Director

Indherani Reddy is the Director of Regenesys Education, where she plays a key role in driving strategic growth and operational excellence across the institution. With extensive experience in operations, ICT, SAP services, and hospitality, she has held senior leadership roles including Operations Director at Kelly Group, a JSE-listed company, and executive positions at Sun International and Southern Sun, overseeing functions such as finance, IT, HR, and sales and marketing. Beyond her corporate achievements, Indherani is passionate about empowering women and supporting youth development, actively mentoring future leaders and advocating for opportunities that enable women and young people to realise their full potential. She is also a motivational speaker who champions conscious leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven success.

MEC

Ms Kedibone Diale-Tlabela currently serves in the Gauteng Provincial Government as the MEC for Roads & Transport. Prior to entering provincial politics, she served for over a decade in various capacities within the City of Tshwane where she gained experience in Local government programs. Her early involvement in civic and student leadership structures helped shape her commitment to social transformation and inclusive economic growth. She was appointed to the provincial executive in 2022 and has played a pivotal role in driving Gauteng’s transport modernisation agenda, infrastructure development programs and mobility initiatives aimed at improving the movement of people and goods across South Africa’s economic hub. As MEC, she has championed strategic investment in road infrastructure, public transport systems, regulatory compliance and smart mobility solutions. Ms Kedibone Diale-Tlabela remains one of Gauteng’s leading voices in Transport & Infrastructure development, committed to advancing sustainable mobility, economic transformation and service excellence across the province.

Chief Executive Officer

Shiphra Chisha is a distinguished Pan-African executive, entrepreneur, board director and development expert with over two decades of experience in sustainable economic development, institutional transformation, women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth across Africa. She is the Chief Executive Officer of the Graça Machel Trust, where she leads work focused on advancing the economic and leadership participation of women and girls, and represents the Trust on the AfCFTA Private Sector Platform Leadership Board. She is also the President and Co-Founder of African Women in Business, a Pan-African organisation supporting women entrepreneurs across the SADC region. Ms Chisha has held several senior leadership and governance roles across the mining, development, finance and trade sectors, including positions with the Anglo American SIOC Trust, Sishen Iron Ore Mine Community Trust, BRICS Institute and various regional advisory structures. A respected strategist and advocate for Africa’s transformation agenda, she continues to champion inclusive growth, regional integration, sustainable development and opportunities for women and young people across the continent. She holds an MBA, a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics from the University of Johannesburg, and has completed leadership programmes at GIBS and through the BRICS China Executive Leadership Development Programme.

Group Chief Executive Officer

Sthembiso Dlamini is a seasoned executive and Group CEO of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, where she leads investment promotion, economic development and strategic partnerships for the Gauteng City-Region. She is recognised for her purpose-driven leadership, governance focus and commitment to building high-performing public institutions that support inclusive growth and transformation.

Senior Director Africa

Charmaine Houvet is an accomplished ICT leader with more than three decades of experience across the public, private, and academic sectors, where she has helped shape technology strategy, digital transformation, and innovation policy. Recognized for her ability to build strong partnerships across government, industry, and civil society, she has served as a trusted advisor on strategic technology adoption and was a key member of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 4IR Commission. Charmaine also serves on the boards of the International Women’s Forum South Africa and WeThinkCode, and chairs Cisco’s Charitable Trust Foundation. Holding an MBA, she combines strong business acumen with deep sector expertise, and is widely respected for her advocacy for connectivity, gender equality, and women’s empowerment in technology. Through her mentoring, coaching, and non-profit work supporting women in ICT, she continues to inspire future leaders and advance a more inclusive digital economy.

Digital and Product Delivery Leader

Denise Mukozho is a digital and product delivery leader with over 10 years’ experience delivering complex, regulated programmes across financial services, insurance, and FMCG. She specialises in turning data and regulatory complexity into practical, value driven outcomes. An MCom graduate from the University of Cape Town, certified Professional Scrum Master, and Chairperson of Women in IT, she is a published researcher, mentor, and speaker on digital transformation, data, and inclusive leadership.

