Ramphelane Hlakudi
Head of Auditing at University of South AfricaRamphelane Hlakudi is a prominent figure in accounting and auditing, currently serving as the Director of School of Accountancy at Unisa.
He is the Founding Director of Balushi Chartered Accountants Inc. His career, distinguished by roles in both the private and public sectors, showcases a deep reservoir of expertise and global experience. Hlakudi has worked with notable organisations, University of Pretoria, Nkonki Inc., PwC, the Auditor-General of South Africa.
His international experience is extensive, having conducted audits for key United Nations entities such as the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO), the Development Programme (UNDP), and the Office for Project Services (UNOPS), under the oversight of the United Nations Board of Auditors (UNBoA). Additionally, Hlakudi has contributed to local entities including Sedibeng Municipality, Thebe Investments, Tusk Casino and Hotel, South African Airways Cargo, Transnet Group, and Negotiated Business Solutions.
His commitment to the field is also reflected in his affiliations with esteemed professional organizations such as the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA), the Institute of Internal Auditors of South Africa (IIA(SA), and the Association of BEE Verification Agencies (ABVA). Hlakudi’s extensive background and professional connections underscore his dedication to upholding high standards and advancing the accounting and auditing professions.
Dr Anushka Bogdanov
Managing Director of Risk InsightsAnushka Bogdanov is an impact leader that pioneered the first Artificial Intelligence ESG rating disclosure tool for Africa through her company that she founded 15 years ago (Risk Insights) . Based in South Africa she is a risk management and data scientist with 3 decades of experience and worked on projects in 84 countries. She is also a writer, a podcast host on ESG matters with Risk Insights and a speaker. Anushka serves as an advisory board member at the World Economic Forum for New Champions in Geneva Switzerland. The AI tool she developed has been recognized as a disruptor in the ESG space. Risk Insights and Anushka have received several accolades and awards to ESG GPS in the world. Currently ESG GPS the largest ESG data set for Africa globally. The Nairobi Stock Exchange and the Botswana Stock Exchange have adopted the tool to assist drive sustainability in the respective parts of the continent.
Mojalefa Deane
Senior Manager at Auditor General of South AfricaMojalefa Deane is currently working for the Auditor General as a Senior Manager with more than 12 years audit experience in national government, provincial departments, state owned entities, public entities, municipalities and regulators.
Deane has been at the forefront of a number of initiatives in the AGSA. The highlight of his career was implementing the Material Irregularity concept.
He has a post graduate Diploma in accounting acquired through the University of South Africa and he is a registered government auditor.
Deane is a consistently growing and learning leader, who cares about the development of people. He is particularly passionate about young talent and has an aspiration to see my people progress academically and in their career.
Odwa Duda
Board member at PSAAA (Public Sector Accountancy and Audit Academy)Odwa Duda is a Registered Government Auditor with the Southern Government Accountability Institute (SAIGA).
He received his Master of Business Leadership (MBL) from UNISA.
He is a member of the Institute of Directors and is now serving a second term on the SAIGA council (IoDSA).
After rising through the ranks at AGSA, he was named the Deputy Business Executive for the Free State in 2009 and later the Business Unit Leader, which he still holds today.
Earlier in his career, he briefly worked in different sectors including the insurance sector as an internal auditor, gave lectures on cost and management accounting, and worked in the retail sector.
He participated in numerous audits of local and governments, public entities, as well as national departments during his time at AGSA.
His involvement in the international pool of AGSA auditing various UN institutions from 2001 to 2006, which included travel to both developed and developing nations, gave him invaluable experience that he is now eager to imitate locally as best practices for fostering accountability and good governance in the public sector.
Khalid Hamid
International Director of CIPFAKhalid Hamid is CIPFA's International Director. Having started his career as an assistant auditor with the UK National Audit Office, Hamid qualified as a CIPFA accountant in 1990 and was promoted several times to the position of Principal Auditor.
In his 30 years of public audit experience, he has held senior posts in South Africa and the UAE. Most recently, Hamid was the Executive Director of the UAE State Audit Institution, serving more than 11 years at the audit body.
He is currently the Chair of the Financial Audit and Accounting Sub
committee of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), which provides support to national supreme audit institutions, sets standards for public sector auditing and promotes good governance.
George Higgins
Owner at ID ConsultingGeorge Higgins has over 24 years of professional experience and is a CA(SA) and Registered Auditor with IRBA.
He led the public sector technical division of a big four firm for 10 years, focusing on Accounting and Auditing issues related to applications with professional standards.
Higgins, the owner of IDG Consulting, has a broad range of experience working the public services including, among others:
Performing audits in the public sector on Departments, Public Entities, Municipalities
Performing pre-issuance reviews on behalf of the AGSA
Training of PFMA, MFMA, GRAP, IPSAS, and the MCS Standards
Technical engagements for National Treasury, amongst others implementation of GRAP Standards, MCS standards, and CFO reporting amongst others
Reviewing of financial statements for compliance with GRAP/ IFRS and MCS
He is a member of the SA Independent Regularity Board of Auditors public sector committee, the Institute of Directors Public Sector Audit Committee Forum, and the Accounting Standards Board working groups for the development of Standards for the South African Public Sector.
