CEO Nights with Nyimpini

Epizode

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  Vukani Mngxati | CEO of Microsoft South Africa - AI transformation and taking charge of your career 17.04.2026 1h 1min

  Vukani Mngxati, CEO of Microsoft South Africa and former CEO of Accenture Africa, joins Nyimpini Mabundo for a frank conversation about career ownership, AI transformation, and what it takes to lead through uncertainty. This episode is for ambitious professionals and aspiring C-suite leaders who want honest, practical insight from someone who has reached the top of two major global organisations. Vukani traces his journey from a village in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to the helm of Accenture Africa, where he served seven years as CEO, to his new role driving AI and digital transformation at Microsoft South Africa. He explains how he has never applied for a job, why a good dancer knows when to leave the stage, and how taking charge of your career means positioning yourself for opportunities before they arise. This is a masterclass in strategic career thinking, mentorship, sponsorship, and the difference between the two. The conversation goes deep on artificial intelligence and what it actually means for the South African workforce. Vukani gives three candid takeaways from the Microsoft AI Tour, addresses whether AI will replace white-collar jobs, and explains how agentic AI works in plain language including how to govern AI agents the way you govern employees, using Microsoft Copilot, GitHub Copilot, and Agent 365 as real examples. He covers AI readiness in banks and telcos, Microsoft's 5.4 billion rand South African data centre investment, and the Microsoft Elevate skilling programme targeting 1.4 million people. Leadership in turbulent times is addressed directly. Vukani draws on his experience leading Accenture through COVID-19 as a new CEO, sharing lessons on honesty, inclusive leadership, empathy, and why pretending to have answers destroys trust faster than admitting uncertainty. He also discusses gambling addiction and social grants, preventative healthcare and AI wearables, and the Phoenix Encounter framework for reimagining a business from scratch. If you are a young professional with C-suite aspirations, this episode delivers a rare, unfiltered view of what separates leaders who get invited into top roles from those who wait.
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  Martina Biene | Chairperson & MD - Volkswagen Group Africa 11.03.2026 1h 10min

  Leadership is about people, not titles. This conversation with Martina Biene traces the arc of a deeply unconventional leader. A German theology graduate who stumbled into Volkswagen and spent 25 years becoming Chairperson & MD of VW Group Africa. The central theme is purposeful disruption: of her own career, of how a century-old automotive manufacturer operates, and of how Africa is imagined as a market. Martina's conviction is that Africa shouldn't inherit Europe's automotive history - it should leapfrog it, finding mobility solutions suited to its own realities of affordability, infrastructure and culture. Alongside this external vision runs an equally strong internal one: building an organisation where psychological safety, entrepreneurial thinking and authentic leadership replace hierarchy, compliance and fear. 3 Key Insights - African Solutions, Not European Templates Martina is clear that VW Africa's innovation mandate is not about importing the group's global tech strategy — it's about solving African problems with African logic. She draws an explicit parallel to M-Pesa and India's smartphone leapfrog, arguing that Africa may never need to go through conventional car ownership at all. Rwanda's mobility pilot — reducing the cost of a Volkswagen to the cost of a ride through car-sharing and shuttle services — is her proof of concept: it runs at a small profit and puts Africans into Volkswagens without requiring them to own one. Her two framing questions capture the spirit: "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" and "What if it would work?" - Culture Change Cannot Be Rushed, But It Compounds One of the sharpest leadership moments in the episode is Martina's comparison of VW Africa's 2023 and 2025 management conferences. In 2023, even the company's top 160 leaders needed anonymous iPads to ask questions — too afraid to speak up in front of management. By 2025, the same room was full of people owning the Africa vision, challenging ideas openly and bringing their own solutions. Her insight is that culture transformation is invisible in the daily grind but undeniable when you compare across years. She also makes a frank observation that big transformation sometimes requires refreshing leadership — not through removals, but through promotions that bring the right energy forward. - Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage When pressed on what gave her a career edge, Martina returns repeatedly to authenticity — not pretending to know what she doesn't, speaking up constructively even when it's uncomfortable, and following genuine curiosity rather than a structured career plan. She's the self-described "anti-career plan," having never been able to answer "where do you see yourself in 10 years?" She challenges the impostor syndrome that disproportionately holds women back, noting the well-documented gap between the % match men versus women require before applying for a role. Her parting advice is disarmingly simple: "Don't be someone else. Just be yourself."
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  Dion Shango | Partner and CEO at PWC Africa 21.01.2026 1h 8min

