Founder and CEO of Raizcorp
Allon Raiz, a two-time PhD dropout and best-selling author of three books, is a pioneer in the entrepreneurial media space. He hosted South Africa's first national radio show on entrepreneurship, created and hosted a prime-time entrepreneurship reality TV show, and published a popular entrepreneurial cartoon strip. He currently hosts the 14th season of The Big Small Business Show on Business Day TV.
Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Chairman of Bidvest & ArcelorMittal
Professor Bonang Mohale is the former President of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Professor of Practice in the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) in the Faculty of Business and Economics and also Chairman of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Africa and SBV Services.
CEO: Osgard | Publisher: _HR Future_ magazine | Distribution Partner: Merlynn Intelligence Technologies
Alan Hosking is the Publisher of _HR Future_ magazine, and an internationally recognised award-winning Leadership Development Expert who specialises in developing leaders of all ages for the future of work.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Wesgro
Sandiso Gcwabe, who has extensive experience in public-sector financial management, governance, and auditing is currently the CFO at Wesgro, Cape Town and the Western Cape’s official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency.
Senior Manager for Organisational Ethics at The Ethics Institute (TEI)
His involvement in organisational ethics started in 2004, and he has developed a special interest in corruption prevention. Over the years he has supported the South African Government with numerous policy projects, including the development of the Minimum Anti-Corruption Capacity Guidance and the 2016 South African Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy.
Auditor General South Africa
Andrie Sekgetho is an enthusiastic and self-motivated professional with more than 20 years auditing experience, 5 in the private sector and 15 in public sector audit of departments and public entities, with in-depth knowledge of PFMA, SA GRAP, IRFS, Treasury Regulations and legislation relating to Public Finance Management and Municipal Finance Management. Exposure to international auditing assignments of the United Nations, representing Auditor-General of South (AGSA) on the United Nations Board of Auditors on the audit of the Minustah mission station.
Director: Accountancy Education, IFAC
Bruce is an executive leader with 18 years of experience working in and for the accountancy profession at local, regional, and international levels. He has expertise in accountancy education and a passion for sustainable development and international cooperation. He has worked in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Head: Professional Banking Standard Bank Private SA
Ehren Waldo Steenkamp currently serves as Head of Acquisitions – Professional Banking within the Personal and Private Banking division at Standard Bank South Africa. With a strong academic foundation in Finance and Investment, Mr. Steenkamp brings over 10 years of progressive experience in the financial services sector.
CEO: The Audit Toolbar and 2025 SAICA Top-35-Under-35 overall winner
Christiaan Coetzee, is a CA(SA) merging audit expertise with tech. He is the Founder of The Audit Toolbar, an incredible tool that has revolutionized auditing tools in Excel. The Audit Toolbar specialises in productivity Applications for auditors and accountants in South Africa and abroad.
Chief Executive Officer: Signature Business Solutions
Carl Harris is the visionary founder and Chief Executive Officer of Signature Business Solutions, a company he built from a two-person startup in 2006 into a multinational organisation of nearly 250 professionals operating across three continents.
Director, Cyber Security: BDO
With over twenty years of diverse experience in computer science, IT, software development, IT management, OEM software solutions, system integration, technology consulting, digital transformation, management consulting, risk management, cybersecurity, forensic investigation, and compliance management, Gilchrist Mushwana is well vested in IT, risk management, project management, and management consulting.
Director: Pre-sales and Retention Accounting, Africa &Middle East, Sage
Edward Sweeney dedicated his early career to leading financial management in the public sector and spent more than a decade as the CFO of local and district municipalities. His passion for ERP systems led him to join Sage 13 years ago.
Joint Managing Director at SynergERP
Wessel Coetzee is the Joint Managing Director at SynergERP, part of the Alviva group, driving innovation and operational excellence across complex business environments.
Managing Director at ALNET
Natesh Maharaj is the managing director at ALNET Technologies, is a passionate leader with over 20 years of experience managing and leading teams that deliver financial management software solutions.
