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2024 SAICA Difference Makers Conference

2024 SAICA Difference Makers Conference

Theme

MAKING WAVES, EMPOWERING CHANGE

Download booklet here.

Join SAICA for the inaugural Difference Makers Conference, a dynamic event designed to propel SAICA members into a future of impactful difference. Held at Sun City, this conference embraces the theme Making Waves, Empowering Change Difference Making Beyond Numbers.

What to expect:

Become a wave maker

Gain cutting-edge industry knowledge and tools through engaging sessions led by renowned experts. Learn about critical topics, emerging trends, and how to leverage your skills to create lasting change. Hear from industry experts Bonang Mohale (leadership expert), John Sanei (futurist), Riaan Manser (pioneering explorer), Dr Liezl Groenewald (ethics expert), and many more.

Fuel Collaboration

Network with fellow members and ignite powerful conversations. Meet with SAICA’s Executive Team and

attend breakaway sessions for members in small and medium practices, the public sector, academia or business.

Be entertained

Brent Lindeque (The Good Things Guy) will be the entertaining host for the conference. A mini-concert at the Valley of Waves, a comedy session with Conrad Koch, and a brandy-tasting session will contribute to making this conference a memorable one.

By attending the SAICA Difference Makers Conference you will:

  • Gain the latest industry knowledge and best practices.
  • Develop new skills and enhance your professional expertise.
  • Connect and network with peers, fostering collaboration and a sense of community.
  • Stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving business environment.
  • Leave feeling inspired and empowered to make a positive impact beyond numbers.

Exclusive to SAICA Members – CAs(SA), AGAs(SA) and ATs(SA)

COST:

R500 – Friday only.

R1000 – Saturday only.

R1500 – Both days.

Please note that these are conference fees and are exclusive of 15% VAT.

Members need to arrange their own accommodation. Click here.

Outline

Day 1: FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER

11:00 – 12:30

Arrival, registration and lunch

Foyer – Warrior Hall

12:30 – 12:40

MC opening day 1

Brent Lindeque, The Good Things Guy

12:40 – 13:00

Welcoming address day 1

Patricia Stock, SAICA Chief Executive Officer

13:00 – 14:00

John Sanei, Futures Strategist, Global Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author, Global Expert at Singularity University and Faculty at Duke Corporate Education

Trans-for-motion: Making Waves with Organisational Change

John shares lasting transformation strategies for organisations to build a sustainable tomorrow in a time of exponential change and innovation while still keeping the lights on today.

  • Learn how to build organisational agility and resilience while navigating ongoing transformation.
  • Explore the neuroscience behind organisational behaviour and gain insights into strategies for achieving long-term success.
  • Provide tools and knowledge for shifting organisational perspective, rethinking biases and assumptions, and building teams for the future.

14:00 – 14:20

Andrew Alt, Chief Imagination Officer, Draftworx

When First Graders Dream Big: From Astronauts to Accountants (And Why One of These Isn't Like the Others)

A short exploration of why first graders don’t want to grow up to be accountants, how that perception feeds into our role as Difference Makers in society and the part Draftworx can play in changing that.

14:20 – 15:00

Refreshment break

Foyer – Warrior Hall

15:00 – 16:00

Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former Deputy President of South Africa, Former United Nations Under-Secretary, Former Executive Director of UN Women

Empowering Change: Strategies to Cultivate Ethical Leadership

  • Defining Ethical Leadership: Clarify what ethical leadership entails, focusing on integrity, transparency, and responsibility in decision-making.
  • Leading by Example: Demonstrate ethical behaviour in your actions to set a standard for others to follow within the organisation.
  • Promoting Open Communication: Encourage a culture where employees feel safe to voice concerns and report unethical practices without fear of retaliation.
  • Implementing Ethical Guidelines: Establish clear codes of conduct and ethical guidelines that are regularly reviewed and enforced across all levels of the organisation.
  • Providing Ethics Training: Offer regular training sessions on ethical behaviour and decision-making to ensure that all team members understand the importance of ethics in their roles.
  • Recognising and Rewarding Ethical Behaviour: Acknowledge and reward individuals who consistently demonstrate ethical leadership, reinforcing the value of integrity within the organisation.

16:00 – 17:00

Riaan Manser, Pioneering Explorer, Guest Speaker, Author

There’s an Ocean between Saying and Doing

Riaan speaks passionately about his adventures, while motivating and inspiring the audience. A talk that incorporates true courage, perseverance and the right attitude to effectively lead in adversity.

17:00

Closing for the day

Ciara Reintjes, SAICA Northern Region Regional Executive: Member Engagement

17:00 – 19:00

Leisure

19:00 – 20:00

Pre-dinner cocktail and entertainment

African dancers and Marimba band at Monkey Spring Plaza

20:00 – 21:00

Dinner at the Valley of the Waves

Theme: TROPICAL

Catering: Surf and Turf

Entertainment – Naledi Mohapi and Band

21:00 – 23:00

Networking and entertainment

Sunset Sweatshop at the Valley of the Waves

Day 2: SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER

08:00 – 08:55

Registration and refreshments

08:55

MC opening day 2

Brent Lindeque, The Good Things Guy

08:55 – 09:00

Welcoming address day 2

Azhar Panchbhai, SAICA Executive: Member Engagement

09:00 – 10:00

Professor Bonang Mohale, Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Businessman, Leadership Expert and Author
Lift as You Rise

  • The bastions of leadership, governance and consistency.
  • How to have a head for business and a heart for the world.
  • Making time for the things that really matter.

