Leaderex 2024

I started my financial services career in 1993, working for Investec and then RMB Unit Trusts and RMB International. I have been an independent financial planner since 2003, and I am currently the Managing Director of Integral Wealth Management, an independent financial planning practice launched in 2016. Integral Wealth is an FPI approved professional practice and was one of the finalists in the Annual FPI Awards in 2023. In addition, I was awarded the accolade of FPI Financial Planner of the Year 2023.

I have the following academic qualifications : B. Comm Honours Degree, a Higher Diploma in Tax Law and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and form part of the +-214 000 CFP® professionals globally.

I am passionate about the value of independent financial advice and the importance of professionalism in the industry. I have always been actively involved in industry bodies such as the Association of Unit Trusts, which is now the Association of Savings and Investments SA (ASISA), as well as the Financial Planning Institute (FPI) in order to shape the environment in which we operate. I also believe in the importance of mentorship and upskilling young financial planners in the hope that all communities in South Africa can benefit from sound professional financial planning.

I am also the mother of two wonderful children who are now in their 20’s and launching their own successful careers. I enjoy experiencing new places through travel, cooking for friends and family, and keeping fit.

Nonhlanhla is the Founder and CEO of Esteemed Financial Solutions and Esteemed Learning Academy, she is a seasoned CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, coach and accredited facilitator and assessor. She has over 16 years of experience in the financial services industry. She is a member of the financial planning institute.

She has a BCom (Finance) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Tax law from the University of Johannesburg. She also holds a Certificate in Advanced Taxation and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Advanced Taxation from University of Pretoria.

Nonhlanhla has featured as a guest speaker on several media platforms to discuss various financial planning issues. She has been named Liberty’s Financial Advisor of the Year twice and Momentum’s Elite Broker twice.

Nonhlanhla Nxele’s dedication to helping individuals secure their legacies and achieve financial success makes her a respected figure in the field of financial planning. Her extensive experience, passion for education, and commitment to positive change have earned her a reputation as a go-to resource for those looking to step into a brighter financial future.

Mona Manzambi is a financial professional, with over half a decade experience, recognized for her expertise and commitment to excellence in the field. Holding the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional designation and a Master’s degree in Investment Management, Mona currently serves as an Advice Specialist at Standard Bank, where she leverages her wealth of knowledge to provide invaluable guidance to clients.

In 2022, she was honoured with the FPI Diversity & Inclusion Award, a testament to her efforts in fostering a more inclusive financial industry. Furthermore, Mona’s outstanding contributions to the industry and the society have placed her as a finalist in the esteemed Women of Stature Financial Services category in 2024.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mona is a vibrant individual with a passion for communication and exploration. Whether engaging in lively conversations, stepping in front of the camera, sampling cuisines at new restaurants, or embarking on exciting travel adventures, Mona thrives on new experiences and connections.

Driven by a deep-rooted belief in the power of financial literacy, Mona is actively involved in philanthropic endeavour’s aimed at empowering others through financial education. Her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond her professional realm, reflecting her genuine desire to uplift and inspire those around her.

Sydney Sekese is currently the Senior Investment Specialist at Old Mutual Corporate. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional who sits on the Financial Planning Institute (FPI) Employee Benefits Competency Committee. He is a sought-after public speaker, writes regular investment articles, and his insights and expertise are often requested by the media. He was the recipient of the 2016 FPI media award, is a former member of the Toastmasters Club and was the Chair of the communication committee for Old Mutual Staff Retirement Fund.

Jason Mizen is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with a decade of experience in the short-term insurance industry and advisory space. As a director of a multiple award-winning brokerage, Jason has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in the field. His skills and dedication were also recognized when he placed 5th in the 2024 season of The Insurance Apprentice.

With a strong passion for teaching and educating, Jason has dedicated his career to empowering individuals and businesses to make informed financial decisions that enhance their quality of life. Over the past 10 years, he has helped countless clients navigate the complexities of insurance and financial planning, ensuring they are well-protected and prepared for the future.

Known for his engaging approach and deep industry knowledge, Jason is committed to fostering financial literacy and security among diverse audiences.

Sherry Tapfuma, an Associate Financial Planner at Crue Invest, holds a bachelor’s degree in finance, Post-graduate Diplomas in Development Finance & Financial Planning. Holding the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional designation, her role is to assist clients in navigating financial complexities and crafting tailored solutions to ensure clients’ financial goals are met. Beyond her financial planning work, she is passionate about financial inclusion and actively engages in community outreach, advocating for financial literacy and empowerment. Sherry’s commitment to excellence and her passion for making a positive impact distinguish her as a valuable asset at Crue Invest, where she continues to excel in guiding clients toward financial success.

With a professional background spanning more than 16 years, Ronald has acquired experience in a broad array of accounting and taxation disciplines in sectors such as Not for Profit, Mining, FMCG and Accounting.

Currently, Ronald holds the position of Head of Operations at the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI), where he oversees the organisation’s critical support departments of Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Facilities Management.