SAICA Head of Stakeholder Engagement
Walter Bhengu is the Head of Stakeholder Engagement at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), where he leads strategic partnerships and engagement initiatives across the public and private sectors. With a strong focus on transformation, ESG, and professional development, Walter plays a pivotal role in shaping SAICA’s national and regional stakeholder strategies.
Head of Customer & Analytics: BMW South Africa
Chloe Dorasamy, CA(SA), is Head of Customer & Analytics at BMW South Africa, driving business transformation through data and global perspective.
Chartered accountant, academic, consultant, radio broadcaster and writer.
Khaya provides inputs, commentary and analysis on various social, financial and economic issues for a range of publications and clients across the corporate landscape, academia and civil society. He writes regular columns for Business Day, Moneyweb and News24. He has also contributed book chapters on various issues relating to the socioeconomic and political developments in South Africa.
Group Chief Executive: SNG Grant Thornton
Victor Sekese is the Chief Executive Officer with extensive audit and consulting experience which spans over 28 years. His experience includes the private and public sectors and state-owned companies.
Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Dr Dickson Masemola was appointed as Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 3 July 2024.
Multi-award-winning entrepreneur and author
Ronel is the author of the award-winning book Financially Fit and Wealthy. She combines her extensive financial expertise as a Chartered Accountant and CFO Consultant—serving a portfolio of large listed local and international clients—with a passion for educating and empowering others in financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
Director, Investor, Social Entrepreneur, SAICA Top35under35, Mail & Guardian Top 200
Ayanda is an experienced entrepreneur, financial services professional, and chartered accountant. She serves as the CEO and majority shareholder of Drink Nil, South Africa’s largest e-commerce retailer specializing in non-alcoholic beverages.
Chief Executive Officer Energy & Water SETA
Mpho Mookapele has over 17 years of experience in the Private and Public Sector in the Finance, Strategy Development, Regulatory Environment and Skills Development. Through her career, she has served in different spheres of the South African Government, the Private Sector and in the United Kingdom.
Director: Training & Capacity Building at KZN Provincial Treasury
Denicia Samuels started her career in financial services, completing her articles in a Big 4 Audit firm before registering as a Chartered Accountant in 2012. After transitioning to the public sector from banking, she has served Accounting Practices at KZN Provincial Treasury for the last 12 years, offering technical guidance and practical solutions to deliver positive audit outcomes across Provincial institutions.
National Manager of Young Professional Acquisitions at Standard Bank South Africa
Phelisa is a seasoned financial services professional currently serving as the National Manager of Young Professional Acquisitions at Standard Bank South Africa, headquartered in Johannesburg. With over a decade of experience in the banking sector, Phelisa has built a strong track record in Private banking, Wealth management, and client acquisition.
Partner at Knife Capital | Founder at Thinkroom Consulting | Managing Partner at Grindstone Ventures and Grindstone Accelerator
Catherine Young has more than 25 years professional, executive level experience as an African entrepreneur across several industries, including a successful corporate career, holding various senior positions in companies including Deloitte, Chevron and SAP, managing multi-million dollar budgets and large teams.
Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA)
A qualified Chartered Accountant and Chartered Director (SA), Parmi is a recognised authority on corporate governance and serves as an Executive Director on the IoDSA Board. She also chairs the Council of St Peter’s College and previously served as a non-executive director on the boards of PPS Holdings Trust and Alviva Holdings.
Journalist and author
Mandy Wiener is one of South Africa’s most respected journalists and authors. She currently hosts The Midday Report on 702 and Cape Talk, writes a weekly column for EWN, and has authored several award-winning and best-selling books.
