Tshediso Matona is an accomplished leader with over 30 years’ professional experience, specifically at the interface of public policy and business, in economic planning and enterprise and investment facilitation, serving at the highest level in government.
He is currently Commissioner of the Black Economic Empowerment Commission since August 2022. Prior to that, he was Special Advisor to Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, and was previously the DTIC’s Director-General (2005-2010) and later DG of state-owned Public Enterprises (2011-2014), followed by a stint as CEO of Eskom (October 2014-May 2015), and DG of National Planning Commission in the Presidency of SA (2015-2021).

Matona’s wide-ranging experience spans Business Regulation, Transformation, Industrial and Trade Policy (he was SA’s diplomat at the World Trade Organisation, 1996-1998), as well as Corporate Governance. He holds a Masters in Development Economics from East Anglia University (UK) and Bachelor and Honours in Economics and Politics from University of Cape Town, and various certificates from international universities, including Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and Stockholm University. He is a Fellow of Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa and of National School of Government, and has serves on boards of public and private entities.

Dr Sizwe Errol Nxasana is a renowned South African business leader and social entrepreneur with a distinguished career spanning corporate leadership, education innovation and social impact. In May 2025, he earned a PhD in Education from the UNESCO PBL Centre at Aalborg University in Denmark.

He began his professional journey at Unilever, before founding Sizwe & Co in 1989 – the first black-owned audit practice in KwaZulu-Natal. In 1996, he became the founding partner of Nkonki Sizwe Ntsaluba, now SizweNtsalubaGobodo (SNG Grant Thornton), which has grown to become the fifth-largest audit firm in South Africa. In 1998, he was appointed CEO of Telkom SA and led the company’s dual listing on the Johannesburg and New York Stock Exchanges. He later served as CEO of the FirstRand Banking Group from 2005 until his retirement from corporate life in September 2015. Following his executive career, Dr Nxasana channelled his focus into transforming education in South Africa. He is the founder of Sifiso Learning Group – a holistic education ecosystem that includes Future Nation Schools, Nation NXT College (the Group’s teacher training unit, formerly Future Nation College), iKamva Preschool (formerly Future Nation Schools Preschool) and Sifiso EdTech. The Group also encompasses ventures in academic publishing and education-focused property development. Together, these entities are committed to reimagining African education through accessible, technology-enabled and Afrocentric learning, with project-based learning (PBL) at its core to foster critical thinking, collaboration and real-world problem-solving.

Dr Nxasana currently chairs several influential foundations and trusts. He is the Co-founder and Chairperson of the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) and the Founder and Chairperson of the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP), which supports financially disadvantaged and “missing middle” students. His contributions have been recognised with honorary doctorates from the University of Fort Hare, Durban University of Technology, the University of Johannesburg, Walter Sisulu University, and UNISA.

Mabatho joined the Financial Services Industry in January 2001. Prior to that she was working in the oil industry as a new business development manager for Total SA in historically disadvantaged communities. Her first financial services job was in private equity as an Assistant Portfolio Manager for Infrastructure Investments at Old Mutual Asset Management. In 2003 she joined Cadiz Asset Management and was subsequently made a Director and Head of Institutional Business Development and Marketing until March 2007. She has been involved in financial services as an independent professional since 2008.

Her first board appointment was as an independent investment committee member for Rand Mutual Assurance. She has since served on various types of funds in the industry including the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund, where she was also the chair of the Strategic Investment Committee and the National Treasury Jobs Fund where she was an independent investment committee member. She currently still serves as a professional trustee or independent investment committee member or independent Chairperson on various funds including impact investment funds. She also has experience serving on Company Boards. She is a Director of the Transformation Action Forum, an asset owner led initiative to transform the financial services industry. She is also a former member of the advisory committee of the Southern African Pension Fund Investment Forum. Among her experience is working as a management consultant for 5 years and she has more than 10 years experience in professional mentoring of women.

Solly Matheba has a strong background in retirement fund management, demonstrated leadership in strategy formulation and implementation, and a solid educational foundation in psychology, human resources, and business leadership. 

Solly held the following positions at the Tshwane Municipal Provident Fund (TMPF) 

• Elected as a Trustee in August 2009. 

• Appointed as the Principal Executive Officer in August 2024. 

• Served as Chairperson for three terms from 2016 to 2024. 

• Held the position of Chair of Audit & Risk. 

He contributed to the Transformation of the Fund and played a significant role in enhancing the Fund’s asset allocation strategy and portfolio diversification, which saw the Fund’s assets increasing from R4.2 billion in 2019 to R11 billion in 2025. 

Solly Obtained various certificates from recognized institutions, including: 

• FSCA (Trustee Toolkit) 

• ASISA 

• SAVCA 

• Batseta Trustee and Principal Officer certificates 

• Registered as a Licentia Trustee and Chartered Principal Executive Officer. 

