OVERVIEW

THE ARCHITECTS OF IMPACT

Reimagining.
Renewing.
ReCAlibrating our future.

Meet our Difference Makers

Making a difference is about making a mental shift from where we are today to where we hope to be. From doing things the way they have always been done to a way that is intentional, inspirational and geared towards the greater good of everyone.

You will see the differences in little things: in the smile of a student with a graduation cap in hand, in the stride of an entrepreneur determined to bring an idea to life, and in the eyes of a CA(SA) who knows the potential of a great idea. Making a difference means moving away from decisions that will only lead to immediate gains for a few to those that lead to sustainable prosperity for many. It is about building influential leaders who go out to develop and lead the communities they live in.

It is about building trust in CAs(SA) and the chartered accountancy profession. It is about holding ourselves and others accountable and to the highest levels of integrity.

Being a difference maker is about bringing meaningful transformation to an individual, a company or society, while at the same time helping to make the world a better place for all who live in it and future generations.

Meet Ms. Nonkululeko Gobodo, a pioneer who has lead the way and transformed an industry.

In 'A Fight Against Fear', Ms. Nonkululeko Gobodo, CA(SA), South Africa’s first black woman chartered accountant, shares her journey of resilience and transformation. Facing doubt from her mother, peers, and society, she recalibrated her path time and again, driven by an unshakable belief in her vision. From qualifying as a CA(SA) to founding her own practice, she championed black accountants and inspired young women.

Her career, spanning 37 years, reflects constant adaptation – overcoming shyness, navigating regulatory complexities, and embracing digital transformation. A deserving winner of the SAICA Chairman’s Legacy Lifetime Award, MamNonku’s story is a testament to courage. She urges future generations to embrace change, retrain, and uphold ethics – proving that even the hardest paths lead to success.

Meet Ari Lambropoulos, a soccer dreamer who became a finance game-changer and a Chief.

Ari Lambropoulos AGA(SA), Financial Director of Kaizer Chiefs FC, embodies the power of recalibration in crafting an extraordinary career. Once an aspiring striker, Ari’s journey pivoted unexpectedly when he embraced finance, blending his passion for football with strategic acumen. Over 14 years at Amakhosi, he transformed the club’s financial stewardship, driven by a mantra: 'The electric lightbulb did not come from the continuous improvement of candles.'

His recalibration spans industries – from mining to tech (Mr Delivery) and auditing – each role sharpening his knack for innovative, transformative leadership. Ari’s ethos thrives on challenging norms. Inspired by Dr Kaizer Motaung, he credits collaborative trust and bold opportunities for his success, culminating in an MBA from GIBS (2023). Beyond boardrooms, Ari champions work-life balance, prioritising family while leading Kaizer Chief’ community initiatives.

Riyaad Bhamjee, a testament to visionary leadership and transformative impact.

Meet Riyaad Bhamjee CA(SA), Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development, and winner of SAICA’s Top35-under-35 Transformative Leader Award. Growing up in post-apartheid Lenasia, he was shaped by his family’s entrepreneurial spirit and his father’s mentorship, embracing the values of integrity, hard work, and visionary leadership. Today, as Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development at AECI Limited, Riyaad has recalibrated the company’s strategic vision, blending global aspirations with local realities.

His innovative approach is guided by and contributes to AECI’s leadership and culture journey, living the principles embedded in AECI’s leadership compact and philosophy that 'if service is beneath you, leadership is beyond you,and committed to unearthing the potential of others in pursuit of AECI’s purpose of 'A Better World.' Through his holistic leadership style, Riyaad drives organisational and cultural change, mentoring young leaders and creating opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. His journey reflects the power of recalibration – turning challenges into opportunities and inspiring others to dream big.

Lily Wong navigates unspoken cultural rules to make her voice heard.

Meet Lily Wong CA(SA), MBA and Project Financial Controller at Huawei. Her journey is a heartfelt exploration of diversity, recalibration, and growth. Raised in a conservative Chinese household, she navigated unspoken cultural rules, finding her voice through her CA(SA) qualification and exposure to diverse perspectives during articles. Once shy, Lily now champions inclusion, ensuring even the quietest voices are heard.

As a leader at Huawei, she believes true diversity goes beyond representation – it’s about creating spaces where everyone contributes. Her MBA research into organisational microcultures has deepened her conviction that diversity drives innovation and success. Lily encourages openness, urging others not to 'sweat the small stuff' when navigating cultural differences. Lily inspires us to harness the strength of diversity, proving that listening and evolving can lead to personal fulfillment and organisational success.

RECALIBRATE REIMAGINE RENEW

Meet our Difference Makers