Leadership.

Leadership & Advisory Council.

Paul Mashegoane

Chairman

Paul Mashegoane Leads CyberX, a pioneering cyber security firm providing businesses with essential protection in the digital realm. In addition to founding CyberX, he has established GloCentric Property Fund, Seasoned Capital, and Ultimate Holdings, showcasing his diverse entrepreneurial prowess.

Paul assumes leadership roles as Chairman of several notable entities:

  • All Things Ads: A comprehensive advertising agency employing both traditional and unconventional strategies to deliver impactful marketing solutions.
  • Finance Portal: Groundbreaking an online platform aimed at democratizing access to financial products and services, facilitating transactions and serving as an invaluable informational resource.
  • UserX Rewards: Specializing in enhancing customer loyalty and engagement within expansive member networks, fostering valuable connections with clients.
  • Stars Aligned Finance: A premier insurance broker catering to individuals and companies with tailored products and services.

Paul’s influence extends beyond his entrepreneurial ventures. He actively participates in shaping the future as a member of the 4IR Advisory Panel in Gauteng and as Chairman/Convener of two Task Teams focused on Research, Development, and Innovation, as well as Infrastructure and Digital Technologies.

Under Paul’s guidance, Ultimate Holdings has successfully raised over $670 million (R12,7 billion) for clients across various sectors, solidifying its reputation as a leading capital raiser in South Africa and beyond. The company continues to seek opportunities, currently engaged in raising over $100 million.

Recognized for his commitment to advancing professional standards, Paul founded the South African Pathology Laboratories Association, the country’s largest association in terms of membership.

His expertise has been sought after by the CSIR Advisory Panel, where he contributes to shaping Next Generation Enterprises and Institutions. Mashegoane has also served on the boards of BrainBoosters and Index Solutions and led Cloud 9 Capital, demonstrating his dedication to fostering growth and innovation.

Paul’s insights and contributions have been featured in leading global media outlets such as Forbes Africa and Huffington Post, focusing on macroeconomics, technological trends, and entrepreneurship.

A sought-after speaker, Paul has shared his expertise at international conferences and chaired prestigious events like the African Oil and Gas Summit. His engagements with global leaders signify his dedication to addressing critical global issues.

Complementing his extensive experience, Paul has pursued short courses in Business Management, ensuring he remains adept at navigating the evolving business landscape.

James Campbell

CEO of African Irish Diamonds

James Campbell has spent over thirty-five years in the diamond industry in a variety of leadership roles both in majors and juniors. He is currently Managing Director of Botswana Diamonds plc (‘BOD’), a London AIM and Botswana listed diamond development company. His immediate past role for over five years was Chief Executive Officer and President of Rockwell Diamonds Inc (‘RDI’) a diamond producer listed on the main boards of the Toronto and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges.

Prior roles include Non Executive Director of Shefa Gems Ltd (where he is now a Technical Advisor), Vice President – New Business for Lucara Diamond Corp (‘LUC’), after it acquired African Diamonds plc (‘AFD’), where he was Managing Director for four years. If you were an original investor in AFD you would have made 25x your money plus received shares in BOD. James was also Executive Deputy Chairman of West African Diamonds plc (‘WAD’) and for four years a Non-Executive Director of Stellar Diamonds plc (‘STEL’) following its reverse takeover by WAD.

During James’ tenure with AFD and WAD, he was also instrumental in resuscitating Zambezi Gold plc, which merged with Arc Mining & Investment SA to form Swala Resources plc (‘Swala’). He served on these companies’ boards until Swala was acquired by Concordia Resources Inc (‘CCN’).

Preceding this, James was with De Beers for over twenty years, culminating in being General Manager responsible for advanced exploration and resource delivery in the Global Mining and Exploration group. During his career with De Beers he also led several diamond exploration and evaluation programmes and small-scale mine development as well as played key roles in corporate and strategic management and being the Executive Chairman Nicky Oppenheimer’s Personal Assistant.

James holds a degree in Mining & Exploration Geology from the Royal School of Mines (Imperial College of Science & Technology, London University) and an MBA with distinction from Durham University. James is a Fellow of the Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Materials (UK), South African Institute of Mining & Metallurgy, Geological Society of South Africa and Institute of Directors of South Africa. He is also a Chartered Engineer (UK), Chartered Scientist (UK) and a Professional Natural Scientist (RSA).