He also has the following Academic Qualifications 

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Sociology – Unisa 

• Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Psychology – University of Pretoria (UP) 

• Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management – University of Johannesburg (UJ) 

• Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law – University of Johannesburg (UJ) 

• Master of Business Leadership (MBL) – Unisa School of Business Leadership (SBL) 
  
  

Sifiso Sibiya is the Head of Investments at South Africa’s Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). The GEPF is a defined benefit pension fund with around 1.4 million members, comprised of employees, retirees and beneficiaries. The Fund is the largest in Africa and has assets worth ZAR 2,7 trillion (around USD 155 billion).

He holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investments, in addition to an Honours degree in Mathematical Statistics and a degree in Actuarial Science from the University of the Witwatersrand. Sifiso is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, a Fellow of Actuarial Society of South Africa, a Charter Enterprise Risk Actuary, CFA and CAIA Charterholder. He has more than 15 years of experience within financial services, specializing investments, financial risk management and employee benefits. Prior to the GEPF, Sifiso worked at Alexander Forbes as an Investments Actuary and led the Actuarial Investments function. He also worked at Deloitte Financial Services Advisory as an Actuarial Manager

Fulufhelo is an accomplished investment professional and entrepreneur with over 23 years of industry experience. She is deeply passionate about developmental investments, diversity advancement, and inclusivity. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was awarded the Outstanding Female Professional Award by ABSIP in 2021. 

She is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Third Way Investment Partners; a specialist investment firm focused on infrastructure investing. She also serves as a director within the Third Way Asset Management Group portfolio companies. 

Fulufhelo previously held the role of Investment Manager at the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) — Africa’s largest pension fund — where she served on the Investment Committee of the Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund and represented the GEPF on several advisory boards of private equity funds. 

Earlier in her career, she was an Executive and Senior Consultant at RisCura, advising pension funds, insurance companies, and medical schemes across Southern Africa. She also served as an employer-elected trustee of the RisCura Provident Fund. Her career began at RMB Asset Management, laying the foundation for her extensive expertise in asset management and institutional investing. 

After serving with distinction for many years as a director on the board of SAVCA, Fulufhelo opted not to stand for reappointment, marking the end of a significant chapter in her industry leadership. 

Kgomotso commenced his career at Alexander Forbes Financial Services as an Employee Benefits Consultant in 2008, his responsibilities as a employee benefits consultant included a number of blue chip clients. He has over a decade as Principal Officer. In 2016 he joined Telkom Retirement Fund as its Principal Executive Officer, the TRF has asset size of R45 billion and 9 000 active members and 15 000 pensioners. 

Thabo is the Managing Director of Ninety One South Africa (Ninety One SA). He has been with the firm since 1998. Before joining Ninety One, Thabo was a management consultant with Monitor Company (now known as Monitor Deloitte), a multinational strategy consulting firm headquartered in Boston, in the United States.

He graduated from Brown University, with a BSc in Engineering and a BA Honours in Economics.

Senzo Langa is the Institutional Chief Investment Officer at Alexforbes, a role he assumed in April 2025. With over 19 years of investment experience, Senzo leads the strategic direction of institutional assets, ensuring that client objectives are met through robust investment solutions and responsible investing practices. 

His appointment marks a pivotal step in strengthening Alexforbes’s capabilities across traditional and alternative asset classes, while expanding its retail footprint and reinforcing its leadership in ESG-aligned investing. 

Prior to this role, Senzo served as Deputy CIO and Head of Portfolio Management at Alexander Forbes Investments, where he oversaw a broad spectrum of portfolios across cash, bonds, property, and equities. His leadership is instrumental in upholding the firm’s investment philosophy and process. 

Senzo began his journey with the organisation in 2011, following four years at RMB Asset Management where he supported fixed income and forex portfolio managers, contributing to portfolio execution, valuation, and compliance. 

He is an active contributor to the Investment, Retail , DFM and Private Market Governance Committees, reflecting his commitment to shaping strategic decisions within both the firm and the broader asset management industry. 

Senzo holds a Master’s in Finance (cum laude) from the University of the Witwatersrand and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). He also facilitates CFA-level courses at Novia One, nurturing the next generation of investment professionals. 

Horatius is Ninety One’s Chief Investment Officer, South Africa. He leads and drives investment excellence across the South African focused investment teams.

Horatius has a wealth of investment experience. Prior to joining the firm, he was head of listed investments at the Public Investment Corporation. Before that he was an equity research analyst at Merrill Lynch.

Horatius holds a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Rand Afrikaans University and Bachelor of Accounting Honours degree from University of Natal.

Nomonde has more than 15 years of financial services industry experience previously holding various roles in Investment Consulting and is currently an Investment Multi-Manager at the EPPF. Her current role involves the appointment, monitoring and evaluation of external asset managers across different asset classes, locally and globally. She has contributed to some of EPPF’s policy frameworks and research on transformation and gender diversity. Nomonde has a Chartered Development Finance Analyst (CDFA) accreditation, CFA Sustainable Investing Certificate, MBA and MPhil Development Finance Degrees both from the University of Stellenbosch Business School. 

Carl Roothman was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Sanlam Investment Group on 1 January 2022. Prior to this appointment, he held various senior roles at Sanlam including CEO of Sanlam Private Wealth, CEO of Sanlam Investments Multi-Manager  and CEO of Sanlam Investment Retail.

