Education
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Education

Lynn Bowie

Director of mathematics
OLICO Mathematics Education
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-bowie-5427501b9
https://olico.org/

Dr Lynn Bowie is on a mission to make mathematics meaningful for every South African child. As the director of Mathematics at OLICO Mathematics Education, her days are dynamic — spending mornings in rural Limpopo playing maths games with grade 1 learners or observing high school tutors tackle algebra, and afternoons in seminars with national and international educators designing numeracy lesson plans or collaborating with tech experts to improve educational apps. “What I enjoy most is working alongside passionate young South Africans committed to making mathematics accessible for all,” she says. Dr Lynn’s dedication to inclusive education is unwavering, stemming from her experiences witnessing both the privileges and inequalities of apartheid-era schooling, which drive her to ensure that quality mathematics education nurtures every learner’s potential. A proud holder of a PhD in  Mathematics Education, Dr Lynn takes pride in her four daughters, the talented tutors and facilitators she has developed through OLICO, and the learners who persevere despite obstacles.  Outside of work, she is a self-proclaimed math nerd who loves solving challenging puzzles. Her guiding principles are simple: remain open to learning, listen to diverse voices, and surround yourself with colleagues who challenge and support you. Through her work, Dr Lynn continues to transform mathematics education, empowering students and educators alike and proving that learning can be inspiring, inclusive, and transformative.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • PhD in Mathematics Education, Wits University. 
  • Master of Education (MEd), Georgia State University,
  • Master of Science (MSc) in Mathematics, University of Cape Town 
  • BSc Honours in Mathematics, University of Cape Town 

ACHIEVEMENTS

I am very proud of my four wonderful daughters, who are strong and impressive women. I am also very proud of what we have achieved in OLICO Mathematics Education—the exceptional tutors and facilitators we have developed through the project, who put their heart and soul into the work they do with their learners; the learners who persevere, often overcoming significant challenges to succeed; and the ongoing process of learning and improvement within our organisation, which allows us to contribute our experience to help make mathematics education in South Africa better.

 

Author - Sewela Mamphiswana
| mg.co.za
Kulsum Kondiah

Kulsum Kondiah

Vice dean of teaching and learning, Faculty of Science | Associate professor, Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology
University of Johannesburg
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulsum-kondiah-73a54041/?originalSubdomain=za
https://www.uj.ac.za/

Prof Kulsum Kondiah, the vice dean of teaching and learning in the Faculty of Science and an associate professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology at the University of Johannesburg, is a beacon of innovation in her field. With a PhD in Microbiology from the University of the Free State and over 15 years of experience in academia, she balances multiple roles as a faculty leader, educator, researcher,  and supervisor. Her work focuses on enhancing student success, transforming curricula, and deepening the societal impact of science. In the classroom, she teaches Biochemistry and Immunology, guiding students from undergraduate to postgraduate levels with a commitment to excellence and a curiosity-driven approach to learning. Her research centres on developing nano-based rapid detection assays for water-borne pathogens—innovations that provide early warning systems to safeguard public health, particularly in low-resource communities. As a supervisor, she has trained and mentored numerous postgraduate students, many of whom have gone on to successful scientific careers. She is also a patent holder and co-inventor, dedicated to translating research into real-world solutions. Guided by the philosophy that “helping others shine only makes my own light grow brighter,” Kondiah leads with empathy and purpose. Her best advice remains profound yet straightforward: “Don’t carry someone else’s pressure as your own.”

QUALIFICATIONS

  • PhD in Microbiology, University of the Free State
  • Master’s degree (MSc) in Microbiology, University of the Free State 
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biological Sciences, University of the Free State

ACHIEVEMENTS

I am most proud of my postgraduate students who have graduated and gone on to succeed in their own professional journeys. I am also proud of my achievements as a researcher and supervisor, particularly being a patent holder and having the opportunity to co-invent and publish alongside my students.

| mg.co.za
Candice Potgieter

Candice Potgieter

Chief executive
The Unlimited Child
https://za.linkedin.com/in/candice-potgieter-b4a74129
https://theunlimitedchild.org/