Higgins serves on SAIGA's Audit and Risk Committee, having spent the previous six years serving as both a member and chair of Audit and Risk Committees in both the federal and provincial governments.
Shabeer Khan
Accountant General of South Africa at TreasuryKhan is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
He is a member of the Financial Reporting Standards Council (FRSC); he is the Minister of Finance’s representative on the Independent Regulatory Board (IRBA); an ex-officio member of the Board of the Accounting Standards as well as a member of the National Treasury Executive Committee and he has also served on various boards as an Independent non-executive Director, as well as numerous audit committees.
Khan holds a Bachelor of Commerce Accounting, from the University of the Witwatersrand and an Honours Bachelor of Accounting Science (CTA) from the University of South Africa.
Edward Kieswetter
Commissioner of SarsEdward Kieswetter re-assumed the role of SARS Commissioner on May 1, 2019. He previously held various senior positions at SARS from 2004 to 2009, including founding Group Executive of the Large Business Centre and High Net Worth Unit, Chief Operating Officer, and Deputy Commissioner.
Following his tenure at SARS, he served as Group Chief Executive at Alexander Forbes Group Holdings from 2010 to 2016, leading a successful turnaround that resulted in the company’s listing on the JSE. His career also includes senior executive roles at FirstRand Banking Group and Eskom. Before returning to SARS, Edward managed his investments and held several board positions, including roles with Transnet, the Technology Innovation Agency, and Shoprite Holdings.
Since rejoining SARS, Edward has been recognized internationally for his leadership. Notable roles include:
- Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) since June 2023
- Co-Chair of the OECD Global Forum on Information Exchange for Tax Transparency’s African Initiative
- Vice Chair of the OECD Global Forum on Information Exchange for Tax Transparency
- Vice Chair of the African Tax Administration Forum
- Bureau Member of the OECD Forum on Tax Administration
- Deputy Chair of the Committee for Accounting Education Standards at IFAC
- Chair of the Committee for Auditor Ethics at IRBA
- Board Member of GEMS Education Global Academic Council
Edward holds a Master of Commerce in South African & International Tax Law (Cum Laude) from North-West University, an Executive MBA from Henley Business School, a Master of Science in Education, an Honours degree in Mathematics and Science Education, and a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering. He has also been awarded the prestigious African American Scholarship and served as an Associate in Education at Harvard University.
His accolades include the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Management from SAPSO, a finalist position in the 2016 All Africa Business Awards, ACO Dealmaker of the Year in 2015, and SA Boss of the Year in 1999. Edward also serves as a Visiting Professor at the Da Vinci Institute, North-West University, and Free State University, while remaining active as a social activist.
Patrick Kulati
CEO of GGAPatrick (Lonwabo Mepeni) Kulati is the Chief Executive Officer of Good Governance Africa’s (GGA) Southern Africa Regional Office (SARO).
He has a strong history of leading international NGOs and driving organisational growth, effectiveness and profitability. He also has expertise in strategy development and execution, leadership coaching, fund development, stakeholder management, advocacy and partnership cultivation.
Kulati is also a published author of "A Gap in the Cloud," providing valuable insights and inspiration on personal and leadership resilience. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Stellenbosch.
Dr Audrey Legodi
Chair of the Auditing Department at University of South AfricaDr Audrey Legodi a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience, currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Auditing at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Her rich professional background includes roles in external and internal audit, finance, lecturing, and research, with a consistent thread of leadership. Legodi has also contributed significantly as a Council member in various Higher Education Institutions, holding positions such as Deputy Chairperson of Council and Chairperson of Audit and Risk Committee.
Her primary area of research is Public Sector Governance, with a specific emphasis on audit committees and internal and external audits. Furthermore, she has a keen interest in sustainability and anti-corruption research. She has delivered presentations at various international conferences in Europe and Asia.
In recognition of her research, she has been honoured with multiple accolades.
Legodi’s influence extends beyond her academic role. She is a co-opted EXCO member for the Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA), a position that reflects her active participation in the organization's governance.
Additionally, she holds the position of an independent Education Committee member at the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants (CIBA), further demonstrating her commitment to the advancement of her profession.
Her commitment to community development is unwavering. Fuelled by her belief that underprivileged people deserve a dignified life, she tirelessly works to empower and improve the circumstances of those she can reach. She is unshakably devoted to this cause.
Pali Lehohla
former Statistician-General of South AfricaDr Pali Lehohla is a member of the steering committee of the Multidimensional Poverty Peer Network (MPPN).
Lehohla is the former Statistician-General of South Africa and former Head of Statistics South Africa from 2000–2017. Since leaving office, Pali consults on research, strategy and statistical development and statistical programmes especially those related to censuses.
He held a number of positions during his tenure as Statistician-General. He served as Co-Chair of PARIS21 and as Chair of the UN Statistics Commission. He was the founding chair of the Statistics Commission of Africa (StatCom Africa) and chaired the African Symposium for Statistical Development (ASSD).
He was the Vice President of the International Statistics Institute (ISI) and a sponsor of the Young African Statistician (YAS) movement. Lehohla has served on the Independent Expert Advisory Group advising the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon on data revolution. He remains on the Independent Advisory Panel (IAP) to the UN Secretary General on the health of mothers, adolescents and children.
