Babalwa Ngonyama

Babalwa Ngonyama is an esteemed leader in South Africa's financial sector, currently helming Sinayo Securities as its Chief Executive Officer. With a professional journey enriched by more than twenty years, Babalwa is a paragon of financial acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. Her legacy includes pivotal roles such as the Chief Financial Officer at Safika Holdings, a testament to her strategic prowess, and the Group Chief Internal Auditor at Nedbank, where her oversight was critical to the institution’s governance.

A Chartered Accountant by qualification since 1999, Babalwa’s expertise was first recognized at Deloitte’s Financial Institutions Services Team division, where as an audit partner, she cultivated an environment of excellence and integrity. In South Africa, where transformation and empowerment remain key objectives, Babalwa has been a driving force, particularly in uplifting black female accountants through her role as the founding chairperson of the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA).

Her entrepreneurial contributions are exemplified by the establishment of the Babalwa Ngonyama Foundation, which underscores her dedication to educational empowerment and social change. The foundation is pivotal in nurturing young talent and fostering academic advancement within South Africa’s top universities.

In the boardrooms of prominent South African companies such as Hollard Life, Hollard Insurance, Kagiso Tiso Holdings, and Vukile Properties, Babalwa’s governance and strategic insight have been invaluable. Her leadership as audit committee chair in these entities further showcases her commitment to robust financial stewardship.

Babalwa has also championed the professional development of South African youth through Project Funda', Sinayo Securities’ graduate training program. Her passion for mentorship is seen in her advocacy for equipping the next generation with the skills necessary to excel in the competitive financial services landscape.