Candice Potgieter is the visionary chief executive of  Unlimited Child, South Africa’s largest early childhood development (ECD) programme, which has reached over 2.2 million children across Africa and the  Middle East. Her work combines community-based initiatives, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships to ensure that every child has access to quality early learning, regardless of their circumstances. “A single empowered practitioner can uplift an entire community of children,” Candice says. Her days balance strategic leadership with human connection — reviewing impact data, aligning partners, guiding teams, and exploring innovative financing models to drive systemic change. She excels at problem-solving at scale, demonstrating that data, when measured and sustainable, can drive social impact. Under her leadership, The Unlimited Child has won the 2024 Khalifa International Award for Education for Best Programme and  Curriculum, expanded a network of over 12 000 female-led micro-enterprises delivering quality early learning, and launched the AI-powered ECD Blueprint, transforming early childhood systems through real-time data and digital training. Candice’s passion for brain health and neuroplasticity informs her approach to leadership, innovation, and lifelong learning. “Trust both the data and your intuition,” she says. Grounded, imaginative, and relentlessly focused on trans- formation, she continues to redefine what is possible in early childhood development, leaving a legacy that will shape the first years of learning for millions of children.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Physics,  University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physics & Applied Mathematics, University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Executive Management Programme, Mendoza School of Business – University of Notre Dame

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Leading The Unlimited Child to become South Africa’s largest early childhood development (ECD) programme, now reaching over 2.2 million children across South Africa and multiple African and Middle Eastern countries.
  • Winning the 2024 Khalifa International Award for Education for Best Programme and Curriculum in Africa and the Middle East.
  • Receiving the Fairlady Santam Women of the Future – Social Entrepreneur Award for pioneering scalable, sustainable ECD solutions.
  • Expanding a network of over 12,000 female-led micro-enterprises that deliver quality early learning through a tech-enabled, data-driven model.
  • Spearheading The Unlimited Child’s AI-powered ECD Blueprint, integrating real-time data, digital training, and performance tracking to transform how early learning systems operate.
  • Building strategic partnerships with global organisations to advance universal access to quality early learning.
  • Contributing to thought leadership on social innovation, outcomes-based financing, and the care economy through global forums.
  • Authoring an addendum titled “The Unlimited Child – A System of Smart, Modern Philanthropy” in the book Hunting the Dragon: The Story Behind the World’s Most Radical Leadership System (2022)
| mg.co.za
Almien Noko Mokobodi

Almien Noko Mokobodi

Founder | Human rights youth advocate
Tutor Mentor Connect | OHCHR - EEA
https://www.instagram.com/almienmokobodi/
https://www.linkedin.comk/in/almien-noko-moobodi-012235129/
https://www.tutormentorconnect.com/

Almien Noko Mokobodi, a human rights youth advocate with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and Education Above All (EAA), as well as the founder of Tutor Mentor Connect, is making a significant impact in the field of education. She holds an LLB from the University of Limpopo and completed her Practical Legal Training with the Law Society of South Africa.  Her advocacy focuses on education as a fundamental human right and on ensuring that young people’s voices are represented in global decision-making. Through Tutor Mentor Connect, she works to make quality education accessible — designing mentorship and learning programmes that empower learners, especially in underserved communities. Inspired by her brother’s struggle with literacy, Almien’s mission is deeply personal: to ensure that no child is left behind due to barriers such as language or access. Her efforts have earned her the Sunday World Unsung Hero Award in Education and a nomination to the 40 Under 40 South Africa list. “I’ve learnt that impact is born from empathy and action,” she says. “Empowering one child through education can transform families, communities, and nations — because hope begins with learning.”

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Limpopo 
  • Practical Legal Training (PLT),  Law Society of South Africa

ACHIEVEMENTS

I am proud to have spoken at the International Day to Protect Education from Attack in Qatar, advocating for the safety and rights of learners worldwide. I was honoured to receive the Sunday World Unsung Hero Award in the education category for reimagining education for South African youth, recognising my commitment to transforming access to quality learning opportunities. I was also nominated for 40 Under 40 South Africa, celebrating my impact as a young leader and change-maker. My work includes contributing to the Youth Rights Academy hosted in Geneva, Switzerland, and leading the Youth for YES Empowerment System, an initiative that educates young people about human rights through school tours and community outreach. In August, I launched the Tutor Mentor Connect mobile app on iOS and Android, expanding access to tutoring and mentorship globally.

| mg.co.za
Adri Marais

Adri Marais

Chief executive
Christel House Education SA
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adri-marais-21844b5/
https://sa.christelhouse.org/

