reaffirm the work that Thabo Godfrey Mongatane has done and
continues to do in the minds of young black people. He is the influencer we all need.
In solidarity,
Keitumetse Fatimata Moutloatse
Founder and Chairperson of Black Womxn Caucus
kfmoutloatse@gmail.com
+27735326161
Black Womxn Caucus

NPO registration 221- 243
38 15th Street Newlands
Blackwomxncaucus@gmail.com
SAICA Building
17 Fricker Road
Illovo
Sandton
2196
28 May 2020
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION RE: MR. TG MONGATANE FOR THE TOP 35 UNDER 35

COMPETITION
Dear Judges
The South African Mandela Washington Leaders Alumni Association is honoured
to support the nomination of Mr. Thabo Mongatane as one of SAICA’s Top 35 C.
As under 35 Competition. Thabo is an inspiring leader whose work has
transcended borders and inspired many across the continent.
The South African Mandela Washington Leaders Alumni Association is the alumni
council of the Mandela Washington Fellowship in South Africa, which has recently
been awarded the honour to represent all alumni associations in the U.S
Exchange Program in South Africa. It is an association that is fully grant funded by
the Public Affairs section of the U.S. Embassy in Washington and in Washington
D.C. in the U.S. of A.
Thabo proudly represented South Africa during the 2019 Mandela Washington
Fellowship (MWF) and was one of the few fellows who were selected for the MWF
Professional Development Experience.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the former

President of the United States of America, President Barack Obama under the
Young African Leaders Initiative; an extremely competitive programme where
700 young changemakers are chosen annually and he was chosen from over
38 000 applications in 2019. The feedback from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln,
LDI Africa and other fellows has been positive.
What stands out about Thabo is his keen interest not only the development of
South Africa but also on collaborating with other Young African Leaders across
the continent through the Kumbaya Africa initiative. He has also volunteered on
some of the initiatives of the YALI programme including our Revolt initiative. Revolt
is a platform that brings together young leaders from 15 countries in the Southern
African Region to participate in dialogues around Inclusivity, transformation and
to have Ignite Talks on how these young people have played a role to change
Africa through their various community based initiatives and their businesses.
Coach Thabo, as he is known within the YALI environment, is an inspiration to other

fellows within the MWF fellowship. His contributions to the MWF Committee and
commitment to establishing an MWF Chamber of Commerce to promote Inter-
Africa trade as well as Africa – USA trade relations, inspire collaboration for the
betterment of the continent.
The South African Mandela Washington Leaders Alumni Council endorses the
nomination of Thabo Mongatane for this competition and remain confident that
the impact of his selfless contributions will inspire many generations to come.
Yours sincerely
Noluthando Duma
President,
South African Mandela Washington Leaders NPC
Noliduma@gmail.com
073 825 0053
The SAICA Top 35 under 35 Judges,
SAICA Building,
17 Fricker Road,
Illovo,Sandton,
2196.
26th May 2020.
Dear Judges,
RE: RECOMMENDATION LETTER FOR THABO GODFREY MONGATANE CA (SA) FOR TOP 35
UNDER 35
I am hereby writing in support of Thabo Godfrey Mongatane, who was recently been
nominated for the SAICA Top 35 under 35 competition. My name is Diana Ngao, the Co-
founder and Executive Director of Positive Action Kenya; a non-governmental organization in
Kenya that promotes youth empowerment through advocating and supporting equal access
to quality education and training for children and youth. We do this by providing, academic
support programs, skill development training and career mentorship and coaching to youth
in disadvantaged communities in Kenya.
I met Thabo Godfrey in Omaha Nebraska during our participation in the Mandela
Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders 2019. In conversation, I had a chance to
listen to Thabo's story and the adversity that has shaped him to be the leader that he is
today. During the fellowship, Thabo was known to inspire and motivate his colleagues as
well as his passion for building capacity for youth in Africa to take up leadership for greater
positive impact.
Since the fellowship, I have had the opportunity to engage Thabo on many occasions to
advise and support Positive Action Kenya's non-profit strategy by providing executive
coaching in good governance and risk management of the organization. Through his
coaching, Positive Action Kenya's board has an improved leadership style that has now
turned into increased influence in the industry.
Telephone: +254 727 979 083

A d d r +254
Mobile: e s s : 712
M e t773
r o p703
olitan Estate, No.10
P r oResidence,
Address: Kingston f e s s o r W7th
a s aFloor
w o r Room
d A07B ,
6 1 9Nairobi.
Ngong Rd 38 - 00200
Nairobi Kenya
Email: info@positiveactionkenya.org
Website: www.positiveactionkenya.org
Thabo's passion for people development is seen in his work and past experience -
overcoming adversity and excelling despite the circumstance and most importantly
uplifting others.
On behalf of Positive Action Kenya, I recommend Thabo Godfrey Mongatane for the SAICA
Top 35 under 35 award for passion for his unwavering dedication to collectively building a
sustainable Africa fostered by change-makers and youth in leadership positions.
I remain at your disposable for any questions or supplementary information that you may
require.
Sincerely,
Diana N. Ngao
Co-founder / Executive Director

Positive Action Kenya
Email: dngao@positiveactionkenya.org/
diana.ngao@gmail.com
Tel: +254712773703
Telephone: +254 727 979 083

Address: Metropolitan Estate, No.10,
Professor Wasawo rd,
61938 - 00200,
Nairobi Kenya.
Submission for SAICA’s Top 35 Under Thirty5
Profile of Thabo Godfrey Mongatane

Co-Founder of The Kolano Group, Kumbaya Africa
Entrepreneur | Coach | Speaker | Accountant

Background
Thabo G. Mongatane is a family man, an entrepreneur, a business coach, and a youth development
practitioner who advocates for black excellence and living a life of purpose. He is CEO of the Kolano
Investment Solutions Group, specialising in consulting, advisory, SMME development and talent
management. He is also a founder of Kumbaya Africa, a startup incubator for NGOs and social
entrepreneurs across sub-Saharan Africa.
Thabo took the unconventional route of serving his articles in public sector and was the first
academic trainee for the office of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA). He was seconded to
U.J where he served as an academic trainee assisting U.J Thuthuka students from first year to CTA.
During his time at U.J, he has achieved outstanding results and continues to coach and mentor his
former students who are now CAs(SA).
His contribution to the AGSA Strategic Plans and policies led to local and international assignments
where he represented South Africa. He successfully advocated for the investment of AGSA bursary
funds in the Thuthuka Bursary Fund, as the latter is more effective and efficient. He was instrumental
in the strategy to internalise training in the AGSA and promoting the AGSA brand. He was also an
active volunteer providing extra classes for CTA, ITC and APC exams.
His selfless passion for the development of young leaders earned him international recognition in
2019 when he was admitted into the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders – a
flagship program founded Barack Obama to develop the next generation of impact leaders. During
the Fellowship, he completed a Leadership Development Programme in Civic Engagement and
Leadership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA. He served as a research fellow at LDI Africa,
a Washington DC-based Non-Profit working with emerging African entrepreneurs and companies
for scale.
He is a graduate of SA Business Coaches, and belongs to a community of business coaches assisting
entrepreneurs, professionals and NGOs unlock value and achieve their goals. He mentors and
coaches entrepreneurs and young changemakers across South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria
and Zambia to achieve the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thabo
2
combines his skills as a CA(SA), civic advocacy principles and coaching to work with business,
government, and the community to find sustainable solutions to social challenges including
unemployment, access to education and economic transformation. He combines his experience with
his passion for the development of communities to work with youth advocacy groups to bring about
social change.
In his experience, being a CA(SA) goes beyond just numbers, it is about having the knowledge and
critical thinking skills to solve everyday problems. Being a CA(SA) is about being a positive influence
and contributor, it is about serving your country with pride. Thabo’s influence includes advocating
for the rights of academically excluded students at the University of Limpopo, conducting extra CTA
classes and contributing to ABASA and SAICA programmes. Thabo believes that more CAs(SA) are
needed to professionalise the public sector, SMMEs and the non-profit organisations.
He was chairperson of the SA State Theatre’s Audit and Risk committee, a member of the SAICA
Regulations Committee and a task team member for the INTOSAI Competency Framework in Oslo,
Norway. He is a facilitator and examiner for the SA Institute of Government Auditors’ RGA
programmes and public sector Regulatory Framework courses. In 2020 Thabo was selected for the
SAICA ED & Deloitte Leadership Development Programme. The Kolano Group was accepted into the
Shanduka Black Umbrellas Accelerator Programme in September 2020. He holds directorships in CLM
Foundation (Youth Development), Mongatane Farming Enterprise (chickens, goats), MMMB Farmers
(Agri VC Fund), and Appreciate Africa (Enterprise Development).
Thabo’s long-term goals include serving in the United Nations, World Bank, and the African Union
on programmes to enhance socio-economic development across Africa. He is passionate about
alumni associations as a catalyst for change, and therefore planning to serve on a Thuthuka Alumni
Committee, The South Africa United States Alumni Exchange, Intra Africa Chamber of Commerce,
and the Africa Economic Development Agencies. In the short and medium term, he will focus on
developing Kolano and Kumbaya Africa by partnering with local and international stakeholders to
advance the achievement of the UN SDGs, the National Development Plan, and the African Union
Agenda 2063.
3
In Africa there is a concept known as 'ubuntu' - the profound sense that we are human only
through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world it will in equal
measure be due to the work and achievement of others.
Nelson Mandela
Mongatane Farming Enterprise (MFE Chicken, MFE Goat)

In 2018 Thabo and his family founded MFE Chicken, a poultry project exclusively focused on breeding
dual purpose, free range chickens that are ideal for backyard and small-scale farming. The chickens,
typically referred to as “african chickens” are ideal for sustainable food production as they produce
both eggs and meat – addressing food security and malnutrition across Africa.
The startup operates breeding facility, hatchery and chicken rearing operations and has capacity to
produce 29 000 day old chickens per year which are sold to smallholder farmers and families across
South Africa. The MFE team is currently raising funds to increase capacity to 120 000 day old chicks
per year in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council and the Department of Agriculture.
The next phase is diversifying into goat production for local and export market. The mission is to
collaborate with the World Bank, USAID, United Nations, African Union, SA government and private
business to provide breeding chickens and goats to affected communities instead of food parcels.
This will empower rural communities, providing access to eggs and meat to address protein
deficiency and malnutrition across Africa. It will also create businesses, employment especially for
women and youth in rural communities.
4
Kumbaya Africa
Kumbaya was initially started as a Youth Development project focused on the local community of
Mahwelereng, Limpopo. The community is affected by low levels of education, high levels of
unemployment, teenage pregnancy, poverty, and crime. Kumbaya provided extra academic classes,
coached founders of local NGOs, and linked these NGOs with funders.
Through the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), the founder – Thabo Mongatane, identified that
a different, more impactful alternative model would achieve the goals, effectively and more
efficiently. Kumbaya developed a mentorship programme that supports start up Non-Profits across
the country dedicated to advocating for human rights and the achievement of the UN-SDGs. Through
the programme, the founders receive advisory, consulting and executive coaching focused on their
individual business needs including leadership development, personal mastery, governance, business
strategy, strategic communication, P.R and marketing. The founders are paired with leaders of more
established NGOs within the same industry for mentorship. Quarterly dialogues are held between
mentees and international organisations to gain international perspective, learn best practice
strategies and expand networks across Africa and the United States of America.
5
The success of the new Kumbaya model was rapid and has produced significant results in two years.
Black Womxn Caucus (BWC) is an organisation established to address gender-based violence and
femicide in South Africa. The founder, Keitumetse Moutloatse was admitted to the Kumbaya
mentorship programme in 2018 and has seen BWC grow from a university based organisation, to a
national movement. BWC was at the forefront of the #SandtonShutdown and successfully developed
a WhatsApp BWC Crisis of Care counseling initiative with experienced social workers and volunteers
during the nationwide lockdown.
Asidlaleni Sports Academy Msogwaba Chess Club is a beneficiary based in Mpumalanga led by chess
coach Eddie Bhila. The local chess club has produced international chess champion and 2019
Mpumalanga Sportsman of the Year - Banele Mhango. Through our collaboration with the founder,
we launched an international chess competition titled “The 2020 Kumbaya Arena” with participants
from SA, Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, and Malawi.
The mentorship programme expanded in 2019 during Thabo’s studies in the USA and has admitted
beneficiaries from seven (7) other African countries. Kumbaya Africa was born and through
collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and LDI Africa, is expanding the pool of
beneficiaries to 50 by 2021.
6
25 May 2020
Dear Under 35 Judges
LETTER OF SUPPORT
This letter serves to confirm that Mr. Thabo Godfrey Mongatane of the Kolano Group has worked
with The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
Mr. Mongatane is a proud beneficiary of SAICA’ Thuthuka programme at the University of Limpopo.
His longstanding relationship with SAICA and Thuthuka specifically has seen him volunteer on various
projects since 2005, as a student mentor, high school camp leader, Academic Trainee (UJ), CTA
Student mentor, motivational speaker and involvement in various Thuthuka recruitment campaigns
nationally and in his home province Limpopo. Most recently as part of The Kolano Group and
Kumbaya Africa has given back to the community of Limpopo by providing sponsorship for the 2020
Thuthuka Limpopo Maths & Science Development Camp.
In 2017 Mr. Mongatana demonstrated his commitment to development by travelling from Limpopo
to Gauteng (Vaal) to attend a Dine with a CA event which started at 18h00 and finished at 21h00. He
was an exceptional motivational speaker for the 100 Thuthuka Bursary Fund Applicants’ Camp. He is
a very determined and passionate young professional and evidence of this was demonstrated
Thabo is an amazing and down to earth young professional whose passion for the transformation of
the CA profession as well as the development of learners from disadvantaged backgrounds has seen
him always avail himself to participate in various forms at events where learners and students are
involved.
SAICA Nation Building fully support Thabo and believe that his professionalism and leadership
qualities have the power to positively impact societies in South Africa
Chantyl Mulder
Executive Director: SAICA Nation Building
Office of Global Strategies
July 27, 2020
To Whom It May Concern:
I am pleased to write this letter of support for Thabo Mongatane’s nomination for the Top
35 Chartered Accountants Under 35 Competition. As Academic Director for the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln 2019 Mandela Washington Fellowship Leadership Institute, I had the pleasure
of getting to know Thabo as a participating Fellow in the civic engagement-focused living and
learning experience.
Across the six-week Institute, Thabo participated in opportunities supporting the

development of his civic leadership skills through academic study, mentoring, networking, and
informal interactions with business executives, non-profit leaders and public officials.
Throughout the Institute, he displayed an enthusiasm and energy for maximizing the experience
that inspired his peers to follow suit. They often called upon him to consult on critical aspects of
their individual initiatives or explore future opportunities to collaborate. Thabo quickly emerged
as an informal and influential leader among the Fellows motivating others through an inclusive,
focused and dedicated leadership style.
I believe it is his unique talents, combined with his intellectual curiosity, early career
success, and commitment to leading a life of integrity that make Thabo an outstanding nominee.
I am confident that the skills and abilities that I observed during his stay on the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln campus, would serve the CA(SA) profession both now and in the future.
I strongly support Thabo Mongatane’s nomination for the Top 35 Chartered Accountants Under
35 Competition. Please feel free to contact me for additional information.
Sincerely,
Linda Major
Academic Director
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Mandela Washington Fellowship Leadership in Civic
Engagement Institute
University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Love Library South 110 | Lincoln, NE 68588-4112

www.globalnebraska.unl.edu
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
MILLYCENT MASHELE
34 years old
 
MANAGING DIRECTOR,
THE LEGACY CENTRE
Short Profile
‘Should I wait until I’m rich to give back?’ This is what Millycent always envisioned until she realised who
she truly is. Her mother did not have much according to society standards, but she moulded Millycent
into the woman she is today − a chartered accountant who is a symbol of hope for village boys and girls.
Having been born and raised in a village in Mpumalanga, she knew from an early age that education is
the only way to impact. She wanted to be a CA(SA) to change lives, and this is a role she plays
excellently as a businesswoman and an education activist.
Being a CA(SA) empowered her to take a brave decision and start her own consulting firm. The business
has since provided employment opportunities to more than 10 young professionals in the accountancy
field, three of whom are now entrepreneurs who own their own businesses. The business is proudly part
of building the economy of South Africa by working with SMMEs driving employment creation.
Highly passionate about women empowerment, Millycent started a mentorship programme for the
advancement of women in business.
Being an entrepreneur, she has identified a need for a focused empowerment towards women. Women
face unique challenges when in business, because of the historical nature of business. She provides
mentorship, financial literacy training and business support to women in rural communities and says that
it is such joy to experience the impact of these businesses on the community.
She has trained numerous students as a lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), but her
responsibility as an educator goes beyond the classroom, providing mentorship and coaching to young
professionals that aspire to become CAs(SA).
As a village girl herself, education is a tool she uses to inspire village girls and boys to believe in their
dreams, work hard and use the power of education to change their lives, regardless of their background.
Focusing her community work on public schools through career guidance and talks, it is her mission to
be the voice of hope to these learners from rural communities who have limited access to information.
Watch video
and achievements?
• Developing and implementing She Impacts coaching program to impact women in leadership
roles
• Using my influence as a CA (SA) to impact more than 100 young professionals through career
coaching programs
• Being selected as one of the top female founders by Thriving network
• Starting and growing my accounting firm, impacting the SMMEs and professionals in my field.