Boitumelo Lekoko
Managing Director of Lekoko Advisory ServicesBoitumelo Lekoko is a Founder and Managing Director of Lekoko Advisory Services. She is a Certified Fraud Examiner, with more than 16 years’ experience in forensic investigations, fraud risk management, compliance, governance, ethics advisory services and auditing. She is a former Business Unit Leader of the Material Irregularities unit at the AGSA. She is a former Director/Partner in the Forensic division of PwC .Boitumelo is an expert in Fraud Risk Consulting and Election governance services,
having led teams to conduct fraud risk assessments, fraud prevention and detection
interventions, as well as election management services.
Prof Puleng LenkaBula
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UnisaProf Puleng LenkaBula is the first black woman and only the third black person to be appointed as the Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa.
LenkaBula holds a Doctorate (2006/7) in Ethics (Theology and Philosophy). Her specialisation is in the multidisciplinary discipline of (Social Ethics) entailing Ethics of the Economy, Ecology and Politics from Unisa.
Not only is LenkaBula a highly qualified and respected scholar locally and internationally, but she is also a published scholar of books and numerous articles in referred journal articles. She has role extensive and diverse local and international executive management experiences in the education, ecumenical, private, and civic society sectors, which will be catalytic in her new role at Unisa.
She has previously held management and international board positions at different institutions. From 1998 to 2001 she served as the Executive Director of Research and Projects at the Institute for Contextual Theology (ICT) under the leadership of the General Secretary Dr Wesley Mabuza.
LenkaBula is a board member of local, international Ecumenical and Academic formations. She is a member of the Executive committee of the Council for the Development of Social Sciences Research in Africa (CODESRIA); a former Deputy President of the South African Council of Churches; Ecumenical Service for Socio-Economic Transformation, Transparency International-South Africa Branch and Focus on Youth.
Muvhango Livhusha
Vice President at IsacaMuvhango Livhusha is the Vice President of ISACA SA Chapter
He is currently a PhD candidate in Digital Transformation and hold an MBA degree, Bsc Hons degree in Computer Science and Bsc degree in Mathematics and Computer science.
Livhusha is a CISA certified with Audit, Leadership and Management experience.
In 2019, ISACA SA chapter awarded him with Tichaona Zororo excellent award for contributing to IT.
He was ISACA SA chapter certification and training director for 2020 -2022 year and membership director for 2022-2024 year.
He is an IT audit professional for a financial service organisation and have over 10 years extensive work experience in IT Audit (ITGC, Cyber Security, Application control, project assurance, etc.).
He is also a Black Management Forum Soweto Chairperson and have served as a treasurer and also serve as head of youth development in Tshiawelo youth forum.
Livhusha has worked as consultant in one of the big 4 audit firm providing services to mining, finance, Public sector, and telecommunication and currently working at financial service organisation. He has public sector audit experience. He is also a coach.
Ayanda Mafuleka
CEO of FASSETAyanda Mafuleka has served as the Chief Executive Officer of FASSET, where her leadership has driven remarkable improvements since 2019. Under her stewardship, FASSET's performance has surged from 53% to above 90%, achieving consecutive clean audit outcomes from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA).
Mafuleka’s tenure is marked by pioneering initiatives that champion women’s empowerment and digital transformation.
A Chartered Accountant CA(SA) and a dedicated student of Legum Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Laws), Mafuleka brings over 20 years of finance and accounting expertise, predominantly within the public sector.
Her career includes pivotal roles at prominent institutions such as Transnet, the South African Post Office, National Treasury, the Department of Home Affairs, Robben Island Museum, the National Credit Regulator, and the African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation. She also gained valuable experience in the private sector with Anglo American Platinum.
One of Mafuleka’s landmark initiatives is the Women Leadership Programme, a pioneering project developed in collaboration with the International Women Forum of South Africa (IWFSA), Duke CE, and Wits Business School. This three-year programme, with a substantial investment of over $13.4 million (R250 million), is set to nurture and mentor 2,000 women leaders across various sectors.
Mafuleka has also led significant Digital Transformation Programmes, aligning with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and South Africa’s Digital Transformation Strategy. This effort includes the installation of advanced ICT hubs in 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges and 9 Community Education Training Centres, backed by an investment of $9.6 million (R182 million).
Outside her role at FASSET, Mafuleka is active on several boards and committees, including those for the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the National Youth Development Agency, and ESKOM, where she is involved in efforts to mitigate load shedding. She will also take on the role of deputy chairperson of the Netball South Africa Investment Group (NSAIG) in January 2024, supporting the professionalization of netball and empowering young girls.
Her exceptional contributions have earned her several accolades, including the “Woman of the Stature in Finance” in 2018, the “Gender Icon Award” and “Highly Commended Business Leaders in Public Service 2023” from the Standard Bank Top Women Awards, and the “Public Sector CEO of the Year” from the African Women Chartered Accountants. Mafuleka’s ethos of “Paying it Forward” and “Lift as You Rise” underscores her commitment to making a significant impact and inspiring future leaders.
Thato Mahlamvu
Head of Specialised Audits at AgsaA seasoned executive specialising internal audit, IT audit, IT governance and risk management, Thato Mahlamvu joined the AGSA in January 2024.