Chief Executive Officer at The Hope Factory (NPC) and SAICA Enterprise Development (PTY) Ltd
Chief Financial Officer at The Rooms Network
Keaoleboga Kea Kgokane leads the financial strategy behind a fast-evolving business in the content exhibition and general entertainment space. With a background as a Chartered Accountant (CA), she brings a strong track record of aligning financial management with creative ambition—balancing risk, return, and innovation in a dynamic industry.
Director and Audit Partner: Sekela Xabiso
Zimkita is first, foremost, and always, Ramorata’s Mommy. She is, thereafter, a leader in the accountancy profession, brave and courageous Thought Leader, a Sekela Xabiso Director & Audit Partner and the African Women’s Movement Board Chair, with over 25 years of a diversified career path. Previously she held positions as Director and Audit Partner at KPMG and at EY.
Chair: SAICA Ethics Committee CEO: The Audit Toolbar and 2025 SAICA Top-35-Under-35 overall winner
Tarryn has recently opened TL Pedlar Advisory, as a sole proprietor. Previously, she was the litigation support partner of Moore Durban, an invited member of the Moore South Africa National Technical and the Moore South Africa National Training Committees and a former chairperson of both committees.
SAICA Lead: Lead: Public Sector Member Support and Guidance
Naledi Matlala is a CA(SA) and Registered Auditor with over a decade of experience in the public sector. She currently serves as the Lead: Public Sector Member Support and Guidance at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). Her career includes impactful roles at the Auditor General of South Africa and being recognised as Best Audit Manager at the AGSA. She is currently completing an MCom in Development Finance at the UCT GSB.
Assistant Audit Manager at the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA)
Nthabiseng Mabuya is a proud alumna of the Thuthuka Bursary Programme. She has transformed personal challenges into platforms for community empowerment.
SAICA Head: Public Sector and Ethics
Natashia Soopal is the Head of Public Sector and Ethics at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). She leads the development of thought leadership, technical updates, and resources for members, while advocating for ethics standards and the public sector.
Lead: Ethics Code and Advocacy, SAICA
Viola Sigauke is the Lead for Ethics Code and Advocacy at SAICA. She is responsible for maintenance of the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct and alignment with the IESBA and IRBA Code. She supports the Head of Public Sector and Ethics and works with relevant committees to manage and influence ethics standards.
Deputy Chair of the Presidential Advisory Council on Investment (PACI)
Phumzile, a stockbroker by training, is the co-founder and executive Chairman of Afropulse Group Proprietary Limited. She is the Chairman of Metrofile Limited and Chairman of Delta Property Fund. She is Deputy Chairman of Imperial Logistics and serves as a Non-Executive Director of DP World Limited, Nedbank Group Limited and Nedbank Limited. She is a Member of Council at the University of Pretoria.
Lead: Public Sector and Thought Leadership SAICA
Msizi is a Lead in the SAICA Standards Division, responsible for research, insights and thought leadership. Msizi’s research focuses comprehensively on the public sector, but also includes people development, processes and technology. He has a background in academia, lecturing Advanced Auditing, with experience as a facilitator, audit manager, and external consulting.
Journalist | Technology Evangelist | Futurist
With over three decades in media — spanning radio, print, and television — Aki Anastasiou has witnessed the evolution of technology through multiple lenses, translating its rapid progress into compelling stories and insights for the public. Recognised as one of South Africa’s leading futurists and technology influencers, Aki is an accomplished journalist, conference host, facilitator, and keynote speaker. He thrives on innovation and digital transformation, passionately exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping business, society, and the lives of global citizens.
Head of Product Management Operations Intuit
Emma Hallam, as Head of Product Management Operations, works with teams across Intuit to build and deliver products that help small businesses and accounting professionals. Emma has been at Intuit for three years and has been in software product management for 20 years working across financial, healthcare and legal sectors.