Carl joined the Sanlam Investment Group in November 2013 from Absa Capital. His previous senior leadership and deal making roles where at Citibank, Barclays Capital and Investec.

Carl has a strong financial services background and is highly experienced in the wealth management and investment banking spaces.

He holds a Master of Law (LLM) degree in International Banking and Financial Law from Boston University in the US, Bachelor of Law (LLB) and a BCom (Law) degrees from the University of Pretoria.

He has also completed an Investment Management Course at Harvard Business School.

Thembeka Sobekwa, Director and Portfolio Manager at Mianzo manages equity funds. With 15+ years’ experience across Equity, Fixed Income, and Derivatives, she previously worked at Clade Investment Management.

Vuyo has been Co-Managing Director since 2020. He has more than two decades of investment experience and has been involved in private infrastructure investing in Africa since 2003. In addition to the Co-Managing Director role, Vuyo is the Co-Portfolio Manager of the IDEAS Managed Fund, which primarily focuses on infrastructure investment in the SADC region. The Fund has an unmatched portfolio of infrastructure assets of various vintages in different sectors and has been a leading private investor in regional infrastructure.

Vuyo, who joined AIIM in 2003, has been involved in all aspects of the business’s evolution from being a primarily South Africa focused fund manager to becoming a multi-office pan-African infrastructure investor. He played a key role in the implementation of several pioneering private infrastructure initiatives in various parts of the continent.

Vuyo serves on the boards of several industry associations, including being Chairperson of the Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) and the sector development agency, GreenCape. Vuyo is a Director on the AIIM Board and is a member of the Executive Committee, while also serving as a member of the Investment Committees of all AIIM’s managed funds.

Prior to joining AIIM, Vuyo was an investment analyst and strategist at a South African asset management business. Vuyo holds a B.Com Honours degree from the University of Cape Town, an M.Sc from the University of Oxford and MBA from IESE Business School. He has also completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program and is an African fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Janice has a deep and diverse investment background, spanning over 25 years with highly regarded financial institutions in South Africa (SA) and the UK. She has significant debt, venture capital and private equity experience across multiple sectors and business stages and is a CFA Charterholder.

Janice spent 10 years with Prudential Capital plc in London as a senior member of its Principal Finance team prior to joining Edge Growth, a leading SA SME impact investor for five years.  Thereafter, Janice joined the Identity Partners Group, a majority black women led investment group.

Janice worked in the Presidential Climate Finance Task Team which led the negotiation of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP) before re-joining Edge Growth Ventures in July 2023 as Chief Executive.

She is currently a non-executive board member of SAVCA (South African Private Equity and Venture Capital industry association) and on the 100 Women in Finance Global Advisory Council.

Malungelo founded Mazi Asset Management in October 2006 and serves as its Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the strategic direction and operations of the business. Mazi Asset Management stands as one of the pioneering black-owned fund management companies in South Africa. The company is steadfast in its commitment to valuing diversity, recognizing that a tapestry of unique perspectives and skill sets is crucial for attaining sustainable success.  

He has over 25 years of investment management experience, having worked as a generalist investment analyst and a portfolio manager of different asset classes. These have included specialist institutional equity funds, retail equity funds, listed property funds, and hedge funds. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Finance from the University of Cape Town. He also holds a business leadership qualification from Harvard Business School.  

Fay joined Alexforbes on 1 May 2023, initially as a Senior Technical Marketing Specialist before transitioning to her current role as a Senior Discretionary Fund Management Specialist & DFM Portfolio Manager with Investment Solutions by Alexforbes.

With over 17 years of experience, Fay has honed her expertise primarily within the Asset Management industry. Her career journey includes roles as an equity analyst, multi-manager research analyst, and DFM portfolio manager at institutions such as Sanlam Investments, Glacier by Sanlam, and PPS Investments. Notably, she played a pivotal role in refining investment-related processes and launching a DFM at PPS Investments from 2017 to 2020.

Before joining Alexforbes, Fay served as an Investment Specialist at Allan Gray for nearly two years, focusing on client servicing within the retail intermediary advice sector. Her latest appointment at Alexforbes is the culmination of her diverse skill set acquired over 16 years in the retirement and savings industry in South Africa.

Passionate about translating propositions into impactful enhancements for intermediary practices, Fay is committed to delivering prosperous outcomes for compulsory and discretionary savings clients.

Fay holds a Bachelor of Business Science (B Bus Sci) Finance Honours degree from the University of Cape Town. She has completed Level 1 of the Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) through the CFA Institute and the Executive Development Program (EDP) at Wits Business School in 2023.

Melissa Breda currently oversees the directly managed listed investment capabilities as well as multi-managed products across local and global asset classes. With over 20 years’ experience in the investment industry, she brings deep expertise in portfolio construction and has valuable insights regarding the key success factors in asset managers across the globe. Prior to joining the PIC in 2016, Melissa spent 13 years at Momentum Investments, serving as Head of Portfolio Management at Momentum Outcome-based Solutions. As a seasoned investment professional and leader, Melissa’s approach is defined by a relentless focus excellence and setting new standards in investing.

