Meet our Difference Makers

Anri Coetzee, Finance Director and CA(SA), takes the lead as a global Process Owner at EY, driving finance transformation worldwide. She actively explores new ideas, while breaking down barriers to innovation. However, her vision extends beyond numbers, as she strives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young girls through a pioneering STEM App, that ignites their passion for science, technology, engineering, and Maths (STEM). In addition, she is dedicated to environmental sustainability participating in the Penguin Watch Project, that strives to restore penguin habitats.

Shabeer Khan, CA(SA), is the current Accountant General of South Africa and principled public officer. In his role, Shabeer is at the fore-front of managing the country’s financial resources, fulfilling the public promise of a better life for all citizens of South Africa. As a CA(SA), he brings both the financial rigour and the ethical responsibility required to lead the public purse with integrity, earning him the esteemed Public Sector CFO award in 2020. His people-led approach has been instrumental in leading successful financial and humanitarian aid responses during the Covid-19 pandemic, the July unrest in KZN and Gauteng, and the devastating floods in KZN and the Eastern Cape. Shabeer’s unwavering commitment to both financial prudence and compassionate social action has positively impacted many lives, solidifying his role as a true difference maker for the nation’s welfare.

Ismail Lambat, CA(SA) has a resolute commitment to help the most vulnerable. His work in humanitarian aid provides food security and clean drinking water, leaving an indelible mark to those in need. His transparent and principled approach to financial management, has earned him the SAICA Humanitarian Award, recognising his exceptional courage in championing what is just and right both in business and in the communities he serves. As a qualified executive coach, Ismail empowers leaders to transcend their comfort zones, conquer challenges, and harness their skills for the greater good of business and humanity.

Babalwa’s passion for making a difference and building an inclusive future for all has led her on a path to influence and shape young minds through the Majali Life Long Learner Fund as well as assist in developing the Upper Mvenyane community in the Eastern Cape with farming skills through her Nalithemba Farming Project . This has empowered ten crop farmers on 7-hectares of arable land with three farmers who are part of the piggery, helping to alleviate social and financial challenges as well as boost the local economy. Using the technical skills and discipline she has acquired as a chartered accountant, Babalwa is able to find solutions for community challenges, thereby making a significant impact in the lives of the people who live there.

As the founder of Elevate Transformation Coaching, Tafadzwa believes that it takes all aspects of an individual working in harmony to function optimally. She has helped thousands of people transcend their limiting beliefs and realise their best potential, working with individuals to help them reach their professional ambitions. She also works with organisations to help them improve teamwork in order to achieve their goals. Tafadzwa has helped over 5000 people to transform their lives through her coaching programmes and has provided additional support and techniques through her self-published book, “Learn. Unlearn. Relearn”.

Gender equality and women empowerment is an integral part of building sustainability and progress in organisations and communities. In a world where professional women still struggle to make their voices heard, Kovini, the founder of Boss Babes SA, has built an online community with the intention to help share knowledge and skills to inspire and empower women leaders. Through advocacy, engagement and her passion for empowerment, Kovini ‘s platform has exceeded over 50 000 community members across Instagram and LinkedIn and the platform has leveraged the power of professional networking since 2020.”

Access to education is not just a right, it is the most powerful tool to drive opportunity, reduce poverty and develop a sustainable income stream. Remembering how difficult it was to gain practical accounting training, Rolihlahla’s business contributes towards training hundreds of students in the Eastern Cape who were locked out of the TVET College system. By harnessing his strategic expertise and skills as a chartered accountant, Rolihlahla established training centres in the Eastern Cape to develop and empower the next generation of young leaders as well as helped rural SMMEs build sustainable businesses to grow the local economy.

Xoliswa Hlongwane CA(SA) found her purpose when she stepped into the world of clothing manufacturing. By setting up the self-funded Clothing manufacturing business, she has not only been able to create employment for 20 workers, she has also grown the business to become a B2B service provider, with commercial opportunities to produce garments for big corporates and retailers.

The township economy contributes in excess of R100bn to the SA economy and is a major contributor to both GDP and employment. In March 2021, Hiten and Sanjay founded Qalisa Hub, an idea borne out of a need to provide a differentiated intervention to township entrepreneurs by providing them with much needed practical ‘hand-holding’ at the early stages of their journey. To date, their programmes have supported and coached more than 500 entrepreneurs in the business of online car sales, carpentry to online grocery shopping and more, providing much needed expertise to help entrepreneurs succeed on their own.

Onke Mkiva CA(SA) leads a team of investment professionals across seven African countries and has developed formidable relationships with clients and other stakeholders across the continent. Onke’s commitment to building a solution-driven African society saw him co-creating RMB’s diversity and inclusion agenda. As the winner of SAICA’s Top 35 under 35 Lead category, he serves as a mentor to young, aspiring CAs(SA) through the FirstRand CA Programme.

Nicholas Riemer CA(SA) believes if there is a problem, you can find a solution – a mindset that lead to the creation of The Invigilator, an entry-level smartphone application that is used to monitor online and remote examinations. He has aligned his passion for education with providing accessible learning to South African and African students. Today, his companies employ over 100 people.

Mariam started a multi-million rand confectionery business empire with her husband, and she has been pivotal in growing the company from its humble beginnings to a company employing over 650 people and producing 7 000 sweets per minute. Key to the company’s success is the well-being of her staff and their children, ensuring that they also succeed in the business through mentorship, empowerment and education. The company has awarded 14 bursaries to staff thus far and brought in 6 students from Tshwane South College into an engineering mentorship programme.