10:00 – 11:00

Milton Segal, SAICA Executive Director: Standards
Pieter Faber, SAICA Executive: Tax, Standards
Thandokuhle Myoli, SAICA Executive: Audit and Assurance, Standards
Kedibone Sono, SAICA Project Director: Members in Business, Technical

Sustainable Sustainability

Discussion on which aspects of sustainability, controversial or mundane, in the various disciplines accountants are involved in, are creating headwinds to moving the implementation of sustainability forward and why it’s important to address those aspects. It is particularly important when it is underpinned by fears and self-interest of the many and the disempowered, and if we as accountants are to make waves and empower change to enable future generations to meet their needs.

11:00 – 11:30

Refreshment break

Foyer – Warrior Hall

11:30 – 13:00

Breakaway stream 1: SMALL AND MEDIUM PRACTICES

Denise Mare, SAICA Project Director: Practice
Willem Haarhoff, Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO at DoughGetters

Demystifying cloud-based accounting in the digital age for small and medium practices

Join Willem Haarhoff, founder of DoughGetters Accounting Group, at the SAICA Difference Makers Conference for an enlightening session on managing an accounting practice in the cloud. This session will provide an in-depth look into the DoughGetters story, showcasing how the firm successfully pioneered a remote-working model with a nationwide footprint. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the cloud technologies employed by DoughGetters to facilitate remote work, team management, and client engagement. The session aims to demystify cloud-based accounting practices, offering practical strategies and solutions that can be applied to any accounting firm. Willem will also address audience questions, fostering a collaborative environment where participants can share their own experiences and challenges. This is a must-attend session for accountants looking to innovate and thrive in the digital age, without perceiving DoughGetters as a competitive threat but rather as a potential partner in growth.

Breakaway stream 2: PUBLIC SECTOR

Khaya Sithole, Founder: Corusca Consulting, Accountant, Academic, Consultant
Msizi Gwala, SAICA Project Director: Enabling Competencies, Public Sector, Standards

Political Leadership and the Landscape: Navigating Forward

This session will be a facilitated discussion on the political landscape in SA and the impact of this on the public sector, business, services and the country. Lessons from coalition governments in local government will also be shared and the anticipated impact of the government of national unity (GNU) will be discussed. The session will be an open discussion with members on the prospects for South Africa, the impact on administration, public finance management, accountability and governance, professionals, service delivery and citizens, as well as the profession’s role to positively impact the GNU.

Breakaway stream 3: ACADEMIA

Boitumelo Kuzwayo, Head of Department, Commercial Accounting, University of Johannesburg
Professor Riaan Rudman, Divisional Head: Auditing, Stellenbosch University
Lindelwa Majova-Songca, Senior Lecturer, College of Accounting Sciences, UNISA
Mandi Olivier, SAICA Executive: Learning and Development

Navigating your Career while Making an Impact

  • Is being an academic a career?
  • How to manage a career: Challenges and opportunities.
  • How to develop skills (formally obtained and otherwise), including the importance of collaboration and networks.
  • Lessons learned: How to make an impact.

The panel will provide insight on how to navigate your career through and in academia while at the same time making an impact from three uniquely different perspectives. Ideas will be shared around how to manage you career to realise the maximum benefits, while at the same time avoiding pitfalls and common errors. The panellists will discuss ways in which attendees can acquire new skills: those obtained through formal education and those skills that can be developed in more informal ways including what can be learnt from networks and collaboration. The session will provide some insight into academia and academic pursuits, but is not only aimed at academics. Those members that are interested in academia or future academic qualifications should attend.

Breakaway stream 4: MEMBERS IN BUSINESS / OTHERS

Ayanda Vabaza-Mvandaba, Director, Investor, Social Entrepreneur, Speaker, Governance
Christiaan Vorster, SAICA Southern Region Regional Executive: Member Engagement

The Multifaceted CA: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Business

This interactive presentation will explore the diverse roles that CAs play in the modern business environment, highlighting the need for adaptability, creativity, and strategic thinking.
Key discussion points:

  • Beyond the numbers: How CAs contribute to business strategy, innovation, and decision-making.
  • Adapting to change: The importance of staying current with emerging technologies, regulations, and industry trends.
  • Creativity and problem-solving: How CAs leverage their analytical skills to develop innovative solutions to complex business challenges.
  • Leading with influence: The role of CAs in fostering ethical business practices and driving organisational success.

The aim of the session is to provide practical insights and strategies for CAs to thrive in the ever-changing world of business, showcasing their unique value proposition beyond traditional accounting and finance roles.