As part of James’ social commitment to South Africa he serves as Chairman and founding director of the leadership development Non-Profit Organisation (‘NPO’) Common Purpose SA, which celebrated its twentieth anniversary in 2020. Previously he was a director and Trustee of the Joburg Ballet for almost fifteen years. James is also a Licensed Lay Minister in the Anglican Church of South Africa and an accomplished Ballroom and Latin American dancer. James lives in Irene, Gauteng with his wife, who is a ballet and ballroom dancing teacher.

The following is a hyperlink to an interview as part of the Future Leaders Forum, July 2021 which describes many aspects of James’ leadership journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mAc0yUKyKM The following is a conversation with Briony Liber Coaching & Consulting on career transitions, volunteering, positioning your expertise, September 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkTotjoxy0Q.

Current Directorships

  • Botswana Diamonds plc: Managing Director
  • Common Purpose South Africa NPO: Chairman and Director
  • African Irish Diamonds Pty Ltd: Chief Executive Officer and Director
  • Thorny River Diamonds Pty Ltd: Director
  • African Irish Resources Pty Ltd: Director

James Campbell

CEO of African Irish Diamonds

James Campbell has spent over thirty-five years in the diamond industry in a variety of leadership roles both in majors and juniors. He is currently Managing Director of Botswana Diamonds plc (‘BOD’), a London AIM and Botswana listed diamond development company. His immediate past role for over five years was Chief Executive Officer and President of Rockwell Diamonds Inc (‘RDI’) a diamond producer listed on the main boards of the Toronto and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges.

Prior roles include Non Executive Director of Shefa Gems Ltd (where he is now a Technical Advisor), Vice President – New Business for Lucara Diamond Corp (‘LUC’), after it acquired African Diamonds plc (‘AFD’), where he was Managing Director for four years. If you were an original investor in AFD you would have made 25x your money plus received shares in BOD. James was also Executive Deputy Chairman of West African Diamonds plc (‘WAD’) and for four years a Non-Executive Director of Stellar Diamonds plc (‘STEL’) following its reverse takeover by WAD.

During James’ tenure with AFD and WAD, he was also instrumental in resuscitating Zambezi Gold plc, which merged with Arc Mining & Investment SA to form Swala Resources plc (‘Swala’). He served on these companies’ boards until Swala was acquired by Concordia Resources Inc (‘CCN’).

Preceding this, James was with De Beers for over twenty years, culminating in being General Manager responsible for advanced exploration and resource delivery in the Global Mining and Exploration group. During his career with De Beers he also led several diamond exploration and evaluation programmes and small-scale mine development as well as played key roles in corporate and strategic management and being the Executive Chairman Nicky Oppenheimer’s Personal Assistant.

James holds a degree in Mining & Exploration Geology from the Royal School of Mines (Imperial College of Science & Technology, London University) and an MBA with distinction from Durham University. James is a Fellow of the Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Materials (UK), South African Institute of Mining & Metallurgy, Geological Society of South Africa and Institute of Directors of South Africa. He is also a Chartered Engineer (UK), Chartered Scientist (UK) and a Professional Natural Scientist (RSA).

As part of James’ social commitment to South Africa he serves as Chairman and founding director of the leadership development Non-Profit Organisation (‘NPO’) Common Purpose SA, which celebrated its twentieth anniversary in 2020. Previously he was a director and Trustee of the Joburg Ballet for almost fifteen years. James is also a Licensed Lay Minister in the Anglican Church of South Africa and an accomplished Ballroom and Latin American dancer. James lives in Irene, Gauteng with his wife, who is a ballet and ballroom dancing teacher.

The following is a hyperlink to an interview as part of the Future Leaders Forum, July 2021 which describes many aspects of James’ leadership journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mAc0yUKyKM The following is a conversation with Briony Liber Coaching & Consulting on career transitions, volunteering, positioning your expertise, September 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkTotjoxy0Q.

Current Directorships

  • Botswana Diamonds plc: Managing Director
  • Common Purpose South Africa NPO: Chairman and Director
  • African Irish Diamonds Pty Ltd: Chief Executive Officer and Director
  • Thorny River Diamonds Pty Ltd: Director
  • African Irish Resources Pty Ltd: Director

Juanita Clark

CEO of Digital Council Africa

Juanita Clark is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Council Africa, a not for profit industry association head quartered in South Africa.