Lawyer and radio and television show host
Nqaba is an experienced South African lawyer with specialisations in legal advisory and research, public policy and regulatory work. In addition, he has extensive experience in radio broadcast media. He holds the LLB (Fort Hare), LLM – International Trade Law (Stellenbosch) and GMP (IEDC) qualifications and has over 12 years’ legal experience. Nqaba serves as Legal Counsel at the South Afrikan Competition Commission where he has worked in leading cases and inquiries, including the historic Health Market Inquiry. In addition, he has investigated and recommended in the Commission’s M&A work.
CEO of BUSA
Khulekani Mathe is the Chief Executive Officer of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), a position he has held since January 2025. Before joining BUSA, he was the head of financial inclusion at the Banking Association South Africa (BASA), where he focused on driving transformation in the banking industry, fostering small business development, and promoting financial education. An experienced policy development professional, Mathe has held various roles in public service, including positions in the Presidency, the National Planning Commission Secretariat, and the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation.
CEO of SAICA
Patricia Stock the CEO of SAICA, is a strategic entrepreneurial accountant with a passion for transforming people and organisations. As the co-founder and former CEO of MGI RAS, a distinguished member firm of MGI Worldwide, Patricia boasts diverse experience in talent management, ESG (as a certified ESG Analyst - CESGA®) , audit (as a registered auditor member of IRBA) , IFRS (with Masters in International Accounting), quality assurance and governance.
Executive Coach
Khuthadzo Mbedzi Manana is a Chartered Accountant CA (SA), Certified director, and an exceptional leader who has consistently chosen the path of purpose and impact. With a career spanning external audit, internal audit, banking, and executive finance leadership, she has held CFO roles in three organisations across both the private and public sectors.
Independent Consultant
A multi-talented Chartered Accountant (SA) who also holds a master's degree in business leadership from UNISA School of Business Leadership is consistently rewarded for her success in financial management , delivering accountability , transparency and strategic impact in purpose driven environments. She is an Independent Advisor to various Government Entities and Departments and the founder CEO of Mjaji Mbatha Foundation.
Co-Founder: Ad Ignite
Dylan Geustyn is an accountant by trade who somehow stumbled into entrepreneurship, sales, and marketing and never looked back. He’s the Practice Director at CFO360, a global accounting firm helping SMEs across the US, UK, and South Africa. Over the years, Dylan has been part of the leadership team that grew the company from a one-man operation into a 90-person firm with multiple branches, two in South Africa, two in the UK, and one in the US. When he’s not helping run the accounting firm, he’s the Co-Founder of Ad Ignite, a digital strategy agency that helps other businesses grow through online marketing.
SAICA Lead: Eastern Region
Naeem Asvat, CA(SA), is the Regional Executive for SAICA’s Eastern Region, based in Durban. With over a decade at KPMG and extensive experience in audit, tax, and advisory services, he joined SAICA in 2007 to lead strategic initiatives across KwaZulu-Natal. He is also a passionate advocate for employee wellbeing, championing wellness initiatives that foster a healthier, more resilient professional community.
Organisational Behaviour Specialist
Siphiwe Moyo is a sought-after and highly rated International Keynote Speaker, Author, and OD Facilitator. A Southern African Speaker Hall of Fame and a Southern African Educator Hall of Fame Inductee, Siphiwe is a safe pair of hands for Executives trying to solve people-related issues in organisations. He’s a seasoned HR practitioner and Organisational Behaviour specialist. He is the Executive Director at the Organisational Behaviour Institute.
Medical Doctor, Wellness Speaker, Vocalist
Dr Darren Green, a well-known and trusted figure in the field of Media Medicine, has become one of our household favourite Celebrity role models and doctors. He is a true South African product – the genuine thing – born in Pietermaritzburg, matriculating as Matric of the year and Junior Mayor of Port Elizabeth and proud Old boy of The Grey High School in Port Elizabeth. Darren has achieved and served our country on provincial and National level in various domains.