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch

Foyer – Warrior Hall

14:00 – 15:00

Dr Liezl Groenewald, CEO of The Ethics Institute
Ronèl Van Wyk, Senior Manager, Assurance, SNG Grant Thornton

Fireside chat: Making a Difference with Courage and Conviction

As someone who had to endure the aftereffects of being a whistleblower, Ronèl is an advocate for the protection of whistleblowers. In this discussion, facilitated by Dr Liezl, she will share her journey of whistleblowing, the importance of having the right support, and how to have courage in the face of strong adversity.

15:00 – 15:30

Thembeka Maseko, Chief Finance and Value Officer: Group Personal and Private Banking Client Segments, Standard Bank

Africa – The Next Growth Frontier

An update on economies: South Africa and Africa

15:30 – 16:30

Zipho Sikhakhane, Global Speaker, Facilitator, Business Strategist

Make a Difference: Navigating Change and Uncertainty

Through engaging storytelling, practical insights, and thought-provoking engagement, Zipho will explore how to empower each other to overcome challenges, cultivate resilience and achieve exceptional results.

16:30

Closing words

Div Lamprecht, SAICA Central Region Regional Executive: Member Engagement

16:30

MC closing of the conference

Brent Lindeque, The Good Things Guy

16:30 – 18:00

Leisure

18:00 – 19:00

Comedy session with Conrad Koch, Ventriloquist and Comedian

King’s Ballroom

19:00 – 20:00

Dinner in the King’s Ballroom
Catering: Buffet

20:00 – 22:00

Entertainment and networking

Whiskey Rebels
DJ Tino

Day 3: SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER

No formal programme. Attendees can book leisure activities from options available at Sun City.

Refer to the activity list to make a booking. Click here.

Event links

2024 Difference Makers Conference: Making Waves, Empowering Change - 2 Days conference package

Click here

2024 SAICA Difference Makers Conference - Making Waves, Empowering Change - Day 1

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2024 SAICA Difference Makers Conference - Making Waves, Empowering Change - Day 2

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Speaker Profiles

Brent Lindeque, MC

Blogger, influencer, journalist, change maker and the Good Things Guy MC Blogger, influencer, journalist, change maker and the Good Things Guy. These are all words used to describe Brent. He is proudly South African, with the power to inspire kindness wherever he goes. He is regularly featured in the media, spreading good news about South Africa and ordinary South Africans doing extraordinary things in their communities. Brent says: “My intention at the time of starting Good Things Guy was to bring a little sunshine into the lives of others, to bring hope to people who felt despair and perhaps offer some balance in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelmingly sad. I wanted to share one good news story every single day and to make people proud of South Africa and remind everyone of all the good things happening in our beautiful country and the world. Since then, the platform has grown beyond my wildest dreams.” Brent pioneered the #ChangeOneThing movement which went viral internationally Using the simple premise that YOU have the power to change everything. His story is both inspiring, accessible and relevant.
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Patricia Stock

SAICA Chief Executive Officer Topic: Welcome Address – Day 1 Meet Patricia Stock, the dynamic CEO of SAICA, a strategic entrepreneurial accountant with a passion for transforming people and organisations. As the co-founder and former CEO of MGI RAS, a distinguished member firm of MGI Worldwide, Patricia boasts diverse experience in talent management, ESG (with a specialisation in governance) audit, IFRS (with a Masters in International Accounting), and quality assurance. A Chartered Accountant (South Africa) and Chartered Director (South Africa), Patricia has left an indelible mark in various senior executive and non-executive directorship roles. Her journey spans both private and public sectors advisory, skills development and assurance, including auditing United Nations' organisations during her tenure at the Auditor General of South Africa. Notably, she served as the Head of Transformation (DEI) in a global firm, showcasing her commitment to fostering positive change. Patricia's expertise extends to performance and leadership coaching, aligning with her fervour for responsible growth in organisations and individuals. With a life motto of "Grow as I grow," Patricia is not just a CEO; she's a visionary leader dedicated to realising the potential of others in a sustainable manner.
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John Sanei

Futures Strategist, Global Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author, Global Expert at Singularity University and Faculty at Duke Corporate Education Topic: Trans-for-motion: Making Waves with Organisational Change John is responsible for helping countless organisations shift, elevate and evolve - far beyond their current perceptions and present-day tasks. John specialises in preparing leaders, decisionmakers, and high-performing individuals for the future, helping them navigate the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. John’s role is to guide your organisation through unlearning, relearning, and changing awareness. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, business strategy, and futurism, John empowers decision-makers and leaders to prepare for all eventualities beyond the current popular trends that often dominate the conversation. He has worked with some of the top leaders in the world, including CEOs of Fortune 100 companies, heads of state and government leaders, board members of education institutions, and even royal families worldwide.
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Andrew Alt

