Banking and Finance
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Banking and Finance

Lucinda Zinyemba

Founder
Lucy’s Magique (Pty) Ltd
https://www.instagram.com/lucys_magique?igsh=c3RkNGNkemd6cjR2&utm_source=qr
https://lucysmagique.carrd.co/

Growing up in Pretoria, Lucinda dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, drawn by her deep love for animals. While surgery was not her calling, her curiosity and creativity led her into business and hospitality, where she has forged a unique path as a mixologist and entrepreneur. As founder of Lucy’s Magique, Lucinda champions Bantu Mixology, crafting heritage-inspired cocktails that celebrate Southern  African culture while mentoring emerging talent through her B.L.A.A.K. initiative (Bold Legacy of Artistry, Authenticity, and Knowledge). Her days blend creativity,  strategy, and education—developing cocktails with indigenous botanicals, guiding SADC partners, mentoring bartenders, and participating in networking and cultural events. She finds inspiration in her family’s resilient women and the power of hospitality to connect people and tell stories. Lucinda’s accomplishments include winning awards at Patrón Perfectionists and Diageo World Class, judging the Monin Cup International, and features in Eat Out Guide and Glamour Magazine. Beyond work, she enjoys playing the piano as a creative and healing outlet. Her journey has taught her the value of lifelong learning and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Her guiding advice: create from the depths of your soul, connect with those who uplift your craft, and forge a legacy of impact, pride, and possibility —leaving a mark that inspires and empowers others.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Philosophy Honours in Marketing and Business Management, IMM Graduate School
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Business Management, Damelin
  • Cambridge International Diploma in Business – City & Guilds
  • Secretarial Diploma
  • Bar Management Diploma, Bols Cocktail Academy, Netherlands
  • Advanced Bartending, European Bartending School, Spain

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Being an associate marketer and business development advisor for SADC
  • Pioneering Mixologist – recognised as the first woman of colour to receive multiple global awards, earning high accolades in prestigious competitions such as Patrón Perfectionists and Diageo World Class.
  • Featured in Eat Out Guide Magazine and Glamour Magazine for innovative contributions to cultural storytelling in hospitality and mixology.
  • International and Local Beverage Awards Judge – serves as a respected judge for global cocktail competitions, including the Monin Cup International, as well as local Angostura and South African beverage awards.
Author -
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Simphiwe Magangane

Simphiwe Magangane

Chief operations officer
Howden Broking South Africa Pty Ltd
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simphiwe-magangane-95569063/details/education/

Simphiwe Magangane, a pioneering force in South Africa’s reinsurance sector, is the chief operations officer and co-founder of Howden Broking South Africa. She holds a BCom and a BCom Honours in Insurance and Risk Management, as well as an MBA from GIBS, making her one of the few professionals in the country with an honours degree in this specialised field. Her career in insurance was steered by A bursary from Alexander Forbes, a decision she has never regretted. Simphiwe’s role in establishing Howden SA, now a recognised challenger to South Africa’s top three reinsurance brokers — AON, Guy Carpenter, and Gallagher, is significant. As the COO, she is responsible for driving business development, key account management, and operational leadership, ensuring the firm consistently delivers high-quality services to its high-profile clients while managing HR, compliance, and IT functions.  In 2023, she became the youngest female President of the Insurance Institute of Gauteng, a historic achievement reflecting her leadership and influence in the sector. She is especially proud of building a successful business from the ground up, attracting international capital, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. Outside work, Simphiwe channels her discipline into weightlifting, mirroring her professional focus. Her guiding principle: “Always put your best foot forward so you have no regrets.” Through innovation, strategic vision, and resilience, she continues to shape the future of re/insurance in South Africa, inspiring a new generation of leaders.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • MBA, Gordon Institute of Business School
  • Honours in Insurance and Risk Management, Wits University
  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Wits University

ACHIEVEMENTS

Being one of the founders of Howden Broking SA, building a successful business that is now a recognised brand and the challenger reinsurance broker to the big three brokers  – AON, Guy Carpenter, and Gallagher Re. In 2023, I was appointed president of the Insurance Institute of Gauteng after serving on the council, becoming the youngest female to hold this position.