  Leading with purpose in a changing world. In this episode of CEO Night, host Nyimpini shares an intimate conversation with Dion Shango, CEO of PwC Africa. A lifelong PwC professional, Dion became one of the firm’s youngest partners, the first black CEO of its Southern Africa practice, and later leader of the entire African business. Blending personal anecdotes, from high-school rugby captaincy and family road trips to his pride as a husband and father, with practical leadership wisdom, he offers rare insight into authentic, Pan-African leadership at one of the world’s top professional services firms. The discussion explores key themes: the power of hiring people smarter than you, learning more from failure than success, the art of genuine listening and creating psychological safety, delivering tough messages without destroying relationships, and empowering teams so leaders can truly step away. Dion addresses pressing realities, AI’s disruption of professional services, responsible AI adoption, rapid global change, and energy access as Africa’s biggest growth enabler, while lighter moments reveal his Deep House passion, limited home DIY skills, and family playlist battles. Sponsored by NedBank, AVIS Chauffeur Drive, and Heineken Beverages, this episode mixes inspiration, vulnerability, and actionable advice. Dion’s closing tough-love message urges professionals to embrace discomfort and persevere through challenges, because true growth (and greatness) lies just beyond the comfort zone. Ideal for aspiring and seasoned leaders seeking real, human-centered insights on leadership in a complex African and global context. Key Learnings / Insights - Hire people smarter than you; leadership strength is humility, not being the smartest in the room. - Failure teaches more than success, resilience and a “never say die” attitude matter more than raw intellect. - Authentic listening > constant talking; know when to follow, create psychological safety for risk-taking. - People leave people, not organisations, persevere through difficult relationships for growth. - AI won’t replace professionals; the one who uses AI better will, upskill aggressively and adopt responsibly. - True empowerment shows when you step away (e.g. sabbaticals); teams often perform better than expected. - Energy access is Africa’s critical unlock for sustainable growth, healthcare, education, and opportunity. - Leadership is a people business, mentoring, presence, and authenticity outweigh technical skill long-term. -Greatness lives outside your comfort zone, endure pain and uncertainty for the biggest leaps. -Balance ambition & family is imperfect; be fully present at home (no multitasking with devices).
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  Angelo Swartz | CEO The Spar Group Ltd 04.11.2025 58min

  Humility, purpose and keeping it real in leadership. In this peer to peer leadership conversation with Angelo Swartz, Group CEO of The SPAR Group Ltd — one of South Africa’s biggest retailers and a leading JSE Top 100 company, we explore • What it truly means to lead in times of crisis • Leading in a highly competitive retail environment • Building resilient teams that thrive under pressure • Driving growth that impacts communities across the country • How to lead with confidence in uncertain times • The mindset required to turn around a struggling business • Lessons in resilience from one of South Africa’s top retail leaders From navigating economic headwinds and rising costs to rebuilding confidence among investors and teams, Angelo shares his journey of steering one of South Africa’s most iconic retail brands through turbulent times. With over two decades in retail and two years as CEO, his story offers powerful lessons in leadership, adaptability, and purpose-driven decision-making. Hosted by Nyimpini Mabunda, best-selling author of Take Charge, this series brings together some of the most admired leaders from South Africa and beyond — in relaxed, peer-to-peer conversations that reveal the human side of senior leaders.
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  Theo Baloyi | Founder & GCEO - Bathu Group 10.09.2025 1h 4min

  n this episode wonderful CEO Nights episode, Nyimpini Mabunda sits down with Theo Baloyi, the visionary founder and CEO of Bathu, to explore his remarkable journey from the streets of Alexandra to building a globally recognized shoe brand. Inspired by Nyimpini's book Take Charge, this candid conversation delves into Theo’s leadership philosophy, his commitment to empowering communities, and the strategies that have sustained Bathu’s growth over a decade. From navigating early financial struggles to corporatising a startup and balancing profit with social impact, Theo shares invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned leaders alike.
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  Ramasela Ganda | Group CEO of Zeda Ltd & CEO of Avis Budget Southern Africa 24.07.2025 57min

  Join us for an electrifying episode of CEO Nights as we sit down with Ramasela Ganda, the trailblazing Group CEO of Zeda, a powerhouse in the future of mobility. With a remarkable career spanning public and private sectors, Ramasela shares her inspiring journey from a chartered accountant to a visionary leader driving innovation in electric vehicles (EVs) and usership models. From her roots in Soshanguve to navigating high-stakes roles at the National Nuclear Regulator, Telkom, Vodacom, and as CFO in a major metro, Ramasela’s story is one of resilience, strategic brilliance, and a passion for people-centric leadership. Expect candid insights on overcoming challenges, leading through crises like COVID-19, and championing gender equality in leadership. This episode is a masterclass in balancing purpose, grit, and vision, with lessons for aspiring leaders and industry trailblazers alike. Tune in for a conversation that’s as dynamic as the mobility revolution Ramasela is shaping!
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  Tshilidzi Marwala | Rector of the United Nations University 25.06.2025 50min

  We sit down with Professor Tshilidzi Marwala – renowned academic, author, and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg – to unpack what it truly means to be a CEO in today’s fast-evolving world. With a career spanning leadership, artificial intelligence, and global governance, Prof. Marwala brings deep insight into the qualities that define visionary leadership, the balance between ethics and innovation, and the role African leaders must play in shaping the future.
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  Rui Morais | CEO at Dis-Chem 29.05.2025 1h 5min