Ronald’s leadership role at FPI entails steering these departments towards achieving operational excellence, while also providing pivotal strategic and operational support to the Chief Executive Officer.

Furthermore, Ronald contributes his expertise to the FPI Board, serving as an Executive Director and playing a significant role in the institute’s strategic direction and governance.

Craig Torr, a BCom graduate and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, is a founding director of Crue Invest. In 2004, alongside his wife, Sue Torr, he established the firm, where he now leads a team of expert financial advisers. Craig and his team are wholly committed to delivering fiercely independent, world-class financial advice to their clients. With a passion for consumer education and being fluent in Xhosa, Craig and his team remain committed to the financial literacy programmes and initiatives that were initiated over 15 years ago, and which have now been formalised through Crue Academy. With skill retention and business succession being key focus areas, Craig has been strategic in creating a business model that allows for individual shareholding by key people within the practice. Together with his team, Craig intends to use the practice’s recent recognition as FPI Approved Professional Practice™ of the Year 2023 to promote the professional nature of the financial planning industry and to advocate for inclusion.

Duann has worked in various roles in the financial services industry since the end of 2015. He holds a B.Com Financial Management degree, Postgraduate diploma in Financial Planning, and he is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®. He enjoys the unique challenge of financial planning and how it all fits together in the bigger picture.

Duann is a sports fanatic and enjoys watching and playing a variety of sports. In his spare time he enjoys golf and hiking as well as seeing new places. He also has a passion for music and takes pleasure in playing different instruments.

Lelané has been in the financial services industry for over 25 years. During these years she fulfilled many roles, with her latest role being the CEO of the Financial Planning Institute.

She studied at the University of the Freestate where she obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning and a Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Planning.

She is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional.

Her strengths are Leadership, Mentoring, Coaching, Learner and Relator which explains why she loves connecting the dots and fixing broken processes and systems.

She is a servant leader who believes in the greater good of all.

Being focused, firm, but kind is the normal way she deals with complex situations.

Lifelong learning is also one of her mottos as we can never know it all.

Continuous professional development is critical to one’s relevance to the society we serve.

Vuledzani Gloria Dangale is the Head of Regulatory Implementation and monitoring at Liberty, boasting over 20 years of experience in financial services. She occupied various roles in sales and distribution over this period. Her career is marked by a commitment to continuous learning, and a relentless drive for excellence. She holds a BCom in Finance, a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, a Postgraduate Diploma in Employee Benefits, a postgraduate diploma in estate planning, and an MBA.

Vuledzani currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa. She is a Fellow member of the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA). As a recognized thought leader in the financial services industry, Vuledzani is known for her insightful perspectives and innovative approaches. She is passionate about advancing financial planning excellence.

Luthando is a sales manager in Ninety One’s SA Unit Trust team and is responsible for promoting the Ninety One range of SA unit trusts within Gauteng.​
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Prior to joining the firm, Luthando was a business development manager at Allan Gray, focused on managing and growing IFA relationships with the objective of increasing their allocation to both Allan Gray platform and funds.​
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Luthando holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance & Economics (Summa Cum Laude) from University of Western Cape, a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree in Finance from University of Cape Town and a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning from University of Stellenbosch Business School. She attained her Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designation from The Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa.

Sindisiwe Mbuthuma, I am a driving force behind Lishe, a leading online wellness publication that has captured the attention of South Africa’s health- conscious community. As an entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, and devoted mother, I bring a unique blend of passion and expertise to wellness. My dedication to education extends beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing physical health and financial wellness. I have an unwavering commitment to holistic well-being and an advocate for a balanced and fulfilled life.

Maya Fisher-French is a multiple award-winning consumer financial journalist. She is founder of Maya on Money, editor of the money pages at City Press, and author.

Maya presented the popular, award-winning Money Matters show on eNCA and currently sits on the FSCA Consumer Advisory Panel.

As well-respected money expert, Maya educates South Africans through her multimedia platforms, workshops and talks to take control of their financial lives and make the financial system work for them.

Through her media presence Maya has a high level of engagement with her audience providing insight into the South African consumer. She forms an important link between the financial consumer and financial industry.

Having worked in the financial industry in private banking and stockbroking combined with 20 years as a financial journalist, Maya has a deep understanding of the world of money. Maya has an honours degree in Economics from the University of Witwatersrand.

Kirsty Scully, CFP®, serves as the Chairperson of the Board for the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI). She is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® at Core Wealth Advisory Services in Cape Town, specializing in advising high-net-worth individuals.

Kirsty is a frequent speaker on international radio and TV, and was a finalist in the Businesswomen’s Association Regional Achiever Awards. She is dedicated to mentoring young financial planners, helping them navigate the profession and effectively advise clients. Additionally, she is committed to empowering her clients to achieve financial independence.

As an experienced judge for the FPI’s Financial Planner of the Year competition and the Krutham Top Private Banks and Wealth Manager awards, Kirsty has interacted with the nation’s top financial planners as they strive for excellence in their field.

Furthermore, Kirsty represents the FPI on the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) Council, the global organization that owns the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation outside the USA.