Craig Gradidge is the Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Gradidge Mahura Investments (GMI), an award-winning, fully independent wealth management company. With over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Craig has built a strong reputation for delivering trusted investment advice to individuals, families, and corporates.

He held senior roles at leading financial institutions before co-founding GMI in 2008 with Kagisho Mahura. Under their leadership, GMI has grown into one of South Africa’s most respected black-owned wealth management companies, known for its professionalism, integrity, and client-centred approach.

Craig holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Cape Town, a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, Bachelor of Commerce Honours and is a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) professional. He is also a member of the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) and a regular contributor to various media platforms, where he shares insights on investments, retirement planning, and financial literacy.

Recognised for his leadership and commitment to transformation in the financial sector, Craig continues to play an active role in mentoring young professionals and advocating for greater inclusion and excellence within the industry. His passion lies in helping people build and preserve wealth through sound financial planning and disciplined investing, staying true to GMI’s purpose as “The Family Wealth Experts.”

Stephen is the Managing Executive of Absa CIB Public Sector and Growth Capital Solutions business clusters and in addition he is the CIB ARO Lead. Stephen’s experience spans in excess of 20 years investment banking experience, having held several senior management positions, previously with primary focus as Head of Public Sector and Head of Inclusive Growth Solutions within the group. Stephen’s responsibilities have expanded into overseeing the CIB business functions in the group’s Absa Regional Offices (ARO) in Sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to joining Absa, Stephen held various roles at Standard Bank notably in treasury, global markets including heading up the Energy, Power & Infrastructure and the Emerging Business & Strategic Investment Sector teams. Stephen’s experience also includes time spent at AngloGold Ashanti, where he was responsible for the largest global hedge book. Stephen holds a BSc Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Witwatersrand including a BCom degree from Unisa and has completed his CFA level 2 exams. Transformation and Inclusivity remain high on Stephens’s agenda evidenced by time served as Deputy President and Secretary General of The Association of Black Securities Investment Professionals (ABSIP) including leading the Employment Equity Forum within Absa CIB. His mission continues to grow as he seeks key partnerships on sustainable development across Sub-Saharan Africa focusing on infrastructure finance, fiscal stability advice and enterprise development.

David Ansara is the Chief Executive Officer of the Free Market Foundation (FMF), a classical liberal think tank and policy advocacy organisation headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.

A well-known public speaker and commentator, David is a strong advocate for individual liberty and market-based approaches to public policy.

David has held various positions in think tanks, professional services firms, and trade associations. Prior to joining the FMF in January 2023, David served as the Executive Director of the Centre For Risk Analysis (CRA) at the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR).

David is an alumnus of the University of Cape Town where he completed his undergraduate studies and, in 2008, an MSocSc specialising in political studies. In 2024, David was elected as a member of UCT’s Council, the university’s highest governing body.

Meta Mhlarhi is a seasoned infrastructure investor and transformation strategist with over two decades of experience across energy, infrastructure finance, and fund management. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mahlako Financial Services, a 100% South African womenowned investment firm; she has played a pivotal role in advancing catalytic investments that support South Africa’s just energy transition.

Under her leadership, Mahlako launched South Africa’s largest women-owned private equity energy fund, fully committing R2 billion within three years to projects that power households, industries, and communities. The firm’s portfolio spans renewable energy, dispatchable power, industrial energy solutions, and market-enabling reforms, including transactions that unlock private-sector access to the national grid. Following this success, Mahlako has launched the Mahlako Infrastructure and Growth Fund II, a strategic investment platform targeting energy, ICT, water, transport, and logistics. The fund builds on Mahlako’s proven ability to mobilize institutional capital, structure bankable projects, and deliver inclusive growth across priority sectors.

Mahlako’s recent investment in a leading energy platform has helped establish South Africa’s largest renewable energy company, with over 2.7 GW secured and 11 GW in development. The platform represents approximately 2.5% of the country’s total generation capacity, operates 23 generating facilities, and by market capitalisation would rank among the top 100 companies on the JSE, ahead of several long-established firms.

As Chairperson of BEPA, Meta advocates for transformation and inclusive participation in South Africa’s energy sector. Her work reflects a commitment to unlocking Africa’s infrastructure potential through sustainable finance, institutional partnerships, and impact-driven investment.

Mohau Polo Leteka is a highly accomplished and experienced entrepreneur and private equity investor. She is the Founder and CEO of IDF Capital – a South African based entrepreneurial financier and advisory firm. Through IDF Capital, Polo has contributed towards changeling investments into women owned SMEs across South Africa. In 2015, she co-founded AlitheiaIDF to continue investing in high growth businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa that are women owned and led.

Mohau is an accountant by training, and has varied experience in both the Public and Private sectors of South Africa which includes accounting and auditing, corporate finance, investment banking, public policy formulation, venture capital and private equity in the SME sector. At a fairly young age, Mohau was tasked with leading the process of developing South Africa’s first ever Codes of Good Practice on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment which is a Government policy seeking to transform the South African economic landscape to be more reflective of its population demographics. As a result of this ground breaking work which has changed how Corporate South Africa interacts with the rest of the economy, she is considered a thought leader in areas of economic transformation and development.