She Impacts: 
I am working with women through the She Impacts program that I have developed as a
coaching platform. 
I have used my personal journey of education and becoming a businesswoman, the challenges
that as women we have within leadership roles. 
This has allowed me to share my story with authenticity, transparency and loving kindness
embracing the unique challenges we face as women. 
It is a responsibility I take personally, as I know that we still leave in a patriarchal system from
the past. 
The program creates a platform for women to be in a safe community and inspire each other.
The program helps women in leadership break from their limiting beliefs, embrace their strength
to lead with confidence and authenticity embracing their uniqueness. 
 
“We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller. We say to girls: 'You can
have ambition, but not too much. You should aim to be successful, but not too successful.
Otherwise, you will threaten the man.” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Wansati Projects: 
Highly passionate about women empowerment in business, I have initiated Wansati Projects
(Wansati means woman in xiTsonga) which is about the advancement of women in business,
being an entrepreneur myself and working with other women entrepreneurs in the consulting
company, I has identified a need for a focused empowerment towards women. The program is
uniquely designed to empower women in townships and rural areas starting their
businesses.The program provides them with mentorship and support that will enable them to
build confidence as business women. I believe women have been in business, it was just not
structured in a way that allows growth. They are in the forefront of informal business.
Empowering one women owned business is empowering a community. I provide them with
business skills that help in structuring their business model. The business model I have
developed assists the business to be able to scale and employ more community youth.
Young Professionals: 
I mentor and coach young professionals who aspire to start their own accounting firms and
provide them with the skills and resources to establish their firms. It is a business model I am
using to grow our firm while we develop others. Helping professionals within the Accountancy
profession become entrepreneurs is a project I take to heart as it ensures job creation while
allowing for skills sharing and development for business in South Africa.
recent past?
Empowering women in business and in leadership through coaching and mentorship 
Business initiatives to help women in business in the rural area structure their business models,
scale up and create more employment opportunities. 
Use my platforms to be a game changer and influence education development
young leader?
I am a leader who takes initiatives, inspired to be a game changer. I consider myself as a
community leader, who is brave and bold to lead with courage towards sustainable business
and personal development.
 
Being a woman in business, facing the challenges that women still have in business is an
example I am proud to be living for other young women having the dream to be business
women. It is a responsibility that can change the narrative for women, in a country where
gender based violence against women is at peak.
 
I am a symbol of hope for many young South Africans that indeed education is the powerful
weapon once can use to change the world.
 
I lead with compassion, transparency using each platform I get to make a positive change in
business, education and society as an involved citizen. 
I use my education to impact in economic development and skills development, through the
coaching and mentorship programmes I developed to empower. 
Top 35 finalist?
A Village Girl and Boy can relate to my story:
I consider myself as a village girl who had a dream and hope that education will change her
story. This true belief that we still need more inspirational stories that can be used as a symbol of
hope and a model to build future leaders regardless of their background, makes my education
and business story a real story to share and relate to any young South African.
Becoming a finalist will multiply my efforts and value to share my story with so much compassion
and transparency. It is through my story that girls and boys from any background can dream
beyond where they come from. I am a role model for young women that they can rise and
change their story using the weapon of education. I become a finalist for a village girl or boy, I
am their representative.
My Passion is contagious:
I am a passionate community builder, a risk taker, an entrepreneur, a value driven individual, true
representative of #MakingEducationFashionable, The positive energy I have for the work I do is
contagious for everyone around me across all classes. I am a game changer and influence
people to believe in the power of education, that Accountants are not just number crunchers but
are a strategic tool to build communities in business, society and the economy. I use social
media and each platform I get to inspire hope for a brighter South Africa. Becoming a finalist will
surely allow me to spread my passion with confidence and it will also fuel me up for the work that
is still ahead.
The epitome of commitment, handwork and patience:

I do not shy away from getting my hands dirty as a leader. I influence change through action, I
show up for my community to learn from me. I am committed to the journey of developing me,
others around me and the economy. I believe to those that more is given, more is required.
Becoming A CA (SA), has allowed me more opportunities as a young woman that many still
dream of, these opportunities are a responsibility to do more. As a leader in business, in
community and society it becomes a daily challenge that I have accepted to be a thing tank, a
strategist and a solution provider to challenges we are facing as a community. I give my all until
the product is certified excellent even if it means doing it all over again and learning in the
process. I am patient, accommodating and I always strive to see the viewpoint of others so as to
produce the best output in all I do as a leader. I take the work I do as a purpose to live my life, to
build a legacy that will last for generations. Becoming a finalist will form part of the legacy I am
building and creating as a stepping stone for those around me. As a proud member of SAICA, I
know the organisation has contributed to the history of sustainability. It will be an honor to
associate and be recognized by SAICA as an ambassador of the organisation.
Dreams do come: 
Achieving the CA (SA) title has been a dream that transformed me, from a village girl to a
professional and business woman. It allowed me to even dream bigger that I have managed to
achieve more professional success in business and in education. As one of the highly skilled
women, I know becoming a finalist will be a dream coming true which will continue to inspire
and influence many to work on their dreams. 
CURRICULUM VITAE
MS. MILLYCENT MASHELE CA (SA), CIA, RA, ACMA, CGMA
ID: 8604130323083
IIA Membership: 21776894
SAICA Membership: 20022726
IRBA Membership: 298285
CIMA Membership: 1-4NVRJ2S
Unit 11 Suncrest, 105 Mooirivier Drive, Norkem Park, 1621
millycent@thelegacycentre.co.za
0837014605 (Mobile)
Driver’s license: code 10
EDUCATION BACKGROUND
CURRENT REGISTRATION
University of South Africa, School of Business Leadership (Part time 2015-2020)
Qualification: Master of Business Leadership (MBL 2)
COMPLETED
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), (March 2020)

Qualification:
Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA), (2014)

Qualification: Public Practice Exam (Part 2)
Accounting Professional Training (APT), (2012)

Qualification: Auditing Specialist Course
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), (2012)

Qualification: Qualifying Examination Part 1 (QE1)
University of South Africa (2011)

Qualification: Honours Bachelor of Accounting Science (CTA)
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (2006)

Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce
Ximoyi Khosa High School (2003)

Highest Grade Passed: Grade 12
WORK EXPERIENCE
The Legacy Centre Consulting (TLC): 01 March 2016- Current )

Founder, Managing Director
Responsibilities include the Following:
▪ Work with clients on different Internal audit, accounting, finance, tax, training and
advisory projects and ensure delivery of value added services
▪ Lead the development of the company’s strategy
▪ Lead and oversee the implementation of the Company’s long and short-term plans
in accordance with its strategy
▪ Have the authority to hire and terminate staff as necessary to enable TLC to
achieve the approved strategy
▪ To ensure that expenditures of the Company are within the authorized annual
budget of the Company
▪ To assess the principal risks of the Company and to ensure that these risks are
being monitored and managed
▪ Management of daily operations of TLC and delegation of responsibility to staff
members
▪ Be a critical role player in the development and implementation of policies,
procedures and processes in line with the relevant SA legislation and regulation
(HR, finance, operations, Information Technology, etc.)
▪ Be engaged with all stakeholders to ensure an inclusive approach is taken to build
stakeholder trust and value
▪ Play a major role in the development and implementation of TLC marketing
strategy and execution plan
Tshwane University of Technology: 01 July 2016- 28 February 2019

Part-Time Lecturer: Department of Auditing
▪ Delivery of well researched, practical and quality lectures on the course
▪ Engage all relevant stakeholders regarding the course administrations regarding
assessments
▪ Set assessments for the courses (Assessment criteria, test, assignments and
exams)
▪ Consult students on various subject matters and provide clarity
▪ Draft and provide students with clearly defined study guidelines for the subject
▪ Departmental administrative support to the Head of the Department (HOD)
▪ Be in engaged on research activities and generate more research output for the
University
▪ Be actively engaged with the community relevant to the department of auditing
MTN SA: November 2015- 29 February 2016
Financial Internal Audit Manager
Tasks and Responsibilities:
▪ Co-ordinate the audit scope with external auditors when necessary.
▪ Provide input into Audit Committee and Exco on the progress of implementation
of audit recommendations
▪ Provide input into the annual budget and annual audit plan
▪ Perform detailed planning of each audit assignment through acquiring an
understanding of corporate policies, procedures and processes and functional
business discipline to ensure that audit procedures are appropriate, timely and
effective.
▪ Lead and direct on-going audits in accordance with annual audit plan.
▪ Ensure efficient allocation and utilization of resources within the finance internal
audit unit.
▪ Create a holistic picture of each project to provide context for the findings
▪ Implement procedures as required to perform audits
▪ Take independent responsibility for delivering excellence on each assignment or
project
▪ Evaluate methods used and ensure that audits are being conducted in accordance
with professional IIA standards
▪ Perform research to locate and summarize laws and ordinances or review legal
summaries to determine if the program being evaluated is in compliance
▪ Develop recommendations for bringing programs and operations into compliance
with goals and objectives and write up reports to document findings
▪ Present findings and recommendations concerning programs audited to
management
▪ Coordinate audit activities with data processing and other departments to secure
programming and computer time
▪ Perform control adequacy and effectiveness reviews of business processes
▪ Serve as liaison with management in disciplines related to assigned expertise
▪ Keep current with audit techniques and principles
▪ Provide technical assistance to audit staff members in the effective discharge of
their duties
▪ Manage the activity of team members and TOPP students assigned to assist on
specific projects and evaluate their performance.
▪ Manage relationships with BRM consultants
▪ Ensure compliance to audit methodology and laid down standards and make
recommendations where changes are required
SekelaXabiso: 17 October 2014- 09 October 2015
Internal Audit Quality Assurance Manager
▪ Contribute to the development of training materials on quality assurance tools
used by the firm; prepare presentations and conduct training.
▪ Develop and update the IA methodology and Quality Assurance standards in line
with the professional practice frameworks
▪ Facilitate training, learning and knowledge sharing events for the staff within the
firm; contribute for training and knowledge sharing strategy
▪ Reporting directly to Strategic Director
▪ Assist in preparation of board committee reports to be presented at the meeting
▪ Lead a portfolio of the Internal Audit (IA) function’s Quality Assurance and
Improvement programmes for the client services.
▪ Responsible for developing and implementing quality assurance and management
procedures and systems.
▪ Ensure ongoing monitoring of the performance of the IA functions on quality
assurance, and periodic reviews performed through self-assessment or by other
persons with sufficient knowledge of IA practices.
▪ Support colleagues within the firm in implementing the Quality Assurance and
Assessment program and IA methodology.
▪ Provide hands-on quality operational and technical assistance to the firm
▪ Conducts process reviews and systems reviews on the performance of the IA
services. Document results and observations after reviews, assist the audit teams
develop change implementation plans and track progress on implementation.
▪ Undertake other duties consistent with the purpose of the post
▪ Support the Strategy Director in implementing strategic decisions
▪ Member of the audit ratings committee
Gauteng Department of Finance: (01 June 2013 – October 2014)

Deputy Director: Internal Audit Knowledge and Training Manager
▪ All new staff members are orientated within GAS upon arrival, i.e. the staff
member is assigned to the relevant cluster and receives the necessary training
through induction programme and assistance to function optimally
▪ Integration and regular update to Gauteng Audit Services methodologies in line
with Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards
▪ Ensure that training programmes, i.e. structured training programme logbook for
Interns and Trainee Auditors are developed and implemented in terms of IIA SA
learnership programs.
▪ Develop and facilitate in-house training courses custom made for Gauteng Audit
Services
▪ Management, co-ordination and facilitation services to Gauteng Audit Services ,
mainly in terms of training needs
▪ Ensure that Gauteng Audit Services staff members performance appraisal and
development plans are managed
▪ Gauteng Audit Services’ s training needs are co-ordinated and managed internally
and externally timeously and accurately
▪ Relationships are fostered with role players in the service provider market.
▪ The Gauteng Audit Service library is established, administers, managed and
updated
▪ Relevant arrears within the Internal Auditing field is researched and
recommendations are made on how new developments can be incorporated
within Gauteng Audit Services
▪ Ensure that Gauteng Audit Services remains abreast with all new developments
within the Internal Auditing Field
▪ Technical adviser to Gauteng Auditing Services as a unit and to staff members in
their audits performed
▪ Policy, procedures and framework, etc. are developed and implemented as per
Gauteng Audit Services’ s needs
▪ Work flow quality within Gauteng Audit Services is maintained and managed
▪ Perform regular quality assurance reviews for each GAS Supervisor and sub unit.
▪ Report on findings and recommendation per quality assurance reviews.
Auditor General of South Africa (01 August 2012 – 22 May 2013)

Assistant audit manager
▪ Compilation of audit plans
▪ Completion of quality and cost-effective audit
▪ Drafting management letters
▪ Reporting on audit findings
▪ Updating manager & senior manager on progress made
▪ Attendance of audit committee/steering committee
▪ Training and developing of staff through on-the-job mentoring
▪ Managing staff hours
▪ Monitoring staff performance
▪ Allocating work to staff
▪ Leading staff by ensuring undisturbed work flow
▪ Providing input where audit manager requires input such as planning of audits
under her/his control; budget and other organizational reporting needs
Auditor General of South Africa (05 January 2009 – 04 July 2012)

Trainee Auditor (Completed articles on July 2012)
▪ Obtain knowledge of the auditee
▪ Compile system descriptions; perform walk through test, perform test of controls
▪ Compile sampling worksheet for the component.
▪ Execute audit procedures approved by Audit Research Development (ARD)
▪ Audit of Annual Financial Statements of the Department.
▪ Participate in weekly centre meetings and take minutes.
▪ Assist in compilation of the management letter.
▪ Compile and issuing of exceptions report to the clients.
▪ Evaluate the client’s response to the exception reports and the management letters.
▪ Compile progress reports on audit findings.
▪ On-the-job coaching of junior staff members
First National Bank- Commercial Banking Division (May 2008 – December 2008)
Credit Analyst
▪ Assess credit risk through quantitative and qualitative analysis
▪ Evaluate credit risk assessments in a consistent and in accordance with bank’s
credit policies
▪ Develop sound and professional working relationships with relevant parties to
facilitate growth in quality loan assets; and manage the returns on existing loan
asset in a manner that is consistent, aligned to the existing value propositions and
not resulting in reputation risk for the bank
▪ Prepare business communication that is of a professional standard
▪ Conduct and maintain daily diary of events
▪ In all of the above to comply with service level agreement standards at a minimum
First National Bank- The Credit Factory Division (February 2007 – April 2008)
Credit Analyst
▪ Extracting and recording financial information from financial statements to the
Moody’s financial Analyst system.
▪ Adjust financial statements to reflect revaluation of assets.
▪ Prepare of consolidations, financial projections and the calculation of risk grades.
▪ Review of colleagues’ work and the operation of internal administrative systems.
TRAINING
Training facilitator
Leadership Academy: February 2016 to current
Facilitation of learnership training on behalf of Leadership Academy
Accredited Assessor by Service Seta
TRAINING ATTENDANCE
Training Training Provider Date

International Financial Reporting Standards W. Consulting 17 Jul 2018
update (IFRS 15-revenue, IFRS 16-Leases)
Dynamic voice and public speaking Accents 14 Jun 2018
programme
Conducting outcome-based assessment (unit EDUTEL 12 Dec 2016
standard number 115753)
Performing effective Quality Assurance Institute of Internal 16 April 2014
Auditors (IIA-SA)
SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
ACHIEVEMENTS
▪ Member of Skills Development Committee (GDF, current)
▪ Quarterly Performance Awards: Best center employee of the quarter (AGSA,
2013)
▪ Certificate of excellence for passing QE 1 (AGSA, 2012)
OTHER ACTIVITIES AND INTEREST
▪ SMU Community Radio (97.1fm) weekly business contributor (July 2018 to
current)
▪ Mentoring and coaching activities (Professionals and Small business programs)
▪ Conference speaker (20th African Corporate Governance Conference, IIASA
Bloemfontein Central Region Summit- December 2017)
▪ Community development initiatives (Member of Agincourt Community)
REFERENCES
Dr Motubatse: TUT; Assistant Dean; 083 947 5991
Yekeen Hurtheram CA (SA), CIA: SekelaXabiso; QA Manager; 082 679 2546
Mpho Nkwane CIA: Gauteng Audit Services; Director; 011 689 8487/ 083 358 5061
Sibongile Motloung CIA: Gauteng Audit Services; Chief Director; 011 689 8333/ 083 258
7620
Nkosinathi Chamane CA (SA): Auditor General; Audit Manager; 072 428 5766
Windy Malatji: Auditor General; Training Administration Officer; 011 703 7641/ 073 458
2742
Ms Tintswalo Seodisha: Manager, First national Bank- the Credit Factory, 072 434 6386
Being recognized amongst the cream of the crop is such a humbling moment for me, a dream
I secretly had since 2015.
It was in 2015 I decided to be intentional in my career actions, to take the road less travelled
and to allow God to lead me.
The journey has been amazingly a roller coaster ride of faith. I have been a business Leader,
community developer and education activist ever since the decision.
I was a shy village girl then, with a very low self-esteem associated to my English and my
village background. I used to be intimidated to voice my professional opinions in corporate as
a Manager. That came with a lot of doubt on my professional education, I daily needed to
prove I am a CA in the workspace since I qualified in 2014.
Deep down I knew I am smart; I am bold, and I represent a village girl who is misunderstood
because of how she looks and act. I remembered I become a CA (SA) to impact lives, I
remembered I have a powerful name extension on the CA (SA) four letters.
I then embarked on a journey of personal development through intentional actions to build my

confidence and impacting lives through my profession.
These are some of the actions:
• Leave corporate without a job to start my business- The Legacy Centre, which gave
birth to Mashele and Associates Inc.
• Join community organization- I then joined Agincourt Community Organisation.
Community work has then become part of my daily life both in public and in secret.
• Become a lecturer- I did not know how this will happen but yeah faith got me to be a
lecturer at Tswane University of Technology- the most inspiring part of my career
journey, it gave birth to the Education Activism in me
• Using social media as a platform to influence within the accountancy profession, to
reach and educate the community
• Be actively involved in my spirituality and serve- this is a daily surrender, striving daily
living to serve my generation with the knowledge, skills and experience I have been
exposed to. Live a life of service to others- Becoming a Coach has been daunting, a
journey I embrace daily and learn as a business and leadership coach.
Over the years I since made mistakes, wanted to give up, failed so many people in the process,
financially broke, worked like a slave( maybe we can call it workaholic syndrome inspired by
the very best professional training SAICA has given me)
But most importantly, it is a journey of a village girl who believed she can even when the world
does not really believe it. We continue to learn, to win, to celebrate, to create business and
education legacies that will last generations.
Above all I am humbled to represent many village girls and boys who through the dream of
becoming a CA (SA), can be anything regardless of their background.
Thank you for recognising the village to be part of the SAICA 35 under 35 finalist, it is a proud
moment to be associated and recognised by the highest professional body. It is my
commitment to continue to lead, influence and develop using the recognition until every village
girl or boy believes so clear in their dreams.
Developing the future CA (SAs)
Keynote speaker at high school career talks and functions to invest in the future of our
learners
Developing young professionals
Auditing Lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) for over 1000 students per
semester, this has been one of the most inspiring journeys of knowledge sharing and inspiring
students in their career journeys. This has inspired the education activism in me to use
education to influence.
Developing women in business & Community outreach
Business mentorship and support for Women owned and community outreach as part of
Wansati Projects initiatives, providing cooperatives with basic financial and business literacy
in running their projects.
Investing in young talent