His knowledge and deep understanding of advisory and assurance services has been invaluable across several sectors, including ICT, transport and logistics, financial services as well as mining and energy.
Mahlamvu’s expertise stems across local and international skills gained from reputable accounting firms and clients across these diverse industries, strategy execution, service delivery, and quality and risk management.
Nqobile Mahlangu
Cybersecurity Business Engagement at AbsaNqobile Mahlangu is a seasoned cybersecurity expert with a robust foundation in the field and a unique talent for translating complex technical jargon into clear, business-friendly language. Her ability to articulate intricate security concepts enhances stakeholder comprehension and engagement with security measures.
Mahlangu's career at Absa Bank has been marked by significant roles in IT Security, Technology Risk, Talent Management, and Cybersecurity Risk. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Science, a BA (Honours) in Information Science, a Post-graduate Diploma, and a Master’s in Digital Business Management.
Beyond her professional achievements, Nqobile is a devoted wife and mother who enjoys exploring diverse cuisines. She is an active board member of the Women’s Empowerment Network of South Africa (WENOSA), advocating for women’s empowerment. Her passion for community upliftment is further evidenced in her leadership of a youth skills development program and her organization of the Tshwane Food Fest, an annual event that attracts over 7000 food enthusiasts and empowers over 50 SMEs.
Nyiko Mahlaule
Head of General Assurance at SABCNyiko Mahlaule is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in public sector finance and auditing. He currently holds a senior management position at the SABC as the Head of General Assurance Audit.
He has held various positions, including Acting Chief Financial Officer at NEMISA on secondment. During that time, he assisted NEMISA in obtaining a clean audit opinion for the first time. He has also held the positions of General Manager: Finance at SABC and Audit Manager at AGSA.
He serves on various committees, including being a Co-opted member of the SAIGA EXCO advising in the technical unit and the Academic Advisory Committee at Tshwane University of Technology in the Public Sector Finance Department
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Johannesburg, as well as professional certifications as Registered Government Auditor (RGA) and Certified Internal Auditor.
Kgothatso Maoko
Head of Technical Unit at SAIGAKgothatso Maoko is the Head of the Technical Unit at SAIGA, currently pursuing a PhD. With over a decade of experience, she is an expert in Fraud Risk Management, Accounting, and Audit.
Her extensive background includes expertise in fraud risk management, enterprise and operational risk management, compliance, financial crime, finance, strategy, and forensic investigations.
Maoko's skills in data analytics and financial crime have garnered international recognition, contributing significantly to academia and multinational enterprises.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting science, a qualification in Commercial Forensic Law, and a postgraduate degree in Investigative and Forensic Accounting. Additionally, Maoko has earned two master’s degrees in Fraud Risk Management and Evidence-Based Management. Her professional experience spans various industries and esteemed organizations, including the Auditor-General, the Office of the Premier, the Office of the Presidency, and South Africa's state-owned entities.
Maoko is also honored with a Golden Key Award and research membership from the University of Pretoria, where she completed her master’s degree and postgraduate studies. She holds professional memberships with SAIGA, ICFP, ISACA, and ACFE. Her current PhD thesis examines fraud and corruption in multinational enterprises within the African context, aiming to provide innovative insights and address gaps in the existing literature through both qualitative and empirical research.
Tshegofatso Mahuma
CEO of MGI RASTshegofatso Mahuma, CEO of MGI RAS Group of Companies, is a prominent leader known for her strategic vision and extensive influence across various sectors. Her dedication to organisational governance is reflected in her active involvement in multiple professional committees, highlighting her adaptability and commitment to excellence.
Mahuma boasts a strong academic foundation, including a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting Theory, and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Internal Auditing. As a Chartered Accountant and Registered Auditor with over 14 years of experience, her expertise covers both private and public sectors, specializing in auditing, accounting standards, communication, and leadership.
In her CEO role, Mahuma plays a key part in several MGI RAS committees, such as the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Human Capital and Remuneration Committee, Quality, Risk, and Ethics Committee, and the Technical and Talent Development Committee. These roles underline her central involvement in strategic decision-making within the organization.
Her commitment to education is equally notable. She served as a senior lecturer at the University of South Africa, significantly contributing to academic committees like the Executive Management Committee of Financial Governance and the Quality Assurance Committee. She also held the role of External Examiner/Moderator at the University of Pretoria for the MPhil in Internal Auditing.
Mahuma's extensive qualifications and broad professional experience establish her as a leading expert in auditing and financial governance. Her ongoing engagement in both professional and academic spheres reflects her unwavering dedication to advancing her field and fostering continuous improvement.
Linda Maqoma
President at ABASALinda Maqoma is the National President of the Association for the Advancement of ABASA and the Founder and Chief Executive of Nomatshawe Group.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Fort Hare's Nkuhlu Department of Accounting. Maqoma completed her South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) accredited articles at KPMG Johannesburg, where she later served as an Audit Manager in Financial Services.
With over 13 years of experience in both the public and private sectors of auditing, Linda has demonstrated a deep passion for business, people, and development. She is a Fellow Candidate of the 4th Class of the Young African Leadership Initiative - South Africa (YALI), an extension of the Aspen Global Leadership Network fellowship.
