Onkgopotse Kotsokoane CA(SA), 28

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

Onkgopotse Kotsokoane is a visionary Chartered Accountant whose leadership spans corporate strategy, education, and youth empowerment. At just 28, he serves as Chief of Staff to the EY Africa Clients & Industries Leader, a role that places him at the heart of strategic execution across EY’s service lines on the continent.

His journey began in Ga-Rankuwa, where he founded the African Quality Education Foundation (AQEF), a non-profit that has impacted over 600 learners through free tutoring and strategic school transformation. AQEF now works directly with school leadership to drive systemic change, reflecting Onkgopotse’s belief that true transformation begins with empowered institutions.

At EY, Onkgopotse has accelerated through the ranks, becoming Chief of Staff for EY Africa just two years after completing his articles. In this role, he partners with a Senior Executive leader to drive business development priorities and client experience transformation. He manages strategic alliances with global technology partners, develops internal tools to enhance client delivery, and supports the firm’s shift to an industry-focused operating model.

Previously, as an Audit Manager in Financial Services, he led audits for South Africa’s largest listed banks, specialising in Global Markets, Group Finance, and complex technical environments including IFRS 9, IFRS 17, and valuation of financial instruments. He onboarded major clients, and executed the founding of the EY Global Markets Academy to deepen sector expertise in Global Markets.

His leadership is marked by innovation and impact. He received the Excellence in Audit Execution Award from EY’s Financial Services division and was the overall winner of EY’s My Legacy competition, representing South Africa at the International Intern Conference in Orlando, Florida. He also supported in the reinstatement of EY Uncovered, a platform that provides university students with business exposure, and continues to serve as its sponsor where he shares his career journey to inspire students.

Beyond EY, Onkgopotse co-founded ThrivePro, a career scaling association that supports young professionals in their first five years of work. ThrivePro offers practical toolkits, events, and mentorship to help individuals navigate the complexities of early career development. His work is grounded in accessibility, ensuring that those without traditional networks can still thrive.

He is a skilled public speaker, recognised as Best Speaker in Wits University’s flagship ethics competition, Project Diamond, and has completed professional training with McKinsey & Company. He is currently pursuing the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) Level 1 certification, further expanding his strategic and analytical capabilities.

Onkgopotse Kotsokoane leads with clarity, compassion, and conviction. His story is one of rapid ascent, grounded in service and driven by purpose. Whether transforming client experience at EY, scaling careers through ThrivePro, or uplifting learners through AQEF, he exemplifies the spirit of a Transformative Leader — one who builds systems, empowers people, and shapes the future of the profession.