Saica announces its Top-35-under-35 CAs(SA) finalists

Recognising young CAs(SA) achievers who are not only excelling in their professional capacity, but who are also making a meaningful contribution to society and steering the profession in the right direction, this annual competition was launched in 2014 and has proven to be a huge success in acknowledging and promoting young CAs(SA) under the age of 35 who are making a remarkable difference.

“We have received a record number of entries and nominations for this year’s awards. As in the past eight years, there were a few rounds of judging before the final 35 were selected. We continue to be amazed at the achievements of our young members who actively aim to make a difference not only in the workplace but also in the communities where they live and work. These awards recognise individuals who are making an impact on the businesses they lead and proactively make decisions that positively shape communities, economies and society,” said Saica project director for Digital Content and Publishing, Gerinda Engelbrecht.

This year’s Top 35 finalists are (full profiles can be found here):

• Anton Steyl (32), CEO at Investicore South Africa
  
• Ebrahim Lambat (33), CFO at Dynamic Control, Reutech Solutions and Dynateq International − subsidiaries of Reunert Ltd
  
• Josh Moritz (32), head of Operations and Finance at DocFox
  
• Ayanda Vabaza-Mvandaba (31), CEO and founder of Kwandiso Consulting │ co-founder of Langa Siphe Foundation
  
• Joshua Victor (31), CEO of Cartrack South Africa
  
• Muhammed Ismail Bulbulia (27), founder and editor of myCAhub
  
• Louw Barnardt (34), co-founder and managing director at Outsourced CFO
  
• Marnus van Heerden (32), co-founder and CEO of Pineapple.co.za
  
• Boitumelo Kuzwayo (35), deputy head of department, Department of Commercial Accounting, University of Johannesburg
  
• Bulelani A Makunga (34), CFO of Pension Funds Adjudicator and co-founder of SWM Foundation
  
• Hashveer Singh (32) founder and CEO, Veersgroup
  
• Johann Steyn (32) CFO at Bridgement (Pty) Ltd
  
• Rehan Greeff (35) manager within CFO Advisory of EY London and Founder of Run Forest Run
  
• Rendani Muthelo (34) co-founder and MD of Endunamoo
  
• Ryan Penderis (35) co-founder and CEO of Lynkwise
  
• Sean Penderis (33), co-founder and CEO of Lynkwise
  
• Thabelo Raphala (34), managing director, MyDough
  
• Sarveshni Moodley (32), chief financial officer at Farm-Ag International
  
• Tshifhiwa Munzhelele (28), associate at Norfund, co-founder of Bono Foundation and founder of Radical entrepreneurial campaign
  
• Moeletji Concelia Mapheto (29), assistant finance executive at Motus Retail and Rental and Founder of Ga-Mphahlele Home-Coming
  
• Moeketsi Boikanyo (33), senior associate at Questco Corporate Advisory Proprietary Limited
  
• Anisa Vallee (35), head of Technical Accounting at Sasfin
  
• Mark Esterhuizen (33), CFO and COO at Peter Manettas Seafood and ShoreTrade
  
• Christiaan van den Berg (28), co-CEO at JOBJACK
  
• Kyle David Pillay (35) commercial director at Bidvest Tank Terminals
  
• Mojalefa (Lefa) Moeketsi (32), M&A Advisory – Investment Banking Division, Absa Group
  
• Harry Apostoleris (34), co-founder and co-CEO of UW Ventures
  
• Nolwazi Mdunge (29), founder of Mdunge and Company and Little Miss Sunshine Foundation
  
• Bonga Mriga (33), Investor Relations manager at Old Mutual
  
• Mariaan Venter (34), senior manager at Audit Technical Learning
  
• Wayne van Zijl (33), associate professor at Wits School of Accountancy
  
• Mbali Precious Mabaso (33), Audit Portfolio manager at Nedbank, and founder and mentor of Isikhuthazi
  
• Mathabo Zandile Makhaya (32), Group financial manager at Harmony Gold Mining and chairperson of the Investment Committee Mineworkers Provident Fund
  
• Khanya Okumu (33), executive for SME Business Solutions at Old Mutual Limited
  
• Alexandra Watkins-Baker (31), CFO at IMDH Group

Engelbrecht highlights that the sustainability of the CA profession in South Africa is critical to the economic success of the country and, as such, all young CAs(SA) play a vital role in contributing to the future of the country. “Each and every one of the finalists are difference makers and are therefore in a position to save livelihoods and carry out their duties in a manner that is of national interest. We acknowledge all top 35 entrants whose hard work, mindset, impact and integrity inspire all of us,” said Engelbrecht.

Saica extends its appreciation to the sponsors who bootstrapped this recognition event for success. These include Standard Bank, Makosi, Xero, Milpark Education, CAMAF media aid scheme, the National Youth Development Agency, Heavy Chef, Thamani, Caseware Africa/Adapt IT, and PPS.