Throughout her career, Maqoma has held numerous prominent leadership roles. She has been a Member of the Black Business Council (BBC) National Council and Women’s Alliance and served on the Steering Committees of both the Black Management Forum (BMF) and the Black Business Women’s Alliance (BBWA). Her role as an Independent Non-Executive Director at the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute involved overseeing finance and fundraising.
Additionally, she has been the Deputy Chairperson of the SAIGA Africa and Global Committee. Maqoma has also significantly contributed to ABASA, holding positions such as National President, Board and National Council Chairman, National Chairperson of Women of ABASA, National Head of Transformation and Communication, Deputy Secretary General of the ABASA Johannesburg Branch, and Treasurer General of ABASA Eastern Cape. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing accounting and nurturing emerging leaders across Africa.
Millycent Mashele
Director of MGI RAS INCMillycent Mashele is a Director and Head of Technical and Training at MGI RAS, an auditing and consulting firm focusing on assurance, advisory and training.
Mashele is a distinguished leader in accounting and audit, bringing extensive expertise to executive leaders and professionals. As a Chartered Accountant (SA), Registered Auditor (RA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), she combines deep knowledge with strategic insights.
With over 15 years of experience in auditing, accounting, financial management, and business development, Mashelet has led high-impact projects and driven strategic growth in both private and public sectors. She is dedicated to fostering excellence and empowering future leaders.
Karabo Modipane
Principal Director of KBMO GroupKarabo Modipane is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in industries such as ICT, business consulting, real estate, facility management, renewable energy and auditing. He is recognised for his leadership, governance and strategic management skills, significantly contributing to the success of various organisations and government entities.
Modipane is a PhD candidate in Business Administration with a focus on advanced research. He holds an MBA in Strategy from the North West University, concentrating on strategic planning and business operations.
His credentials include a Master Property Practitioner certification from the PPRA and an RE 1 Certification for key individuals in financial services. He also completed the Leadership and Management Development Programme at the University of Pretoria with Cum Laude honours and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) from ISACA.
His academic foundation is strengthened by a BSc (Hons) and BSc in Computer Science from the University of Pretoria.
Professionally, Modipane is the Principal Director at KBMO Group, overseeing strategic growth since 2012, and the CEO of Banare Pension Fund Administrators since 2020.
He is also an Executive Managing Agent for the Community Schemes Ombud Service and serves on various boards, including the City of Johannesburg and Kgosi Sekororo Foundation.
Modipane’s career spans extensive roles in audit, management, and business analysis, complemented by experience as a former lecturer at the University of Pretoria.
Lucky Mokoena
Manager - Investigations at Auditor - General South AfricaLucky Mokoena is a Registered Government Auditor and a former council member of the South African Institute of Government Auditors. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner registered with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Mokoena holds a postgraduate BCom Accounting degree with the University of the Free State and numerous certificates in commercial forensic law and public sector infrastructure delivery from the North West University and University of Cape Town, respectively.
He has over 10 years’ experience in public sector regulatory, performance and internal auditing. He has worked at Audit New Zealand, which is a division of the Controller and Auditor General of New Zealand.
Mokoena is currently a Manager in the Investigations Business Unit at the Auditor General of South Africa. He offers seasoned judgement on issues of fraud, corporate governance and strategy formulations and leadership.
Mmabatho Mongae
Data Analyst within the Governance Insights & Analytics Programme at GGAMmabatho Mongae is a Data Analyst within the Governance Insights & Analytics Programme at GGA. She is currently pursuing a PhD in International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand, with her thesis focusing on how governance quality influences popular support for and satisfaction with democracy in Africa.
During her PhD studies, Mongae served as a lecturer in the International Relations Department at the University of the Witwatersrand and as a research fellow at the Centre for Africa-China Studies (CACS) at the University of Johannesburg. Her research interests include democracy, governance, Africa’s political economy, and quantitative social analysis. Mmabatho has published research with Routledge, EISA, and The Thinker.
Zakhona Mvelase
Founder/Executive Director of African Women Against Corruption Network (Awacn)Zakhona Mvelase is a seasoned anti-corruption practitioner and has spent over a decade in the field of governance and anti-corruption in South Africa.
She is internationally Certified as Fraud Examiner and holds a Master’s degree from Harvard University, she is an awardee of The Harvard South Africa fellowship, which is a fellowship that is awarded to mid-careers who model ethical leadership, knowledge sharing and serve as a resource to improve and transform their communities, she is also an awardee of the John F Kennedy fellowship from Harvard Kennedy School which she received in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement and professional promise with significant distinction.
Mvelase has special interest in the research of interface of gender and corruption, and finding context responsive solutions, in 2021 she founded African Women Against Corruption Network (AWACN) to amplify the voice of women against corruption in Africa and focus the lens on the impact of corruption on women and girls.
Mvelase serves as a Chairwoman of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Coalition Taskforce on Mainstreaming Gender in Anti-Corruption frameworks.
In 2023, Mvelase was selected as an Eisenhower Global Fellow recognising her as an emerging global leader committed to creating a world more peaceful, prosperous and just.
Imre Nagy
CEO of IRBAImre Nagy is currently the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors’ (IRBA) Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held from September 2022, following a period of acting since February 2021.