Mohau is a an accomplished public speaker, contributor to thought leadership articles on transformation and entrepreneurship. She was also part of South Africa’s version of the Dragons Den show and is also a co-Author of a book called “…..and for all these reasons, I’M IN…..”, which seeks to assist entrepreneurs to become investor ready.

Mohau is the current President of Association of Black Securities and Investment Professional (ABSIP). 

Paul joined Sanlam Investments Private Equity as Managing Partner in 2019. He is responsible for strategic development of Sanlam Investments’ private equity business, fund-raising and leading the growing team, which includes three black professionals. During his time at Sanlam Private Equity, Paul led the fund-raising and capital deployment of SPE Mid Market Fund I, a R3.2 billion mid-market focused private equity fund, which has been invested in 9 highly attractive businesses, including the sale of Absolute Pets to Woolworths Holdings Limited.

Paul’s investment philosophy is that private equity can build the country, and that private equity requires patience and resilience.

Previously, Paul held positions as an investment director, and served on the boards of Adcorp Holdings, Metair Investments and Sun International. Prior to these roles, Paul was part of the leadership team of a mid-market private equity firm, as a Principal, where he led and executed a number of private equity transactions. He started his career as a corporate finance consultant at Investec Corporate Finance.

Paul is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and has completed a Senior Executive Programme from the London Business School.

Leadership grounded in integrity is rare and that’s what defines Percy Mudzusi, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Centauri Advisory Services.

With decades of experience in law and financial planning, Percy has built a career around one simple belief: true success begins with trust. His dual expertise as both a financial adviser and partner at Honey Attorneys gives him a unique perspective — bridging legal insight with practical financial solutions that serve clients for life, not just for now.

Under his leadership, Alpha Centauri Advisory has grown into a respected national advisory firm known for its professionalism, independence and human touch. Percy leads by example – with honesty, accountability and an unwavering focus on putting people first.

Dr Chiloane, the Head of Financial Inclusion and Public Policy at the Banking Association of South Africa, has a distinguished career in the banking sector marked by significant achievements. Notably, he has been the Executive Head of Nedbank’s Group Strategic Relations and Public Affairs since 2011, a role in which he has managed stakeholder relationships, particularly within the public sector, showcasing his expertise in the financial industry.

Dr Chiloane’s influence extends beyond his role in the banking sector. He is a respected member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Banking Association Board and a key contributor to the Board of the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP). Previously, he was General Manager of Group Government Relations at the banking group Absa and headed group communications at Sanlam. His deep understanding of public policy and its implications is rooted in his extensive experience in the public sector, including overseeing communications for the Deputy President of South Africa from 2006 to 2008.

Earlier in his career, he played pivotal roles in various government departments, heading up communications for the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, the National Department of Housing, and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport. Additionally, he spent two years at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), setting up BuaNews, the Government News Agency. His journey began as a print journalist at The Pretoria News and later as a radio news reporter at the South African Broadcasting Corporation. He attended the 8th Aids International Aids Conference in Marrakesh, Morrocco, at the tender age of 18 as both a delegate and reporter for The Pretoria News in December 1993. He continues to be an avid contributor to current affairs through his opinion column on shareholder relations published in the Independent Newspapers. 

Preanka is a seasoned portfolio manager who has worked in asset management for the last decade. She joined Sanlam Investments Multi-Manager in September 2022 as a Portfolio Manager in the Retail Implemented Consulting team and later progressed to serving on the Executive Committee as Head of Corporate Investments Solutions.

She began her career in 2015 as a Quantitative Investment Analyst and later advanced to a Manager Research Analyst role. In 2018, she transitioned to a role that included both Manager Research and Investment Consulting responsibilities.

Preanka received her Master of Commerce degree specialising in Finance from the University of Witwatersrand. She also holds a BCom degree majoring in Economics, Finance and Applied Statistics, as well as a BCom (Hons) degree in Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management from the University of Cape Town.

Preanka is passionate about the development of junior investment professionals. She has mentored numerous investment professionals in South Africa’s asset management industry. She also leads Sanlam Investments Multi-Manager’s contribution to introducing young girls of school going age to the investment industry, inspiring the next generation of investment professionals.

Justin leads the Impact Capital team at Krutham, a leading research and advisory firm based in Johannesburg. He is a finance executive with experience across financial services, consulting and philanthropy. He has designed and implemented catalytic capital structures and supported major foundations in deploying blended finance solutions. His current focus lies in aligning investment vehicles with social and environmental impact goals, and he has worked extensively on fund governance and financial structuring.

Before joining Krutham in 2024, Justin spent 16 years with Standard Bank – leading M&A and strategic projects across the continent. He was extensively involved in the group’s black ownership initiative – Tutuwa – guiding the programme through its unlock and subsequently establishing its community empowerment foundation.

Prior to Standard Bank, Justin worked for PwC in South Africa and the UK.  He is a CA (SA) and holds an MPhil degree (specialising in inclusive innovation). His research thesis considered the evolution of the Financial Sector Charter.