Programme Editor and Anchor

Melissa Tighy is a seasoned journalist and content creator with extensive experience across television, radio, and digital platforms. Currently serving as Programme Editor and Anchor, eNUUS. Previously she was the Business Anchor and Producer at eNCA, she has built a strong career shaping and delivering impactful stories in accessible formats. Her career spans roles as a sub-editor at eNuus, a weather presenter and current affairs producer at the SABC, and a communications professional for organisations such as Agri SA and RightBrains in the Netherlands. With a BPhil in Journalism and a BA in Humanities from Stellenbosch University, Melissa brings a sharp editorial eye, strong storytelling skills, and a proven ability to engage audiences across mediums, making her a respected voice in South Africa’s media landscape.

Director of AI Business Solution Engineering

Angela Lundie is the Director of AI Business Solution Engineering at Microsoft, where she leads teams driving AI and digital transformation across leading organizations in South Africa. She partners closely with business and technology leaders to help organizations realize value from AI and modern workplace solutions. Angela is passionate about enabling people and organizations to thrive in an AI-driven world. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to building inclusive, high-performing teams. A strong advocate for women in technology and leadership, she actively supports initiatives that uplift and connect women in business.

Prema Tina Anunajadam is Head of Data Culture, Talent & Ethics for Absa Group’s CIB division, where she focuses on building a strong data- and AI-driven culture aligned with organisational values and strategic goals. She leads AI adoption and change management initiatives, driving cultural transformation and improving data fluency across the organisation. With a background in digital business and organisational change, she supports teams in navigating complex transitions and embedding innovation and agility into everyday practice. Her work centres on enabling sustainable growth through the effective integration of AI, ethics, and organisational development.

Founder & CEO

Digital technologies offer widespread disruption and will, with it, unlock new opportunities for rapid economic growth, innovation, job creation and access to services. The goal of the organisation is to stimulate growth in the digital sector by sharing knowledge on this subject with policy makers, operators and influencers. The Digital Council’s mission is to support public and private sector to work together to deliver on the expectations of a gigabit society. Through developing the digital transformation stack – we hope to educate and guide all involved in the framework and infrastructure for the next generation of Internet applications and platforms and ultimately to remove the boundaries of technological inclusion.

AI Lab Research Lead

Dr Khensani Xivuri is a Technology Governance and Responsible AI leader focused on building innovative, ethical and trusted AI systems. With expertise spanning IT governance, risk, assurance and applied data science research, she works at the intersection of emerging technology, accountability and real-world impact. She serves on Audit and Risk Committees and as a Board member in the public sector, contributing to strengthened governance, oversight and ethical leadership in complex regulated environments. Dr Xivuri holds a PhD in Applied Data Science from the University of Johannesburg, where she specialised in AI fairness, and is actively involved in research, mentorship and advancing Responsible AI, governance and ethics.

Group CIO

Yosheen Padayachee was appointed group CIO at SAICA in February 2026. She specialises in IT strategy, service and solution delivery. Yosheen has over 23 years of IT systems experience within the financial services industry. She was CIO for Africa at Momentum Metropolitan Holdings Ltd for three years. Prior to that she worked at FNB SA for twenty years in various positions including head of IT quality and head of software development cash. Yosheen holds a Master of Technology and Innovation, a B.Com, in Informatics and a Certified Project Management Professional qualification. She is currently studying for a doctorate degree in Technology and Innovation.

Snr Manager

Dr Anelisa Hlongwane is a seasoned strategic business partner with extensive experience across the full spectrum of human resources in various industries. She specialises in engaging and influencing key stakeholders to drive organisational change, enhance corporate value creation and support business growth. Her expertise includes designing and implementing innovative HR solutions that align with organisational objectives, enabling businesses to build high-performing, people-centred workplaces.

Chief Operations Officer

Dr Pulane Modiha is a respected academic, thought leader and executive mentor who bridges the worlds of academia, business and technology. Passionate about leadership development, she is dedicated to shaping future business leaders through teaching, thought leadership and executive engagement. Her expertise spans digital transformation, innovation, strategy and people development, with experience ranging from global business immersions to advancing leadership conversations across Africa. Committed to empowering others, particularly women in leadership, Dr Modiha is known for her human-centred approach, intellectual rigour and unwavering focus on cultivating resilient, future-ready leaders.

GM

Mbali Motanyane is a corporate treasurer and mining strategist at a JSE-listed diversified resources company with a market capitalisation exceeding R70 billion. With expertise spanning mining engineering, finance, treasury, strategy and deal-making, she has led numerous initiatives focused on cost optimisation, portfolio management and long-term value creation. Her work centres on capital allocation, liquidity management and aligning financial strategy with sustainable business growth. Beyond her executive role, she serves as Chairperson of ABSIP Women in Focus, championing the advancement of women in finance through industry engagement, mentorship and thought leadership. Known for her analytical rigour and execution-focused approach, Mbali is a respected voice on strategy, finance and leadership in today’s evolving business environment.