He joined the organisation after being appointed as Director Inspections in February 2013, and his responsibilities comprised heading the regulatory monitoring (inspections) and remediation of registered auditors in South Africa.
In his professional career, he has held positions at several small and large auditing firms. His last position before joining the regulator was that of director and regional (provincial) head of the fifth largest audit network firm in South Africa at the time.
Nagy's broad knowledge and experience in these areas have underpinned his deep-rooted passion for the auditing profession and its regulation. Since 2013, he has been serving as an independent quality/technical advisor to the Auditor-General South Africa’s (AGSA) Quality Control Assessment Committee until 2021.
On the international front, Nagy currently serves as a Board member and Audit and Finance Committee Chairperson of the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR), an organisation made up of independent audit regulators from 50 countries.
Mankoana Nhlebela
Head of Information Security Governance Risk Compliance and Program at Mtn GroupMankoana Nhlebela is the Head of Information Security Governance Risk Compliance and Program at MTN Group. With over 18 years of experience, Nhlebela is a seasoned technology and security professional with extensive experience across four lines of defence and broad Pan-African exposure.
Her professional journey has seen her make significant contributions in diverse industries, including Telecommunications, Banking, and Technology Advisory Consulting. Mankoana has a proven track record of leading technical teams and board-level information security programs, effectively enhancing organisational security postures. She has demonstrated her leadership capabilities, successfully overseeing a R1.5 billion security program.
Nhlebela is an international speaker and featured in the IT Web CISO Directory, a guide to South Africa’s leading cybersecurity decision-makers. Her professional qualifications include Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
Furthermore, she holds a BCom Degree in Informatics, an Honours Degree in Strategic Management, and is currently pursuing an MBA. Nhlebela is a wife and mom of three and is proud to be a part of the growing female representation in the transforming security industry.
Joyce Nkini Iwisi
Principal- Forensic investigations at Control RisksJoyce Nkini-Iwisi is the Co-head of the Forensics Investigations practice for Control Risks across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, based in Johannesburg. Her career began in 2006 as an external auditor at Ernst & Young, where she completed her articles.
She later pursued a Master of Business Administration in International Business at Coventry University in the United Kingdom. Additionally, Joyce holds a double degree in Accounting and Finance from Mzumbe University in Morogoro.
Before joining Control Risks, Nkini-Iwisi was an Associate Director and Head of Forensics Investigations at South African firm Rooth and Wessels, where she led various investigation mandates primarily for public sector clients.
Her prior experience includes extensive work with PwC, where she was involved in public sector forensic audits across several African countries, including South Africa. With over 15 years of experience, Nkini-Iwisi has a strong background in fraud investigations and fraud risk management.
In her current role, Nkini-Iwisi also leads the Human Rights and Workplace Conduct Investigation team across EMEA, focusing on complex and sensitive cases of sexual exploitation and abuse in the workplace.
Recognised as one of the Top 50 Women in Management Africa in 2019 and as one of East Africa’s Women Leaders in 2021, Joyce has made significant contributions to the field. She serves as an Advisor for the Association of Corporate Investigators in the UK and obtained a specialised certification from the CHS Alliance in Geneva in 2021, qualifying her to conduct investigations into Protection of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) cases in the workplace.
Dr Lethiwe Nzama -Sithole
Deputy Head and Senior Lecturer at University of JohannesburgDr Lethiwe Nzama-Sithole is a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Head in the Department of Commercial Accounting at the University of Johannesburg.
She teaches Auditing and Internal Controls at a second-year level in the Diploma in Accountancy. She has previously lectured on Financial Accounting, worked as an Accountant and as an Internal Auditor and has over 19 years of working experience. She also teaches at the Johannesburg Business School on part-time basis.
Nzama-Sithole is a well-balanced academic, as she contributes immensely to the Accountancy sector through teaching and learning, research activities and community service. She is a Certified Internal Auditor and holds PhD in Auditing. She supervises PhD, MBA, MCom and BCom Honours students. She also serves and a moderator and examiner for other universities on part-time basis.
She is a board member of the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa and Board of Trustee for the University of Johannesburg Pension Fund. She previously served in boards and committees including a board member in the Leadership Academy for Guardians of Governance and a Finance Board Trustee for a sectional Body Corporate, to list a few.
Nzama-Sithole is a deputy chairperson of the Research Ethics Committee and a member of High Degrees Committee at the UJ School of Accounting. She is also a Vice President Education IIASA Toastmasters Club and Co-leads YLC Student Chapter. She is also part of the leadership team for the Continuous Auditing for Public Sector Internal Auditing (CAPIA) research project focusing on public sector governance issues. She is the past chairperson of the first-year experience committee for the Department of Commercial Accounting at UJ.
She was awarded an Educator of the Year 2022 Award by the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa in 2022. In 2023 she was the Semi-Finalist for of the Gender Mainstreaming Awards as a Positive Role Model and 3rd in Gauteng Province and in the Professional Services Sector. She was also recently (September 2023) awarded an honorary membership by the Golden Key International Honour Society and presented a keynote address around.
Phuti Phukubje
CEO of KEP ConsultingPhuti Phukubye, the CEO of KEP Consulting, is a distinguished leader with over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. His career began at Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA), where he completed his articles and spent 13 years, eventually advancing to Senior Manager, overseeing the Communication portfolio.