Chief Imagination Officer at Draftworx Topic: When First Graders Dream Big: From Astronauts to Accountants (And Why One of These Isn't Like the Others) Andrew is the Chief Imagination Officer at Draftworx, where he spends his days envisioning the accounting practice of tomorrow and ensuring Draftworx is at the heart of it. With a knack for blending creativity and technology, Andrew helps accountants automate the creation of Annual Financial Statements using cutting-edge tools. He's particularly captivated by the integration of AI and machine learning into accounting software – because who says number crunching can't have a futuristic twist? A Chartered Accountant, Professional Accountant, and Registered Auditor, Andrew brings a wealth of experience from his years as a partner at a mid-tier accounting firm. He knows just how transformative the right technology can be, especially for small and medium enterprises. Andrew’s academic background is as unique as his approach – holding a degree in both Accounting and Coding, he tackles problems from a dual perspective. He’s a firm believer that curiosity is a superpower, a mindset reflected in his diverse pursuits. When he’s not innovating in the financial world, you might find him penning poetry, studying African Philosophy, or mastering the intricacies of C#. In Andrew’s world, there’s always room for imagination.
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Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

Former Deputy President of South Africa, Former United Nations Under-Secretary, Former Executive Director of UN Women Topic: Empowering Change: Strategies to Cultivate Ethical Leadership Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is a former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women. She was awarded a doctorate in Technology and Education from Warwick University. She has authored several scholarly and other opinion pieces. A Hauser Leader at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Centre for Public Leadership, she became a Member of Parliament, Deputy Minister of Department of Trade and Industry, Minister of Minerals and Energy, and finally Deputy President of South Africa from 2005 to 2008. Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka worked tirelessly on programmes and policies to reduce inequality. As the Executive Director of UN Women, she has been a global advocate for women and girls. She established initiatives such as the HeForShe for men and boys to address gender equality. She is a Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, a leading university on universal education on 4IR. She is a founder and leader of Umlambo Foundation, which is dedicated to the improvement of education and digital literacy training for educators.
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Riaan Manser

Pioneering Explorer, Author and Speaker Topic: There is an Ocean between Saying and Doing Riaan is a solo adventurer who was the first person to cycle around the perimeter of Africa: he spent over two years cycling 37 000 km through 34 countries. In 2009, he became the first person to circumnavigate Madagascar by kayak, which is 5 000 km and took 11 months. He has also paddled 2 300 km for five months around Iceland and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Riaan has earned the title “Out There Adventurer of the Year” in 2006 and 2009. He also started the initiative NO FOOD FOR THE LAZY MAN to invest in sporting equipment for schools without access to them. Thousands of people and organisations, from blue chip companies to community projects and from schools to non-governmental organisations, have been moved by Riaan’s extraordinary, and often hilarious, tales of perseverance and unrelenting resolve. Manser speaks passionately about his adventures, motivating and inspiring all who attend his presentations.
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Ciara Reintjes

SAICA Regional Executive: Northern Region, Member Engagement Closing address – day 1 Ciara is a CA(SA) and is the Regional Executive of SAICA for the Northern Region, which includes Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. She joined SAICA in 2019 and is based in SAICA’s Johannesburg office. Ciara’s aim is to ensure that the interests of all the Northern Region members are safeguarded and optimised, providing member value in the public interest. Her wide-ranging experience, gained both in and out of the accounting, auditing and related business environments, assist her in her stakeholder- and member-engagement function, enabling her to understand the broader issues from an array of diverse perspectives. Her prior experience includes extensive interaction with regulators, including the CIPC, FSCA, JSE, the Council for Medical Schemes, and the Estate Agency Affairs Board (the EAAB), among others. She previously specialised in audit and assurance, and was the Senior Professional Manager: Standards at the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA), where she was employed for 12 years, and the Senior Executive: Audit and Assurance at SAICA. Her projects with large audit firms and small- and medium-sized practices have included audit reform, professional ethics, legislation impacting the profession, and governance considerations for the profession, advocating on behalf of the profession. She spent four years at Alexander Forbes, in its Retirement Funds Division, as a technical specialist, and served her articles at KPMG in Windhoek, Namibia, where she focused on a variety of clients including the financial services, retail, telecommunications, electricity distribution and fishing sectors. Ciara has presented on various topics in South Africa, Africa and internationally. Her alma maters are Wits University, where she graduated in 1998 and UCT’s Graduate School of Business, where she obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Executive Leadership Development in 2005.
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Azhar Panchbhai

SAICA Executive: Member Engagement Topic: Welcome Address – Day 2 Azhar is a CA(SA) and a member of the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa. Azhar joined SAICA in 2015 and is responsible for gaining insights into the membership and ensuring relevant services and offerings to members. Azhar initiated the formal Nontechnical Training Department and enabled the widespread adoption of webcasting seminars to members. Azhar has 20 years of experience in and out of public practice. He worked for several multinational companies in diverse industries where his responsibilities included implementing international anti-corruption and privacy laws locally. Azhar drives member satisfaction, retention, and growth by building relationships, offering support, advocating for members, and facilitating communication between members, stakeholders and SAICA. He fosters a sense of community, promotes professional development, and contributes to SAICA’s reputation and strategic decision-making through data-driven insights.
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Professor Bonang Mohale

Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Businessman, Leadership Expert and Author Topic: Lift as you Rise Professor Bonang Mohale is the Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Former President of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Professor of Practice in the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) in the College of Business and Economics and chairman of two listed entities, namely The Bidvest Group Limited and ArcelorMittal, as well as chairman of SBV Services and Swiss Re Corporate Solutions. He is a member of the Community of Chairpersons (CoC) of the World Economic Forum and author of the two best-selling books, “Lift As You Rise“ and “Behold The Turtle”. He has been included in the Reputation Poll International’s (RPI) 2023 list of the ‘100 Most Reputable Africans’. The selection criteria are Integrity, Reputation, Transparency, Visibility and Impact. He is the recipient of the 2023 ME-Vision Academy Award’s ‘Exclusive Recognition in Successful Leadership’ for consistently leading self successfully, consistently leading people successfully, successfully leading as a senior executive and CEO, successfully leading society in various impactful roles and his contribution to mentoring and inspiring future successful leaders.
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Milton Segal

SAICA Executive Director: Standards Topic: Sustainable Sustainability Milton, a CA(SA), is an Executive Director of SAICA and heads the Standards Technical Department for SAICA. The department’s primary mandate is to provide technical oversight, thought leadership and advocacy within audit and assurance, corporate reporting, ethics, public sector, and taxation. Milton holds the following degrees and diplomas, all from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits): Bachelor of Commerce, Higher Diploma in Accountancy and Master of Commerce (Taxation). An expert in IFRS, Milton’s skills extend to non-financial and integrated reporting and is a well published author and researcher having presented to thousands of both students, trainees, and members locally and internationally. Prior to joining SAICA, Milton led the financial accounting department within the Wits University School of Accountancy. During his time at the University, he was also the overall CTA (Hons) Program coordinator and operations director for the school. One of the key achievements during Milton’s time at Wits was the design mapping of the school’s curriculum to the (then) new SAICA competency framework. It was during this time at Wits where Milton became close to SAICA and its activities by being part of both the SAICA examination team and university accreditation team. Milton is a qualified SAICA assessor and was amongst the first to gain this certification in 2006. Milton is a member of SAICA’s Executive Committee. He represents SAICA, and South Africa on the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)’s Professional Accountant in Business advisory committee. The IFAC is a global member body consisting of over 180 global accountancy member bodies. Milton also represents SAICA and South Africa on the IFRS Foundation’s Emerging Economies Group, the Connectivity Council of the IFRS Foundation (formerly known as the Integrated Reporting Council) and is a board member of the Integrated Reporting Council of South Africa on behalf of SAICA. Milton is the alternate for the SAICA CEO on the King Committee of South Africa.
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Pieter Faber

SAICA Executive: Tax, Standards Sustainable Sustainability Pieter is the Executive for Tax at SAICA and drives the tax advocacy and tax support agenda at the Institute through influence and thought leadership. Pieter has had the privilege of working in tax for more than 20 years, having previously worked at both large and small professional advisory firms. He is a regular contributor to media discussions on tax and public policy and has a particular passion for tax administrative and dispute law. He was the Chairperson of the SME task group to the Ministerial Paying Taxes Workgroup and is the current Chairperson of the Global Accounting Alliance Tax Working Group.
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Thandokuhle Myoli

SAICA Executive: Audit and Assurance, Standards Sustainable Sustainability Thando is the Executive: Audit and Assurance at SAICA. He is responsible for the Audit and Assurance portfolio within the Standards Division at SAICA. This entails supporting the needs of the members through providing high quality thought leadership on audit and assurance related matters, managing relationships with key stakeholders and keeping members abreast of the latest developments in the assurance area. Thandokuhle joined SAICA in April 2019 as Project Director: Assurance having previously worked as a Professional Manager at the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA).
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Denise Mare

SAICA Project Director: Practice, Member Engagement Demystifying cloud-based accounting in the digital age for small and medium practices Denise is a Chartered Accountant and member of SAICA since 2008. She has joined SAICA as the Project Director for Practice, after a 14-year tenure in auditing academia at the University of Johannesburg and having run her own accounting and advisory firm since 2017. Denise has developed a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by small business owners and the SMME market within South Africa. Denise has a passion for inter-personal connection and technological growth within the SMME space. She is motivated by a sense of purpose to make a positive impact that has a ripple and lasting effect. She is very excited to join the Small and Medium Practices sphere as Project Director and play her part as difference maker within this landscape.
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Willem Haarhoff

Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO at DoughGetters Demystifying cloud-based accounting in the digital age for small and medium practices Willem is an experienced South African Chartered Accountant and a dedicated member of SAICA since 2000. With a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades at one of the Big 4 accounting firms, Willem has extensive experience leading external audits for large European and US multinational corporations, particularly during his 11-year tenure in Lagos, Nigeria. In July 2014, he returned to South Africa to focus on supporting small and medium-sized businesses, culminating in the founding of the DoughGetters Accounting Group in 2017. Under his leadership, DoughGetters has grown into a nationwide franchise network, pioneering remote-working practices and facilitating the transition from desktop to cloud-based accounting for hundreds of SMEs and accounting firms. Willem enjoys sharing his insights and experiences, demystifying the management of cloud-based accounting practices.
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Khaya Sithole