  Dive into an inspiring and unfiltered conversation with Rui Morais, the dynamic Group CEO of Dis-Chem, on CEO Nights with host Nyimpini Mabunda. Far from the typical corporate mold, Rui shares his remarkable journey from auditing to leading one of South Africa’s largest healthcare companies, all while staying true to his authentic self. Discover how his mother’s unwavering belief shaped his leadership, how he navigates the complexities of a family-run business, and how he’s transforming Dis-Chem into a healthcare ecosystem to make quality care accessible to all. From designing sneakers to tackling South Africa’s healthcare challenges, Rui’s story is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, adaptability, and balancing profitability with ethics. Packed with humor, heart, and actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring leaders and anyone curious about what it takes to shake up the status quo. Tune in for a fresh perspective on leadership that’s as bold as Rui’s pink-and-red sneakers!
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  Mpumi Madisa | CEO Bidvest Group 02.04.2025 1h 14min

  Tune in to another inspirational episode of CEO Nights with host Nyimpini Mabunda, featuring Mpumi Madisa, a dynamic South African CEO celebrated on Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful women. In this intimate, peer-to-peer exchange, Mpumi shares her extraordinary journey—from a childhood forged in resilience and family values to leading Bidvest Group, a colossal enterprise with over 120,000 employees. Beyond her prestigious 2023 Sunday Times Business Leader of the Year title, Mpumi unveils her relatable side: a card-game aficionado, series binge-watcher, and legendary party thrower. Brimming with practical leadership wisdom and heartfelt anecdotes, this episode inspires listeners to embrace their true selves on the road to success. Nyimpini and Mpumi’s vibrant dialogue delivers a masterclass in motivation for aspiring leaders and seasoned executives alike.
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  Lee Naik | TransUnion CEO 10.03.2025 1h 3min

  This interview mainly discussed Lee Naik's journey as CEO of TransUnion Africa and his leadership philosophy. The conversation began with Nyimpini introducing Lee as a champion of digitalization and financial inclusion. Lee shared his personal approach to work-life balance, describing how he starts his day at 4 a.m. and values time with his family, particularly driving his kids to school. The discussion explored Lee's leadership style, focusing on his approach to mentorship and his perspective on entrepreneurship in Africa. Lee emphasized the importance of SMMEs, noting that 70% of the continent's employment comes from small businesses. The conversation then moved to Lee's early career success, addressing how he handled being the youngest partner and CEO, and his transition from consulting at Accenture to leading TransUnion. Lee shared insights about dealing with imposter syndrome and building strong teams. The interview also covered important topics like digital transformation, financial inclusion, and the role of data in human improvement. Throughout the discussion, Lee emphasized the importance of creating legacy through leadership, fostering diversity, and making a meaningful impact on Africa's economic growth. The conversation concluded with discussions about gender equality and the importance of continuous learning in leadership.
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  Robert Brozin | Nando's Founder 23.01.2025 1h 11min

  In this sizzling episode of CEO Nights, host Nyimpini Mabula sits down with Robert (AKA Robbie) Brozin, the legendary co-founder of Nando's, for an intimate and inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, and hope. Brozin shares raw insights into building a global brand, overcoming imposter syndrome, and his unwavering optimism for South Africa's future. From navigating business challenges to finding purpose beyond success, this episode is a masterclass in authentic leadership that will leave you motivated and ready to make your mark. Key Highlights: - Journey from local chicken restaurant to global brand - Lessons on leadership, partnership, and stepping aside when the time is right - Powerful perspectives on South Africa's potential and the power of civil society - Candid discussions about mental health, failure, and personal growth
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  Yolanda Cuba | Group Regional Vice President at MTN 26.11.2024 1h 25min

  In this captivating episode, host Nyimpini Mabunda sits down with Yolanda Cuba, a trailblazing business executive and current Vice President for South and Eastern Africa at MTN. From becoming a CEO at just 29 to serving on boards of major organizations, Yolanda's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Yolanda shares candid insights into her meteoric rise, discussing the challenges of leadership at a young age and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. She opens up about the Mentorship Boardroom initiative, emphasizing the power of visibility and presentation in the corporate world. Listeners will gain practical advice on navigating career challenges, mastering work-life balance, and the art of surrounding oneself with capable individuals. Yolanda also offers her unique perspective on Black Economic Empowerment policies and their impact on the business landscape. With a mix of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in intentional career development, problem-solving, and negotiation skills. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive, Yolanda's story and insights are sure to inspire and educate. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of Africa's most dynamic business leaders as she shares her formula for success in the corporate world.
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  Dan Marokane | CEO Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. 22.10.2024 52min

  Born a warrior. In this first episode of CEO Nights, Nyimpini talks to Dan Marokane about his personal journey, from his upbringing and early influences, to his career path and leadership principles. Key topics include the importance of hard work, education, international exposure, role models, problem-solving skills, cultural transformation at Eskom, long-term viability, and executing strategies with a competent team. Dan shares insights on balancing being a tough taskmaster with showing compassion, the cost and benefits of living by one's values, continuous learning, and preparing the next generation of leaders. This episode was recorded live at Nedbank Atrium.