Niraksha Sookraj
Strategic Financial Management
Niraksha Sookraj holds a CA (SA) qualification, together with her MBA from the University of Stellenbosch. She is actively involved with SAICA and AWCA with a passion to make a difference in the community as well as promote the leadership and organisational growth of individuals. Niraksha is a seasoned professional in creating strategic planning and change management within organisations, however, her passion has always been financing, which has led to her proudly being awarded SAICA’s Top 35 under 35 – Finalist, as well as the Standard Bank Top Women Young Achiever 2019 Finalist. She is currently the Financial Director for SACD-Bidvest; however, she is in collaboration with various corporate brands under her consultancy cap.
Dr. Stephen Akandwanaho, PhD
Managing Digital Transformation
Dr Akandwanaho holds a BSc in Information Technology, a Master of Information Technology, and a Doctorate in Computer Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with more than 15 years of experience in teaching and research. He served as a research director for Richfield until he was appointed its Chief Academic Officer. His research interests include artificial intelligence, machine learning (neural networks), global optimisation for combinatorial problems (evolutionary algorithms), hyper-heuristics, cybersecurity, big data analytics and e-learning. Dr Akandwanaho has strong competencies and experience in curriculum review and programme development and is widely published in academic journals.
Author of the book, Research Methodology; Proposal and Dissertation Mastermind.
Ms Maggie Mojapelo
Innovative Talent Management
Ms Mojapelo is an MBA graduate and has also successfully completed executive leadership programmes with institutions such as Harvard Business School, and is an executive coach, facilitator, speaker, and business motivational speaker both locally and globally. She has more than 20 years of experience, having held specialist and executive leadership positions in companies such as IBM, Avon Justine, Nedbank, and Coca-Cola prior to starting and running her own business 11 years ago. Her business management, corporate governance and leadership experience led her to the Institute of People Management, IoDSA, the Sirdar Governance Group, focusing on building governance for small businesses, and the Young Women Forum.
Dr. Kiru Pillay, PhD
Strategic Information & Technology Management
Dr Pillay holds a PhD in Information Systems from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a visiting academic attached to the LINK Centre at the University of Witwatersrand and Wits Business School, with primary responsibility for postgraduate supervision and lecturing responsibilities. He has over 30 years of experience in the ICT sector and eight years of experience in an academic and research environment. Dr Pillay is presently in the Public Sector Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS), where he is responsible for the national Cybersecurity mandate and the management of the national Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT). He is also involved in the operationalisation of the Department’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) initiatives.
Sarita Martin
Business Ethics & Corporate Governance
Sarita Martin is an admitted attorney who holds various qualifications including but not limited to a B. Proc, LLB, MBA (GIBS), Diploma in Advanced Banking and Certificate in Compliance Management. She has attended the Banking Board Leadership Programme at GIBS and has been an IoDSA Certified Director since 2013 as well as a Fellow of the Institute of Directors. Sarita is currently on the core facilitator faculty of the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA) since 2013 and IoDSA Governance Specialist conducting training for directors, board evaluations, mentoring, coaching, facilitation, and governance consulting.
She is also an independent corporate governance consultant and serves as an independent non-executive director of various listed and non-listed entities. Sarita also serves on various Audit Committee, Remuneration Committees and Social & Ethics Committees.
Susan Mawer
Strategic Marketing Management
Susan Mawer has a proven history as a Managing Director, with over 25 years of experience across the value chain in retail, wholesale, manufacturing, distribution, and direct selling. Her experience encompasses B2C, B2B, B2A and E-commerce. An effective strategic mindset, with commercial and operational experience within corporate and multinational environments, as well as entrepreneurial franchise owner-run businesses. Mawer has worked with fashion retail and international cosmetic brands, furniture, appliances, food, and beverage as well as automotive parts.
Shaka Sisulu
International Business Strategy
Shaka Sisulu, an entrepreneur for 23 years, covers telecom, media, advertising, and mining. Leading Parime, a battery metals firm, he’s focused on meeting global green energy needs. With connections across Africa, he’s part of key leadership networks like Archbishop Tutu Fellow and ALN. His accolades include being named among M&G’s 200 Young South Africans and receiving a Satyagraha Award for youth activism. Academically, he’s pursuing a PhD and has shared expertise at the University of Cape Town’s Global Business School. His qualifications include a Masters in Philosophy (International Business) and more from GIBS (UP).
Dr. Sheeba Armoogum, PhD
Business Research
Dr. Sheeba Armoogum, an Associate Professor at the University of Mauritius, holds a PhD in Cybersecurity from the University of Technology, Mauritius. She also owns a South African Patent in Cybersecurity classified under WIPO Inventor Class H04L. As a Research Fellow at INTI International University, Malaysia, and the Interim Chairperson for SAFEO’s ICT Industry Committee, she’s deeply involved in cybersecurity. Recognised for her groundbreaking work, Dr.Armoogum received the 2023 GlobalWIIN Special Recognition Award for her patented cybersecurity innovations. She’s a founder of the University’s CyberSecurity & Forensics Research Group and leads its efforts. With a focus on cybersecurity, cyber forensics, BCI, AI, machine learning, and wireless networking, she’s been a keynote speaker at various national and international events and has numerous publications in respected journals and conferences.
Dr. Sonny Ako-Nai
Strategic Operations Management
Dr Ako-Nai holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and an MBA from the Graduate School of Business and Leadership at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Holding over 20 years of industry experience in the strategic use of IT in organisations, including over six years within Unilever across various African countries. Dr Ako-Nai is an academic and business management consultant with a focus on IT consultancy and advisory services who assists boards and senior management to effectively deploy and govern technology use in an ethical and profitable manner. As an advocate of good corporate governance, Dr Ako-Nai is a member of the IoDSA and a board member of an NPC where he champions good governance by enabling the board to better understand corporate governance principles and structures.