Influencing the masses through conversations
Leading business to impact the economy
Building a legacy through actions, empowering young professionals in the accountancy

profession by creating employment opportunities
CV: Millycent Mashele (age- 34)

Present Founder and Managing Director
occupation
The Legacy Centre (Pty) Ltd and Mashele and Associates Inc
and employer
Address 011 391 0327/ 083 701 4605/ 068 284 6552
millycent@thelegacycentre.co.za
Address: 110 Soutpansberg Drive, Van Riebeeck Park, Kempton Park, 1619
Current Client Go Beng Consulting- External auditing,

portfolio
SNG-GT- Internal Auditing
Cross Border Road Transport Agency - Internal Auditing,
Various public schools and SMMEs- Accounting/tax and business advisory
Institute of Internal auditors- CPD Training
Institute of People Management
• Current Registration- University of South Africa, School of Business Leadership
Educational
(finalising one module)
background
• Qualification: Master of Business Leadership (MBL 2)
• 2020- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Qualification:
Strategic Case Study
• 2015- Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA SA), Qualification: Certified Internal Auditor
(Part 1, 2 & 3)
• 2014- The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Qualification:
Public Practice Exam (Part 2)
• 2012- Accounting Professional Training (APT), Qualification: Auditing Specialist
Course
• 2012- The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Qualification:
Qualifying Examination Part 1 (QE1)
• 2011- University of South Africa, Qualification: Honours Bachelor of Accounting
Science (CTA)
• 2006- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Qualification: Bachelor of
Commerce
• 2003- Ximoyi Khosa High School, Highest Grade Passed: Grade 12
PRACTICE EXPERIENCE
Professional
experience
• 01 March 2016- Current: The Legacy Centre Consulting- Founder, Managing
Director
• November 2017- Current: Mashele And Associates Inc- Founder, Managing
Partner
WORK EXPERIENCE
• July 2016- February 2019: Tshwane University of Technology- Lecturer

(Department of Auditing)
• November 2015- February 2016: MTN SA- Financial Internal Audit Manager
• October 2014- October 2015: Sekelaxabiso- Internal Audit Quality Assurance
Manager
• June 2013 – October 2014: Gauteng Department of Finance- Deputy Director:
Knowledge and Training Manager
• August 2012 – May 2013: Auditor General of South Africa - Assistant Audit
Manager
• January 2009 – July 2012: Auditor General of South Africa- Trainee Auditor
(Completed Articles on July 2012)
• February 2007 – December 2008: First National Bank Credit Analyst
BOARD EXPERIENCE
• October 2018- Current: International Conference on Public Administration And

Development Alternatives (IPADA), Non- Executive Member
Achievements • Selected as one of 50 top female founder 2019 by Thriving Network

and interest • SMU Community Radio (97.1fm) weekly business contributor
• Mentoring and coaching activities
• Conference speaker (20th African Corporate Governance Conference, IIASA
Bloemfontein Central Region Summit- December 2017)
• Community development initiatives (Member of Agincourt Community)
Portfolio of evidence in the Impact
Enquiries: Ntsako Mahlaule
Contac no: 0722314262
Email: ntsakomahlaule04@gmail.com
It gives me great pleasure to be writing this letter regarding the impact that Ms Millycent
Mashele has contributed to my entrepreneurial life and the growth of my business.
As a young start up female entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Charged Up, Ms Millycent has
played a huge role in my company’s growth, from mentoring me and supporting me both
physically and financially, she has made it possible for me to start operating my clothing
business through the capital she bought for me also the advices she gave and she still
continues mentoring me into making sure that I stay compliant. She encourages me the
importance of working hard, being organized, passionate and the importance of providing
quality goods and services to my customers.
The money she donated to Charged Up to buy the starting up clothing stock and providing me
with the space where I can sell my clothing, through all that I can proudly say that we are now
able to stand on our own and continue running and growing our business into what we have
always hoped for and we are even more proud because we know she is there to advise us
through our entrepreneurial journey, I have learned a lot from her and still following her
footsteps.
I would recommend her and her business The Legacy Centre to be recognized in the work
she does as she continues to be an inspiration to many.
Kind regards
Ntsako Mahlaule
Charged Up CEO
Dear Ms Millycent Mashele
I am writing this letter to thank you for being my mentor

for the past two years. Although I have had several
excellent mentors throughout my life, I am taking this
opportunity to thank you for not only being the most
wonderful, person but for being an excellent mentor.
You have always been there for me providing moral

support, God-given wisdom and the patience of a saint.
Sometimes you said nothing and only listened, other
times you spoke the exact words that I needed to hear at
the right moment. How well you know me! I am ever
grateful for the knowledge you have so gracefully shared
throughout the period. The tenderness with which you
imparted your advice has been greatly appreciated.
Thank you for being truthful. Thank you for the encouragement when I needed it the most.
Thank you for the praise when it was not deserved. Thank you for the reality checks when my
pride got in the way. And most of all, thank you for believing in me.
I greatly appreciate the opportunity you gave me; it was a definite eye opener. Today I am a
proudly and growing entrepreneur in my field as an Accountant, you were grooming a business
owner instead of just an employee.
I wanted you to know, that I have the utmost respect for you. You have been, and continue to
be, an excellent role model to me. The Legacy lives on and on.
Yours Faithfully,
…………………………………
Charmeine M. Macheke BA (SA)

SAIBA Membership No: SAIBA8652
Tax Techinician PR No: 0097967
Registration no: 142-636
NPO 360 suid street Florapark,
Polokwane 0699
Tel: 0791962038
Email
Info@womenforjesussa.co.za Website:
https://womenforjesussa.co.za
REFERRAL LETTER FOR MILLYCENT MASHELE
This is to certify that Millycent Mashele has been involved in Women for Jesus SA as a
partner from 2014 to date. In 2014, Millycent Mashele saw our post on Facebook, and
offered her services to be a voluntary financial officer, in order to submit our returns to the
Department of Social development, as a registered Non-Profit Organization. As a
committee, we were filled with gratitude knowing that someone of Millycent’s caliber would
want to offer her services and guidance voluntarily, as we were only starting off as an
organization which required us to understand the financial, legal and operational obligations.
Millycent went on further to avail herself as a speaker at our Leadership conference, and
recently at our 10th anniversary virtual conference, were she shared her journey as an
entrepreneur and leader, and also highlighted how she overcame obstacles that led her to
where she is today. She is affectionately known as “aus Milly the legacy queen” as much of
the work she has pioneered is rooted in building a legacy and becoming a reference point
for black women from underprivileged backgrounds. We have also listed her as one of our
culture shifters for the year 2020, as she represents a woman who has shifted culture in the
entrepreneurial field. We believe that Millycent is a hardworking individual who has added
value to the organization over the years. Throughout our working relationship we have seen
her grow to be a hands-on leader who takes initiative and executes tasks professionally.
We truly believe that Millycent has the necessary attributes to excel in whichever task she
is given and goes beyond the call of duty to ensure that the task is executed with excellence.
Should you have any queries kindly contact us to further substantiate or give any
required information to support the behalf. Our contact information is listed in the letter
head.
Regards,
Lebogang Tisane (Chairperson and Founder)

Using the power of digital media to educate the public
Platform Name Link

Milly Mashele https://youtube.com/channel/UCghHWof
w6vAEpHsBMP4VkxA
The Legacy https://www.thelegacycentre.co.za/podc

Conversations ast
Millycent Mashele https://www.linkedin.com/in/millycent-

mashele-ca-sa-acma-cgma-cia-ra-
8a31b2b5/
Millycent Mashele https://www.facebook.com/millycent.mas

hele
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
ANDREA KLASSEN
30 years old
 
REPORTING MANAGER, BAYPORT
FINANCIAL SERVICES 2010
Short Profile
Andrea was born in Port Elizabeth and moved to Pretoria to pursue the CA(SA) dream.
She went on to do her master’s degree in tax at the University of Pretoria as tax is a significant line item
of the business. Upon passing her master’s she was invited to become a Golden Key International
Honour Society member. While doing her master’s, she mentored individuals to become chartered
accountants and participated in community projects such as the Circle of Life (an organisation that
supports those affected and infected by HIV/Aids). She then went on to win the New Member Golden
Key Chapter Award for her commitment to her academic studies, leadership skills, involvement in
extracurricular activities and participation in community projects.
However, she realised she had much more to learn and to give back to those who were striving to
become CAs(SA). She started her career at Bayport Financial Services 2010 (Pty) Ltd where she learnt
the ropes of the financial services industry and shared her story of what it took to become a CA(SA). She
was then voted one of the top 10 Phenomenal Women of the organisation. She loves teaching finance or
tax to those who want to learn and is patient enough to help others understand the world of finance.
She wanted to make a difference in the lives of others by providing a health and fitness club in promoting
positive mental health amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The club provides weekly healthy habit and
aerobics classes through Zoom that are realistic for people with busy lifestyles.
She loves the John Quincy Adam’s quote, ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do
more and become more, you are a leader.’ She feels that one does not have to make a difference in
people’s lives when one is at the top of the ladder − start by impacting one person’s life and your work
ethic will speak for itself.
Watch video
and achievements?
• Being promoted to reporting manager after being in my previous role for 1 year and 2 months
as an analyst.
• Graduated my Masters in Taxation at the University of Pretoria( 2018)
• Invited to be a part of the Golden Key International Honour Society in 2019 for being in the
top 15% of my Master’s Degree programme.
• Selected to be a committee member of the transformation committee within my organisation
• One of the top 10 winners in the 2018 Annual Phenomenal women award within my
organisation.
• New member recognition award for Superior Scholastic Attainments and Outstanding
Academic Merit- Golden Key ( 2019 ) 

Throughout my journey in becoming a Chartered Accountant, I motivate and mentor students in
becoming Chartered Accountants and provide them with study plans and methods in order to
navigate their way from matric to university. 
2013: In my honours year I visited the Zanethemba Safe Haven in Port Elizabeth which is a
place for abandoned, abused, neglected or orphaned kids. I didn’t work at the time and had no
money to donate. However I extended my time and played with the kids. 
2014-2016: During my article days we got involved in charities for Nelson Mandela Day on the
18th July, where we painted the building as well as did face painting on the kids and handed
out treats to the kids at the Circle of Life, situated in Eersterust Pretoria. I also participated in a
play for the kids at the House Gracia Child & Youth Care in Pretoria North giving them clothing
and food parcels during Christmas time.  
2017: I gave a motivational talk at my previous organisation for the Cell C bring a girl to work
day and discussed my journey in becoming a CA (SA), as well as motivating the high school
learners as to why choosing the correct subjects are so important. 
2018: Within my current organisation, I got involved in painting the primary school classrooms
in the Alexandra township. During my free time when I am not studying or trying to optimize
opportunities and controls within the workplace, I try to help out within the community. 
2019: I provided lessons to my project management class on accounting , costing and

budgeting.  
2019-current: I have provided aerobic classes to a group at work teaching every Monday and
started health and fitness group by sharing health tips after losing 20kgs. 
recent past?
I mentor young individuals in choosing to become Chartered Accountants through using my
experiences as to how I overcame various stages of the route to becoming a CA (SA). I use
myself as an example which allows people to relate to me by showing how I use my
experiences in overcoming my challenges when I failed subjects in my first year, second year
and third year.. 
My initiative to uplift the community is still ongoing as I am in the process of writing a

motivational book called the slingshot affect – 1 step back 10 steps forward of which I would
donate half of the proceeds to a bursary scheme that would give disadvantaged children at
primary school, high school or university by paying their tuition fees and giving them an
opportunity to learn so that they don’t have to worry or stress about education when trying to
achieve their dreams.
young leader?
Within my career as a CA (SA) I set an example as a young leader through my vibrant
personality breaking barriers and stereotypes that all accountants are boring and monitor
numbers all day. I set an example by being my true self in being honest, taking pride in my work
and always striving to be an over achiever. I motivate my peers around me to think further than
their job description through me studying my Masters in Tax by showing them that it takes hard
work and perseverance to obtain your goals. 
I also teach accounting to my project management course in assisting them to understand an

income statement. I set an example to my community back at home when going through all my
adversities in becoming a CA (SA) when the average person would have given up. 
In my organisation I work closely with the head of Finance and the CFO and have presented
them with a plan to optimize and improve the existing controls in my managerial role in adding
value to the business. I take pride in myself and work and when people see me, I try to
encourage that no dream is too big to achieve. 
Top 35 finalist?
I believe I should be in the top 35, as I have influenced and motivated people by assisting them
to overcome their obstacles through telling them how I have overcome my own personal
experiences. I come from a small town in Port Elizabeth called Bethelsdorp which is affected by
gangsterism, drugs and teenage pregnancy. On top of that, my parents’ divorced and my dad
left our household in the year of my matric. Despite going through the various pressures of life, I
had succumb to anxiety and stress at such a young age , being the older sister I had to be
strong for my mother and sister to better myself and get out of our circumstances.
A close friend of my mother enquired what I wanted to become one day and told us about the
Thuthuka Bursary camp offering an opportunity to provide financial assistance at Tertiary level. I
applied and got selected in matric to be on the camp. The Thuthuka camp was for the top
learners in the Eastern Cape, however being on the camp did not guarantee me to be selected
for a bursary. 
 
I had no source of income to pay for tertiary studies, I had no way out of getting out of my
circumstances. The only hope I had in my matric year was to be selected for the bursary by
showing good matric results. Through my hardwork and determination, Thuthuka Bursary
scheme accepted me into the program at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. 
 
Becoming a CA (SA) was the only hope I had in bettering myself and the people around me
either by me being an example or assisting my family financially. People don’t realise studying
this course is tough but well worth it. It gives the under privilege hope that there is a light at the
end of the tunnel. It is not always being the smartest person in the room but having the
determination and perseverance by overcoming all odds to become a CA(SA).This designation
is more than just a fancy title but an opportunity to expand someone’s way of thinking and life
through innovation and solving problems. 
Being in the top 35 would show a young South African that it is possible to come from a small
town, struggle your way through university, work extremely hard during articles to become a CA
(SA) in order to provide for their family. 
 
I failed subjects in first year, second year and third year, being kicked out of the Thuthuka
programme with no funding to assist me to carry on and no family to provide to further my
studies was a tough setback I had to overcome. Yet I had the hope that this title would set me
free from all adversity. Dealing with anxiety and stress from my childhood impacted me
negatively throughout my university career however I didn’t allow those factors to affect my
dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant. 
 
I took the decision that I had to do something different, think differently to reach my goals. I
worked at Mazars Port Elizabeth full time and studied part time to get my degree. I worked so
hard waking up to study at 4 am, then going to work from 8am to 5pm thereafter attending
classes from 6pm to 9pm, repeating the routine every day . I did not have a car I had to take
public transport, through all of that I obtained an average of 55% for the term in order to qualify
to be accepted into the Accounting Honours program. 
 
The dream of becoming a CA(SA) was so surreal that I couldn’t believe all my sacrifices paid
off. Accounting Honours year was indeed the hardest year of study career. Through the
changing of my mindset and surrounding myself with people who believe that even if I was
getting 25% in my tests in management accounting, I would still pass the year. I passed
Accounting Honours, Board 1 and Board 2 in my first seating. 
People really thought I would fail and gave up on me, I proved to myself I am more than my
struggles and adversity which I then went on to do my Masters in Tax because I couldn’t just
stop at CA (SA). Tax is one of the crucial lines of every company that can make or break a
company and thus I wanted to be able to add value to any organization. However my struggles
did not stop there, after qualifying as a CA (SA) and being on top of the world, I joined the tax
division. After a few months the company couldn’t afford me anymore of which I got retrenched.
Being a black, female South African Chartered Accountant I questioned my worth, thinking how
could this happen to me. However with this amazing title CA(SA) opened doors to so many
opportunities, within a month I had 4 offers and accepted the offer that fit my values and
aspirations. I used my experiences to work harder than ever in my current organisation and got
promoted to reporting manager within a year and 2 months. 
 