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Shiluba Mashudu Mawela

Shiluba Mashudu Mawela

Founder and managing partner
Tshiamo Impact Partners
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiluba-mawela/
https://www.tshiamoimpact.com/

Shiluba Mashudu Mawela is a transformative force in finance and social impact as the founder and managing partner of Tshiamo Impact Partners, a 100% Black women-owned impact advisory and boutique asset management firm. She uses capital as a tool for social change, guiding investments that deliver both strong financial returns and measurable social impact. Since 2019, Shiluba has led two angel groups of 36 Black women investors, deploying capital into businesses that advance gender equity and economic inclusion. She also manages the Tshiamo Impact Fund, a R400 million target fund supporting gender-inclusive companies across South Africa.  “What excites me most,” she says, “is seeing capital intentionally unlock opportunities for growth-stage businesses  and shape a more equitable country and continent.” Her dedication to impact has earned her recognition as a 2023 Echoing Green Fellow, joining a global network of changemakers committed to tackling systemic inequities. Shiluba combines her expertise in finance with creativity and curiosity — from photography and writing to long walks and swimming — maintaining balance while driving social innovation.  Grounded, visionary, and purpose-driven, she is deeply committed to closing the SME funding gap, a mission that reassures us of her dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs and building a generational institution that uplifts communities and empowers the next generation. Her guiding principle: “Trust God and never self-exclude.”

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), registered with SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered Accountants)
  • Impact Investing in Africa Certificate, University of Cape Town’s Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship

ACHIEVEMENTS

One of the most meaningful milestones in my journey was being named a 2023 Echoing Green Fellow. The accolade holds deep personal significance, as Echoing Green is a prestigious global award that recognises and supports bold leaders working to drive social change and justice. The recognition welcomed me into a community of visionary changemakers from around the world, united by a shared commitment to tackling systemic inequities. The fellowship also affirmed the work we are doing at Tshiamo Impact Partners to shift capital towards inclusive and purpose-led investments. Joining a network that includes luminaries such as former US First Lady Michelle Obama, herself a past recipient, was profoundly humbling.

 

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Nono Mkhondo

Nono Mkhondo

Chief executive
Value Capital Partners
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nonomkhondo
https://valuecapital.co.za/

Nono Mkhondo is redefining leadership in South Africa’s investment sector. As chief executive of Value Capital Partners (VCP), a boutique activist investment firm managing close to $1 billion, she leads a model that proves capital is not passive — it’s powerful. A CA(SA) and Mo Ibrahim Scholar with an MBA from London  Business School, Nono has spent nearly a decade building VCP into one of the country’s most respected activist investors, driving long-term value across some of South Africa’s most iconic companies. At VCP, she oversees the entire investment lifecycle — from sourcing opportunities and executing deals to unlocking value through active board engagement. She serves on the boards of PPC Ltd and Metair Investments Ltd, where she chairs key committees that align executive performance with shareholder value. Her track record includes a significant role in guiding companies through complex turnarounds, such as stabilising Sun International during lockdown and supporting strategy shifts at Tiger Brands and PPC. In an industry where only 18% of CEOs are women, Nono’s appointment represents progress — and purpose. For her, shareholder activism is about accountability, integrity, and building trust. “Character compounds faster than capital,” she says. “Over time,  reputation and relationships are the truest form of wealth.”

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • CA(SA) and MBA from London Business School, awarded with distinction as a Mo Ibrahim Scholar. I am a mother to a kind and curious five-year-old boy and have been married to my husband, who has been my biggest supporter, for almost 15 years. Despite our busy schedules, we enjoy a wonderful family life filled with love, laughter, travel, and constant learning.
  • Having joined VCP in its infancy almost nine years ago, I am proud to have played a role in pioneering this engaged shareholder model in the South African markets. Seeded and anchored by the founder’s capital, we are now a thriving business with almost $1 billion deployed across our portfolio and a growing team.
  • Effective 1 April 2025, I was appointed chief executive of VCP. According to the 27Four Survey, only 18% of CEOs and 16% of CIOs in the asset management industry are women. Women face substantial barriers to progressing into senior decision-making roles such as portfolio managers, with 76% of firms reporting less than 30% women representation.