The Digital Council is an independent association that acts a bridge and connector between government, the technology industry, and stakeholders across Africa.

It seeks to establish an efficient telecommunications environment through the development of best practises, standards policies and guidelines.

The Digital Council believes that digital technologies will bring about widespread disruption and will with it unlock new opportunities for rapid economic growth, innovation, job creation and access to services.

The Digital Council encourages African governments to embrace the extraordinary possibilities that the digital era has for Africa and believe that the digital economy will enhance the quality of life for African citizens and allow Africa to remain competitive in the global market.

The Digital Council mission is to help public and private sector to work together to deliver on the expectations of an inclusive gigabit society where all Africans have access to digital services through participation of the digital eco-system stack.

She founded the organisation in 2010 after realising the need for grass roots awareness and education with regards to the role of fibre optic broadband networks in the telecommunications industry. The organisation has since grown to include other infrastructure technologies including towers and datacentres.

In doing her work she has travelled and addressed audiences across the world, advocating for an inclusive digital economy that considers methodologies that includes mechanisms to ensure that marginalised communities are given equal access to digital services. Her interviews and opinion pieces have been widely published. As a thought leader she has been interviewed on international television and radio.

A high performing and deeply committed leader she played a pivotal role in steering and establishing the fibre industry in South Africa as we know it today and she continues to play a leading advocacy role for the rights of women and young people in the digital economy.

Ian Lourens

Co-founder of PostNet & OneLogix

He is the Co-Founder of PostNet Southern Africa (Pty) Limited and Cash Converters, well- known companies in South Africa. He recently exited OneLogix Group which he Founded and was it’s CEO, a leading logistics company he built to be a multi-billion business.

He previously served as Brand Manager of Beecham and Marketing Manager at Hoechst.

Ian is a former Mayor of Midrand and past Chairman of the Franchise Association of Southern Africa. He is a veteran entrepreneur who finds building companies to notable sizes, a quest he is passionate about.

Ian Lourens

Co-founder of PostNet & OneLogix

He is the Co-Founder of PostNet Southern Africa (Pty) Limited and Cash Converters, well- known companies in South Africa. He recently exited OneLogix Group which he Founded and was it’s CEO, a leading logistics company he built to be a multi-billion business.

He previously served as Brand Manager of Beecham and Marketing Manager at Hoechst.

Ian is a former Mayor of Midrand and past Chairman of the Franchise Association of Southern Africa. He is a veteran entrepreneur who finds building companies to notable sizes, a quest he is passionate about.

Michael Judin

Partner of Judin Combrinck Inc

Michael Judin obtained his law degree at the University of the Witwatersrand and commenced practice in Johannesburg at the end of 1969.

He is currently a partner in the Johannesburg based law firm, JUDIN COMBRINCK INC, and he is the author of several published articles, nationally and internationally; also, has delivered lectures and addresses on various topics nationally and internationally.

Judin Combrinck is the winner of several international awards in different categories.

Michael:

  • is a member of the King Committee;
  • was the convenor of the Sub-Committee which wrote the Chapter dealing with negotiation, mediation and arbitration as contained in King III, South Africa’s Corporate Governance Report and Code; and
  • was a member of the King Committee Task Team established for the review and rewrite of the King III Corporate Governance Report and Code known as King IV; and
  • was a member of the CRISA Committee which wrote the Second Code for Responsible Investing in South Africa, 2022 which contains the five voluntary principles for stewardship and responsible investment as key components of the South African governance framework.

Michael is a non-executive ex officio director of, and legal advisor to, the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa (“AmCham”). He is also the non-executive chairman of the Advisory Board of the AmCham. On November 22, 2006, Michael was inducted as an Honorary Life Member of the AmCham in recognition of exemplary leadership and dedicated
service.

Michael is the Co-Chairman of the Corporate Governance International Development Sub-Committee of the American Bar Association’s Business Law section. Michael is the Ethics Chair of the South African Medical Technology Industry Association (SAMED). Michael is the non-executive chairman of the Conscious Leadership Academy and the patron of Conscious Companies.