Being in the top 35 would allow me to tell my story and to tell the little girl or boy, coming from
any background, in any circumstance that nothing is impossible as long as you hold onto the
dream of becoming a CA (SA). The opportunity to be in the top 35 would give me the motivation
to complete the last chapters of my book called the Slingshot effect, 1 step back 10 steps
forward, the target market being primary and high school leaners as well as university leaners
because peer pressures affects all learners and they need motivation more than ever to
cultivate their minds to push against all obstacles. As well as to empower South African women
of all types that no matter what you going through, raising a family, being a top executive,
anything is possible as long you hold onto the dream of becoming a CA (SA).I have become the
role model for others I have always wanted for myself. I always tell myself and encourage others
to be the change they want to see and your dream should so big it should scare you. 
Should I be one of the winners for the SAICA Top 35-under-35 winners, it would provide me
with a platform and a voice that people are able to trust and rely on the advice and assistance I
am able to provide in terms of making either the best decision with their career or financial
advice. This opportunity is more than a competition but a reason to reach more people with my
GOALS and DREAMS I set to persue in 2020 and achieving anything I put my mind to that
nothing is impossible when you becoming a Chartered Accountant. 
 
INFLUENCE
DEVELOP
• Mentoring and coaching students in pursuing their career to become CAs(SA).
• Painted a primary school in Alexandra township (Johannesburg) ensuring the children have
the best facilities to work in.
LEAD
• Providing a health and fitness programme that promotes positive mental health through
weekly healthy habits and zoom aerobics classes in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic.
Rewarding my club members weekly for their participation in meeting the weekly goals and
taking part in the aerobics classes. The club motivates, assists and encourages those that
have been mentally, emotionally and physically affected by COVID 19 pandemic.
• SAICA camp leader for grade 11 and 12 pupils assisting in their careers and providing
guidance in endorsing the CA (SA) profession.
INFLUENCE
• As the Reporting manager I provide guidance and expertise in the tax and finance division
and provide training sessions to departments where training is needed.
• Participating in numerous outreach activities such as the Circle of Life outreach programme
that assists people infected and affected by HIV and Aids.
Andrea Klassen
CA (SA), Mcom Tax
Portfolio of evidence for outreach
activities and health and fitness initiative
Alexandra • Painting a school in the Alexandra

Township - 2018 ( Johannesburg)
School
• Circle of Life’s main purpose is to do HIV

Circle of testing and Counselling and supporting
those affected and infected by HIV/Aids,
life which presents a serious threat to the
world and South Africa in particular.
The
• Online Zoom Aerobics classes for health
Sizzling and fitness- 2019-2020
Club
Painting a school in the Alexandra
Township - 2018 ( Johannesburg)
Online Zoom Aerobics classes for
health and fitness-
2019-2020
ANDREA ANGELIQUE KLASSEN
ffddfdf
CA (SA) - MCOM TAX
LEADERSHIP ROLES
Reporting manager - My duties entails managing the various functions of
finance by ensuring the external and internal reporting deadlines are met.
Providing external investors with reports that are accurate by providing
information on the performance of the company in order to make informed
decisions.
Transformation EE committee member - Ensures that the organisation adheres

to the employment equity plan to ensure fairness and equity amongst
individuals’ as well to empower employees to advance their skills through
adequate training.
I believe that my strong educational Auditor in Charge (AIC)

background and experience in the My duties entailed managing various audit teams by ensuring audit deadlines
are met. Liaising with clients from different industries and ensuring that my
financial services industry would make
managers and engagement partners were up-to-date with the progress of the
me an appropriate candidate for the audits. Managed audits with 5- 10 team members depending on the size of the
position. audit.
BDO South Africa Incorporated: Evolution Committee member – Treasurer

Involved in outreach programmes in our firm which entailed visiting old age
homes, orphanages when organising Nelson Mandela day activities.
BDO South Africa Incorporated: Chairman of Clerks Committee

081 526 9547 Facilitation of audit clerk’s queries reporting to senior management to ensure
sound clear communication lines.
aaklassen18@gmail.com SAICA Camp Leader

Camp leader for SAICA's top learners in the Eastern Cape, facilitated
approximately 150 children and guiding them towards their career choices.
SAICA No: 20037645

EDUCATION
2019 Project management NQF level 4 - Awaiting Certificate
Golden Key Membership 2018 Master of Commerce Taxation - University of Pretoria
Top 15% - Masters in Tax 2016 Post Graduate Programme in Advance Taxation - University of Pretoria
Program 2015 Professional Competence Development Programme in Accountancy
New Member Recognition and Related Disciplines (Board Exams Part II) - University of
Award – Golden Key Johannesburg
2014 SAICA's Initial test of Competence Professional Examination (Board
Exams Part I) - University of Johannesburg
2013 BCOM Honours in Accounting - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
Top 10 winner Annual
University (NMMU)
Phenomenal women
2012 BCOM in Accounting for Chartered Accountants - Nelson Mandela
award (2018) – Bayport
Metropolitan University (NMMU)
Financial Services 2010
2007 Matriculated - Collegiate High school for Girls
(Pty) Ltd
Open Rubric
WORK EXPERIENCE
Reporting Manager - Bayport Financial Services - Johannesburg - (1 Jan 2019- Current)

 Review the monthly management pack which is reported to our Group company based in Mauritius,
reporting on the balance sheet and income statement, performance of the business. Providing
commentary on month to month fluctuations.
 Review the monthly management’s accounts and presented the management accounts to the CFO,
Head of finance and all the management divisions.
 Preparation of sustainability report (confirmation of job creation) for Ashburton Burton Investments,
liaising with external investor as to what information is required in order to meet the objectives of the
external Investor
 Reporting and understanding the mechanics of our securitisation vehicle which manages the buying
and selling of loans for the business, ensuring that the vehicle meets its covenants and reporting to our
external investors on the profitability and cash flow of the securitisation vehicle in terms of the
program memorandum set out by the external investors
 Supervision and training of Reporting Analyst provided training to Finance and procurement
department. Supervised and provided training to finance staff members when obtaining information
that impacts external or internal investor reporting.
 Managing a warehouse facility (Standard bank) in terms of reporting, cash flow conditions, liaising with
the external investor in terms of delivering reports within the required deadline. Understanding the
mechanics of the warehouse facility to ensure accurate and efficient information. Providing feedback
to the CFO and Head of Finance with regards to matters raised within the report.
 Review National Credit report and K32 report prescribed by the Reserve Bank.
 Adhoc projects – investigated processes that appeared redundant within the reporting division after
understanding the processes which resulted in controls being optimised in addition to liaising with
Information management to assist in providing information more efficiently adding value to the
business.
 Preparation of Annual Financial Statements in Caseware and Word, in preparation for CIPCI XBRL
Submission
 Completion of income taxation calculations for AFS
 Prepare the Income tax returns for all companies within the group structure.
 Review the vat direct attribution workings to ensure the company applies the correct vat
apportionment ratio
 Review of monthly vat calculations / returns and the monthly income tax journals to be posted
 Completion of provisional and year-end tax returns
 Liaising with SARS in respect of their queries and audits
 Ensuring external audit performs within deadlines and budget, and with minimal report items
Reporting Analyst - Bayport Financial Services-Johannesburg - (1 Nov 2017- 31 Dec 2018)

 Preparation of monthly management accounts, quarterly reports, year-end audit pack and annual
financial statements and providing commentary in a timely and accurate manner
 Preparation of month end journals with accompanying financial reconciliations, analysing variances
and deviations from benchmarks
 Preparation of all external stakeholder investor reports.
 Manages year end interim audits
 Releases daily disbursements and weekly supplier payments.
 Perform adhoc projects when required
 Gained understanding with regards to IFRS 9 being implemented
 Analysis of business performance
 Preparation of National credit regulatory report (Form 39 & Form 40)
Corporate Tax Compliance Consultant - BDO South Africa Incorporated- Johannesburg
(1 Jan 2017 – 30 Sep 2017)
 Preparation of ITR14 return and IT14SD returns and submissions
 Reviews companies AFS, Trial balance and Tax computation to ensure the correct tax has been
disclosed and ensuring that companies are compliant in terms of the Income Tax Act No 58 of 1962.
 Prepares the tax training for the tax compliance department ensuring the tax compliance department
is updated with the latest tax alerts and training.
 Performs objections and suspension of payment for clients
 Reperformed clients VAT, Deferred tax, Income tax, EMP201 for accuracy and validity.
 Effective team management.
 Tax training facilitator- facilitated and presented training sessions to the Tax Compliance department
on various aspects of TAX.
 Effectively managed a portfolio of + - 150 tax clients and provide exceptional client service and liaised
directly with the audit partners regarding the Annual Financial Statement's tax computation
 Manage own development to increase own competencies
Trainee Accountant in Auditing and Assurance - BDO South Africa Incorporated- Pretoria
(1 Jan 2014 – 31 Dec 2016)
 Pre-engagement client investigation and assurance/quality control compliance (ISQC 1, International
Standards of Auditing).
 Audit planning and risk assessment (At overall financial statement level and at assertion level).
 Audit Strategy (Design of audit procedures based on assessed risk).
 Internal control identification, assessment and implementation testing.
 General audit execution with advanced knowledge in accounting, taxation and financial management.
 Lead and manage private sector financial audits (including planning, execution, detailed reviewing,
concluding and reporting).
 Performing risk assessments on internal control systems.
 Design and implement internal controls to address risk.
 Review and compilation of annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS.
 Performed clients VAT, Deferred tax, Income tax, EMP201 for accuracy and validity.
 Effective team management.
 Coaching of staff to enhance performance
 Manage external financial audits, including responding to findings within deadline date
 Provide technical accounting support for accounting and tax related queries from finance units per the
principles of GRAP and IFRS
 Applied knowledge of the PFMA Act and GRAP
 Strong analytical communication (both written and verbal)
 Budget analysis, forecast and preparation of budget
Analyse management accounts and co-ordination of annual budgets.
Trainee Accountant in Auditing and Assurance- Mazars Port Elizabeth - (1 Jan 2012- 31 Dec 2012)
 Participation in the planning, execution and conclusion phase of external audit clients.
 Responsible for performing pre-engagement activities incl. obtaining an understanding of the business
and identifying key business and audit risks.
 Developing the audit plan, designing substantive tests of detail, performing financial statement
analysis.
Reference Checking Form: Andrea Angelique Klassen
Referee Name &Title: Inge Vieira-Accountant and Tax manager

Referee Company Name:Jaguar Landrover South Africa
Date completed:23 June 2019
1. Please describe the duties of the candidate in their position within your organization.
Andrea was an article clerk within the audit firm at BDO South Africa of which she assisted
up to third year article clerk level management duties to perform audits as well as manage
teams to ensure audit deadlines are met. She also was involved in outreach programmes
and managed the clerk committee within the organisation.
2. Please describe any leadership qualities that she has shown throughout her employment
within the organisation.
Andrea has sincere enthusiasm when it comes to how she approaches tasks within her
journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant. I have gotten to know Andrea for three
years, she has assisted partners, managers and her co-workers whenever they needed
help, tackling tasks with a can do attitude. She knows how to communicate with everyone
in order to get the job done. When faced with challenges, either being on a tight deadline
or a difficult client, she uses her ability to communicate and plan to meet her deadlines
and ensure the client is happy. Her passion to teach and educate others makes her an
asset to any organisation as she can be a take instruction and translate it to motivate and
lead a team.
3. How would you describe the applicant’s relationships with co-workers, supervisors,
managers and clients?
Andrea gets along with everyone around her, as she treats them with respect and
professionalism. Her colleagues respects her and the manager’s requested to have her on
their team as she can motivate and manage the team with tight deadlines. Andrea always
tries to encourage others around her when they are faced with challenges by speaking of
her experiences as to how she studied part time and worked full time in order to get
degree to qualify for honours in Accounting.
4. Describe the candidate’s work attitude (positive or negative) and how she has influenced
others around her (please provide examples where you can).
Andrea leads by example, as she takes initiative when help is needed and she always
goes the extra mile in order to complete audits. She will give up her own time even when
she has other deadlines to help other audit teams complete their deadlines. Her positivity
around the office, allows her peers to motivate themselves that when they having a bad
day at the office there is always a reason to smile.
5. How would you describe the quality of output generated by the person?
Andrea takes pride in her work and pays attention to detail. She has provided work that
needs limited detailed review as she knows when things fluctuate in terms of variances on
financial statements and can back up her work with evidence should she be asked about
any working papers she has performed. Andrea gives progress status updates in order to
make the partners and managers aware of how the audit is progressing which allows
provision for any delays.
6. Please describe her strengths on the job/within the work place in terms of how she has set
an example for others around her.
Andrea has a positive attitude and has impacted her co-workers by helping others when
she can. She is honest and her work performance is done with the utmost integrity in
admitting when she is wrong and takes accountability for her actions. She is an asset to
any team or company. Andrea can defend her viewpoint and is able to motivate her
decision.
7. What is your overall assessment of the candidate?

Andrea is an enthusiastic and driven young women, whom I have had a pleasure to work
with and hopefully assist into becoming an example CA (SA). I would recommend her for
her applicable position as she is able to adapt to the changing environment and make the
best of her situation to ensure that she gets up to speed fast and delivers the required
service as need. Andrea’s positive can do attitude towards life makes it enjoyable to work
with her.
---------------------------------------------------------
Inge Vieira
24/06/2019
Scanned by CamScanner
Scanned by CamScanner
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
NOMONDE MDINGI
30 years old
INVESTMENT
 
BANKER - LEVERAGE
FINANCE TRANSACTOR, RAND
MERCHANT BANK
Short Profile
Nomonde Mdingi started her career at FirstRand Bank where she completed her articles and qualified as
a CA(SA). After articles she joined RMB’s Investment Banking Division as a deal maker in leveraged
finance. She is well known for her debt advisory, debt arranging and debt funding capabilities for
investment holding companies and BEE groups, as well as corporate BEE transactions. She is a senior
deal maker for investment holding companies with an aggregate asset value of more than R150 billion
and prides herself on structuring deals that create value.
In her five-year career as a deal maker, she has led or co-led many landmark transactions in South Africa.
Some of her notable transactions are the acquisition of Hastings PLC by Rand Merchant Investments
Holdings (2017); the R16,4-billion Vodacom/Yebo Yethu BEE scheme (2018), which was the largest BEE
empowerment transaction in the ICT sector; the R16-billion CIVH debt restructuring (2019) (the largest
transaction of its kind in the SA debt market); and the RMB Holdings unbundling of FirstRand shares
(2020).
She is a recipient of various accolades and honours, including being on the 2015 SAICA APC honours
roll. She recently won the RMB Founders Award, which is the highest deal-making honour awarded to an
individual who has displayed outstanding service and exceptional deal-making above and beyond the
call of duty. She was the first African female to win this award in the history of RMB.
She is an Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellow and a McKinsey Next Generation Women Leaders
Alumnus. As a mentor to many young women, she encourages them that it is possible as young black
females to thrive in a male-dominated industry: investment banking.
She is a mother of one and is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Law with Unisa.
Watch video
and achievements?
• I am a senior deal maker of four big BEE groups/Investment Holding Companies with a
combined asset value of more than R150 billion
• I have led landmark transactions such as:
• Lead deal maker for the debt advisory, arranging and funding for the Yebo Yethu/ Vodacom
R16.4 billion BEE transaction
• Co-Lead deal maker for the debt advisory, arranging and funding for the CIVH (Dark Fibre
and Vumatel) R16 billion debt restructure
• Co-Lead deal maker for the debt advisory, arranging and funding for the Rand Merchant
Insurance Investment ("RMI") R10 billion acquisition of Hastings Group
• In July 2020 I won a Founders’ Award/ Deal Maker of the year at RMB. This is the most
prestigious and highest award for deal makers (please see extract of what the award means). I
was the first African Black Female to ever win it in the history of RMB. It is by far the biggest
highlight of my career to date.

I am involved in an agricultural project that my retired 75 year old mother runs in the
community of Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape. It’s a co-op of 6 women that plant vegetables for
consumption and sale. I assisted them with registering the co-op, getting funding from the
department of agriculture, negotiating contracts with business like Spar and Shoprite where
they on sell too. I also help them with pricing of their vegetables.
 
I have previously been involved in ABASA Bursary committee, where we used to raise
funding for matriculants. 
recent past?
In the past 2 years, 2 of my direct managers resigned and that required me to step up quite
early in my career as a deal maker. Usually it takes 5-7 years to lead landmark transactions but
within 4 years of being a deal maker, I have led 3 remarkable transactions as mentioned above.
It was not easy to step up as a black woman in a big, male dominated corporate like RMB
because of the spotlight and the responsibilities that it comes with. I could have easily said I
wasn't ready but I decided to rise up to the challenge by owning up the space and being one of
them. I worked hard, spoke to my mentors frequently for support and because of that I earned
the respect and trust. As a result, I am working on 3 more landmark transactions that will
improve the lives of black South Africans. 
 