After AGSA, Phukubye served as Executive Auditor at Sentech Soc Ltd for over five years, where his leadership helped the organisation maintain a record of clean audits, highlighting his dedication to governance and financial integrity. He then became CEO of Nemisa Soc Ltd for two years, further demonstrating his strategic vision and executive skills.
Phukubye later returned to KEP Consulting (Pty) Ltd as CEO, where he continues to drive the company's growth and deliver exceptional consulting services. His extensive experience also includes chairing numerous boards and audit committees, such as IPID, Nemisa, USAASA, USAF, and several others, where he has maintained a strong record of clean audits.
In addition to his professional roles, Phukubye is a published author of motivational books and an advocate for youth development, reflecting his commitment to personal empowerment and societal progress.
Jeanine Poggiolini
CEO of CEO at the Accounting Standards BoardJeanine Poggiolini is a qualified Chartered Accountant registered with SAICA.
She is currently the CEO of the Accounting Standards Board in South Africa where she has been employed since 2007.
Poggiolini joined the IFAC Board in November 2021 after being nominated by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
She has held several positions in the development and contribution of public sector accounting since joining the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) in 2011, and serving as deputy chair in 2015 and 2016.
She has also held a variety of chair or member positions on audit committees and foundations in the public or non-profit sector.
Alta Prinsloo
CEO of PafaAlta Prinsloo has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) since 2020. She is an executive who is accomplished in strategic planning, capacity building, programme implementation, and partnership development.
Prinsloo is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Commercial Accounting of the University of Johannesburg, serves on the Advisory Board of the School of Accountancy of the University of the Free State, and chairs the Governing Council of the South African Journal of Accounting Research. She also chairs the IPPF Oversight Council of The Global Institute of Internal Auditors and is a member of the Board of the African Society of Association Executives and the ESG Exchange Advisory Committee.
She joined the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board in 2002, and served as deputy director before transitioning to IFAC, where she has served in various executive roles, including governance & nominations, strategic planning, risk management, finance, operations & information technology, human resources, and intellectual property. She has also overseen a wide variety of initiatives, including accountancy capacity building, Accountability.
From 1997 through 2002, Alta worked at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, becoming its technical director in 2000. In 1996, she worked at Amalgamated Banks of South Africa where she was responsible for professional development of the internal audit function. Prior to that, she worked in the national technical and training office of PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Phillip Rakgwale
Group Chief Audit Executive (Acting) at City of EkurhuleniMothophatlheng Phillip Rakgwale is a Registered Government Auditor (RGA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). He has also completed strategy execution programs with the University of Cape Town and leadership and executive development programs with the University of Pretoria, and he is currently enrolled for his Masters in Business Administration (MBA).
Rakgwale is the President and Chairperson of the Council of Southern Institute of Government Auditors (Since 2019),
Kgabo Ralebepa
CEO of INC55 ConsultingKgabo Ralebepa is an experienced professional with a wealth of experience in ICT, retail, financial services, public sector, governance and risk management gained in various roles of increasing responsibility both locally and internationally.
She is the founder of V-SIC (Pty) Ltd.
Prior to starting V-SIC, she held the position of Associate Director at SekelaXabiso, an audit firm in Johannesburg, where she led the Internal IT Audit team responsible for the Transnet Internal Audit account for 2 years until May 2014.
Ralebepa’s career in ICT, information security and auditing spans over 21 years, commencing in 1994 at Liberty Group where she was a PC Technician, and then progressed onto system development and later Information Security. She subsequently joined CNA/Massmart in ICT Auditing and Advisory before moving to join Uthingo Management, the first National Lottery Operator, in 2000 where she was instrumental in setting up the ICT audit division. In 2002 she joined KPMG, Johannesburg as the Information Risk Manager, until 2004, when she moved to KPMG, London, the UK for another 2 years, before going back into business as a SOX Manager within Finance at Nortel Networks, based in the UK and later in South Africa.
Tshepo Shabangu
Council Member at SAIGATshepo Shabangu is a seasoned Senior Audit Manager with nearly two decades of experience in both the private and public sectors, including over a decade in senior management roles.
He is a distinguished member of SAIGA and holds the designation of Registered Government Auditor (RGA). Tshepo began his career with articles at PwC and completed his BCompt Honours CTA at the University of South Africa in 2004. He furthered his expertise with strategy execution and leadership courses from the University of Pretoria, where he also earned a BCom in Accounting Science.
Tshepo has a robust skill set encompassing auditing, leadership, governance, strategy, stakeholder engagement, and risk management. His experience includes conducting Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) quarterly internal control reviews for clients with parent companies listed in the USA, such as Draft FCB Holdings and the Naspers Group.
In 2019, Tshepo was honoured with the national award for Best Performing Risk & Ethics Champion at the Auditor General of South Africa. He has also chaired several internal committees, including the Senior Managers Forum, Integration Strategic Project, International Audits Community of Practice, and the Risk & Ethics Committee.