Adri Marais is a visionary education leader dedicated to transforming lives through access,  purpose, and opportunity. As chief executive of Christel House South Africa, she leads a dynamic, female-driven organisation committed to breaking the cycle of poverty through education and character development. “Every day is fast-paced and full of purpose,” she says. “The work is fundamentally about leadership — the better one can steward the cause,  the more effective everyone becomes.” Before joining Christel House, Adri co-founded TSIBA Education,  a pioneering institution that opened pathways for under-resourced youth to access accredited business education. Under her leadership, TSIBA launched its BBA and Postgraduate Diploma in Small Enterprise  Consulting — achievements that reshaped entrepreneurial learning in South Africa. At Christel House,  she has since led the expansion of the organisation’s Simunye Project and Youth Bridge Initiative, as well as the development of a second high school, extending its impact to even more communities. With an MSc in Biochemistry, an MBA from City University (USA), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Studies from UCT, Adri’s scientific background instills confidence in her leadership. Grounded, innovative, and purpose-driven, she continues to build systems that empower young South  Africans to shape their own futures.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • MBA, City University, USA
  • Post Diploma in Higher Education Studies, University of Cape Town 
  • MSc Biochemistry, Wits University
  • BSc (Hons) Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg 
  • BSc Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg 

ACHIEVEMENTS

I co-founded TSIBA, got our Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Postgraduate Diploma in Small Enterprise Consulting (PGDip SEC) written and accredited, wrote Varsity College’s Sport Management Diploma, visualised and developed Christel House SA’s Simunye Project as well as their Youth Bridge initiative, and built our second high school.

| mg.co.za
Lombuso Precious Shabalala

Lombuso Precious Shabalala

Tourism lecturer, Department of Applied Management 
University of South Africa
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nombuso-precious-shabalala-kasiwela-phd-ba464a69
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default

Dr Lombuso Precious Shabalala holds a PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand and serves as a tourism lecturer in the Department of Applied Management at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Since joining the institution in 2023, she has taught Cultural Tourism I & II, engaging a diverse group of students — from working professionals and parents to incarcerated learners — with an inclusive and empathetic approach to teaching. Her work blends teaching, research, community engagement, and mentorship,  with a focus on cultural and heritage tourism in communities near protected areas. Her research explores how heritage custodians and residents can benefit from tourism, bridging academic insight with real-world impact. Shabalala’s career is shaped by her extensive experience in administration and the tourism industry, instilling confidence in her expertise. Her daughter, who fuels her drive for excellence, and the support of mentors and colleagues have also played a significant role in shaping her career. Beyond academia, she celebrates heritage through music, performing in choirs and as a soloist. She has participated in the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP), represented South Africa internationally in Austria, and conducted community-based research in Bushbuckridge. Her guiding philosophy: lifelong learning, humility, faith, and integrity — always believe in your dreams.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Doctoral Degree (PhD), University of the Witwatersrand
  • Master’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg
  • B.Tech. Degree in Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, University of Johannesburg
  • Diploma in Tourism Management, Tshwane University of Technology
  • Certificate in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation for Women, Wits Business School

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Selected as part of the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) 2nd cohort, which facilitated the transition from administration into academia and enabled completion of a PhD
  • Became the first person in the family (both maternal and paternal sides) to reach the doctoral level
  • Represented the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) in Austria with students, showcasing institutional sustainability initiatives and South African culture. Secured 1st place out of over 20 global institutions
  • Established the mentorship group “The Stars with Dr P” to continue guiding students in tourism.
  • Initiated school tourism learner programs at Lowveld High School, promoting tourism as a subject of choice and showcasing career pathways (covered by Golden Key International Society on Facebook).
  • Invited as one of 50 GKIS members to meet the President of Ukraine during his historic visit to South Africa, but prior learner commitments prevented participation.
  • Some of the current projects include the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Project, which focuses on identifying cultural heritage tourism products for sustainable community development.
| mg.co.za
Semakaleng Dhlamini

Semakaleng Dhlamini

Project coordinator | Co-founder and director
READ Educational Trust - Roger Federer Foundation | TechFlow Afrika
www.linkedin.com/in/semakaleng-dhlamini-9158a925
https://www.techflowafrika.co.za/