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Makhosi Msimango

Makhosi Msimango

Founder | Chief executive
Ndzenga Tours & Safaris (Pty) Ltd
https://www.instagram.com/makhosimsimango1/reel/DJGbLRAIAF9/

Makhosi Msimango is a fearless entrepreneur and cultural ambassador, recognised for her innovative contributions to South Africa’s tourism sector. She holds a Certificate in Tourism Guiding, reflecting her expertise and commitment to delivering authentic cultural experiences. As founder and chief executive of Ndzenga Tours & Safaris (Pty) Ltd, Makhosi blends business acumen with storytelling, creating immersive tours that celebrate Zulu heritage and local communities. Her days begin by checking the weather and exchange rates, followed by strategy and team motivation sessions over coffee. She oversees client experiences,  ensuring seamless and culturally rich tours, and mentors youth and women through personal development and tourism training programs. Her dedication to culture is exemplified by her exclusive rights to guide tourists through the Zulu Royal Palaces during the reign of  King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, providing authentic insights into tradition and heritage. Beyond tourism, she pursues thrilling hobbies, such as shark swimming off Umkhomaas  Beach, reflecting her fearless approach to life and business. Makhosi’s proudest achievements lie in empowering young people and women in rural and township communities,  amplifying their voices in the tourism and entrepreneurship sectors. Guided by the philosophy of “making friends with your failures” and her mother’s wisdom that life isn’t always about oneself, she shows that resilience, service, and vision are at the heart of meaningful impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in Entrepreneurship, University of South Africa
  • Diploma in Events & Exhibition Management, Damelin
  • Certificate completed: Project Management, Damelin – Public Service, National School of Government  – Tourist Guide, CATHSSETA

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Secured exclusive rights to take tourists and visitors into the Zulu Royal Palaces during the reign of King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
  • Provided personal development and product development training for youth and women in business, fostering skills, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.

 

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Michelle Landman

Michelle Landman

Independent consultant
www.linkedin.com/in/michellelandman

Michelle Landman is a leader who transforms organisations from the inside out. As chief financial and operations director at the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT) for 13 years, she grew membership from 2,000 to over 8,000, transformed the Tax Indaba into Africa’s largest tax conference, and fostered a culture of accountability,  collaboration, and excellence. Today, as an independent consultant, she helps organisations design systems that promote integrity, growth, and long-term impact. Her leadership philosophy is simple: recognise potential, develop people, and ensure everyone understands not just what they do, but why it matters. “A positive culture is essential to get- ting the job done,” she says. Michelle’s journey has  been shaped by resilience and authenticity—once feeling “barefoot” in spaces where others seemed to belong, she learned that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing your uniqueness and helping others find their own “glass  slippers.” Beyond work, she channels creativity into storytelling, reflective writing, pole fitness, and music, sharpening focus and balance. Her proudest achievements include completing an MBA while recovering from a brain injury and evolving into a leader who listens,  empowers, and holds herself accountable. Guided by the principle, “Always leave the system stronger than you found it,” Michelle’s commitment to driving meaningful impact in people, organisations, and communities is unwavering.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) GIBS  (*in progress)
  • Completed SAICA Articles (Audit & Accounting)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
  • BCom Accounting, University of Johannesburg
  • BCom Industrial Psychology, University of Johannesburg 

ACHIEVEMENTS

What I am most proud of is the journey itself. My education, for example, is not simply a list of qualifications but a testament to grit and perseverance. I worked long hours to fund my studies, balanced full-time work with part-time learning, and even completed my MBA while recovering from a brain injury. Each milestone represents resilience and a belief that challenges can be turned into opportunities. In my career, my proudest achievement has been the ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. Whether building professional structures, leading large-scale initiatives, or guiding teams through uncertainty, I have found strength in problem-solving, creating focus amid complexity, and uniting people around a shared goal. Just as important has been my growth as a leader. I began by thinking leadership was about having all the answers, but over time, I learned it is about listening, empowering others, and holding myself accountable. That evolution in emotional intelligence and compassion is one of the things I value most. What ties it all together is that my achievements are anchored in values — integrity, excellence, accountability, and resilience. They are not abstract principles to me but daily choices that have shaped how I work and lead. Being recognised as a Mail & Guardian Power of Women finalist is an honour, but what matters most is knowing that these values, and the journey behind them, have made a meaningful impact on others.

