Mart-Marie Uys Terblanche CA(SA), 33

Finalist: Transformative Leader | SAICA Top-35-Under-35 Awards 2025

Mart-Marie Uys Terblanche is a bold and visionary Chartered Accountant whose leadership is powered by a simple but transformative question: “Why not?” At 33, she is redefining internal audit through innovation, mentorship, and purpose-driven impact — both within OUTsurance and across South Africa.

As Internal Audit Manager at OUTsurance, Mart-Marie leads with clarity, compassion, and strategic intent. Her leadership style is rooted in empowerment — she grows people, not just manages them. Through intentional mentorship and development, she has cultivated a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement. Her team is encouraged to challenge assumptions, think critically, and take ownership of their growth.

Her strategic influence is evident in her delivery of key projects that enhance governance, streamline processes, and promote transparent reporting. She led the Group’s Internal Financial Controls (IFC) Project, aligning with JSE listing requirements and reporting directly to the Board Audit Committee. Her work is not about ticking boxes — it’s about building systems that serve both business and society.

Mart-Marie’s innovative spirit shines through her creation of OUT-a-BOT, a custom-built audit automation tool that uses data analytics to streamline procedures. This solution has significantly improved audit efficiency and accuracy, demonstrating her ability to blend technical excellence with visionary thinking.

Her leadership extends beyond the boardroom. As the founder of For the Love of Babies, a non-profit organisation supporting mothers and infants in need, Mart-Marie channels her compassion into tangible community impact. The NPO has become a beacon of hope for vulnerable families, reflecting her belief that leadership is about service, not status.

She also drives transformation through stakeholder engagement, team culture, and community outreach. From coordinating charity initiatives through For the Love of Babies to mentoring junior auditors and empowering women in her field, Mart-Marie leads with heart and purpose."

Her career spans external and internal audit across the insurance industry, including roles at Bidvest Insurance Group and KPMG. She holds multiple professional designations — CA(SA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and CISA exam-passed — and continues to pursue learning through conferences, summits, and SAICA’s LEMS Programme.

Mart-Marie is also a proud wife and mother of two young boys. Her ability to integrate family life with professional leadership is a testament to her resilience, authenticity, and values-driven approach.

In every space she enters — whether in boardrooms, team huddles, or community outreach — Mart-Marie brings energy, empathy, and excellence. She doesn’t wait for permission to lead change. She asks, “Why not?” — and then builds the path forward.

Her story is one of transformation, innovation, and service. Mart-Marie is not just shaping the future of internal audit — she’s helping shape a better South Africa.