Founder – Corusca Consulting | Accountant | Academic | Consultant Political Leadership and the Landscape: Navigating Forward Khaya is a Chartered Accountant, academic, consultant, radio broadcaster and writer. He provides inputs, commentary and analysis on various social, financial and economic issues for a range of publications and clients across the corporate landscape, academia and civil society. He writes regular columns for Business Day, Moneyweb and News24. He has also contributed book chapters on various issues relating to the socioeconomic and political developments in South Africa. Khaya is a regular programme director and event MC for various corporate and non-profit sector clients across the insurance, banking, education and advocacy spaces. He also serves as the host for the SAICA TechTalk updates and the biannual JSE Investor Forum. Khaya currently serves on the boards of Altvest (Pty) Ltd, the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP), the Institute for Social Dialogue NPC, MyVote Counts NPC and the Council of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC). Khaya previously served on the boards of JSE-listed Stadio Holdings Limited where he chaired the audit committee; Lefika La Phodiso (The Art Therapy Institute) where he serves as the board chairperson; and on the audit committee of Tshikululu Social Investments NPC and the Financial Sector Transformation Council (FSTC) (as chair of the Board). Khaya was also awarded the Atlantic Fellowship for Racial Equity by Columbia University and the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 2020. He is also the recipient of the Luminary Award from the African Women Chartered Accountants (2022); the GameChanger Award from the Black Business Council (2024); and the Presidential Achiever Award from the Association for Black Accountants of Southern Africa (2021) for services dedicated to the development of black and female chartered accountants in South Africa.
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Msizi Gwala

SAICA Project Director: Enabling Competencies, Public Sector, Standards Political Leadership and the Landscape: Navigating Forward Msizi is a Project Director in the SAICA Public Sector department, managing the portfolio of public sector insights, research and thought leadership. Msizi’s areas of research focus include people, processes and technology. Msizi has worked on the CA of the Future competency framework of SAICA, that seeks to redefine the future of the chartered accountancy profession, now going beyond the numbers into value creation, digital competence, ethical decision making, integrative thinking and problem solving, among others. He has a rich background in academia, having contributed significantly to the University of Zululand’s capacity-building project. He has also worked as a facilitator, auditor, and consultant in both the private and public sectors. A recipient of the 2017 Mandela Washington Fellowship, Msizi is passionate about people development and progressive change. He is a qualified chartered accountant and holds a Master of Accountancy degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has worked at the Auditor General SA and EY.
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Boitumelo Kuzwayo

Head of Department, Commercial Accounting, University of Johannesburg Navigating your career while making an impact Boitumelo is a Head of Department at the Department of Commercial Accounting at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). The department is housed in the largest faculty at UJ with 40 staff members and approximately 2 500 students. She is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Masters in International Accounting. Boitumelo has industry experience obtained mainly at Deloitte South Africa, Deloitte Middle East (Dubai) and Deloitte Boston (USA), where she worked in the audit division as well as in the strategy and innovation division (management consulting) as a Senior Consultant. Boitumelo has served as non-executive director as an Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) member at the South African State Theatre. During her tenure as an ARC member, the audit for the entity went from a disclaimer audit opinion in to an unqualified audit opinion. Boitumelo is currently a presenter/lecturer on the APT programme. APT is a professional programme that prepares candidates to develop their professional competencies leading up to SAICA’s APC assessment. This is the final assessment before candidates obtain their CA(SA) professional designation. Boitumelo is the winner of SAICA’s Top 35 Under 35 Game Changer award in 2022, Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans in the Education Sector and Academic of the Year by the Advanced of Black Accountants of Southern Africa (ABASA) in 2022.
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Professor Riaan Rudman

Professor, Divisional Head: Auditing, Stellenbosch University Navigating your career while making an impact Riaan is a Professor in Auditing and Information Systems at Stellenbosch University. Riaan has been involved with the MCom (Computer Auditing) programme for over 10 years. He is an established author, having published various articles, and takes part in various speaking engagements globally. His research interest lies in the governance of advanced technologies and auditing education. He serves on various committees and councils. Where most academics focus on one area in the university, he has received various local and international awards in all three focus areas of the university: teaching and learning, research and transformation in the accounting profession. He is currently one of the Deputy-directors in the School of Accountancy. Riaan is an unconventional accountant. He attended a technical high school, not being exposed to accounting until registering as a first year at the University of Cape Town. He has obtained many qualifications, including two masters’ degrees. When he is not working, he is traveling around the world, exploring new countries.
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Lindelwa Majova-Songca