Semakaleng Dhlamini, a passionate educator and innovator, is transforming learning across South Africa. In her role as a project coordinator at READ Educational Trust, supported by the Roger Federer Foundation, she assists Grade R teachers in North West classrooms. Her responsibilities include observing lessons, coaching educators, and helping them in integrating creative and inclusive strategies to enhance learning effectiveness and engagement. She also ensures the School Readiness  Initiative meets its goals through project planning, monitoring, and reporting. At TechFlow Afrika, a venture she co-founded, Semakaleng is leading the charge in preparing schools for the digital revolution by integrating coding, robotics, and STEAM education. She designs training programmes, develops resources, and builds partnerships to expand the initiative’s reach, empowering schools and teachers to adopt technology with confidence. Her inspiration comes from witnessing transformation in real time—be it a teacher regaining confidence or a child’s eyes lighting up as they master a new concept. She also champions natural playgrounds and interactive “talking walls” that spark curiosity, creativity, and environmental awareness. Her achievements, which include judging at the Deep Learning Indaba and ACET, speaking at the Africa Tech Summit and All African Youth Forum, co-founding TechFlow Afrika, and leading the School Readiness Initiative to strengthen early learning in rural communities, are a testament to her dedication and impact. Semakaleng’s guiding principle is clear:  sustainable impact comes from collaboration and inclusion —a reassuring approach that empowers communities and fosters scalable change.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • BSc in Financial Mathematics, University of the Free State 
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, Independent Institute of Education 
  • Executive Coaching and Facilitation: Train the Trainer Course (Unit Standard 117871).  
  • Facilitator Training: Information and Communication Technology in Education.  
  • Robotics Level 1 Training: LEGO Mindstorms EV3. 

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Judge, Deep Learning Indaba – contributed to the Pan-African machine learning and AI community by evaluating emerging research and innovations.
  • Judge, African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET) – supported the identification and promotion of impactful educational technology and economic transformation initiatives across Africa.
  • Shared Value Impact Alumni – selected to pitch innovative projects at the EU–Africa Summit, showcasing solutions with measurable social impact.
  • STEM & Sustainable Development Advocate | U.S. Exchange Alumni Summit Panel, Zimbabwe – participated in a panel on leveraging STEM as a vehicle for sustainable development, sharing insights from education and innovation initiatives.
  • Speaker Invitation, All African Youth Forum (AAYF 2025), Monrovia, Liberia (14–18 October 2025) – invited as a speaker to contribute to continental youth-led discussions on leadership, innovation, and social impact. 
  • GEF Delegate, Nigeria – represented education and youth development interests at the Global Education Forum, contributing to cross-continental discussions on sustainable development, innovation, and policy alignment. 
  • Panellist, YALDA & CGA Webinar (January 2025) – discussed AI and education for skills development and career readiness, providing insights on leveraging technology to prepare youth for the future workforce
  • Speaker, Africa Tech Summit, Cape Town – shared insights on technology, education, and innovation at a leading continental tech forum.
  • Executive Director, Education & Leadership Development, Black Management Forum (BMF), Bojanala District – led initiatives to strengthen professional education and leadership development in the North West.
  • Co-founder, TechFlow Afrika – prepared schools for the digital revolution through coding, robotics, and STEAM education, bridging the gap between policy and practical implementation.
  • Project Lead, School Readiness Initiative (Roger Federer Foundation – READ Educational Trust), North West – supported Grade R teachers to ensure learners start school equipped for success.
  • Community Innovation Leader – drove projects such as natural playgrounds, talking walls, and a Change X – LEGO initiative in North West schools, leveraging creative approaches to enhance learning environments.
  • BMF Young Professionals, North West Province Executive Committee – Head of Professional & Executive Education, guiding leadership development programmes for emerging professionals.
  • VIP Delegate, Commonwealth Youth Dialogue – Invited to participate in the inaugural Commonwealth Youth Council Consultative Dialogue in Windhoek, Namibia, engaging with over 200 youth leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from all 56 Commonwealth member countries to shape a future centred on youth voices, leadership, and aspirations.
| mg.co.za
Phakamile Mazibuko

Phakamile Mazibuko

Lecturer, Community-Based Educational Research (COMBER)
North-West University
https://www.instagram.com/phakamilemazibuko_foundation?igsh=azN0Z2VtdHF5ZTYw
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phakamile-mazibuko-426a1b188/?originalSubdomain=za

