27 October 2023

SAICA's celebrates decade of excellence at this year’s Top 35-Under-35 Awards

Johannesburg, 27 October 2023 - In its 10th year, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) proudly presents the finalists for the prestigious Top 35-under-35 CA(SA) competition. This milestone edition not only highlights the outstanding achievements of young professionals under 35 but also underscores a decade of commitment to nurturing and celebrating exceptional talent in the field of chartered accountancy.

Launched in 2014, this competition has consistently grown in stature, receiving a record number of entries and nominations this year. Rigorous judging rounds have led to the selection of the final 35 individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership, not only in their workplaces but also in their communities.

Freeman Nomvalo, CEO of SAICA, praised the finalists for their remarkable contributions, stating, "this year's competition is particularly significant as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Top 35-under-35 Awards. We continue to be amazed at the achievements of our young members who actively aim to make a difference, not only in the workplace but also in the communities where they live and work. These awards recognise individuals who are making a significant impact on the businesses they lead and proactively shaping communities, economies, and society. SAICA takes immense pride in its heritage of nurturing young talent and fostering excellence".

Nomvalo emphasised the critical role that young CA(SA) professionals play in the sustainability and economic success of South Africa especially at a time when SAICA and the CA(SA) designation have been recognised as the number one most trusted in the world, according to Edelman DXI research, further solidifying the reputation of South African Chartered Accountants on the global stage. "Each and every one of the finalists are difference makers and are therefore in a position to save livelihoods and carry out their duties in a manner that is of national interest. We acknowledge all Top 35-under-35 entrants whose hard work, mindset, impact, and integrity inspire all of us.

This year’s Top 35 finalists are (full profiles can be found here):

  • Andrew Portmann, Managing Partner at Alpha BPO
  • Ayanda Zwane, Chief Financial Officer at First National Bank (FNB nav»)
  • Bartek Ogonowski, CEO and Co-Founder at LEVRA
  • Binita Morar, Leverage and Acquisition Finance, AME at Standard Chartered Bank
  • Boitumelo Loate, Portfolio Manager - Multi Asset, and Investment Analyst at 36ONE Asset Management
  • Brecht Mohonathan, Chief Financial Officer at Lions Cricket (Gauteng Cricket Board t/a Central Gauteng Lions)
  • Craig Wallington, Co-Founder and COO at MotherTree
  • Cyprian Teffo, Executive Head: Finance and Operations at Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
  • Dima Masedi, Head: Financial Shared Services at Standard Bank
  • Ellen Gower-Mzolo, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at The Fulcrum Group (Pty) Ltd
  • Frans Joubert, Chief Financial Officer at Tripco
  • George Sarpong, Head: Management Accounting and Finance at Nelson Mandela University
  • Itani Mafune, Accounting training officer at ABSA Bank
  • Jameel Khan, Co-Founder and Business Development Director at The Unconventional CA
  • James Mogale, Chief Executive Officer at Resultant Capital
  • Jarren Collet, Chief Financial Officer at quadcare
  • Jonathan Ruwanika, Financial Manager at PEP Stores
  • Jochemus Prinsloo, Founder and Director at Prinsloo Properties & Find My Leak
  • Jodilee Manuel, Head of Education and Implementation at Syft Analytics
  • Julie Warren-Codrington, Chief Financial Officer at Saige Business Consulting
  • Lerato Phelane, Chairperson – Transformation Committee at Netcare Limited
  • Manoka Mathye, Partner at KPMG South Africa
  • Montaque Swanepoel, Founder of CFO360
  • Nkosinathi Hlophe, Director of Energy Generation Africa & Steam Generation Africa ·
  • Omar Baker, Chief Financial Officer at FNB (Islamic Banking)
  • Paul Wombo, Asset Origination Transactor at Momentum Metropolitan Holdings Limited
  • Renier Wessels, Head of Automation and Digital Consulting at Bidvest ALICE™
  • Roger Wyllie, Manager in Capital Markets/Africa Assurance Innovation at PwC South Africa
  • Selapeng Maledimo, Executive Director and CFO at Mahlophi Metals Group (Pty) Ltd
  • Senzo Ndlangamandla, Head of Department – Accounting Sciences at Walter Sisulu University
  • Sethu Tshabalala, High-Value Segment Lead at MTN South Africa
  • Sinqobile Hlatshwayo, Senior Manager: Financial Services at KPMG South Africa
  • Stefan Cronje, Strategy Alignment and Business Acumen at BTS
  • Tinei Chagonda, Managing Director at Betvel Group
  • Virodh Singh, Independent Director at KZN Inland Cricket

SAICA extends its gratitude to its sponsors, including Standard Bank, Makosi, Xero, Mercedes-Benz, BDO, Milpark Education, CAMAF media aid scheme, the National Youth Development Agency, Heavy Chef, Finnovo, and Thamani, for their support in making this recognition event a resounding success.

The Top 35-under-35 CA(SA) Awards ceremony will take place on 25 November 2023, marking a decade of excellence and setting the stage for future generations of exceptional Chartered Accountants in South Africa.

About SAICA

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), South Africa’s pre-eminent accountancy body, is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading accounting institutes. The Institute provides a wide range of support services to more than 50 000 members and associates who are chartered accountants (CAs[SA]), as well as associate general accountants (AGAs[SA]) and accounting technicians (ATs[SA]), who hold positions as CEOs, MDs, board directors, business owners, chief financial officers, auditors and leaders in every sphere of commerce and industry, and who play a significant role in the nation’s highly dynamic business sector and economic development.

Chartered Accountants are highly valued for their versatile skill set and creative lateral thinking, that's why all of the top 100 Global Brands employ Chartered Accountants.

SAICA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1,8 million fellow Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop, and promote the role of Chartered Accountants as trusted business leaders, difference-makers, and advisers.

SAICA Media Contacts

Kgauhelo Dioka, ***@saica.co.za

Project Manager: Communications

SAICA Brand Division

Renette Human, ***@saica.co.za

Project Director: Communications

SAICA Brand Division