Gontse is highly experienced in investments and has held senior roles in strategy, operations, and business development. He is responsible for partnering with outstanding asset managers to provide best in class solutions. He holds a BSc Honours, a Postgraduate in Business Management and an MBA.  

Duma Gqubule is one of South Africa’s most respected voices on economic justice and transformation. As a financial journalist, analyst, researcher, an advisor and public intellectual on issues of economic development and transformation, he has spent over two decades shaping public discourse on inclusive growth, B-BBEE policy, and structural reform. He was educated at Waterford Kamhlaba School in Eswatini and Aberdeen University in Scotland where he studied economics.

He has worked as a financial journalist for most of the country’s leading publications. Duma has advised government departments, civil society organizations, and international institutions His work was recognised and he later worked for the Black Economic Empowerment Commission, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa.  He was co-author of the commission’s landmark report in 2002, which paved the way for the current Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws and policies.

He was editor of the book: “Making Mistakes, Righting Wrongs: Insights into Black Economic Empowerment,” which reviewed the country’s economic transformation policies during the first decade of democracy. In 2022, the BEE Commission gave him a spearhead award for his work in this area.

He was worked for numerous organisations in the public and private sector, including the NEPAD secretariat, where he was one of the experts who drafted the indicators for the African Peer Review Mechanism. He has done research on the transformation of the mining sector and international best practices on the governance of the sector and written a chapter in a Mistra book: The Future of Mining in South Africa: Sunset or Sunrise. He served as a member of the Congress of South African Trade Unions Panel of Progressive Economists and as a board member of Naledi, the COSATU think-tank. As part of Naledi he has advised public sector unions during their wage negotiations.

A heterodox economist, he is part of campaigns for Universal Basic Income (UBI), the job guarantees and universal public services which are pillars of Vision 2036: A Plan to achieve Full Employment in South Africa, which he hopes will unite political parties and civil society against the government’s failed economic policies. He is a Business Day columnist, contributor to Sunday Times, public speaker and commentator on issues related to economic development and transformation.

Khanya Ngcobo is a Regional Investment Executive at Old Mutual Wealth. With 15 years in financial services, he has deep expertise working with financial advisers and wealth managers. His experience includes roles at Liberty, Momentum, and one of the country’s largest and oldest Discretionary Fund Managers (DFMs), PortfolioMetrix. 

Naledzani Mosomane is the Head of Enterprise and Supplier Development at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking South Africa. She is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Master’s degree in Development Finance (cum laude) from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.

Her career spans diverse disciplines including operations, risk and governance, finance, and strategy development and implementation. She has worked across the African continent and is deeply passionate about supporting the growth of South African SMEs, recognising their vital role in driving sustainable economic development and community upliftment.

In recognition of her leadership and impact, Naledzani was honoured as the 2023 ABSIP FSTC Young Women Achiever of the Year. Growing up with an entrepreneurial mother, she developed a personal appreciation for the challenges business owners face and remains committed to empowering SMEs to grow, scale, and thrive as contributors to the broader economy.

Reza Cassim has 18 years of financial market experience, 16 of which have been with FirstRand Group, and is currently a RMB executive serving as the co-Ceo of the Institutional Segment and co-Head of RMB Global Markets. During his tenure with the Group, he has held senior executive positions, including Chief Risk Officer (CRO) of RMB Markets, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of RMB Markets and CFO of the combined RMB Markets and FirstRand Group Treasury finance teams. He has served on the FirstRand Group Treasury and RMB Markets Executive Committees and is a member and participant in several RMB and Group committees. His experience spans all traded risk classes, including fixed income, foreign exchange, commodities, equity, credit, and asset and liability management. He is well-versed in RMB Global Markets’ specific regulation, capital, strategic execution, and risk-adjusted measurement, as evidenced by his multidisciplinary approach to business and strategy enablement. Reza holds a Bachelor of Business Science degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Cape Town, and he participated in the University of Johannesburg’s Advanced Banking Law, Banking Regulation programme.

• Siyanda is seasoned Investment Banker and Infrastructure Finance specialist, with deep sector expertise in large, complex transactions specifically Public Private Partnerships (“PPP”s) and Renewable Energy projects.
• She is an ABSIP Award winner in 2021: Corporate Finance deal with the greatest impact (Beitbridge Border Post Redevelopment PPP).
• Siyanda has been awarded the Founders’ Medal of Honor at RMB in 2024, which is the highest dealmaking award at RMB.
• She led the financing of some the most complex and structured project finance transactions in Sub Saharan Africa (Beitbridge Border Post Zimbabwe); and some of the largest Independent Power Producer (“IPP”) projects in South Africa.
• Thought leader within Infrastructure with various deal specific, and sector related articles published in the Banker, the Financial Mail and Business Day.
• A driven, ambitious and passionate professional with cast iron integrity and professional ethics.