Phakamile Mazibuko grew up in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, where rural challenges shaped her resilience and instilled a belief in education as a tool for transformation. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a teacher, seeing knowledge as a means to break the cycle of poverty. Today, at just 28, she is the youngest lecturer in her department at North-West University and a PhD candidate at the  University of KwaZulu-Natal, combining teaching, research, and mentorship to create meaningful change. Her work focuses on gender and education, including research on gender-based violence in university residences. Her days are a mix of lecturing, supervising student research,  mentoring young academics, and driving initiatives to create safer, more inclusive institutions. Phakamile is passionate about helping students realise their potential and translating scholarship into tangible community impact. Inspired by her own experiences navigating limited opportunities and gendered challenges, she founded the Phakamile Mazibuko Foundation. The foundation has had a significant effect, empowering over 3,000 rural learners with career guidance and access to higher education. Beyond academia, she mentors young people, runs motivational programmes, and champions pathways for social upliftment. Her guiding principle is simple: “Lift as you rise.” For Phakamile, resilience and purpose turn obstacles into opportunities, ensuring her success creates opportunities for others. Through her dedication, she is shaping lives, breaking cycles of inequality, and leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and transformation.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal – (*in progress)
  • Master of Education (MEd) degree, University of KwaZulu-Natal – (*passed with cum laude)
  • Bachelor of Education Honours (BEdHons) – (*passed with cum laude)
  • Bachelor of Education, University of KwaZulu-Natal –  (*passed with summa cum laude)

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Representing South Africa in 2024 on the Erasmus Mobility Programme in Europe, Latvia
  • Publishing international scholarship on gender-based violence in higher education
  • Serving as a lecturer and PhD candidate, mentoring the next generation of teachers and researchers
  • Passing all my degrees with the highest academic achievement of summa cum laude
  • Founding the Phakamile Mazibuko Foundation, which empowers over 3,000 rural learners (2020–2025) to gain access to higher education institutions through career guidance initiatives. 
  • Selected to represent South Africa at the One Young World Summit 2024 to be part of global engagement in promoting gender equality and social justice.
Sewela Mamphiswana | mg.co.za
Nombulelo Khanyisile Blaai

Nombulelo Khanyisile Blaai

Manager Student Governance, Leadership Development | Coordinator Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Hub
Walter Sisulu University
https://www.instagram.com/khanyisileblaai/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nombulelo-khanyisile-blaai-b0235490/?originalSubdomain=za
https://www.wsu.ac.za/index.php/en/

Nombulelo Khanyisile Blaai grew up in the dusty streets of Idutywa, Eastern Cape, where she first dreamed of becoming a geologist. Today, she channels that same curiosity and determination into shaping the next generation of student leaders and social innovators at Walter Sisulu University, where she serves as manager of student governance and leadership development and coordinator of student innovation and entrepreneurship development hub. Armed with qualifications in Financial Information Systems and Management Science, and currently pursuing an Honours degree in Business  Administration, Khanyisile brings over 20 years of experience in education management and student development. She oversees leadership programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives, and governance activities while mentoring the ENACTUS WSU team — a global experiential learning platform that nurtures student entrepreneurs and changemakers. Beyond academia, Khanyisile is a passionate advocate for the arts. As Administrative Secretary of the Choral, Opera, and Orchestral Music  Federation of South Africa (COMFESA) and founder of the Higher Education Institutions Performing Arts Festival (HEIPAFEST), she empowers young artists and celebrates cultural expression. Her work has earned multiple accolades, including the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence and ENACTUS  Faculty Advisor of the Year. Guided by authenticity, feedback, and service, Khanyisile believes education, entrepreneurship, and the arts are powerful levers for social change and transformation.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Honours in Business Administration, Stadio Highjer Education (*in progress)
  • B.Tech in Cost and Management Accounting, Walter Sisulu University
  • National Diploma in Financial Information Systems, Walter Sisulu University
  • Certificate in Public Finance Management, Southern Business School

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Receiving an Award for Excellence from the Vice-Chancellor.
  • Winning the 2023 Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award nationally.
  • Having a positive impact on the lives of both young and old people.
| mg.co.za
Mukundi Lambani

Mukundi Lambani

Founder and chief executive
Ambani Africa
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mukundi-lambani-293486108/
https://www.ambaniafrica.com/