He:

  • is the lead non-executive director of a company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange;
  • is a director of several private companies;
  • acts as trustee to several trusts;
  • is admitted as an attorney in Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland;
  • has right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa;
  • an associate member of the American Bar Association;
  • is a member of the e-Commerce Advisory Committee of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (formerly Financial Services Board) of the Republic of South Africa;
  • acts as honorary attorney to several welfare organizations;
  • is a commissioner of the Small Claims Court;
  • is a Life Member of the Institute of Directors in South Africa and acts as one of their outside legal advisors;
  • was a Patron of WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) and has retired by rotation;
  • was invited to an exclusive anti-corruption workshop for legal professionals designed by the International Bar Association in collaboration with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime;
  • is a co-contributor to the World Bank’s Doing Business Project Benchmarking Business Regulations in 189 Economies Worldwide;
  • is a member of the advisory panel of experts of The Good Governance Academy NPC, chaired by Prof Mervyn King;
  • is a member of the delegation representing Business at Nedlac in the negotiations with Government and Labour on the proposed amendments to South Africa’s Companies Act.

Michael is a passionate and dedicated Arsenal supporter. His Arsenal Board Room in his office suite, filled with Arsenal memorabilia, is a testament to his deep love for his beloved Arsenal.

Dr Len Konar

Chairman of ORCA

Doctor Len Konar is a Chartered Accountant and was previously executive director of the Independent Development Trust where he was, amongst other activities, responsible for the Internal Audit and Investments Portfolios. Prior to that, he was Professor and Head of the Department of Accountancy at the University of Durban-Westville. He also lectured to
graduate students at various South African Universities.

He has been a member of the King Committee on Corporate Governance, the Corporate Governance Forum, the Institute of Directors and the National Association of Corporate Directors (USA).

Dr Konar is a past independent non-executive director of Alexander Forbes, Steinhoff, Old Mutual, South African Reserve Bank, Illovo Sugar, Lonmin PLC, Sappi, and Exxaro Resources. He has also chaired or served on the Audit Committees of some of these Boards. Currently, he serves as an independent non-executive director of the Guardrisk group of companies, as well as several specialist boards and committees.

He is the past Chair of the Ministerial Panel for the Review of Accountants and Auditors in South Africa, that resulted in the publication of the Auditors Professions Act, 2005, Co-chair of the Independent Oversight Panel of the World Bank (2009 – 2010) and the past Chairman and member of the External Audit Committee of the International Monetary Fund in Washington (2004 – 2007), as well as a member of the 2010 Safeguards Panel of the IMF and a member of the Ethics Panel of the United Nations Ethics Committee.

He has participated in seminars and workshops internationally and also published journal articles and contributions to books. He participates in a wide range of hobbies and is a keen sportsman and reader of business biographies. He is a mentor / supervisor to PhD and MBA candidates at GIBS and UNISA, as well as MBA candidates at WITS Business School and other local Universities, and a presenter on the Executive Leadership Programmes at GIBS, WBS and Duke University Corporate Education.

Dr Len Konar

Chairman of ORCA

Doctor Len Konar is a Chartered Accountant and was previously executive director of the Independent Development Trust where he was, amongst other activities, responsible for the Internal Audit and Investments Portfolios. Prior to that, he was Professor and Head of the Department of Accountancy at the University of Durban-Westville. He also lectured to
graduate students at various South African Universities.

He has been a member of the King Committee on Corporate Governance, the Corporate Governance Forum, the Institute of Directors and the National Association of Corporate Directors (USA).

Dr Konar is a past independent non-executive director of Alexander Forbes, Steinhoff, Old Mutual, South African Reserve Bank, Illovo Sugar, Lonmin PLC, Sappi, and Exxaro Resources. He has also chaired or served on the Audit Committees of some of these Boards. Currently, he serves as an independent non-executive director of the Guardrisk group of companies, as well as several specialist boards and committees.

He is the past Chair of the Ministerial Panel for the Review of Accountants and Auditors in South Africa, that resulted in the publication of the Auditors Professions Act, 2005, Co-chair of the Independent Oversight Panel of the World Bank (2009 – 2010) and the past Chairman and member of the External Audit Committee of the International Monetary Fund in Washington (2004 – 2007), as well as a member of the 2010 Safeguards Panel of the IMF and a member of the Ethics Panel of the United Nations Ethics Committee.

He has participated in seminars and workshops internationally and also published journal articles and contributions to books. He participates in a wide range of hobbies and is a keen sportsman and reader of business biographies. He is a mentor / supervisor to PhD and MBA candidates at GIBS and UNISA, as well as MBA candidates at WITS Business School and other local Universities, and a presenter on the Executive Leadership Programmes at GIBS, WBS and Duke University Corporate Education.