With over 14 years’ experience, Cami heads up the alternative investment team at RisCura. She provides unlisted investment services for clients across all alternative asset classes such as private equity, infrastructure, and private debt. As a director of RisCura Fundamentals (Pty) Ltd she is also the training officer overseeing RisCura’s Chartered Accountant training programme, which has produced fourteen chartered accounts specialising in private equity. Cami’s passion for business led her to gaining invaluable corporate governance and risk management expertise. This is evident in her appointments as independent non-executive director in the asset management, printing, enterprise development and state-owned entity space. These include ministerial appointments on the University of the Western Cape council and the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) where she is the chair of the Audit and Risk committee. She sits on the boards of Africa Check and Aeon Asset Management. She is the chairman of Tyhini, an enterprise development fund. Cami was the executive director at Grassroots Capital, responsible for growing and monitoring the Agri-finance company loan book. She has also worked at BP Southern Africa and Investec Asset Management. She is a CA(SA) and completed her articles at KPMG. Cami is a chartered director (SA) with the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA).

Muitheri Wahome is the founder of the Asset Management Research Institute. She is the author of Building Capital – a history of asset management in South Africa. Wahome is a financial services professional with decades of experience and has a deep interest in financial inclusion and the history and lore of the asset management industry in South Africa in the global context. After starting out in 1997 as an insurance sector analyst at Barnard Jacobs Mellet, Wahome joined Alexander Forbes Asset Consultants in 2001, where she held several consulting and investment positions over a 17-year career including head of manager research, head of performance surveys, until she was appointed head of the division in 2008. Wahome later joined Alexander Forbes Investments (previously Investment Solutions) as head of technical solutions, going on to serve as chief client officer of the firm. Early in her career, she developed and launched the first institutional specialist equity survey in South Africa.

Wahome has been recognised as a top investment consultant and investment analyst by the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals, in the Financial Mail, and Reuters. She has been a member of the Financial Services Board Collective Investment Schemes Control Act (CISCA) advisory board and an independent expert witness to the PIC Commission of Inquiry. She holds a BCom (Hons) from the University of Nairobi and an MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is a fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative, a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.  She also has experience sitting on pension fund trustee boards and as an independent non-executive director on financial services company boards. Wahome loves art and has served as a docent at the Wits Art Museum.

Lungi Gwente is an Associate at Tamela Capital Partners. In her role, she supports the deployment, execution, deal structuring and management of private credit and alternative capital solutions targeted at mid-market South African businesses, with a focus on unlocking growth for these businesses.

She has spent eight years in the financial industry, beginning her career in management consulting before moving into investments. Over this period, she has worked on transactions across sectors including technology, manufacturing, affordable housing, healthcare, and industrial services. Lungi is a Non-Executive Director at Afrihost Holdings and Global Wheel, and serves as a board observer on the University Technology Fund.

Lungi holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Finance and an Honours degree in Economics from the University of Cape Town. She is passionate about the role of private credit in bridging South Africa’s funding gaps-particularly for entrepreneurs and businesses that remain underserved by traditional lenders. She recently completed the Kenya Global Immersion Programme, delivered in partnership with Duke University, FASSET, and the International Women’s Forum South Africa.

Bonang Mohale is the Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Former President of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Professor of Practice in the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) in the College of Business and Economics and Chairman of two listed entities, The Bidvest Group Limited, ArcelorMittal and SBV Services! He is a member of the Community of Chairpersons (CoC) of the World Economic Forum and author of the two best selling books, “Lift As You Rise“ and “Behold The Turtle”!

He has been included in the Reputation Poll International’s (RPI) 2023 list of the ‘100 Most Reputable Africans’. The selection criteria are Integrity, Reputation, Transparency, Visibility and Impact. He is the recipient of the 2023 ME-Vision Academy Award’s ‘Exclusive Recognition in Successful Leadership’ for consistently leading self successfully, consistently leading people successfully, successfully leading as a senior executive & CEO, successfully leading society in various impactful roles and your contribution to mentoring & inspiring future successful leaders .

Thabiso has over 10 years’ experience in derivatives trading, structuring and research. He started his career as a derivatives dealer, later focussing on derivatives structuring for asset managers, pension funds, insurance companies, wealth managers and family offices. He holds a BCom (Hons) in Statistics from UCT, he is a CFA Charter Holder and a Financial Risk Manager (FRM) – certified by the Global Association of Risk Professionals.

Thabiso also serves as the Deputy President of the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP). Thabiso is a founding member of Catalyx Capital.

Maseabi Marageni is a proven leader with a successful track record of managing teams both nationally and globally. As Head of Business Development at Futuregrowth Asset Management, a leading South African investment firm, she has spearheaded the growth of AUM from 192 billion to 202 billion, demonstrating her exceptional talent in client acquisition and relationship management. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Maseabi is passionate about responsible investing and works closely with pension funds to guide them towards infrastructure, private equity, and venture capital opportunities.

Her expertise spans across:

• Business development and client relationship management
• Institutional and retail investment strategies
• Responsible investment in infrastructure and alternative assets
• Women’s development and leadership advancement

Maseabi is a sought-after speaker, frequently addressing audiences globally and locally on topics including pension funds, infrastructure, impact investing, gender-based investing, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), and women’s empowerment. She is also actively involved in industry leadership, having served on  the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (ASISA), ABSIP,  and now the Young Leaders Committee (YLC).