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Zanele Njapha

Zanele Njapha

Founder and chief executive, The UnLearners
Master, ma, ca, Diploma
and developing program content. She particularly enjoys witnessing the moment someone smiles with understanding—a concept or idea finally clicking. She holds a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University

WOMEN IN BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Zanele Njapha

Founder and chief executive, The UnLearners

Zanele Njapha, founder and chief executive of The UnLearners, begins her days with a focus on physical and mental well-being, incorporating yoga or strength training, team check-ins, workshops, keynote delivery, strategy sessions with clients, coaching leaders in The UnLearning Circle, and developing program content. She particularly enjoys witnessing the moment someone smiles with understanding—a concept or idea finally clicking. She holds a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University, United States, NJ, School of Diplomacy and International Relations. Zanele was inspired to create The UnLearners after observing how society often judges change, despite growth and adaptation being central to life. Through tailored workshops, coaching, and corporate facilitation, she empowers individuals and organisations to embrace transformation in accessible and engaging ways. In response to her own early encounters with suicide, she founded The UnLearning Children Foundation, supporting youth facing similar challenges. Her proudest achievements, including receiving the Rising Star recognition in the 2024 Santam Women of the Future campaign and being part of the 2023 KZN Top Business Women cohort, are a testament to her dedication and leadership. Her guiding lesson is clear: persistence, grit, and a strong network can overcome any challenge, and life is always worth living. Through her work, Zanele inspires others to embrace change, growth, and personal transformation.

Sewela Mamphiswana | mg.co.za
Pulane Modiha

Pulane Modiha

Chief operations officer | Part-time lecturer
FNB Home and Structured Lending | Wits Business School | Johannesburg Business School
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pulane-modiha-phd-55387531/?originalSubdomain=za
www.fnb.co.za

Dr Pulane Modiha, the chief operating officer for FNB Home and Structured Lending Solutions, is not only a leader in banking and academia. She is a visionary who believes in the transformative power of education and financial resources. With a PhD in Management from Wits Business  School and an MBA from GIBS, she is a part-time lecturer at Wits Business School and the Johannesburg Business School, where she mentors MBA students and teaches courses in leadership, global business, and personal development. Her upbringing in a small Free State township instilled in her the conviction that access to education and financial resources can transform lives. This belief fuels her mission to build systems that open doors rather than close them. “Boundaries are not walls; they’re starting lines,” she says, a philosophy that resonates in both banking and academia. Her typical day is a blend of strategy and execution, from chairing executive meetings to developing solutions that simplify and make banking more inclusive. Her greatest joy comes from seeing people thrive—whether a customer secures a home,  a colleague steps into a leadership role, or a student defends their MBA research. Outside work, she enjoys mentoring young professionals, travelling with her daughter, and staying fit through boxing, spinning, and gym workouts. Her proudest achievements include leading  BOTCEP Phase 1, supervising MBA students, completing her PhD on women in executive leadership, and launching the Deep Thought Leadership Conversations Podcast.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • PhD in Management, Wits Business School
  • MBA, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
    BCom Honours, University of South Africa 
  • BCom, University of the Free State
  • Certificate in Digital Transformation, MIT 
  • Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of San Francisco
  • Certificate in Advanced Artificial Intelligence Strategies, Henley Business School

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Appointed chief operating officer at FNB Home & Structured Lending Solutions, leading digital transformation and customer-focused innovation in one of South Africa’s largest banks.
  • Successfully launched BOTCEP Phase 1 and customer educational content, initiatives that enhance customer experience and financial literacy.
  • Supervising MBA students and teaching various postgraduate programmes, including executive education at leading business schools (Wits & JBS), shaping future leaders by bridging academic theory with real-world business practice.
  • Completed my PhD on the underrepresentation of women in executive leadership in South African banking, research that is now being translated into my upcoming book.
  • Initiated the Deep Thought Leadership Conversations Podcast, creating a platform where staff engage with executives and industry leaders on purpose-driven leadership and digital transformation.
  • Serving as a board member of a non-profit organisation, using my expertise to strengthen governance and empower community-driven initiatives.
  • Keynote speaker and panelist at international platforms such as Seamless Africa, Finnovex, and Women’s Day events, amplifying the voice of women leaders in digital innovation, banking, and leadership.
  • Mentoring young professionals locally and internationally, with several mentees successfully advancing their careers, some relocating to global opportunities.
Sewela Mamphiswana | mg.co.za

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