From August 2021 to October 2022, Tshepo served as the acting Deputy Business Unit Leader in National A. Since January 2019, he has led the South African team in auditing the African Union Commission (AUC), including responsibilities for the African Court on Human and People’s Rights in Tanzania and part of the AUC Head Office audit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His previous roles included overseeing the Advisory Board on Corruption in Tanzania and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area in Accra, Ghana. Locally, he manages the National Department of Human Settlements (DHS) portfolio at the Auditor General of South Africa, which includes entities such as the Housing Development Agency and the National Home Builders Registration Council. Additionally, he will oversee the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) audit from August 2024.
Tshepo's extensive experience spans both public and private sectors. His public sector clients include entities such as the Water Trading Entity, Rand Water, Sedibeng Water, and the National Gambling Board. In the private sector, his audit clients have included Multichoice Africa, Kagiso Trust Investments, and Teljoy Business Systems, among others.
Tshepo is currently a member of several significant committees: the Audit Operations Committee of the AUC since January 2019, the Council of SAIGA since October 2020, and he has chaired various SAIGA committees, including the Africa and Global Committee and the Global Enterprise Development Committee. He has also been involved in SAIGA’s Remuneration Committee and previously served on the Branding and Marketing Committee.
Dirk Strydom
Technical Manager at Leadership Academy for Guardians of GovernanceDirk Strydom is an experienced internal audit, governance and risk management professional and presenter, with more than 18 years of experience in internal audit, governance and risk management.
Strydom recently joined the Leadership Academy for Guardians of Governance as the Technical and Quality Assurance Services (QAS) Manager, where he is responsible for providing technical and Global Internal Audit Standards related input and guidance on the Academy’s training and learnership programs, whilst also being responsible for overseeing and managing the Academy’s Quality Assurance Services offering to clients.
Prior to joining the Leadership Academy for Guardians of Governance he was the Senior Manager: Advocacy and Strategic Communications at the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIASA), where he also previously headed up the Technical Department.
Strydom joined the IIASA from an advisory and consulting industry background, where he was a Senior Manager at a well-known advisory firm, providing his clients with a wide variety of internal audit related advisory and consulting services, whilst also representing the internal audit function at audit committee level.
During his tenure at the IIASA he also represented the Internal Audit profession on several stakeholder bodies, some of which include the King IV Committee, the Integrated Reporting Committee of South Africa’s Working Group (also an honorary member of the committee), South African Institute of Chartered Accountants’ Assurance Guidance Committee and Public Sector Committee, the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors’ Public Sector Standards Committee and the Public Sector Audit Committee Forum’s Working Group.
He enrolled for and completed a master’s degree in internal auditing at the University of Pretoria in 2017. During the completion of his degree, he obtained distinctions in several subjects, which include Corporate Governance & Risk Management; IT Auditing; Financial Management and Analysis; Risk Management; Organisational behaviour/industrial psychology; and Management Communication. Strydom also served as a part time lecturer at the University of Pretoria for two years from 2011 to 2012, lecturing honours students on internal auditing and IT auditing related topics.
JJ Tabane
TV Presenter at eNCAProf JJ Tabane is a Professor of Communications at the Unisa School
of Business Leadership and Adjunct Professor of Media studies at the University of
Botswana.
He is the Editor of Leadership and BBQ Magazines and anchor of the
award-winning “Power to Truth with Professor JJ Tabane” at eNCA TV.
Tabane also serves on the boards of the multibillion JSE listed company Altron,
Powertech and UWC Foundation; Chairperson of the UWC Media Society, Chair of
Finance at UWC and Transformation at North- West University; and as council
member of the North-West University and the UWC.
Tabane has held roles as Communications Advisor for the then Chamber of
Mines; Communications Advisor of the African Development Bank for the APRM
(AU’s governance advisory body) representing 40 countries; Vice President of
Communications for the South African Airways in 2006; consultant to Brand South
Africa and Water Research Commission; convenor of the National Communications
Task Team; First Chief Information Officer of the Congress of the People (COPE) and as
CEO of an investor relations company Graphicor.
Zwokunda Jeremiah Tshikundamalema
Managing Director of JT29 Management servicesJeremiah Tshikundamalema is the Managing Director of JT29 Management services, a consulting company assisting Public Sector institutions with financial management services with AFS preparation, asset management and training as core business.
Tshikundamalema is a well-qualified and highly experienced Registered Government Auditor (RGA), registered with SAIGA, finance and risk management professional with 13 years of progressive work exposure in public and private sector finance.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree, with qualifications in Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, External Auditing and Taxation.
Tshikundamalema has worked as an Assistant Manager at AGSA where he gained extensive experience in audit planning, execution, and reporting.
His comprehensive skill set in audit management and his ability to lead and support audit teams make him a valuable asset in any audit-focused role.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo
Chief Justice of South AfricaJustice Raymond Zondo is the Chief Justice of South Africa.
He has been the Chief Justice since 2022, having served as a deputy Chief Justice from 2017.
Zondo, who is also the chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, boosts an impressive judicial career.
In 1999 he was appointed as a Judge of the then Transvaal Provincial Division of the High Court and as Judge President of the Labour Appeal Court in 2000, serving in various ad hoc committees established by the Heads of Courts, including a committee, chaired by Chief Justice P.N Langa, which drew up a document to be used by the Judiciary in dealing with complaints about racism and sexism within the Judiciary.
In 2012, he was appointed as a Judge of the Constitutional Court and 10 years later was appointed as Chief Justice.