CFO

Dr Antoinette Ngwenya is a seasoned finance executive and public sector leader who serves at the Chief Financial Officer of the Commission of Gender Equality in South Africa. In her role, Dr Ngwenya provides strategic financial leadership, overseeing the Commission’s financial management governance, budgeting, risk management, governance, budgeting, risk management, compliance and resource stewardship to ensure the effective delivery of the organization’s constitutional mandate. She is a member of the Commission’s Executive and plays a pivotal role in supporting institutional sustainability, accountability and operational excellence. Through her work, she contributes to to advancing institutional effectiveness and sustainable impact in the pursuit of gender equality and social justice in South Africa.

Vice President & Head of HR and Business Enablement

Brenda Talazo is an accomplished C-suite executive, Non-Executive Director, and strategic HR and business enablement leader with more than 10 years of experience driving people strategy, organisational transformation, and business performance. As VP: HR & Business Enablement at Saab South Africa, she leads a broad portfolio of corporate functions including HR, ICT, transformation, communications, facilities, and occupational health and safety. With an MBA and strong executive leadership experience, Brenda is passionate about empowering people, enabling change, building future-ready organisations, and aligning human capital with sustainable business growth. She also serves in key governance roles, contributing to ethical leadership, culture transformation, and long-term organisational impact through strategic vision, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership.

Senior Manager, Process and Business Analysis & Group Technology

Rionna Roni is an accomplished business analysis and process engineering professional with an MBA and extensive experience in driving operational efficiency, business improvement, and digital transformation initiatives. As Senior Manager: Business Analysis & Process Engineering at Nedbank, she plays a key role in supporting organisational effectiveness, strengthening processes, and enabling business transformation. She is also an author and a recognised positive role model, having received the Gender Mainstreaming Positive Role Model Award Gauteng 2025. Known for her reliability, professionalism, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence, Rionna is passionate about solving business challenges through effective planning, leadership, organisation, and execution, while contributing positively to the reputation and success of the organisations she serves.

Chief Commercial Officer

Pragashani is Six Sigma certified with a comprehensive career history, in all the Tier 1 SA banks, which has spanned from product development and design, to process engineering, automation and technical framework development and implementation. She has multiple distinction undergrad and postgrad degrees in Commerce from UKZN South Africa, and a MBA from University of Cape Town South Africa with executive postgraduate qualifications from Duke University, New York, and The Gordon Institute of Business Science, South Africa. Pragashani has a keen interest in digital innovation, artificial intelligence and data analytics.

Group Executive-Enterprise Risk Management, Security, Forensics & Insurance

Malebu Makgalemela Mogohloane is a strategic risk and governance executive with extensive experience in enterprise risk management, forensics, business continuity, compliance, insurance, and security governance within complex organisational environments. She has worked closely with Boards, Executive Committees, and Audit & Risk Committees to strengthen governance, support strategic decision-making, and build organisational resilience. With credentials including Certified Ethics Officer and CRISC, and memberships with IRMSA and ACFE, Malebu brings a multidisciplinary perspective shaped by her background in IT and audit consulting, as well as her academic interest in Future Studies. Her work focuses on strategic foresight, ethical governance, sustainability, inclusive innovation, digital transformation, and future-ready African organisations, with a passion for helping organisations become more adaptive, resilient, innovative, and prepared for emerging disruptions.

International Trade & Investment Promotion Regional Manager

Nthatisi Moraloge is an international trade and export promotion specialist with extensive experience in developing and implementing strategies that expand South African exports into global markets. She currently leads the Americas regional portfolio, driving export promotion initiatives across the agribusiness, agro-processing, mining, aerospace, and defence sectors. Nthatisi works closely with government departments, provincial trade promotion agencies, industry associations, embassies, and international partners to identify market opportunities, strengthen trade relations, and support South African businesses—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises—in accessing international markets. Her expertise includes market intelligence, trade missions, stakeholder engagement, export strategy development, and fostering sustainable economic growth through international trade.