Chief Executive Officer of Dis-Chem Group
Rui Morais is the Chief Executive Officer of the Dis-Chem Group, where he is leading the company’s evolution from a retail pharmacy into South Africa’s first fully integrated healthcare ecosystem. A Chartered Accountant (SA) and former CFO of Dis-Chem, Rui has over 20 years of experience in the retail pharmaceutical sector and played a pivotal role in the group’s JSE listing.
Chief Financial Officer of STADIO Holdings Limited
Ishak Kula is the Chief Financial Officer of STADIO Holdings Limited, where he oversees financial strategy, reporting, and governance across the group’s higher education institutions. Before joining STADIO, he served as Chief Assurance Executive at Bud Industrial Services Group and spent more than a decade at KPMG South Africa, progressing to Associate Director in Audit.
Managing Director of Sherbet Agency
Raffaele Mc Creadie is the Managing Director of Sherbet Agency. A serial entrepreneur who has spent the past 20 years incubating, growing and managing businesses. He has a passion for advertising, strategy and understanding consumer buying behaviour. He believes AI is the new frontier and that it’s not going to take your job but the person who knows how to use it will.
Research manager: Just energy transition - Krutham
Matthew specialises in just energy transition, climate, and sustainability research and advisory. His expertise is built on a decade-long journalism career focused on business, finance, and South Africa’s energy reform, notably as a journalist at News24 Business.
Head of Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking
Msizi Khoza is Head of Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking. He provides executive leadership and oversight over the firm’s ESG efforts – including our sustainable financing ambitions. He has held several senior roles within Absa.
Chair of SAICA’s Sustainability Technical Committee (STC)
Prof Yvette Lange is a chair of the SAICA Sustainability Technical Committee (STC), technical advisor to ISSB Board member, member of the IRBA sustainability standing committee (SSC), Member of the Integrated Reporting Committee of SA working group (IRCSA) and adjunct professor in the School of Accountancy at the University of Witwatersrand, her interest and passion are primarily based on the needs and responsive rapid developments within the global landscape regarding sustainability reporting and assurance.
SAICA Executive: Standards
Milton Segal CA (SA) holds the following degrees and diplomas from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits): Bachelor of Commerce, Higher Diploma in Accountancy and Master of Commerce (Taxation). He leads the Standards portfolio, which is the technical member-facing division within SAICA responsible for thought leadership, advocacy, guidance, and standard setting in the areas of Audit and Assurance; Corporate Reporting (IFRS, IFRS for SMEs, Non-financial reporting, and Sustainability); Public Sector and Standard’s Ethics Taxation.
Head of the Department of Accountancy at the University of Johannesburg
Ahmed has 18 years of post-article experience in financial reporting (IFRS and similar) and presenting financial reporting to the profession. Ahmed is a Professor and the Head of the Department of Accountancy at the University of Johannesburg. He heads up a team of professional staff and presents Advanced Financial Accounting (IFRS) to the PGDA/Honours students at the University of Johannesburg. He also presents on the Gauteng Board Course and the APT APC course.
Head,Policy and Sustainability Data - SASOL
Chantal Chitray is a seasoned professional specializing in sustainability strategy, reporting and data analytics. With an impressive 23-year tenure at Sasol, her career highlights extensive expertise in policy development, sustainability strategy development & reporting and continuous improvement within the corporate environment. Chantal holds a Masters in Business Leadership and a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering which have provided a strong foundation to navigate the complexities of sustainability.
Head of Environmental, Nature & Climate Risk Management in the FirstRand financial services group
After 25 years as the Head of Environmental, Nature & Climate Risk Management in the FirstRand financial services group (South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, UK) and using her extensive knowledge of environmental and social risk management, climate-related risk and opportunity management, climate/green finance, nature- related risk management, sustainable development, just transition, climate mitigation and adaptation, shared prosperity, positive impact banking and investment to independently consult as a senior ESG advisor.
SAICA STC Member and Director: ErathInc
He describes himself as an “evangelist for nature and the environment”, a green business pundit. Finding his calling in environmentalism in the late twentieth century he pursued the incremental transition into sustainable development in the twenty-first; and founded EARTH.INC as a response to the glaring divide between corporate interests, and the underpinning social-ecological systems.