The one thing that I love about my job is that it all revolves around empowering black South
Africans. 
young leader?
I have been involved in projects that make me proud to be a South African. An example is the
R16bn debt restructure for CIVH (Please refer to my linked in profile for the RMB deal advert).
Being able to enable a company to provide fibre to lower LSM homes was a proud moment for
me. Internet has become some vital during this Covid-19 period as most people are working
from home and well as online schooling which requires access to the internet. 
 
As a young black woman, I always make sure that I work hard to remain relevant and well
empowered in my work environment, and I always make sure that I mentor those that come
after me, I make sure that when there is a new young person joining the team I look after them, I
put them on the projects that I am on, I show them how to survive in our space and how to not
give up.
Top 35 finalist?
I believe I should be nominated as a finalist to give hope to a young black woman who aspire to
be a leader in one of the big corporates in South Africa. To show that a rural girl from the dusty
village of Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape who could barely speak good English when she went to
university has done it, so can you! I was also on the honours roll (top 10) for the first SAICA
APC exam and I believe people deserve to hear my story because it brings hope to the smart
little girl playing hopscotch in the villages right now.
DEVELOP
As a debt advisor, debt arranger and debt funder for Investment holding companies/BEE
groups and corporate BEE transactions, my daily job entails originating and negotiating deal for
clients, introducing investment opportunities to clients and collaborating with colleagues from
diverse backgrounds on various projects. When one is in a client facing business; people skills,
discipline, empathy and integrity are as important characteristics as financial skills. As
Chartered Accountants we are fortunate to be trained to not only focus on the financial skills
but also the “softs skills.” I believe the combination of these skills are what have enabled me to
succeed in my career.
In Investment banking, your success is defined by how much bottom line you bring into the
business. I am proud to say that in the 5 years I’ve worked at RMB; I have managed to close
landmark transactions that not only put the bank on the front page of the Business Day but also
generated great returns. Clients are willing to pay structuring fees if you can display the value
that s you bring that will set you apart from your competitors.
My structuring capabilities are what set me apart, I am able to give a client a composite solution
where I not only just provide bank funding but I also assist my clients source other pots of
funding to build up the capital structure. For example, if client A would like to acquire company
A but the bank can only provide client A with 40% of the acquisition price, I don’t go back to
client A and say I can only give you 40% of your funding needs. I go back and say; the bank
can only provide you with 40% of the funding, however you can source an additional 40% from
institution X and I don’t only leave it at that, I also assist with setting up those introductory
meetings with institution X, assist with the positioning of the deal and make sure that my client
is in a well of position to close the deal. That’s how I grow client relationships and make sure
that even for their next deal, they come to me.
INFLUENCE
Being a black woman in Investment banking is challenging but it is the same challenge that
gets me out of bed because I see myself transforming this industry for young women to come
after me. I mentor a lot of young women especially the ones that join the bank because I know
how it to not be noticed or put in the best deals. So I always make sure that when there is a
new young person joining the team I look after them, I put them on the projects that I am on, I
show them how to survive in our space and how to not give up.
I also give motivational talks to upcoming CAs who are preparing for their board exams. I didn’t
make it into the Honours Roll (Top 10) for APC because I studied harder than the next person,
but I had the right mindset, the right attitude and the right motivation to get it. Sometimes it’s all
about how badly you want something and that’s how I motivate the upcoming CAs.
LEAD
I have led/co-led many landmark transactions in South Africa. Some of the notable transactions
include; the acquisition of Hastings PLC by Rand Merchant Investments Holdings (2017),
R16.4bn Vodacom/Yebo Yethu BEE scheme (2018) which was the largest BEE empowerment
transaction in the ICT sector, R16bn CIVH debt restructuring (2019) this was also the largest
transaction of its nature in the SA debt market and lastly the RMB Holdings unbundling of
FirstRand shares (2020).
The YY transaction is a good example of where I displayed my leadership capabilities because

as a mandated lead arranger and funding advisor, I had to play multiple roles. The mandate
entailed negotiating with Vodacom management on the importance of doing a BEE ownership
transaction of scale that could potentially transform the country and interrupt patterns of wealth
accumulation, to negotiating pricing and funding terms with South African banks and to
communicating to Yebo Yethu stakeholders which included BEE shareholders who are as
elderly Africans as old as my 75-year-old mother.
RÉSUMÉ: NOMONDE MDINGI
79 Morningside villas Cell: 083 753 0136

Murray road Telephone: 011 282 4620
Morningside manor email: nholomisa@yahoo.com
7910
I am a young, enthusiastic and energetic black female individual who believes that in order for one
to reach his/her maximum potential, one must tackle tasks with vigour and vigilance, as these are
the building blocks to a stable, strong character. Thus, I continuously work towards reaching my
maximum potential and building a well founded character. Challenges pave my way for success and
goals make it (success) attainable!
EDUCATION
Chartered Accountancy (SA)
2015: Completed Assessment of Professional Competence with honours (TOP 10) (Board II)
2013: Completed Initial test of Competence (Board I)
Law
Present: University of South Africa
• 2nd year Bachelor of Law (LLB)
Tertiary Education
2012: University of Johannesburg
Completed a Baccalaureus Commercii Cum Honoribus (Accounting honours)
2008-2011: University of Cape Town

Completed a Bachelor of Business Science in Finance (honours) degree
• Majors : Finance and Accounting
• CA stream
High School Education
2007: Senior Certificate with Distinction, Umtata High School
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
2016- Present: SAICA APC exam committee member
2015: SAICA APC Exam Sitter
2015: FirstRand Volunteers: Adopt a crèche Initiative coordinator
2013- 2015: ABASA Bursary Committee member
2011- Present: Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Alumni
2009-2010: SHAWCO Committee- Masizikhulise Project Volunteer Coordinator
2008-2009: House Committee - Graca Machel Residence
ACHIEVEMENTS
2015: APC Honours Roll Candidate of 2014
2015: CA Trainee of the year
2009: Warden’s Merit List- Graca Machel Residence
2009: Dean’s Merit List- University of Cape Town
2007: Dux Scholar- Umtata High School
SKILLS SET
• Business Analysis (Performance, Financial, and Market Analysis)
• Credit Analysis
• Client relations
• Negotiation skills
• Excel skills
• Communication skills (verbal and writing)
• Work well under pressure
• Good people skills
• Mentoring young women
WORK EXPERIENCE
January 2016-Present- RMB Leveraged Finance: Transactor
✓ I work in the share-based lending and funding advisory business, focusing on BEE groups,
Investment Holding Companies and Corporate BEE transactions
✓ I am the senior transactor of four big BEE groups/Investment Holding Companies with a
combined asset value of more than R150 billion
✓ Landmark public transactions that I have been involved in as a mandated lead arranger and
funder include;
o Rand Merchant Investment Holdings’ acquisition of 29.9% in Hastings Group Limited
o R16.4 billion Vodacom Yebo Yethu BEE transaction
o R16 billion CIVH debt restructure
2013-2015- FirstRand Bank Limited: CA Training
• FirstRand Group Tax: Direct tax, Indirect Tax and Tax Risk Management (6 months):
✓ Analyzed financial data to ensure that only accurate data was submitted to the Revenue
Authorities in respect of tax returns of the various entities within the FirstRand Group
(specifically on CGT, DWT, STT, VAT, Provisional Tax, Income Tax, Reportable
Arrangements);
✓ Ensured that the organization complied with periodic tax payment, information
reporting and other tax authority requirements;
• WesBank Financial Advisory Services Rotation:

✓ Exposure to the bank’s statutory (Financial Reporting) and management (Performance)
reporting.
✓ Annual Budget process
✓ I gained invaluable experience in IFRS Accounting, performance analysis (Income
Statement and Balance Sheet), Costing, as well as an insight to the instalment sales
finance business.
• FNB Commercial Credit Rotation:

✓ Business Analysis skills (both fundamental and market)
✓ Credit Analysis
✓ Understanding the FirstRand rating methodology
✓ Presentation skills at Gauteng Provincial Committee and Commercial Credit Committee.
• Other rotation within FirstRand:

✓ FNB credit card: Reporting
✓ RMB Africa: Market Risk
✓ FirstRand Group Internal Audit
✓ FirstRand Close to Reporting (Interims)
2010- Allan Gray Limited: Group Finance Intern
✓ Financial reporting
✓ Strategic thinking and Innovation through being involved in their project rollout.
✓ Presentation skills
TOP 5 STRENGTHS
Achiever- I have a constant need for achievement which explains my drive to succeed and to see
those around me succeed. It is what keeps me going.
Communication- I am known to turn events into stories and practice telling them. I take the dry idea
and enliven it with images and examples and metaphors.
Command- this is what leads me to take charge in whatever task I do. I have presence and this is
what draws people to me because I always take a stance.
Activator- I am impatient for action, I believe only action can make things happen. Only action leads
to performance because I know I will be judged not by what I say, not by what I think, but by what I
get done.
Learner- in everything I do, I always make sure I learn something. I am energized by the steady and
deliberate journey from ignorance to competence.
REFEREES
Mr Duncan Smith, Programme Manager -Head of Share-based Lending, Rand Merchant Bank
Tel: 011 282 8805/ 082 548 8346
Address: 16th Floor, 1 Merchant Place, Corner Fredman Drive and Rivonia Road, Sandton, 2196
Mrs Alexia Towell, Programme Manager -CA Training Programme, FirstRand Limited
Tel: 011 282 4087/ 082 651 3023
Address: 4th Floor, 4 Merchant Place, Corner Fredman Drive and Rivonia Road, Sandton, 2196
Below is the meaning of THE FOUNDERS AWARD that I have recently won and included in my career
highlights. Being the first African female to ever win this award in the history of RMB means the world to
me. Not in my wildest of dreams did ever imagine myself winning this award let alone at such a young
age. I have watched middle aged man win this award since I joined RMB.
I hope winning this award will inspire young females that it is possible!

Nomonde Holomisa-Mdingi
Community Involvement Presentation
1. Food security Project
• I am involved in an agricultural project that my retired 75 year old mother runs in the
community of Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape
• Its a co-op of 6 women that plant vegetables for consumption and sale
• This project is close to my heart as these women are able to secure food for their families and
also sell some of the vegetables to big retailers to make money to further sustain their families
• I assisted them with registering the co-op and getting support from the department of
agriculture
• From time to time I assist them with negotiating contracts with retailers for example a
wholesaler in Viedgesville and the market in Mthatha where they on sell too.
• I also assist them with pricing of their vegetables.
Food security Project
Some of the products from

my mother’s gardens
My mother in her garden

Annual Mandela Day Blanket Drive
• For the past 5 years my family and I have been doing a Blanket drive every Mandela
Day
• We randomly select communities within Gauteng and donate blankets to families in
that community
• It has been a successful project and has grown from donating 50 blankets to 150
blankets
• We self fund the project
• We intend to continue for as long as we are able to and we hope to one day reach
1000 blankets
2019 Mandela Day Blanket Drive
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
FULUFHELO
SIPHUMA
32 years old
AUDIT MANAGER, EY
Short Profile
Fulufhelo Siphuma is an audit manager in banking and capital markets at Ernest & Young and a member of the Institute of Directors in South
Africa. She has management experience in various industries ranging from financial services (treasury functions, insurance, investments, and
banking and capital markets) to logistics and property management. She is instrumental in generating new business opportunities and building
client networks, evidenced by assisting partners in winning proposals.
She is a social entrepreneur and wellness expert who is committed to the UN’s SDGs of quality education and good health and wellbeing
(through prevention of non-communicable diseases). She has been named SAICA’s UN SDG Champion (SDG 3: Ensure health and wellbeing) in
2019.
Fulufhelo has various initiatives aimed at attaining SDG 3, such as fitness masterclasses to encourage people to stay healthy. This Golden Key
member and thought leader raises awareness through traditional media such as radio/TV talk shows and newspaper articles and shares regular
tips on social media platforms with a fitness community of over 67 000 participants.
Fulufhelo Siphuma Fitness currently creates employment for freelancers. Other achievements include winning the people’s choice by getting the
most public votes in the USN Face of Fitness and Women’s Health influencer of the month in April 2020. She has contributed to fitness articles
for IOL, SAICA and Golden Key.
Fulufhelo is also a sought-after speaker in the business and finance area, having taken part in various panel discussions (including the SAICA
Women in Leadership series and the National Vision 2030 summit where she served as moderator and MC). 
Being part of a generation that is fostering change for the betterment of our families, communities, cities, country and Africa, she is a task force
member of FinBiz2030, an initiative of Oneyoungworld, CAW and SAICA.
Fulufhelo Siphuma is an audit manager in banking and capital markets at Ernest & Young and a member of the Institute of Directors in South
Africa. She has management experience in various industries ranging from financial services (treasury functions, insurance, investments, and
banking and capital markets) to logistics and property management. She is instrumental in generating new business opportunities and building
client networks, evidenced by assisting partners in winning proposals.
She is a social entrepreneur and wellness expert who is committed to the UN’s SDGs of quality education and good health and wellbeing
(through prevention of non-communicable diseases). She has been named SAICA’s UN SDG Champion (SDG 3: Ensure health and wellbeing) in
2019.
Fulufhelo has various initiatives aimed at attaining SDG 3, such as fitness masterclasses to encourage people to stay healthy. This Golden Key
member and thought leader raises awareness through traditional media such as radio/TV talk shows and newspaper articles and shares regular
tips on social media platforms with a fitness community of over 67 000 participants.
Fulufhelo Siphuma Fitness currently creates employment for freelancers. Other achievements include winning the people’s choice by getting the
most public votes in the USN Face of Fitness and Women’s Health influencer of the month in April 2020.
She has contributed to fitness articles for IOL, SAICA and Golden Key.
Fulufhelo is also a sought-after speaker in the business and finance area, having taken part in various panel discussions (including the SAICA
Women in Leadership series and the National Vision 2030 summit where she served as moderator and MC). 
Being part of a generation that is fostering change for the betterment of our families, communities, cities, country and Africa, she is a task force
member of FinBiz2030, an initiative of Oneyoungworld, CAW and SAICA.
She is committed to improving economic emancipation by contributing towards the increase of black chartered accountants in the country and
rebuilding the confidence and reputation of the CA profession. She invests in recruiting the youth at universities through SAICA’s drives, where
she engages with future business leaders about responsible leadership and promotes the value of theCA(SA) designation.
Watch video
and achievements?
• Acquiring new business for my audit firm by winning the Nozala Investments tender
• I learnt how to generate new business opportunities and build client networks and
relationships
• I learnt to fully understand our service offerings and actively identify opportunities to better
serve clients
• Building strong internal relationships across other services that would assist the firm and
specifically our division once new business had been acquired through tender processes
• It was important for me to attain these skills as the next level of my line of work will require me
to bring more clientele and revenue to the firm. It was therefore important for me to prepare
myself and get ready for the next step in my career progression. Also, learning to build
relationships is crucial in every sector 
 
I was immensely honoured to be the moderator of various panel discussion, driving the
necessary conversations on how we can attain the South Africa we want (skills,economic
growth and investment).The Vision 2030 summit,is hosted by Topco Media and brings All
stakeholders to clearly define the South Africa we want and agree on concrete actions to be
taken to achieve them  
 
The National Development Plan is not just the government’s plan, but it’s a plan that is for all
South Africans. I am elevated to be aligned with the nation's plan & champion the realisation
of our National Development Plan.” 
 
The spirit of the Vision 2030 Summit – initially endorsed in 2014 by the National Planning
Commission – is to make the NDP accessible to all South Africans (via the publication); to
bring public- and private-sector stakeholders together in partnership to expedite the
realisation of the NDP’s goals (the Summit), and to stimulate greater private-sector
participation by showcasing organisations making strides in the name of the NDP (the
Awards). 
 
*Being able to foster a culture of wellness at my work place where teams where exercising
and also team building through fitness.Wellness and Fitness is no longer a luxury but a
necessity that corporates are expected to offer as a mitigation of health risks. As a
professional I know about the modern day work environment, with long hours of sitting,
computer screen strains on our eyes, and unhealthy practices of daily take aways. It is
imperative that we prioritize wellness and healthy life styles. Corporates have a duty to
provide healthy office spaces that include provision of wellness and healthy life style facilities
and programmes. This is imperative of the employees are to sustain productivity, which in
turn benefits the corporates. The ultimate is win-win situation, including happier employees
and improved company bottom line 

Free Fitness Masterclasses: Understanding the importance of keeping the body fit to be able to
perform optimally, I have successfully hosted many Fitness Masterclass sessions with
approximately 200 people in attendance per event. 
 
New Jerusalem Children’s Home: I have been a part of the New Jerusalem Children’s Home,
whose mission at New Jerusalem Children’s is to provide residential care facilities to address
residential care facilities, emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual needs of children within
the context of a family. I have been providing mentorship to the children, assisting financially
and mobilizing funds for necessities needed by the Home.  
SAICA Initiatives: I have actively participated in SAICA talks at universities, high schools (mostly
disadvantaged) and CA trainee gatherings which include CA nights and Top 30 business
leaders. The main purpose of the schools’ initiative is to promote the CA profession within the
previous disadvantaged schools. Through this initiative we raised awareness and promoted the
CA profession among learners from previous disadvantaged communities, influence learners to
follow the CA profession. I also do this through my lecturing work as an audit lecture in
partnership with SAICA on Thuthuka.Schools initiative is something that I started this in 2016 in
Auditor General where I assisted my Senior manager in the adopted schools initiative in
National A business unit. 
 
Promotion of the CA Profession: I have been a part of the radio shows such as Phalaphala FM,
Power FM, Makhado FM to name a few, that are part of promoting the CA profession within
communities. 
 