Head of Information Security GRC & Program

Mankoana leads group-wide cybersecurity governance, risk, compliance, and strategic security programmes across MTN’s operations in Africa and the Middle East. With close to two decades of experience across information security, IT audit, enterprise risk management, governance, and technology controls, she has played a key role in strengthening MTN’s security posture, driving major board-level cybersecurity initiatives, and supporting compliance across fintech, mobile money, and broader digital environments. Mankoana has also been recognised as one of South Africa’s leading cybersecurity decision-makers, featured in the CISO Directory, and honoured with the Cysec Africa Women in Cyber Leadership Award. She is passionate about responsible AI adoption, cybersecurity resilience, inclusion in technology, and developing future-fit security leadership across Africa.

BDO | Chartered Accountant

Buhle Hanise is a qualified Chartered Accountant and the National Head of Business Restructuring at BDO. She is an experienced finance and governance leader, serving across boards and investment committees, and has been recognised for her contribution to women’s leadership, transformation and business impact in South Africa.

Chief Operations Officer

Storme Mcdonald is RMB’s Chief Operations Officer and a qualified CA(SA) with experience across corporate banking, finance, operations, technology and enablement functions. She is known as a practical problem solver who enjoys building solutions, improving systems and helping teams make things work more effectively.

Chairperson

Prisca Soko is a seasoned business leader with more than 20 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and business consulting. She currently serves as Chairperson of AfricanWIB, a network of businesswomen dedicated to driving investment and economic growth across the SADC region in key sectors including energy, mining, agriculture, ICT, and water infrastructure.
Recognised for her collaborative leadership style and strategic vision, Prisca is passionate about fostering innovation, strengthening governance, and creating opportunities for sustainable development. She is committed to advancing impactful initiatives that empower businesses, promote inclusive economic growth, and contribute to the long-term prosperity of communities across Africa.

Events Co-Ordinator

Kholofelo Halefose is a Cybersecurity Chief Advisor at Eskom, specialising in IT and OT security across the national critical infrastructure. With over a decade of experience in the Utility Telecommunications environment, she holds a Master of Computing (Information Technology) in Cybersecurity and Cryptography, Cum Laude, and is currently a PhD candidate researching Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence.

A public speaker, mentor, and researcher, she is committed to bridging education, industry, and policy and to empowering women to pursue and succeed in cybersecurity careers.

Secretary

Connie Simunyu is a Business Development Manager with over 9 years of experience in cybersecurity. She holds a degree in Business Administration and Governance, as well as certifications in Business Communications, Customer Service, and Bookkeeping. She helps organisations improve security and believes in building strong relationships.

Deputy- Director General

Jeanette Morwane is the Deputy Director-General (DDG) for Media and Content at South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT). She brings over 16 years of strategic experience in information and communications technology (ICT) policy, technology innovation, and digital transformation. She previously spent a decade serving as the DCDT’s Chief Director for Emerging Technologies and Digital Innovations, where she spearheaded major national programs, including leading the digital government initiative that digitised over 130 public services and heading the Secretariat for the Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Morwane’s extensive public sector career also includes serving as a government representative on the board of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) and working as Director of ICT R&D and Services Industry at the Department of Science and Innovation. Academically, she holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of South Africa and a Bachelor of Arts in Information Science from the

Head of Global Communications

Keagile Makgoba is an accomplished South African corporate communications expert who currently serves as the Head of Communications for Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok. With over a decade of industry experience, she holds a BA Honours degree in Strategic Communications from the University of Johannesburg and previously built her career working with major entities like MultiChoice and Instinctif Partners. At TikTok, she has spent over four years pioneering the platform’s regional communication strategies, driving key digital literacy initiatives like the TikTok Safer Internet Summit, and empowering Africa’s creator economy. Her outstanding leadership and impact in shaping digital storytelling across the continent earned her the prestigious Rising Star in Media accolade at the TransUnion Rising Star Awards and recognition as a Tutu African Leadership Fellow.

Treasurer

A Business Development specialist passionate about technology-driven transformation, she works with organisations across Africa and the SADC region to unlock strategic value and accelerate digital growth. She manages portfolios across AI, cybersecurity, SaaS, and more, bringing deep cross-industry expertise to every client engagement. Academically, she holds qualifications from UCT, UFS, and GIBS, and is currently pursuing an Executive MBA with Quantic. A professional speaker and youth leadership volunteer, she is as committed to building the continent’s future as she is to transforming its businesses.