Director at BDO
Beatrie is a Director at BDO, where they are responsible for Quality within BDO Tax, and for supporting clients with their Tax Strategy and Policy needs. They are also responsible for the firm’s response on Environmental Taxes. They have more than 23 years of experience in the tax industry and have been fortunate to operate in all the important tax arenas, affording them an unparalleled 360⁰ view of the tax landscape in South Africa.
Partner at KPMG
Shaheed is a Partner at KPMG in South Africa and serves as the Africa Head of ESG Assurance. He leads engagements focused on ESG reporting and assurance for listed and multinational clients across various industries. Shaheed established and leads KPMG Africa’s ESG Technical Team, driving thought leadership and technical excellence in ESG reporting and assurance in support of the firm’s ESG strategy. He regularly delivers training to clients and speaks at prominent industry events and is widely regarded as a leader in the ESG reporting and assurance field.
Climate Finance Specialist - DBSA
Ms. Mathaba leads the Climate Finance Specialist role at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), focusing on the origination and appraisal of sustainable investment opportunities across various sectors from the climate change mitigation and adaptation lens. She spearheads fundraising efforts to mobilize financial resources from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and private capital investors.
Senior Investigator in CIPC's Corporate Compliance and Disclosure Regulation unit
Cuma is a Senior Investigator in CIPC's Corporate Compliance and Disclosure Regulation unit, a function of the Business Regulation and Reputation Division. He heads the Annual Financial Statements (AFS) stream, which is responsible for the administration of the XBRL financial reporting regime in South Africa. He was a member (now proxy for CIPC) of the IFRS International Taxonomy Consultative Group (ITCG), represents CIPC at the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors’ (IRBA) Committee for Audit Standards (CFAS) and was a member of the Steering Committee chaired by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; which was tasked with conducting a Regulatory Impact Assessment to inform policy on the adoption of the ISSB’s Sustainability Disclosure Standards.
Corporate Sustainability Strategist and ESG Reporting Professional
Mokgadi Maloba is a seasoned professional in the field of sustainability and environmental management, with a focus on ESG strategy development and implementation. Mokgadi's career has been marked by significant contributions to government, consulting and the mining sector. Mokgadi holds a B.Sc. in Community Water Services Sanitation from the University of Limpopo, B.Sc. Hons in Environmental Technology from the University of Pretoria and an MBA from GIBS.
Director in the Business Sustainability Department of Forvis Mazars
Scott Williams is a Director in the Business Sustainability Department of Forvis Mazars, based in the Johannesburg office. In this role, he supports organisations across South Africa and the continent in advancing their sustainability strategies through advisory, reporting, and assurance services. Scott is a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA), FCA) with extensive experience in the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) space. His expertise spans ESG strategy, sustainability reporting, assurance, and climate risk analysis.
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Program Manager, Market Area Europe, Middle East and Africa Marketing & Communications - Ericsson
Zakhiya Rehman is a seasoned leader with 30 years of experience in IT analysis, consulting, and sustainability, focused on climate change, socio-economic challenges, human rights, and matters of ethics. She collaborates globally to drive transformative environmental and social initiatives and has advised corporate boards, parliamentary committees, and public sector entities in South Africa, Germany, and beyond.
MD at Kolano | Executive Coach | Non-Executive Director | Speaker | Thuthuka Alumni | Mandela Washington Fellow | University of Limpopo + UJ Alumni
Thabo is a Chartered Accountant, Registered Auditor, and COMENSA Credentialed Coach passionate about entrepreneurship & leadership development. He believes small and medium sized businesses are the key to creating jobs and bringing hope to many families. SMMEs need the support of professionals, corporates & government to collaborate & deliberately enable that growth.
CEO of AWAKENED Global
Senior Business Development Specialist, Deel Payspace