A champion for women’s advancement, Maseabi co-leads the Board Leadership Committee at YLC, a program dedicated to nurturing future generations of ethical women leaders. In this role, she has successfully secured the participation of over 400 women in the prestigious Veblen Directors’ programme masterclasses. Maseabi is also as Deputy General Secretary of ABSIP and previously held a leadership position within the Women in Focus Chapter, where she now serves in an advisory capacity. Maseabi received recognition for being on advisory council of ABSIP and YLC Ideal Ambassador 2023.

Beyond her professional success, Maseabi finds balance as a wife, mother of three (a son and two daughters) and an intercessor at her church.

Economics Reporter at SABC News and markets reporter on Power 987. She is also the former host of Power Business on Power 987. A Telkom Radio Award-winning news anchor with experience at Power 987 and Kaya 959. She is a voice artist, corporate media host, and a passionate storyteller committed to unpacking Africa’s most impactful business and policy narratives.

Patrick has 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, having started his career in accountancy at Old Mutual, and later joined State Street Global Services. He joined the Glacier research in 2018, focusing on local and global asset manager research. He is now working at Sanlam Multi Manager International, focusing on global manager research and supporting portfolio construction. Patrick holds a BCom (Finance) degree and BCom (Hons) degree in Finance from the University of South Africa.

Mzwandile Ngcobo is an Alternative Investment Specialist at Sanlam Alternative Investments, having joined the business in December 2024. He focuses on investor relations, capital formation and product development across the platform.

Mzwandile brings over 11 years of experience in financial services and investment management, having held roles in structured solutions sales and institutional distribution. Prior to joining Sanlam Investments, he was a Client Fund Manager at STANLIB Asset Management, where he managed institutional relationships with retirement funds, financial institutions, and investment consultants.

His earlier roles include Institutional Solutions Sales at Rand Merchant Bank, where he distributed structured investment products and advised clients on hedging strategies, and Institutional Structured Sales in Global Markets at Standard Bank CIB, focusing on derivatives and fixed income instruments.

Mzwandile holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and an Honours degree in Investment Management from the University of Johannesburg. He also completed the Nexus Leadership Programme at the Gordon Institute of Business Science in 2018.

Thabani Ndwandwe is a highly experienced risk management executive with over 20 years in consumer and SME banking. He brings deep expertise in credit strategy, digital transformation, risk governance, and inclusive leadership. Throughout his career, Thabani has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead large, complex portfolios and build resilient, forward-looking risk functions.

In his previous role as Chief Risk Officer for Personal & Private Banking (PPB), he oversaw all risk types across 16 African markets, including Africa’s largest retail credit portfolio valued at nearly R700 billion.

Thabani has recently been appointed Chief Risk Officer for the Standard Bank Group, joining the Group Leadership Council, and he will continue to serve as SBSA CRO, maintaining oversight of risk across the SBSA franchise.

Thabani holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance and has completed executive leadership programs at prestigious institutions such as Saïd Business School (Oxford), Wits Business School, GIBS, and the Institute of International Finance (USA). His professional reputation is built on strategic thinking, regulatory fluency, and fostering growth through responsible risk-taking.

Nomzabalazo “Nomza” Makubalo is the Chief People Officer (CPO) at Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), where Nomza leads the development of a world-class people function that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion. With over 15 years of experience in Human Capital across the broadcasting/media and financial services industries, Nomza has been instrumental in shaping strategies that drive employee engagement, innovation, and organisational transformation. 

As CPO, Nomza oversees RMB’s strategic people initiatives, strengthening organisational culture, and serves on both the RMB and Group Human Resources Executive Committees. Beyond RMB, Nomza contributes to social impact as a Board Trustee for Action Breaks Silence, an NGO dedicated to ending gender-based violence. Nomza’s leadership and strategic vision have advanced RMB’s human capital function and fueled the bank’s success. Holding a BSc (Hons) in Industrial Psychology from Wits University, a Postgraduate Diploma in General Management, and an MBA from GIBS, Nomza combines academic rigor with practical expertise to foster a high-performance culture and empower employees to achieve their best.

Xolisa Dhlamini has 20 years of experience in financial services. He is the head of sustainability operations & impact at Sanlam. He is a sponsor-appointed member of the Sanlam Umbrella Fund investment committee and a member-elected representative on Sanlam’s staff retirement fund. Xolisa also serves as the chairperson on the board of Just Share and on UCT’s joint investment committee (JIC).

Previously, Xolisa was faculty and a researcher at the UCT Graduate School of Business (UCTGSB) specialising in sustainable finance.  He served as trustee and investment committee chairperson of the UCT Retirement Fund where he led the sustainable investment efforts of the Fund. Xolisa continues to support training in the field of sustainable finance as a guest lecturer at the UCTGSB and the Chartered Institute of Development Finance. He has co-authored a chapter on Investing for Impact in Africa in the book titled: “Sustainable and Responsible Investment in Developing Markets” published in 2023

Xolisa is the former head of Africa for the UN-Supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). He has previously been an investment consultant at Alex Forbes, Absa and Independent Actuaries & Consultants.

Xolisa holds Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA), Chartered Development Finance Analyst (CDFA) and Licentiate trustee (LT) designations.