Mukundi Lambani is transforming education across Africa. As founder and chief executive of Ambani Africa, she leads an edtech company dedicated to multi-lingual learning, making education accessible in African languages. She has a Master’s in Creative Media Leadership from Bournemouth University. Her days blend leadership, product development, and family life — encompassing tasks such as checking in with her team, testing products,  gathering feedback, building partnerships, and ensuring solutions meet the needs of schools and learners. Mukundi’s journey began with a childhood move from Venda to Gauteng, where she entered a multiracial school without speaking English. That experience of navigating language barriers and cultural assimilation planted the seed for her vision: empowering learners through tools that honor their language and identity. Her proudest achievements include winning MTN App of the Year early in Ambani Africa’s journey and digitising rural classrooms in KwaZulu-Natal, where 39% of previously low-performing learners moved into the high-performing category within a month. Balancing entrepreneurship with parenthood, Mukundi draws inspiration from the transformative power of education. Her guiding philosophy is simple: “We are all made of the same stuff —if someone else can achieve it, so can I.” She also stresses sustainability, believing that even mission-driven work must be managed wisely to create lasting impact. Through Ambani Africa, Mukundi continues to change lives, one learner at a time, with a commitment to sustainability that reassures us of the long-term effects of her work.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s Degree in Creative Media Leadership, Bournemouth University
  • Honours Degree in Motion Picture Medium, AFDA  
  • Diploma in Business Management, Varsity College  
  • Certificate in Commercialising IP, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)  

ACHIEVEMENTS

In our early days, winning the MTN App of the Year was a huge achievement; it gave us validation and visibility when we were still very young as a company. Another project I am especially proud of is our initiative to digitise rural classrooms in KwaZulu-Natal. After just one month of using Ambani materials in the classroom, 39% of low-performing learners moved up and no longer remained in the low-performing category, instead, they became high-performing learners. That kind of transformation demonstrated the real power of making learning accessible through technology.

| mg.co.za
Boniswa Siwundla Madikizela

Boniswa Siwundla Madikizela

Senior lecturer, Department of Accountancy
University of Johannesburg
https://www.instagram.com/boni_madikizela?igsh=MXN3N3kxZjV5Z2lsYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
https://www.linkedin.com/in/boniswa-siwundla-madikizela-ca-sa-mcom-phd-candidate-b9210127

Boniswa Siwundla Madikizela made a bold leap from  senior corporate banking to academia, trading  financial security for a “step into purpose.” Today, she is a senior lecturer and PhD candidate in accounting education at the University of Johannesburg, exploring how family financial socialisation shapes young people’s money mindsets. In the classroom, she thrives — preparing lectures, guiding bursary and placement applications, and mentoring first-generation graduates. Affectionately known as “Sis B,” she inspires students navigating higher education without familial guidance, combining expertise with empathy. Her academic journey spans a BCom in Accounting from Wits, a Master’s in International Accounting from UJ, and leadership fellowships at Harvard and INSEAD. Boniswa’s impact extends beyond teaching. She founded FLIC_SA, a platform promoting financial literacy — a crucial skill in today’s world — and has been recognised with the AWCA Trailblazer in Academia Award. Balancing motherhood and a demanding career, she embodies leadership grounded in integrity: “You can’t lead without serving first, and you can’t serve without living in truth.” Her story reflects a dedication to shaping not just minds but futures, empowering the next generation of financially conscious leaders. Through mentorship, advocacy, and scholarship, Boniswa continues to transform lives— turning knowledge into opportunity and purpose into lasting impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • PhD Candidate in Accounting Education, University of Johannesburg (*in progress)
  • Chartered Accountant CA(SA), South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
  • Master of Commerce in International Accounting, University of Johannesburg
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting (CTA), University of Johannesburg
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, University of the Witwatersrand
  • Executive Leadership Training: Women Leading Global Change, INSEAD Business School (France), via IWF Fellows Program
  • Executive Leadership Training: Leadership Fellows Program, Harvard Business School (USA), via IWF Fellows Program
  • Thought Leadership for Africa’s Renewal, Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Transition to Academia (2011) – leaving a successful corporate career as financial manager (head of finance) for the Investor Services Division at Standard Bank to join the University of Johannesburg as a lecturer — choosing meaning over prestige and stepping into education with courage
  • Motherhood – raising my two daughters, while navigating the demands of academia, governance, and leadership. They remain my greatest teachers and one of my proudest achievements.
  • Trailblazer in Academia Award (2021)  – recognised by the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) for innovation, passion, and influence in shaping the next generation of accountants.
  • International Women’s Forum Fellowship (2020–2021) – selected as one of 28 women globally, completing executive leadership training at Harvard Business School and INSEAD, and joining a global network of transformative women leaders.
  • Founding FLIC_SA (Financial Literacy & Inclusion Centre of Southern Africa) – establishing a non-profit dedicated to cultivating financial literacy through innovative, community-based programmes that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and everyday financial realities.
| mg.co.za

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