Through my active involvement in personal and corporate initiatives that address United
Nations Sustainability Development Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing I have learnt a lot of
valuable lessons. One of which is how individual professionals and corporates can contribute
towards SDGs.This is the direction that SAICA is taking and my involvement has helped me to
be aligned and forerunner in SDGs. 
 
In creating wellness awareness, and encouraging people to take care of their physical and
mental wellness during the lockdown period, I have done interviews on radio stations such as
Metro FM, Phalaphala FM, Lesedi FM as well as articles published by IOL, to mention a few.
SAICA, an Institute in which I am a member has also recognized my efforts by including my
work in the SDG report. 
 
During this lockdown period, I have encouraged people to adhere to the guidelines as per
statements from the President, Department of Health, the World Health Organisation and
others, helping our country and the global community to reduce the possibility of being
infected. Prevention is better than cure and unfortunately prevention is all we have in the
current pandemic. In complying, we reduce the load of work on the healthcare workers who are
leading the fight against the pandemic. 
 
Finbiz2030 taskforce member- Finbiz2030 is an initiative by One Young World, Chartered
Accountants Worldwide and SAICA , an initiative to unite and mobilise the finance and business
community to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. 
recent past?
My personal environment 
I started the Fulufhelo Siphuma-Fitness free masterclasses that provide training which holds a
record of 200 attendees at the most recent one. I offer physical training and not only on a once
off basis, but I equip attendees to be able to continue their own even without my assistance. 
I share healthy lifestyle tips on social media and fitness talk segment of several radio stations
such as Power FM ,Phalaphala FM, 702 ,Kaya FM & SAFM . 
In creating wellness awareness, I raise awareness through traditional media such as radio, print
and social media platforms. Radio stations include Metro FM, Phalaphala FM, Lesedi FM to
mention a few. SAICA, an Institute in which I am a member has also recognized my efforts by
including me SDG report. 
 
During this lockdown period, I have been encouraging people to adhere to the guidelines as per
the pronouncements made by the President, Department of Health, WHO and others in helping
our country and the global community to reduce the possibility of being infected. Prevention is
better than cure and unfortunately prevention is all we have in the current pandemic. In
complying, we reduce the load of work on the healthcare workers who are leading the fight
against the pandemic. 
 
And in encouraging our community to stay fit and healthy, I am posting videos on YouTube and
other social media platforms with easy exercises that can be done as a family. I encourage
people to follow me and join in my daily routine that can be easily integrated into other existing
programmes. 
I can be followed on Instagram @Fulufhelo_s 
young leader?
Leadership is all about service and therefore comes naturally as I was one of the mentors to
SAICA’s top 30 young business leaders in 2018, and also having forming part of their recent CA
Nights panel.  
 
I have my educational talks to the youth at high schools and on radio shows. I fight the struggle
for economic emancipation from this end by contributing towards the increase of black
chartered accountants in the country. Addressing the shortage of black CA(SA)s also grows the
economy and make the transformation that the country direly needs. 
 
I also have my talks at universities through SAICA’s drives, where I engage with the future
business leaders about responsible leadership and promote the value of CA(SA) designation
and helping to rebuild the reputation of the CA profession. 
 
I have been actively involved in personal and corporate initiatives that address United Nations
Sustainability Development Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing. Through these projects I have
learnt a lot of valuable lessons. One of which is how individual professionals and corporates
can contribute towards SDGs. 
 
I foster social cohesion through fitness activities. This pivoted my passion project into a social
initiative and health and wellness enterprise. 
Top 35 finalist?
We are moving in a new direction such that the future Chartered Accountant is not just a
number cruncher anymore but a well-rounded business leader that cares. 
 
The future accountant is in tune with the what’s happening around them and not blind to the
challenges the community faces. 
 
I care deeply about impacting my world by getting my peers on board as well, to ensure we
have an active community that is heeding the call to be responsible and act to impact their
world in many ways. I am leading the pack of All rounded CAs who take initiative to serve the
nation at large.  
I do this by building a stronger, smarter South Africa, from fitness to finance. I am leading in
taking the following SDGs to work and have been identified as an SDG champion by SAICA. My
focus is to reduce non-communicable diseases by helping people stay fit and healthy to avoid
lifestyle diseases such as stroke, heart attacks, cancers and others. My focus is on target 3.4 of
reducing mortality from Non-communicable diseases and promote mental health. 
 
These are the fundamentals because we can’t have a productive workforce if people are not
healthy. We explore the preventative measures we can take before we get sick and tap into the
already overburdened health care. 
 
I run sustainable initiatives such as my Fitness Masterclasses, that are making a positive
contribution in the lives of many including my community and country at large.  
 
In addition, the interest that has been shown by the media on issues that I address have been
encouraging in demonstrating that my content of being able to merge the world of finance and
physical fitness has been beneficial to people. 
• Metro FM  
• Lesedi FM  
• Phalaphala FM  
• 702 
• Kaya FM 
• SAFM 
• Power FM 
• Kasie FM 
• Garankuwa FM 
• The epic hangout 
• Supersport TV 
• Xlalaa ya Rixaka
Good health and well being 
On the fitness and lifestyle front, I am drilling down specifically into my unblinking focus on
preventing non-communicable diseases, while also instilling a love of fitness in others, I
increase participation in physical activity through initiatives such as 
1. The tangible solutions of free Fulufhelo Siphuma-Fitness masterclasses, usually held at the
Union Buildings. I put the UN’s prevention of communicable diseases to work through my
free ‘Fulufhelo Siphuma-Fitness’ free masterclasses – at time of writing, there were 200
attendees of the most recent one. Through these I get to contribute positively towards the
lowering of lifestyle diseases in my community. These are quite popular and one often sees
a number of brands supporting this masterclasses. 
2. Sharing healthy lifestyle tips daily through various media platforms using both traditional
and social media of +-66 000 followers at present. The impact is seen in countless reviews
by my followers who have adopted a better lifestyle and seeing positive healthy results.  
3. Regular contribution on Metro FM, Phalaphala FM, kaya FM, SAFM, 702 ,Power FM’s
fitness talk segments. 
4. Fitness writer who regularly contributes to fitness articles for IOL , SAICA & True love. 
5. Member of the finbiz2030 task force (An amazing venture by SAICA, One young world,
Investec and Chartered Accountant Worldwide).  
6. Fostering social cohesion and a wellness culture in workplace as SNG-GT & EY 
7. This impact is moving beyond the borders of South Africa as my recent SuperSport TV
interview and SheLeadsAfrica interviews have helped relay the message across Africa.  
 
Accolades
8. I am Women’s Health influencer of the month (April 2020) 
9. I am an ardent fitness activist who has been identified as the SAICA (South African Institute
of Chartered Accountants) United Nations SDG Champion (SDG 3-Ensure health and
wellbeing)-2019 
10. I was one of the USN face of fitness top 12 (2019). 
11. I won the people’s choice for 2019 USN Face of Fitness by getting the most public votes
demonstrating influence and leadership.
Decent work and economic and reduced inequalities  

Charity work where I mentor and mobilise funds to assist, because it’s only when people have
access to quality education that they can break from the cycle of poverty. Therefore, education
is seen as the key to achieving other SDGs, further reducing inequalities and helping reach
gender equality (especially by mentoring the girls).  
 
Decent work, economic and reduced inequalities as well as charity work where I mentor and
mobilise funds to assist disadvantaged communities – because it’s only when people have
access to quality education that they can break from the cycle of poverty, which is why
education is the seen as the key to achieving other SDGs, reducing inequalities and helping
reach gender equality (especially by mentoring the girls).  
 
Making a valuable contribution to the economy of South Africa, as well as in the communities
addressing the shortage of black CA(SA) also grows the economy and makes the
transformation that the country direly needs a reality and thereby setting the tone to the
direction the future CA is taking.
INFLUENCE
We are moving in a new direction such that the future Chartered Accountant is not just a number
cruncher anymore but a well-rounded business leader that cares. The Chartered Accountant is one that
is a global citizen  
The future accountant is in tune with the what’s happening around them and not blind to the challenges
the community faces. 
I care deeply about impacting my world by getting my peers on board as well, to ensure we have an
active community that is heeding the call to be responsible and act to impact their world in many ways. I
am leading the pack of All rounded CAs who take initiative to serve the nation at large. My focus is to
reduce non-communicable diseases by helping people stay fit and healthy to avoid lifestyle diseases
such as stroke, heart attacks, cancers and others. My focus is on target 3.4 of reducing mortality from
Non-communicable diseases and promote mental health. 
I do this by building a stronger, smarter South Africa, from fitness to finance. I am leading in taking the
following SDGs to work and have been identified as an SDG champion by SAICA.  
This is important because we can’t have a productive workforce if people are not healthy. We explore
the preventative measures we can take before we get sick and tap into the already overburdened health
care. 
I run sustainable initiatives such as my Fitness Masterclasses, that are making a positive contribution in
the lives of many including my community and country at large. 
In addition, the interest that has been shown by the media on issues that I address have been
encouraging in demonstrating that my content of being able to merge the world of finance and physical
fitness has been beneficial to people. My regular contributed and active presence television social media
and radio station nationwide put me in a position to influence positively not only my teams but on a
national scale;
• Metro FM- 4 372 000 listeners
• Lesedi FM- 3196 000 listeners
• Phalaphala FM-778 000 listeners
• 702
• Kaya FM-754 000 listeners
• SAFM
• Power FM
• Kasie FM
• Garankuwa FM
• The epic hangout (SABC 2)-30 million viewers
• Supersport TV
• Xlalaa ya Rixaka (SABC 2)-30 million viewers  

 
I am also a Fitness writer who regularly contributes to fitness articles for IOL , SAICA & True love. 
This impact is moving beyond the borders of South Africa and as such my recent SuperSport TV
interview and SheLeadsAfrica interviews have helped relay the message across Africa
LEAD
• Leading nation building in the following ways  

SAICA SDG Champion
• VISION 2030 MC& Moderator

• FINBIZ2030 Task force member
• Developing leaders by mentoring the SAICA’s Top 30 Young Business Leaders, a role I was
selected for.
Leading the biggest conversation at the Vision2030 Summit both as the moderator and MC
under the following topics
• Achieving the public impact through public private partnerships -why utilising the PPP model
is dire to Africa’s economic growth
• Development of youth skills as the foundation of socio and economic development
• Repositioning South Africa in the world economy through Foreign direct Investments
• How can we have the South Africa we envision
• Why small and medium enterprise development is a vital instrument in transforming the
economy
DEVELOP
Sustainable development goal number 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and
promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Charity work where I mentor and mobilise funds to assist, because it’s only when people have
access to quality education that they can break from the cycle of poverty. I believe education is
key to achieving other SDGs and is therefore critical in further reducing inequalities and helping
reach gender equality. I believe that I achieve this by mentoring young girls through tutoring and
career guidance .I am an avid believer that I can make a valuable contribution to the economy
of South Africa by addressing the shortage of black CA(SA).Chartered accountants play a vital
role in running organisations also grows the economy and makes the transformation that the
country direly needs a reality and thereby setting the tone to the direction the future CA is
taking. 
This I have done /do through the following initiatives:

• Lecturer at Endunamoo school of Accounting
• Finbiz2030 SDG 4
• Adopted school initiative champion
• Drafting SAICA Simulations
• SAICA trainee drives
• Thuthuka radio interviews
• Developing upcoming Chartered Accountants in my day to day role of audit manager through
mentoring,coaching and guidance on the job.
Fulufhelo Siphuma
Who is FULUFHELO SIPHUMA CA(SA)
Fulufhelo Siphuma is also a Chartered accountant in banking & capital markets

• Fulufhelo is an authentic charismatic woman who has brilliantly captivated herself in the Accounting industry and
is leading from the front.
• One of the mentors to SAICA’s top 30 young business leaders and formed part of SAICA’s recent CA Panel. She
has also been instrumental with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants’ (SAICA) in terms of their
trainee drives in her commitment to improve economic emancipation through contributing towards the increase
of black chartered accountants in the country and rebuilding the confidence and reputation of the CA profession
where she engages with future business leaders about responsible leadership and promotes the values of CA(SA)
designation.
• She is a confident woman with executive presence and is multi skilled passionate woman. This has been evident
when she was a Keynote speaker at The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants 2019 new members
welcoming (350 New Chartered Accountants). She served as a Moderator and MC at the National Vision 2030
Summit.
• SAICA Top 35 under 35 Finalist
• An ardent fitness activist who has been identified as the SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered Accountants)
United Nations SDG Champion (SDG 3-Ensure health and wellbeing)-2019
• USN face of fitness top 12 (2019).
• Won the people’s choice for 2019 USN Face of Fitness by getting the most public votes demonstrating influence
and leadership.
• She is a member of the finbiz2030 task force (An amazing venture by SAICA, One young world, Investec and
Chartered Accountant Worldwide). 2020
• Women’s health influencer of the month (April 2020)
• Fulufhelo has initiated-Fitness masterclasses to encourage people to stay healthy and fit and her classes often
draws over 200 participants.
• She raises awareness through traditional media, such as radio talk shows and newspaper articles, while providing
further tips on social media platforms.
• Also a fitness writer submitted article for IOL , SAICA & True love.
1)Influence
We are moving in a new direction such that the future Chartered Accountant is not just a number cruncher
anymore but a well-rounded business leader that cares. The Chartered Accountant is one that is a global citizen
The future accountant is in tune with the what’s happening around them and not blind to the challenges the
community faces.
I care deeply about impacting my world by getting my peers on board as well, to ensure we have an active
community that is heeding the call to be responsible and act to impact their world in many ways. I am leading the
pack of All rounded CAs who take initiative to serve the nation at large. My focus is to reduce non-communicable
diseases by helping people stay fit and healthy to avoid lifestyle diseases such as stroke, heart attacks, cancers
and others. My focus is on target 3.4 of reducing mortality from Non-communicable diseases and promote mental
health.
I do this by building a stronger, smarter South Africa, from fitness to finance. I am leading in taking the following
SDGs to work and have been identified as an SDG champion by SAICA.
This is important because we can’t have a productive workforce if people are not healthy. We explore the
preventative measures we can take before we get sick and tap into the already overburdened health care.
I run sustainable initiatives such as my Fitness Masterclasses, that are making a positive contribution in the lives
of many including my community and country at large.
In addition, the interest that has been shown by the media on issues that I address have been encouraging in
demonstrating that my content of being able to merge the world of finance and physical fitness has been
beneficial to people. My regular contributed and active presence television social media and radio station
nationwide put me in a position to influence positively not only my teams but on a national scale;
• Metro FM- 4 372 000 listeners

• Lesedi FM- 3196 000 listeners
• Phalaphala FM-778 000 listeners
• 702
• Kaya FM-754 000 listeners
• SAFM
• Power FM
• Kasie FM
• Garankuwa FM
• The epic hangout (SABC 2)-30 million viewers
• Supersport TV
• Xlalaa ya Rixaka (SABC 2)-30 million viewers
I am also a Fitness writer who regularly contributes to fitness articles for IOL , SAICA & True love.
This impact is moving beyond the borders of South Africa and as such my recent SuperSport TV
interview and SheLeadsAfrica interviews have helped relay the message across Africa
Sharing healthy lifestyle tips daily through various media platforms using both traditional and social
media of +-67 000 followers at present.
The impact is seen in countless reviews by my followers who have adopted a better lifestyle and
seeing positive healthy results
Fostering wellness culture at work-ABSA &NEDBANK

teams
• Being able to foster a culture of wellness at my workplace where teams where exercising and
team building through fitness. Wellness and Fitness is no longer a luxury but a necessity that
corporates are expected to offer as a mitigation of health risks. As a professional I know about
the modern-day work environment, with long hours of sitting, computer screen strains on our
eyes, and unhealthy practices of daily take away. It is imperative that we prioritize wellness
and healthy lifestyles. Corporates have a duty to provide healthy office spaces that include
provision of wellness and healthy lifestyle facilities and programmes. This is imperative of the
employees are to sustain productivity, which in turn benefits the corporates. The ultimate is
win-win situation, including happier employees and improved
company bottom line

2)LEAD
Leading nation building in the following ways

1)SAICA SDG Champion
2)VISION 2030 MC& Moderator
3)FINBIZ2030 Task force member
4)Developing leaders by mentoring the SAICA’s Top 30 Young Business
Leaders, a role I was selected for.

