Mobile Programme Business Growth

In this session, Xhanti Payi, Senior Economist, PwC, will analyse the key growth sectors in South Africa and consider where the best current and future investment opportunities may be. He’ll be joined by Ilse van Schalkwyk, Chief Director Economic Sector Support, Western Cape Government – who will speak to doing business in the Cape and how they intend to create a R1-trillian economy by 2035. Also joining the session is the inimitable David Shapiro CA(SA), Chief Global Equity Strategist, Sasfin Securities, who will bring his significant economic experience and share where he feels money is currently being best spent and invested.

While the current volatility may unsettle investors, it also presents opportunities. In this session we explore the factors contributing to 2023 being a challenging year in financial markets but more importantly we look at the current market opportunities as well as their associated risks. We will also discuss why it is it is important that investors stay course and do not make emotional mistakes while navigating market volatility. Eugene Visagie, Head of Strategy, Optimum Invest Group

Generation Z are not business as usual. This generation are pushing back on the very fabric of our collective reality – challenging everything from the notion of “work” to the idea of “money”, “reward” and “purpose”. Any organisation (or individual) who hopes to hire, work or motivate future employees need to understand what’s so different about this simultaneously apathetic, yet activist global and local cohort. The South African reality adds unique dynamic. In this dialogue, Dion Chang and Bronwyn Williams from Flux Trends unpack what finance professionals need to know about who and what comes next.

Employee mental health issues come at a high cost to companies in lost productivity, turnover, disability claims, and healthcare expenditures. A topic that once sat predominantly on the HR agenda has moved into a top priority on the finance agenda globally. Research shows targeted investments in mental health and well-being provide significant returns. But this requires us to re-look the traditional programmes in place and explore new alternatives. In this presentation, Uber’s first GM in Africa and now CEO of disrupter Panda Health, Alon Lits will join his CFO, Mandy Muchnick CA(SA), to make the business case for prioritizing mental health, highlighting proven strategies that improve the bottom line by reducing costs and retaining talent. Susan Truter CA(SA), Partner, Mazars South Africa is also a guest speaker in this session.

A session of insights into a platform that is redefining entry-level job growth in South Africa. JOBJACK has just recently secured a R45m investment in a pre-series A round led by NEXT176. Christiaan van den Berg CA(SA), Co-Founder, JOBJACK discusses their company’s solutions, finding the right investors and the potential for workforce growth through financial acumen and technology that will combat the vast unemployment in the country. Christiaan will be interviewed by Herman Lubega, a CA(SA) Trainee at Investec.

DAY 2 (Wed 22 Nov)

Whether selling services, knowledge or products, having an e-commerce capability is essential for any business in today’s business environment. Fred Roed is the CEO of Heavy Chef, a 40,000+ learning community for entrepreneurs. Heavy Chef recently published the best-selling book Selling Products Online. In this punchy session, Fred Roed will share three insights to how to successfully sell your wares online. This will be an invaluable session for SMEs and Small Practices intent on growth.

African born ride-hailing firm, Yassir, has grown to over 3 million people and 40,000 partners in all its markets. Tim Kiluba, formerly Head of Core Operations at Uber and also a CA(SA), discusses the risks and opportunities in growing business throughout Africa, and the essential role that data plays in strategic growth.
Timothy Kiluba CA(SA), General Manager, Yassir

Former Chartered Accountant turned Storyteller, Michael Charton, talks to one of South Africa’s leading Advertising and Marketing guru’s, Xolisa Dyeshana of Joe Public, as they unpack how best to tell a company’s story – its brand values, mission, and vision – in a way that will best resonate with its target audience.

Continuing a critical discussion from Finance Leaders 2022, the debate on how education can be attainable, affordable and driven by modern tech is moved forward by Vincent Motholo CA(SA), CFO, University of Cape Town and Rob Paddock, Founder and Entrepreneur of Valenture Institute and GetSmarter. Facilitated by Zinhle Novazi, Director, Heavy Chef Foundation

Partnering with Corporates (and Data Opportunities) : Previous Top 35-under-35 winner and the founder and CEO of the Invigilator App, Nic Riemer CA(SA), talks through his company’s rapid expansion, as well as some tough lessons and decisions along the way.

Innovation is not just about creative ideas. It’s about having the courage to go against the flow, like dropping out of University, starting an eCommerce business in 2006, and opening physical stores in 2017. Andrew Smith, Co-Founder, Yuppiechef & Executive Director, Moa Holdings.