Andrew Maren

CEO of ProfitShare Partners

Andrew is a serial entrepreneur that focusses on starting up and making disruptive investments into companies that makes significant social impact.

He is currently based between Toronto, Canada and Johannesburg, South Africa to find synergies and growth opportunities in both North America and South Africa.

Andrew is also the founder and CEO of the Fintech company, ProfitShare Partners which is a unique and disruptive funder in the SME space. It has already helped SME’s that could not access traditional funding, fund over R1,8billion worth of transactions and helped create over 1,500 jobs in the South African economy. It is making significant impact in this space and is partnering with several of South Africa’s large multinational corporates, banks and Impact funds to help make Inclusive finance and access to finance a reality for Small Business in South Africa.

PAST

  • 2014-2016 – CEO and Co-Founder of EIH an SMME funder in South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Swaziland. This was founded in 2014 and sold to a JSE Listed group in mid 2016.
  • 2005–2015 – Co-founder of EmpowerGroup Holdings, which invested in the Mining, ICT and Property sectors 2006-2015 – Non- Executive Director and significant shareholder of JSE Listed Information Security company ISA Holdings Limited – one of the youngest JSE Directors at the time. ISA is one of the most respected IT Security companies in the country and serves many of South Africa largest corporates.
  • 2005-2012 – CEO – Property development Company. Andrew was instrumental in building this company from scratch to a portfolio that had a roll out value of approximately R5 billion.
  • 2012-2013 – He was Appointed as a Non-Executive Director boutique financial services group, Global Asset Management Limited in 2012 and exited a year after its IPO on the JSE.
  • 1998-2005 – RMB Private Bank – Specialised Debt Team. Junior Board member of RMB Private Bank, Chairman of RMB Private Bank Diversity Forum, Chairman and Exco member of FirstRand Bank’s National Diversity Forum.
  • 1995- 1998 – Standard Corporate and Merchant Bank (SCMB). Corporate Account Analyst.

In 2007 Andrew was admitted as a Life Fellow of the Emerging Leaders Programme run by Duke University (USA) and University of Cape Town (RSA).

Andrew Maren

CEO of ProfitShare Partners

Andrew is a serial entrepreneur that focusses on starting up and making disruptive investments into companies that makes significant social impact.

He is currently based between Toronto, Canada and Johannesburg, South Africa to find synergies and growth opportunities in both North America and South Africa.

Andrew is also the founder and CEO of the Fintech company, ProfitShare Partners which is a unique and disruptive funder in the SME space. It has already helped SME’s that could not access traditional funding, fund over R1,8billion worth of transactions and helped create over 1,500 jobs in the South African economy. It is making significant impact in this space and is partnering with several of South Africa’s large multinational corporates, banks and Impact funds to help make Inclusive finance and access to finance a reality for Small Business in South Africa.

PAST

  • 2014-2016 – CEO and Co-Founder of EIH an SMME funder in South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Swaziland. This was founded in 2014 and sold to a JSE Listed group in mid 2016.
  • 2005–2015 – Co-founder of EmpowerGroup Holdings, which invested in the Mining, ICT and Property sectors 2006-2015 – Non- Executive Director and significant shareholder of JSE Listed Information Security company ISA Holdings Limited – one of the youngest JSE Directors at the time. ISA is one of the most respected IT Security companies in the country and serves many of South Africa largest corporates.
  • 2005-2012 – CEO – Property development Company. Andrew was instrumental in building this company from scratch to a portfolio that had a roll out value of approximately R5 billion.
  • 2012-2013 – He was Appointed as a Non-Executive Director boutique financial services group, Global Asset Management Limited in 2012 and exited a year after its IPO on the JSE.
  • 1998-2005 – RMB Private Bank – Specialised Debt Team. Junior Board member of RMB Private Bank, Chairman of RMB Private Bank Diversity Forum, Chairman and Exco member of FirstRand Bank’s National Diversity Forum.
  • 1995- 1998 – Standard Corporate and Merchant Bank (SCMB). Corporate Account Analyst.

In 2007 Andrew was admitted as a Life Fellow of the Emerging Leaders Programme run by Duke University (USA) and University of Cape Town (RSA).