Task force member selected for FinBiz2030 is an initiative to unite and mobilise the finance and
business to achieve (SDGs) commitment to tackle some of South Africa's most pressing issues by
2030 for One Young World (OYW) and Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), in collaboration
with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. Aim is to establish an active and engaged
finance and business community globally that is dedicated to achieving the UN sustainable
development goals by 2030

Leading the biggest conversation at the Vision2030 Summit both as the moderator
and MC under the following topics
1)Achieving the public impact through public private partnerships -why utilising the
PPP model is dire to Africa’s economic growth
2)Development of youth skills as the foundation of socio and economic development
3)Repositioning South Africa in the world economy through Foreign direct Investments
4)How can we have the South Africa we envision
5)Why small and medium enterprise development is a vital instrument in transforming
the economy
3)DEVELOP
Sustainable development goal number 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality

education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Charity work where I mentor and mobilise funds to assist, because it’s only when people have access
to quality education that they can break from the cycle of poverty. I believe education is key to
achieving other SDGs and is therefore critical in further reducing inequalities and helping reach
gender equality. I believe that I achieve this by mentoring young girls through tutoring and career
guidance .I am an avid believer that I can make a valuable contribution to the economy of South
Africa by addressing the shortage of black CA(SA).Chartered accountants play avital role in running
organisations also grows the economy and makes the transformation that the country direly needs a
reality and thereby setting the tone to the direction the future CA is taking.
This I have done /do through the following initiatives
• Lecturer at Endunamoo school of Accounting

• Finbiz2030 SDG 4
• Adopted school initiative champion
• Drafting SAICA Simulations
• SAICA trainee drives
• Thuthuka radio interviews
• Developing upcoming Chartered Accountants in my day to day role of audit manager through
mentoring,coaching and guidance on the job.
Recommendation Letters
Fulufhelo Siphuma Reference
17th June 2019
REFERENCE ON FULUFHELO SIPHUMA
Fulufhelo was born and bred in the rural Venda region of the Limpopo Province. She
dedicated herself to her education, until successfully completing her grade 12 and
ultimately BCom Accounting Degree at the University of Johannesburg.
She served her articles and is now one of the sought after Auditing Professionals in
South Africa. She is not only focused on her professional career. She volunteers to
tutor young girls who want to follow in her footsteps in Accounting.
She is also a dedicated fitness and wellness specialist. Fulufhelo holds regular free
public fitness master classes at the lawns of the Union Buildings in Pretoria. She is a
true patriot of South Africa, committed to building a healthy society.
This fitness coach also puts the UN’s SDGs of quality education and prevention of
communicable diseases to work through her free ‘Fulufhelo Siphuma-Fitness’ Master
Classes. At the time of writing, there were 200 attendees of the most recent one.
She shares healthier lifestyle tips on social media and Phalaphala FM’s fitness talk
segment.
For more information feel free to contact me.
Yours faithfully
Sam Tsima,
Cell: 082 927 3126
sam.tsima@cometsa-goc.com
1 SAM TSIMA
Motivation of Fulufhelo Siphuma as a
Top 35 under 35 finalist and winner
I am honoured to motivate Fulufhelo Siphuma as one of South Africa’s future leaders. Amongst
her peers, I consider her to be one of the top CA(SA)s under 35 for the year 2020.
My motivation is as follows:
Fulufhelo is indeed a rounded individual and certainly one who broke the mould of what the
traditional CA(SA) represent. Not only is she a highly competent young female who exudes
excellence in executing he daily tasks diligently, but she also finds a balance to actively
participate in in the building of the community. Through her masterclasses and active presence
on television, social media and radio stations nationwide, she preaches and displays the
message of living a healthy lifestyle and the accompanying health benefits it has to the
prevention of non-communicable diseases such as strokes, heart diseases and cancers. She
is also an activist for the promotion of mental health.
She cares deeply about the socio economic concerns which plague our country and has been
and continue to be an active voice for young females and the impoverished in society through
mentoring young up and coming talent through various initiatives such as the Adopted school
initiative, SAICA trainee drives, Thuthuka and by representing black excellence through her
role as a lecturer at Endunamoo School of Accounting.
Over the years I have gotten to know a person whom I believe is one of the most principled
young females I have ever met who holds her self-worth in high regard and to whom integrity
and honesty are non-negotiables in her daily dealings. Fulufhelo truly represents the
embodiment of what the future of the profession should look like.
I take pride in who she is and what she represents and with all confidence believe that she is
a great ambassador to the profession.
Should you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Regards
Lyndsay Maseko
078 373 6550
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
MUTONDI MASHAMBA
33 years old
 
SENIOR LECTURER,
UNIVERSITY OF VENDA
Short Profile
Mutondi Mashamba is driven by the urge to understand how things work and how they can be done
better. She believes in taking the road less travelled in many areas of her life, and the chartered
accountancy profession was one of those roads. She lives with the conviction that all is possible if you
believe, be it believing in yourself, believing in others, or believing in a better world.
She sees herself as a trailblazer who is not afraid to take calculated risks. That she is a risk taker was
proven when she left her employment at one of the big banks in 2015 to pursue a career in academia.
This was an unpopular decision for a 28-year-old, not least because it involved relocating from the city of
Johannesburg to a rural university in Limpopo.
Here, she joined a department where she was not only the youngest but also the only female. She went
on to lead the Financial Accounting team, the biggest sub-team in the department. This led the university
to attain SAICA accreditation for the BCom degree − a huge achievement for the university and the
community at large.
She is committed to making a difference in diverse areas, because she believes that she is a multi-
talented individual who can impact people’s lives in the areas below:
Education: She is one of the directors of an NPO called Future Focus that promotes learning and
education among high school learners. This helped her to promote the CA profession by sharing her
experiences and opportunities.
Business: In response to the unemployment crisis in South Africa, she started an accounting and
consulting business in 2017 which employs mainly youth who are left without employment after
completing their tertiary studies.
Personal development: During the COVID-19 pandemic she started a free online course called
‘Personal development journey with Mutondi’ which is aimed at helping people to deal with the effects of
the pandemic.
Sports: She serves as a director of an NPC, Mashamba Soccer Academy, whose objective is to develop
rural soccer players and provide them with a gateway away from rural poverty.
Mentorship: She believes in sharing her knowledge and experience with the younger generation
(particularly ladies).
SAICA committees: She believes in giving back to her profession and serves on two SAICA committees.
Mutondi feels that life is more meaningful when its fruits are seen in others, and she is committed to
doing her part.
Watch video
and achievements?
• I was part of the executive team and internal steering committee that led the Accountancy
Department at University of Venda to obtain the SAICA accreditation on the first attempt.
• As the financial Accounting subject head, I lead the department’s largest team with a lot of
dynamics. I believe my leadership skills have been tested for the past 4 years and continue to
be tested to date while being the only lady and also the youngest in the team.
• I am a member of the following SAICA committee:
• Academic Review Committee
• Northern Region Council – Representing the Academia Constituency.

I am a director of an Non Profit company called Future Focus Youth Development.
With the following objectives:
• Providing career and other information that can potentially assist the students in choosing
Careers
• To mentor the youth into living meaningful lives that add value in our country
I am a director of Mashamba Soccer Academy
This academy is based in Mashamba village and its purpose is to uplift our community and
alleviate poverty through sports. The founder , the late MJ Mashamba had a vision to empower
and groom youngsters to prepare them to play professionally which will help in taking them out
of poverty. Through the academy we have found that the community is more peaceful as it
encourages the spirit of unity and helps the youth to stay away from alcohol, drug or any other
type abuse.
Personal development
I am currently running a free course on personal development (since 18 May 2020) as I have
realised that people are discouraged, anxious and depressed due to the Covid 19 Pandemic.
This initiative is run on a Facebook private group , currently with 93 member. I have realised
that a lot of people have been waiting for this kind of intervention.
recent past?
• I started a business consulting company in 2017 which is running to date.
• This business has really assisted in uplifting our community and employing 4 people. I believe
we will grow and continue to play our part In reducing the unemployment rate in South Africa.
young leader?
I do my part in living and upholding the SAICA values and also my personal values to live a
quality life that other people can look up to.
Mentorship
I have some youth (male and female) that I am mentoring to achieve their dreams in becoming a
CA(SA) or any other profession they choose.
I have seen the value of mentorship in preparing others on what is to come in their journey.
There’s a specific student who has just Passed her ITC exam and she says, it was good that
she had a chat with me before starting her CTA year because that alone prepared her for the
hard work that Is required in CTA.
This made me value mentorship, though I myself did not have a mentor.
Top 35 finalist?
I see myself as a pioneer and I take calculated risks.
I took a risk in 2015 to move to Academia, which was a very unpopular decision among my
peers. I also took it a step further by moving from Joburg to Limpopo (Venda ) to enable me to
bring value to the community that I grew up in after I learnt that the University of Venda would
be applying for the SAICA Accreditation. The decision on its came with some challenges. Upon
my arrival at the university I realised that I was the only female and the youngest in the whole
department. However, I realised something that motivated me. Previously the female students
were invisible (in terms of performance) and I believe they had no role model CA (SA) that
looked like them (female). But I started seeing some great female students coming out and
performing well. That really encouraged me to stay and serve the department as I am still doing.
I believe that I was a trailblaizer in the department and though I was the only female, I had to
withstand all the pressures that came with that at meetings.
I believe I am a leader in my own right.
I am driven and once I am committed to something, I stick with it until it produces fruits.
DEVELOP
Audit and consulting Business
I started a business consulting company in 2017 which is running to date.
This business has really assisted in uplifting our community and employing 5 people. I believe
we will grow and continue to play our part in reducing the unemployment rate in South Africa. I
am firm believer that as leaders in the commerce industries CAs should start more business to
become a model of how it should be done. I believe this will improve the ethics and integrity in
business and the country as a whole.
Personal development
I believe that in life you can achieve more and live a successful life by becoming more. This
entails that we need to transform ourselves from the inside out by addressing our mental,
spiritual, emotional and physical needs (Personal development).
I developed a free online course on personal development that has been running since 18 May
2020. This was a response in anticipation of the adverse results of the Covid 19 Pandemic. This
course will help those who have lost jobs, those who are discouraged, anxious and depressed
to better deal with the consequences and rebuild. The course was well received.
INFLUENCE
Mentorship
• I have some youth (male and female) that I am mentoring to achieve their dreams in becoming
a CA(SA) or any other profession they choose.
• I have seen the value of mentorship in preparing others on what is to come in their journey.
There’s a specific student who has just Passed her ITC exam and she says, it was good that
she had a chat with me before starting her CTA year because that alone prepared her for the
hard work that Is required in CTA.
• This made me value mentorship, though I did not have a mentor while studying- There were
no CAs in my village anyway.
CSI initiatives
I serve as director in the following Non-Profit Organisations:
• Future Focus Youth Development
• Providing career and other information that can potentially assist the students in high school
to make informed decisions when choosing careers
• Mashamba Soccer Academy
• This academy is based in Mashamba village and its purpose is to uplift our community and
alleviate poverty through sports. The vision is to empower and groom youngsters to prepare
them to play professionally which will help in taking them out of poverty. Through the
academy we have found that the community is more peaceful as it encourages the spirit of
unity and helps the youth to stay away from alcohol, drug or any other type abuse. We have
managed to get 5 players to become professional soccer players so far.
LEAD
I am part of the executive leadership team as a Subject Head of Financial Accounting and part
of the internal steering committee that led the Department of Accountancy at University of
Venda to obtain the SAICA accreditation on the first attempt in 2019.
As the financial Accounting subject head, I still lead the department’s largest team with a lot of
dynamics, predominantly consisting of male and older colleagues.
I believe my leadership skills have been tested for the past 5 years and continue to be tested
daily.
I see myself as a dynamic, next generation leader who is not afraid to take risks and entering
the world of the unknown. I am solution driven and flexible to changing circumstances.
One of my strong points is the ability to be committed and withstand pressure until I see results.
To Whom It May Concern,
I have known Mutondi for close to 5 years, she has been influential in my life and in some of the
decisions I have made. Mutondi is my mentor and one of the people I look up to.
I met Mutondi through her brother in a time of need, I had just received my matric results and I
didn’t have a plan of how I would raise funds to further my studies. Mutondi helped me apply for
funding and informed me about the options I had to further my studies. I qualified for the funding
we applied for and I was able to further my studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. Today, I
am doing my CA(SA) training at MTN.
When I look back at my varsity journey, Mutondi was always there. She would encourage me
whenever I felt like I wasn’t good enough. She was the first CA(SA) I knew, and her journey towards
this qualification inspires me through my journey. She taught me lessons through her experiences.
She would say “You can have everything you want but don’t rush it, it takes time”. Those words
stuck with me to this very day.
I am very privileged to know someone who is as selfless as her. She helped me when I was a stranger
and she continues to do the same for others who come from disadvantaged backgrounds like me. I
am also convicted to do the same.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Theresa Mugagadeli
0832090954
teemugagadeli@gmail.com
I am honored to write a reference letter for my mentor Mutondi Mashamba whom I have known
since 2015. Mutondi and I met at the university of venda, she was a second year lecturer and I was
on my first year of BCOM in Accounting. She has been my mentor since then.
Mutondi is a loving person and a very good listener hence I felt very comfortable with her being my
mentor, she helped me personally and throughout my academic journey. She approached all of our
sessions with intelligence, love and care, it always felt very safe to share with her and it was very
easy to learn from her as a lecturer and a mentor. I was at a point of giving up when I met her, even
though I was pessimistic, she always made me see the positive side of life through her optimism. She
went an extra mile to help me complete my degree in record time, by providing advice and
guidance.
For the time I’ve known her I learnt a lot of things such as being optimistic about life, managing and
balancing my time, helping others out of love and with care. She is very persistent when it comes to
leadership and her will to empower the disadvantaged, I also witnessed the love she has for high
school learners at one of the events for matric learners that she hosted back in 2017. Not only did
she offer her assistance to me, she also spread her wings to offer help to anyone that needs it.
If you have any further questions or information about Mutondi, please feel free to contact me on
076 4366 373/062 4366 373
Sincerely,
Adivhaho Rejoyce Ramala

CSI
Portfolio Of evidence as an Instructor for a free personal development course
“Personal Development journey with Mutondi”
This is a course that I developed and started running as an instructor during the COVID
19 lockdown to assist people to deal will the anxiety and stress caused by the pandemic
and to help them to start thinking about life beyond this crisis period. The aim is for
people to start working on themselves and identify /develop skillsets that they will need
in order to have a meaningful and peaceful life:
The core areas covered are:
- Mental health
- Spirituality
- Educational/ career Development
- Relationships
- Emotional intelligence
We run this course through a private Facebook group and currently we have 100
members participating in the course.
The course is 30 days long and it is absolutely FREE of charge and we believe it will help
a lot of people deal with the consequences of the COVID 19 pandemic such as:
- Job losses
- Struggling businesses
- Depression etc.
We have been running it since 18 May 2020 and will continue running it even beyond the
lockdown period and still make it free.
Please see below the screenshots of the Facebook group and we also have recorded
videos for each day of the course which we will be happy to provide if required.
Portfolio of evidence – Mutondi Mashamba as a member and Director of Future
Focus Youth Development
Career Exhibitions and Talks

1
MASHAMBA SOCCER ACADEMY
P O BOX 249
MASHAMBA
0942
Portfolio Of evidence as Director and Volunteer at Mashamba Soccer Academy
The mission of Mashamba Soccer Academy is the development of young players on and off
the field. We strive to equip them with technical, tactical, physical and psychological
attributes of football that will enable them to participate and compete at the highest levels of
soccer regionally, nationally and internationally.
The Academy also hosts an annual soccer tournament themed “Mabena Soccer Challenge”
in honour of the founder Mr MJ Mabena Mashamba.
Annual Tournament 2016
Prize Giving for 1st place in the league 2018
“WITH FOOTBALL WE CAN”

2
Collage
“WITH FOOTBALL WE CAN”

Other CSI initiatives
I serve as a member of 2 Committees at SAICA and 2 other community
development organisations below:
1. Northern Region Council since 2015
Reference: Wela Swana (SAICA)
2. Academic Review Committee since 2018

Reference: Mandi Olivier (SAICA)
3. I assist in giving free entrepreneurship talks in collaboration with

the Students Business Council.
Reference: Imani Munyai- 076 933 3147
4. I am in the organising committee for Limpopo Bodies in Motion

(LBIM), where we host fun runs and walks in the community to
raise funds for pads and sanitary items for under privileged
students.
Reference: Roavhona Henny Mulaudzi-083 329 7923

Other CSI initiatives
I serve as a member of 2 Committees at SAICA and 2 other community
development organisations below:
1. Northern Region Council since 2015
Reference: Wela Swana (SAICA)
2. Academic Review Committee since 2018

Reference: Mandi Olivier (SAICA)
3. I assist in giving free entrepreneurship talks in collaboration with

the Students Business Council.
Reference: Imani Munyai- 076 933 3147
4. I am in the organising committee for Limpopo Bodies in Motion

(LBIM), where we host fun runs and walks in the community to
raise funds for pads and sanitary items for under privileged
students.
Reference: Roavhona Henny Mulaudzi-083 329 7923

JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
ROLIHLAHLA VUZANE
34 years old
MANAGING
  DIRECTOR & CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER, KUNOKHAR CHARTERED
ACCOUNTANTS & TAX PRACTITIONER
Short Profile
After attaining his CA(SA) in 2015, Rolihlahla left his job at the Financial Services Board and returned to
Mthatha to become a lecturer at Walter Sisulu University. He wanted to make a positive contribution to an
existence that could be discouraging and devastating − the fact that he could obtain his CA(SA) was an
inspiration to many who had given up on their dream and motivated them to return to their studies.
Remembering how difficult it was to get practical training in accounting, Rolihlahla and his wife decided
to convert a bigger part of their company profits towards training students that were locked up by the
TVET system. In 2017 they started training four students and despite the demands of his lecturing
position, the lack of office accommodation, and their family commitments, they succeeded in graduating
two of these students. They currently train 44 students from various groups (Financial, Fasset, Office and
PR Management) and intend to recruit a further 12 students from the Human Relations Group.
In addition, they have developed an online training platform to assist N6 students who cannot go to
Mthatha. The programme starts in October 2020 and they anticipate that it will attract about 100 students
in the first year, which will bring their training and impact footprint to 200 students.
This would not have been possible if Rolihlahla were not a CA(SA). Training a student gives hope not only
to the student and their families and civil communities, but also to the business community. They couple
feel that they are making a serious impact in changing and improving lives and opening opportunities,
and they feel strongly that their purpose has been validated.
In addition, they are first employers of those they have trained. They hope to employ the five students
graduating this year in their two new branches. Currently they employ six staff members and plan to
employ 15 permanent staff in their new branches. By providing employment, they have reduced crime
and brought hope to many.
At present, Rolihlahla has the following qualifications: BAcc, Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting,
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences, Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation, BCom Law (passed
but not yet graduated) and MCom (Accounting) (passed but not graduated).
Current positions include managing director and CEO of Kunokhar Chartered Accountants and Tax
Practitioners (Pty) Ltd and chief investment/financial officer of Kunokhar Capital (Pty) Ltd and Kunokhar
Properties (Pty) Ltd.
Watch video
and achievements?
I am really excited about the following position I have:
• Walter Sisulu University as Senior Lecturer-Financial Accounting
• Kunokhar Chartered Accountants and Tax Practitioners as Managing Director & Chief
Executive Officer
• Kunokhar Capital as Chief Investment officer
• Kunokhar Properties as Chief Finance Officer
• Kancane Kancane RDTE as Principal Researcher and Endeavourist
• Impela-Ngempela Wealth as Projectionist
• Esteemed 47 as Director

