Olorato Abigail Gouse CA(SA), 35

Finalist: Impact Champion | SAICA Top-35-Under-35 Awards 2025

Olorato Gouse is a Chartered Accountant whose leadership is defined by purpose, innovation, and impact. At 35, she is shaping South Africa’s financial and educational landscapes through her work at Toyota South Africa Motors, her entrepreneurial ventures, and her commitment to mentorship and community upliftment.

Born and raised in Zeerust, North West, Olorato was inspired by a family of educators and the transformative power of learning. Her journey reflects a deep-rooted belief that education is the most powerful tool for change —a belief that has guided her across corporate, entrepreneurial, and social spheres.

Her career began at Curro Holdings, where she discovered that finance could be a tool for opportunity. Through her work, classrooms were built, educators employed, and thousands of learners gained access to quality education. This experience cemented her view that strategic financial leadership can directly transform lives.

At Toyota South Africa Motors, Olorato rose to the role of Financial Manager, providing strategic oversight across a R1.5 billion portfolio. Her approach has strengthened reporting frameworks, streamlined processes, and enhanced operational efficiency. She is a key driver of operational transformation, ensuring that finance serves not just the organisation, but the people it touches.

Olorato holds a Master’s Degree in South African and International Taxation, a qualification with global relevance, and serves as an Assessor at Optimi College, where she ensures the delivery of rigorous, high-quality education. Her passion for mentorship shines through her involvement with Young Leaders Connect, where she empowers young professionals to navigate their careers with confidence and clarity.

Her entrepreneurial ventures reflect her creativity and social innovation. She founded House of OG, a contemporary fashion brand that celebrates originality, confidence, and cultural pride. Through its annual matric dance competition, the brand gifts a deserving matriculant with a memorable experience, uplifting youth and celebrating milestones.

She also co-founded O-Tutors Inc, a learning platform that makes accounting practical and accessible. Using real-world simulations, the platform helps learners grasp complex concepts, improve performance, and prepare for professional challenges.

Olorato’ s impact extends into governance and community development. She serves as a Board Member of Lehurutshe Community NPC, advancing social initiatives in her hometown. Her leadership is grounded in service ,creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and building a legacy of empowerment.

Her accolades include being a recipient of the prestigious IWFSA Fasset Executive Development Bursary and a graduate of the Toyota Managers Development Programme, milestones that underscore her dedication to excellence and leadership growth. Olorato continues to lead with vision and purpose, seamlessly blending technical mastery with creativity, empathy, and strategic insight.

Olorato Gouse is more than a finance professional,she is a mentor, entrepreneur, and a difference maker. Her story is a testament to what’s possible when leadership is rooted in purpose. She proves that true influence is not measured by titles, but by the lives transformed along the way.