Senior Lecturer, College of Accounting Sciences, UNISA Navigating your career while making an impact Lindelwa is a distinguished Chartered Accountant with a comprehensive educational background, including a Masters of Commerce in Financial Management Studies, an MBA, and a Certificate in Facilities Management. She also has foundational training as a teacher from a teacher training college. With over fifteen years of experience in higher education, Lindelwa has demonstrated expertise at multiple levels within the sector. She is known for her innovative vision, effective decision-making skills, and a good sense of humour. Her career reflects a rare blend of educational experience, academic leadership, governance, and administrative expertise. Lindelwa has held prominent positions at various institutions, including the University of Fort Hare, where she served as Head of the Department of Accounting, Deputy Dean and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Management and Commerce, and Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Support. Her career also spans significant roles in audit firms, such as Manager at AGSA and Director at LDSW Inc., MasengViljoen Inc., and LYM Chartered Accountants. Her contributions extend to the Council on Higher Education (CHE) as a member of the Bachelor of Commerce Working Group, focusing on developing Qualification Standards. She is actively involved in SAICA accreditation monitoring as an academic evaluator and has served on various boards and committees, including the SAICA Finance and Governance Committees, the Independent Regulatory Board's Disciplinary Advisory Committee, and the Council and Audit Committee of Walter Sisulu University. Additionally, she has been a board member and Chairperson of the Eastern Cape Liquor Board and served as Director: CFO Support at the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury. Currently, Lindelwa Majova-Songca is a Senior Lecturer at UNISA, where she continues to contribute to the academic community.
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Mandi Olivier

SAICA Executive: Learning and Development Navigating your career while making an impact Mandi, CA(SA), is passionate about learning and skills development, particularly where it comes to prospective professional accountants. Her mission is to ensure that the profession continues to develop high quality accountants who remain relevant in the VUCA world. Mandi started at SAICA in 2005 and is responsible for a number of different areas related to both pre and post qualification as a CA(SA), AGA(SA) and AT(SA) within the Learning, Development and National Imperatives division at SAICA. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing a strategy for learning and development, maintaining and updated competency framework for CAs(SA), AGAs(SA) and ATs(SA), overseeing the monitoring and accreditation of the academic programmes, training and the training requirements in addition to addressing broader challenges facing the accounting profession in respect of education and training. She has been responsible for the review and implementation of the revised SAICA competency framework – “The CA of the Future” (previously known as the CA2025 project) being one of SAICA’s most exciting strategic projects. Before joining SAICA, Mandi was an Associate Director: Assurance Learning at Deloitte, where she was responsible for education and training. Prior to that she worked as an audit manager at Deloitte. Mandi has served previously on the Fasset Management Board, the Fasset Audit and Risk Committee and as a technical advisor on IFAC’s International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB).
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Ayanda Vabaza-Mvandaba

Director, Investor, Social Entrepreneur, Speaker, Governance The Multifaceted CA: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Business Ayanda is an experienced entrepreneur, financial services and financial engineering professional bringing experience from listed and unlisted markets, for profit and non-profit sectors as well as oversight over government institutions. She has a proven track record of leveraging existing and new networks to grow businesses and is a subject matter expert on fundraising and scaling, having been a keynote speaker on the aforementioned subjects on various platforms and conferences. Ayanda is a keen investor in various businesses which she oversees and strategically guides. Being a chartered accountant and holding a certification in risk management, in conjunction with her experience in external audit, this has provided a solid foundation for the value that she adds to her clients, to the entities whose boards that she is a part of and the day to day running of the various businesses that she is invested in. She is about leaving a lasting legacy and living governance as a way of life, not as an afterthought. Ayanda has had the honour of being named one of Africa’s Brightest Young Minds in 2021, one of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Top 35 Under 35 in 2022 as well as a finalist in the Accenture Gender Mainstreaming Awards, a finalist in the Women of Stature Awards in 2023 and a winner in the Mail and Guardian Top 200 for 2024. Ayanda is the CEO and majority shareholder of Drink Nil which is South Africa’s largest e-commerce retailer specialising in non-alcoholic beverages. Ayanda is the founder and now chairperson of Kwandiso Consulting Financial Services servicing SMMEs and the township economy. She is the Managing Partner of Youth Bridge which is a youth unemployment solution. She is the co-founder of Langa Siphe foundation and Ayanda Vabaza-Mvandaba Bursary Fund. Ayanda serves on various boards and audit and risk committees of private and public companies and non-profit organisations.
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Christiaan Vorster

SAICA Regional Executive: Southern Region, Member Engagement The Multifaceted CA: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Business Christiaan is a Chartered Accountant with 25 years’ experience in various organizations, across disciplines and industries, at corporate managerial and executive level, as a boutique consultancy owner, and as a lecturer/facilitator and recently a business coach and mentor. In his current role as Regional Executive he plays an integral part in setting and implementing SAICA’s regional strategy, stakeholder relations, advocacy, member engagement and business development. In addition, Christiaan serves as a Non-Executive Director and is a Certified Business Coach (GIBS), assisting young professionals in their leadership journeys.
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Dr Liezl Groenewald