A community project should be clearly defined but it must always have something to do with
the voluntary advancement of human lives. In our illustration, we use a term called “Net
community investment” to calculate the value of what we push back to the community each
month. We believe, it is a value that all businesses and professionals should reflect on their
financial statements. To us, this is value that is not recovered anywhere in the current short-
term but for which time is spent in advancing a person or a student today. This also a value or a
benefit that will profit the next employer and not us. This is the money that we send back to the
community. Here, it is about the time we take showing each student we train accounting
concepts. It really takes time and requires a strong developmental attitude. With the number of
students, that we currently train, our firm has become a community on its own.
What is interesting, we have opened doors not only to accounting and financial management
students, but to:
• Public relations students
• Office management students
• Human resource management students
• Information technology students
To us, any positive change in any of these students is a change for the community because it
changes the quality of life and the quality of thinking. This is how we have decided to give back
to the community and we realize that not everyone can easily and possibly do it at any given
moment. Giving back requires maturity, selfness and right attitude.
To train a student a month costs roughly R16 667.67 on average. This is money that could have
been obtained by the firm from each time spent on a student. This is the net investment that we
have given back to them by making them better persons in the future.
With the 35 students we currently have, our net community investment is R583 368.45 being
(35 students X R16 667.67). This is the current position.
From October 2020 to 31 December 2020 (being our financial year) this will change because
we will be having the following number of students in the office:
• 200 new N6 students
• 2019/2020 N6 Financial Management 18 months group (five students),
• 2020/2021 Yes Fasset 12 months group (16 students),
• 2020/2021 N6 18 months Office management group (nine of them),
• 2020/2021 N6 18 months Public relations management student (one student),
• 2020/2021 N6 HR 18 months students for 12 students.
• 2020/2021 10 IT students.
Which will bring the total net community investment to R4 216 920.51 being (253 students *R16
667.67) only from October and excluding other years and other parts of the current year. We are
excited about this.
recent past?
This point must be read with other points already mentioned above. One of the initiatives that
we will be starting in SEDA (discussions are underway), is that we are hoping to assist all the
companies that could not get help from their office on the following areas:
• Business plans
• Financial statements
• Record keeping
• Labour related issues
• Bookkeeping,
• SARS issues,
• For them to advertise on our website free of charge for a period of 12 months.
young leader?
This point must be read with other points already mentioned above. Ours is to break barriers
and to convince the civil and business community that if we give up part of our time, there is lot
that can be achieved in advancing others.
In November, Kunokhar CPT, in connection with Kancane Kancane RDTE, will be hosting
weekly videos where we teach on the essentials of compliance. The videos will be free of
charge and will be available at the Kunokhar CPT website as a business awareness tool. Aim is
to reach those that cannot physically visit us
Top 35 finalist?
Because of the impact we made on:
• The business environment around Mthatha
• Each student’s life
• Each family that is associated with these students
• Society that benefits by having these students in our premises
• The way we have reduced unemployment and crime in the society by giving students help and
training for them and their communities.
The hope we will bring to those from SEDA who will benefit free of charge on our accounting
services.
DEVELOP
In 2015 my wife and I decided to open a company which was finally registered with the CIPC in
December of 2015. We were still at Centurion in the Gauteng at the time and we had no
intentions of coming back to the Eastern Cape. When I arrived in Mthatha, I remembered how
many times we suffered to get training in accounting. There was no opportunity at all to get
practical training and this really demotivated many of my people. The only firm was AG and you
needed to have CTA to be able work well there. When we returned to Mthatha we decided to
convert a bigger part of our profits towards training many young students that were locked-up
by the TVET system. These students had completed their first 18-months but could not find a
training office to complete their practical training. In 2017, our firm advertised through the help
of Ms. Zazi-Uzihlonele Ngozi – who was also an intern – and we started training four students.
There was a huge demand but:
• I had to put more time into my new lecturing position at WSU.
• I had just started my Master’s degree at Rhodes University and that was really demanding.
• My wife had recently got a job at CIDB and travelling between Mthatha and Pretoria was a
full-time course on its own
• At the same time, our son was only two years old and I had to spare some of the weekends to
visit him at Flagstaff.
• The offices were also too small to accommodate many students.
Out of the four we trained, we graduated two.
We currently have the following students:
• 2019/2020 N6 Financial Management 18-months group (five students),
• 2020/2021 Yes Fasset 12-months group (16 students),
• 2020/2021 N6 18-months Financial Management group (13 students),
• 2020/2021 N6 18-months Office management group (nine students),
• 2020/2021 N6 18-months Public Relations Management student (one student),
• We also intend recruiting 12 Human Relations 18-months students for the 2020/2021
student intake.
• In total we have 44 students and by the end of October we would have 56 students. We
have advertised a training scheme for ten Information Technology students.
We are currently finalizing the security and other logistical issues. We are ready to train 100
students from the N6 programme. These are the students that are able to come to Mthatha.
Simultaneously, we have realized that the demand for this training is very high and we have
spent a significant amount of time developing an online training platform that will reach many
N6 students that cannot come to Mthatha. We will roll out the programme in October of 2020.
We expect that for its first year of enrolment, and because it will be a new programme, it will
attract about 100 more students, which will bring our training and impact footprint up to 200
students that will be associated with our name and skills development endeavour. As such, we
will be connected to 200 families across South Africa. To us, this will be the biggest
achievement.
I doubt if it would have been possible to do any of this if I was not a CA (SA). Remember,
training a student gives hope, not only to the student and not only to their families and not only
the civil community, but also to the business community. We are making a serious impact in
changing lives because after training many opportunities open and many lives get better. We
feel strongly that our purpose has been validated.
INFLUENCE
In addition to the above, we have always been the first employers of those whom we have
trained. We do this by following a principle that: “If you bake bread, you must be the first person
to eat it.” That is what we do. We hope to employ all of the five students that are graduating this
year, in our two new branches.
Currently:
• We have employed six staff members with a total monthly salary of R36 000.
• After we have opened the two branches mentioned above, we will employ 15 permanent staff
members with a monthly salary budget of R101 000.
LEAD
We are CA’s and we really have a good client profile. The work we have done has truly provided
a leadership role on the advancement of disadvantaged young students within this area. With
our leadership skills, many of our students will now be able to seek further employment
opportunities and to further their studies with Unisa, an opportunity that never existed before.
Our biggest area of business expertise is “Tax Administration”. In the past, businesses would
have to travel from Mthatha to East London to seek tax advice. Travelling to East London is a
450 kilometer round trip. Some would travel from Mthatha to Durban, which is a 625km round
trip. Coming here and really looking into the matters that hinder client growth, we have:
• Reduced their travelling costs.
• Reduced their time on the road.
• Reduced possibilities of accidents on the road.
• Helped them to spend more time with their families.
• Helped them to focus on areas that would develop their businesses.
• Spend the money in Mthatha that would have otherwise been spent on the road.
INNOVATION
So far, innovative thinking in the accounting profession is not encouraged and it is only created
through opportunity and because of individual strengths. For instance, CA (SA) are not trained
to be:
• Innovative business leaders,
• Leaders, and
• Entrepreneurs.
But they are only trained to be a supreme finance professional and that role is within a certain
department in the whole business. So far, my observation is that CA (SA)s are trained to be
servants of big companies. Very few CA (SA)s are able to start their own businesses and are
largely dependent on remuneration. If you look on the SAICA syllabus, you will find no
entrepreneurial text book and, if you are lucky, you only see business management and
economics at level 1 of your university education, but why is it like that?
CA(SA) should be in the forefront in reshaping the future of how business should work and the
skills that will be required. The opportunities that we have created and the ideas that we want to
implement is what all CA(SA) should endeavour to create. It must not be about making money,
but it must be finding the role of a CA(SA) important to everyone and in all the sectors of the
company. We are defining innovation as something visible. It is when a CA(SA) is available that
innovative thinking can commence but unfortunately, it is difficult to balance that with the rising
costs of living.
We are a living testimony that the future of each person depends on how the profession itself is
willing to change and the persons they want to reach. We believe that through visibility,
innovation of how to advance others is possible only if CAs(SA) are given more practical tools
to make final decisions. So far, this has not been the case because CAs(SA) are not
independent thinkers due to the syllabus and as a result of the manner in which students are
taught.
Public Communication and Media Affair’s Division
Kunokhar Chartered Accountants and Tax Practitioners (Pty) Ltd Changing The World
Trading as: “Kunokhar CTP (Pty) Ltd” VAT: 4030274890 ITR No: 9735424161
Mthatha Head Office: Kunokhar House
Office Block 1-23 Delville Road-Mthatha
Eastern Cape-South Africa-5099
Business hours
Ugie Branch: Kunokhar House-450 Plein Street- Monday to Friday 08:00 am to 17:00 pm
Ugie-Eastern Cape-South Africa-5470 Saturdays 08:00 am to 17:00 pm
Sundays and holidays 08:00 am to 17:00 pm
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
02 October 2020
The Top 35 under 35 Panel of Judges
SAICA Enquiries: Mr. Rolihlahla Vuzane CA (SA)
17 Fricker Road Cell: 072 980 9238
Illovo E-mail: ceo@kunokhar.co.za/nikita@kunokhar.co.za
Sandton Office Number: 087 688 0700
Johannesburg Office Fax Number: 086 665 3621
South Africa
2196 Website: www.kunokhar.co
Dear Gerinda
Portfolio Of Evidence – Rolihlahla Vuzane CA (SA) (The finalist).
With excitement Kunokhar Chartered Accountants and Tax Practitioners (“Kunokhar CTP”)
would like to submit the enclosed Portfolio Of Evidence on behalf of its Managing Director
and CEO Mr. Rolihlahla Vuzane CA (SA). Kunokhar CTP is a firm of SAICA affiliated
accountants situating in the friendly Province Eastern Cape. We would like to wish for a
pleasant days on the judgement dates and wish for the best for all the other finalist that are
currently competing with our firm. Kunokhar CTP is proud of you!
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Board: Mr Rolihlahla Vuzane (MD) (E): BAcc (WSU), PGDA (UNISA), CTA (UNISA), PGDT (UNISA), B. Com Law (Unisa),
M. Com (Acc) (In progress) (Rhodes) (Indirect taxes) CA (SA), BAP (SA), GTP (SA), IR.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Tel: 072 980/ 087 688 0700
E-mail: ceo@kunokhar.co.za/ nikita@kunokhar.co.za SAICA Number: 20051994
Fax: 086 665 3621 The Sait: 24646330
Po Box 9137 SARS Practise No: PR-0086926
Mthatha Hillcrest Post Office Saica Office Practise Number: 30688257
Eastern Cape (Registration number 2015/452350/021)
South Africa (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
5099
Tax Advisory & Opinions Accounting Services Independent ReviewsBusiness Advisors Certificates Internal
Audit Education & Training Payroll Consulting Wills and deceased Estates Pre- marital Counselling
Please let us take you through our pack as follows:
Nature of evidence Page No.

Portfolio of Evidence 1-29
-Ph.D Application to Nelson Mandela 1-3
Metropolitan University.
-New N6 students (18 months project). 4
-My family without my wife. 5
-Myself, my mother, and my wonderful wife 7
-Old N6 students (18 months project): These 8
will graduate on the last day of October 2020.
-Ms. Thandile Qomoyi is signed off in 2019 9
-Mr. Esethu Gwebityala is signed off in 2019 10
-Law of Property is passed in 2020 11
B. Com Law passed 12-19
-I am a CA (SA) 20
-CTA (Unisa) 21
-Post Graduate Diploma in Taxation 22
-Bachelor of Accounting 23
-Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting 24
-First Matric 25
-Second Matric 26
-M. Com (Acc) (With Carbon Tax and other 27-28
environmental levies specialisation)
-Papers I am currently writing with other 29
authors.
We would like to encourage the panel to also view our website (www.kunokhar.com) for
further evidence of what we have been doing. We could not include all the evidence that
supports Mr. Vuzane’s ambitions because of the submission requirements.
KUNOKHAR
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Yours Sincerely TEL: 087 688 0700
CELL: 067 145 0222
Per: Ms. Amehle Nkebe DATE: 02 OCTOBER 2020

23 DELVILLE STREET. MTHATHA
5099
Public Relations Trainee CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT: R. VUZANE CA (SA)
SIGNATURE:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Board: Mr Rolihlahla Vuzane (MD) (E): BAcc (WSU), PGDA (UNISA), CTA (UNISA), PGDT (UNISA), B. Com Law (Unisa),
M. Com (Acc) (In progress) (Rhodes) (Indirect taxes) CA (SA), BAP (SA), GTP (SA), IR.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Tel: 072 980/ 087 688 0700
E-mail: ceo@kunokhar.co.za/ nikita@kunokhar.co.za SAICA Number: 20051994
Fax: 086 665 3621 The Sait: 24646330
Po Box 9137 SARS Practise No: PR-0086926
Mthatha Hillcrest Post Office Saica Office Practise Number: 30688257
Eastern Cape (Registration number 2015/452350/021)
South Africa (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
5099
Tax Advisory & Opinions Accounting Services Independent ReviewsBusiness Advisors Certificates Internal
Audit Education & Training Payroll Consulting Wills and deceased Estates Pre- marital Counselling
JUDGING
develop MODEL
1
2
develop
impact on business
lead influence
influence
impact on society
lead
business
develop
impact on business
- business growth:
FRESH THINKING
influence
lead
- leadership skills
- business leader
- create value
SCORE
DEVELOP 28 - 30 22 - 27 18 - 21 0 - 18
INFLUENCE 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12
LEAD 23 - 25 17 - 22 13 - 16 0 - 12

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2020

CFO, AFRICAN OPERATIONS AND

This project has a wide-scale and growing social impact on:

Matswani Capital is a venture capital company which has investments in

Share more about the community project/s that you are

actively involved with on a regular basis?

business community or personal environment in the

How are you proudly setting an example as a

My objective is to combine the concept of social enterprise with commercial enterprise,

business acumen to general business processes, quality control, production management,

computer skills etc.

mitigating risk, reporting, and many other finance functions.

and innovative with solutions that need to be developed on an ongoing basis.

Harnessing the knowledge & skills of the community farmer.

market and new possibilities.

• Food with higher nutritional value

• Better living conditions

• Higher level of education

• Prevent the urbanization trend

• Ability to purchase modes of transport (motor bikes, cars, bicycles)

• Spin oﬀ SMME business opportunities for local businesses (transporters, welders,

• In general, a higher quality of life.

consumption patterns by providing/selling vitamin enriched staple foods and proteins at a

price that is accessible to the people in those markets.

on their journey to become CA (SA)s.

shareholders and international organizations and funds.

executive. I serve as the only executive director.

Please also refer to the below where I outline my leadership history.

Our investments include the following:

 Trans African Oil-Fuel distribution business which has infrastructure in Botswana,

First batch of chicks produced in 2017 Rural warehouses to collect product

3 ton per hour cooking facility in the soya factory

 Food with higher nutritional value

 Better living conditions

 Higher level of education

 Prevent the urbanization trend

 Ability to purchase modes of transport (motor bikes, cars, bicycles)

 In general, a higher quality of life.

 My academic history and achievements

Managing Director Escolha Do Povo January 2018- date

Partner and Director Matswani Capital January 2016- date

Financial Director Escolha Do Povo Limitada June 2015- date

Financial Director Green Data Intelligence April 2015- date

Chairman- Client Service KPMG November 2013- July 2014

eAudit and delivery champion in KPMG May 2013- July 2014

Chairman CSR committee KPMG January 2011- July 2014

Accounting Honours Junior University of Johannesburg January 2010- December 2010

SRC Campus President University of Johannesburg September 2006 - September

Central SRC member University of Johannesburg September 2006 - September

Accounting 3A Class University of Johannesburg July 2007 – December 2007

SRC Executive: Current Affairs University of Johannesburg September 2005 – September

Chairperson of Disciplinary University of Johannesburg September 2005 – September

First Years Committee (EK) University of Johannesburg 2005

SRC Merger Council University of Johannesburg 2005

RCL president Sunward Park High School 2003

RCL member- 3 years Sunward Park High School 2000 – 2002

 My passion for education

Financial Accounting lecturer Edge Business School January 2020 to date

Technical Accounting lecturer Tuta Me in collaboration with 2016 to date.

Lecturer for Financial and School of Management Accounting January 2010 to

Junior Lecturer- Taxation 3rd University of Limpopo January- December

Junior Lecturer- Accounting University of Johannesburg January- December

Institution Cause Date

This project has a wide-scale and growing social impact on: 