With a B.Eng in Mining Engineering and an Honours in Technology Management from the University of Pretoria, as well as an MBA from GIBS, Mbali Phejaolema has built a career that spans mining, finance, and corporate strategy. As group manager for strategy development and integration at Exxaro Resources, she collaborates with executives to devise long-term strategies that address complex challenges—from climate change to sustainable growth—across 11 business functions. Her role blends analysis, risk assessment, and strategic alignment, ensuring that no two days are ever the same. Her career spans mining, finance, and corporate strategy, providing her with a unique perspective on how capital, operations, and communities intersect. Beyond Exxaro, Mbali serves as chairperson of ABSIP Women in Focus (AWIF), leading initiatives that develop female professionals, support entrepreneurship, and promote financial inclusion. Under her leadership, AWIF has launched programmes, webinars, and events that have empowered hundreds of women nationwide. A dedicated fitness enthusiast and mother of three, Mbali’s commitment to her work and her conviction that meaningful change begins within one’s own sphere of influence are genuinely inspiring. “It begins with us — leading with purpose and lifting others as we rise,” she says. Guided by this principle, she continues to make an impact not just through business but by mentoring, empowering, and creating opportunities for others to thrive alongside her. Mbali exemplifies leadership with vision, purpose, and heart.
ACHIEVEMENTS
As the chairperson of ABSIP (Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals) Women in Focus (“AWIF”) Sub-Committee, and under my leadership, AWIF has achieved the following:
- Supported over 150 female professionals through our strategic partnerships and sponsor-led programmes, including the IoDSA Certified Director Programme, SAVCA GIBS Private Equity Programme, Ashburton Investments Credit 101, and Franklin Templeton Investment Programme.
- In July 2024, we successfully launched the WIB in partnership with Allan Gray. The initiative aims to build a movement and support base where women entrepreneurs can convene, learn from one another, and develop solutions. Given the high unemployment rate in the country, this platform seeks to ensure SMMEs not only survive but thrive.
- In July 2024, AWIF committee members visited Orange Farm, where they impacted 12 young people by providing care packages. In 2025, we hosted the Mandela Day MpowerHER Initiative Webinar, providing live coaching sessions to 67 young female professionals from leaders within financial services and human capital.
- In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, we ran a campaign featuring trailblazing women sharing insights on ensuring women always have a seat at the table. Speakers included Snowy Masakale (Sanlam Private Wealth and past AWIF Chairperson), Funeka Montjane (Standard Bank PBB CEO), Thandie Mashego (EPPF CFO), and Zodwa Mbele (DBSA CFO)
- In September 2024, in partnership with the Franklin Templeton Institute, we explored sustainability frameworks, sustainable investing in fixed income, taxonomy, and the Sanlam ESG Barometer, presented by Teboho Makhabane.
- Hosted with Ann Simpson (Franklin Templeton Global Head of Sustainability) alongside industry experts Santhuri Thaver and Tshepo Ntsane, engaging ESG stakeholders from the ABSIP community to discuss recent developments.
- Our flagship event, held on 23 August 2025 during Women’s Month, was themed Solidarity, Equality & Sustainability: Has the Needle Moved for Women’s Financial Inclusion? The panel included Florence Musundwa, co-Chair of G20, who shared G20 Empower’s key priorities under the South African Presidency, focusing on women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, STEM, and innovation. She highlighted advocacy for the WE Finance Code to drive financial inclusion and increase access to capital for women-led businesses.
- Under my leadership, AWIF was a finalist in 2023 and 2024 for the Accenture Gender Mainstreaming Awards in the category “Investing in Young Women.” We have successfully built a female professional community where women can access emotional support, acquire essential skills and qualifications, and create tangible impact when opportunities arise.