CEO of The Ethics Institute Topic: Making a difference with courage and conviction Dr Liezl Groenewald is the CEO of The Ethics Institute (TEI) in South Africa, she is the immediate past president of the Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa) and is a co-founding director of The Whistleblower House. She completed both a Masters and a Doctoral degree in Applied Ethics at the University of the Witwatersrand and Stellenbosch University respectively. With a wealth of experience, she takes on the role of a seasoned facilitator for The Ethics Institute, as well as for the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA). Additionally, she serves as guest lecturer at a business school in Innsbruck, Austria (MCI), and at various business schools in South Africa. Liezl is a sought-after speaker at both local and international conferences. She contributes her insights as a media commentator on matters related to ethics and whistleblowing, and she adeptly moderates discussions. Her expertise extends to being an author of articles on business and military ethics. Notably, she has authored a comprehensive Whistleblowing Non-retaliation Toolkit, Whistleblowing First Responder Guide, along with the Whistleblowing Management Handbook. She has also co-authored the Ethics and Compliance Handbook, as well as the Institutionalising Ethics Handbook. In terms of her affiliations, Liezl actively participates on the Council of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and is chairperson of its Governance and Ethics Committee. She is also the chairperson of the Social and Ethics Committee Forum of the Institute of Directors SA. She holds a membership on the King IV Committee, the Inaugural Committee of the International Society of Military Ethics for Africa (Afro-ISME), the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Ethics Committee and is a member of the Advisory Boards for BEN-Africa and Visslan, a whistleblowing service provider based in Sweden. Her dedication to research is evident as she serves as a research associate at US Philosophy Department. On a global scale, Dr Groenewald represented South Africa in the global technical working groups responsible for drafting ISO 37000, the ISO Standard for the Governance of Organisations, as well as ISO 37002, the ISO Whistleblowing Management Standard.
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Ronèl Van Wyk

Senior Manager, Assurance, SNG Grant Thornton Topic: Making a difference with courage and conviction Ronèl is a Certified Ethics Officer, associate member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and a member of the International Audit Association. She is currently employed at SNG Grant Thornton as a Senior Manager. Her role includes conducting due diligence, developing fraud risk management programs, investigation of fraud and related activities. She assists EXCO in high level confidential matters. She previously held roles as a Colonel in the South African Police Service and was the Head of Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions department at the South African Revenue Service for 17 years where she managed approximately 370 investigators. She holds an MBA from the Gordon Business Institute at the University of Pretoria and a BA Police Science degree from UNISA. She was recently featured as a whistle blower in a New York Times article on Bain Consulting’s involvement in South African companies and how this effected state capture. Ronèl submitted whistleblowing reports to both the Nugent inquiry investigating state capture at SARS and the Zondo Inquiry focusing on state capture. She was persecuted in her role as a whistleblower and had to withstand immense pressure from some of the highest political and organised crime individuals. She is an advocate for the protection of whistleblowers. Ronèl was also featured in the latest book published by Jacques Pauw, “Our Poisoned Land” in which Pauw called her one of the “most discerning officials at SARS”. Ronèl believes in the higher purpose, she is a servant of our country, and she strives to make a difference in the lives of others daily.
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Thembeka Maseko

Chief Finance and Value Officer: Group Personal and Private Banking Client Segments, Standard Bank Africa – The next growth frontier When they say dynamite comes in small packages!: A daughter of the African soil and a highly accomplished C-suite Executive, Thembeka is a CA(SA) and a true Difference Maker with over 15 years of strategic, value-creating financial services experience, spanning from the implementation of complex accounting solutions, sustainable business growth plans, complex financial projections to transformative leadership that unlocks talent by enabling staff to align their individual plans to business strategic objectives. Currently Standard Bank of South Africa’s Chief Finance and Value Officer: Group Personal and Private Banking Client Segments, Thembeka chose her current employer because of its commitment to driving Africa’s growth. Prior to joining the bank, she held various executive and management roles at WesBank, Nedbank, Ernst &Young, and KPMG.
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Zipho Sikhakhane

Global Speaker, Facilitator, Business Strategist Making a Difference: Navigating Change and Uncertainty Zipho, the CEO and Founder of EMZ Advisory, is a pioneering businesswoman known for her global perspective and commitment to excellence. As the first black South African to earn an MBA from Stanford University, she has held key roles at Inditex Zara and McKinsey & Company. An influential speaker and writer, Zipho inspires audiences with her insights on leadership and entrepreneurship. With board memberships and investments across Africa, including as Chairperson of Maneli Commodities, she is a dynamic force in the business world. Zipho's engaging approach empowers individuals and businesses to unlock their potential, making her a standout figure in global business strategy and leadership.
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Div Lamprecht

SAICA Regional Executive: Central Region, Member Engagement Closing address – day 2 Div is a seasoned finance executive with over 20 years of experience in corporate and professional services. He joined SAICA in 2005 and currently leads the Central Region, overseeing a wide range of initiatives and operations. Div's career highlights include: • Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective strategies that drive growth and performance. • Project Management: Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects and initiatives, delivering results on time and within budget. • Stakeholder Management: Extensive experience engaging with senior stakeholders and providing strategic guidance. Prior to joining SAICA, Div worked at Absa Consultants and Actuaries and PwC Bloemfontein, gaining valuable experience in the financial services, retail, and agricultural sectors. Div's passion for finance, coupled with his strong leadership and relationship management skills, make him a valuable asset to the broader financial community.
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