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.

Author - Sewela Mamphiswana

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Banking and Finance

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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Banking and Finance

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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Banking and Finance

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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Banking and Finance

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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2025, Banking and Finance

Mbali Phejaolema

Group manager for strategy development & integration

Exxaro Resources

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbali-phejaolema-55364129/

https://www.exxaro.com/

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.

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Pulane Modiha

FINALISTS

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