“We have work to do and we are removing barriers to entry.”
As the global community of women prepare to celebrate International Women’s Day (“IWD”) on 8 March 2024, this is the message from ABSIP Women in Focus (AWIF) leadership, Mbali Phejaolema and Khanyisa Phika, who are the organisation’s newly-appointed Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, respectively.
AWIF is the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals’ (ABSIP) sub-committee focused on driving the advancement of women in financial services. Its key focus is to have tangible outcomes for women at all levels through its dedicated sponsorship of academic programmes in partnership with other industry bodies where women are supported and empowered to ensure that they are “pipeline” ready when opportunities come their way.
With this year’s IWD theme being #inspireinclusion, AWIF’s leadership team are on a mission to grow its numbers, broaden the reach of the committee and be more intentional about its impact.
Mbali, who has a degree in mining engineering, an honours in Technology Management and a MBA from Gordan Institute of Business Science, is no stranger to being the only woman in the room and feels strongly about broadening the reach outside of the country by owning the African (and South African) women’s narrative. With her roots in mining, she’s also passionate about growing numbers outside of just financial services given how other sectors also have a direct impact on the “ecosystem” (the energy and infrastructure sectors also have a direct impact on financial services).
“I’m set on removing barriers to entry. I’m going to drive the change I want to see and give women a voice and a level playing field by giving them opportunities through AWIF educational initiatives, mentorship programmes, educational webinars and networking opportunities where they get the chance to interact with women on all levels via our AWIF initiatives.
We’ve already seen great success, to date AWIF has impacted over 100 women through our leadership programmes and we plan to double this number by 2025,” says Phejaolema.
Khanyisa, holding a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Econometrics, concurs with this strategy. She emphasises the significance of networks like AWIF in facilitating professional development and knowledge exchange among women.
"Even when I wasn't present in the room, I still gained from the contributions from other women," Khanyisa states. "Representation holds undeniable value. When entering a space, complete preparation may not always be achievable. However, if you possess a clear purpose, you can bring valuable contributions and drive the conversation forward. As women, we do not have the luxury of remaining complacent. We must actively pursue inclusion."
Mbali and Khanyisa, in collaboration with the AWIF Executive Committee and with the support of ABSIP National, leverage their combined extensive experience in banking, investments, and mining to address the challenges faced by women in these industries. This collaborative effort aims to provide targeted support to women, focusing on both technical expertise and leadership development. Through this, they aim to double the number and empower 200 female professionals within the next year, equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in leadership roles, enhance their technical capabilities and encourage and support them in their entrepreneurial endeavours.
AWIF fosters strategic collaborations throughout the year with diverse organisations and those that align with the AWIF vision, such as the CFA Institute, the South African Venture Capital Association (SAVCA), Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA), Franklin Templeton Institute and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). These partnerships are designed to refine the professional skill sets of women, empowering them to advance to the next stage of their careers.
The committee also leads numerous initiatives annually. Notably, its flagship event, the Women's Conference, takes place in August. To remain informed about AWIF's ongoing efforts to advance women, connect with us on LinkedIn ABSIP Women in Focus and follow "ABSIP Women in Focus" on Instagram at absip_wif.
ENDS
ABOUT ABSIP National
Since its inception in 1995, ABSIP has been a champion and catalyst for transformation in the financial services sector, seeking to address the apparent lack of representation, diversity and inclusion of black professionals, in the financial services sector.
Throughout its history, ABSIP has played a leading role in advocating for transformation and influencing policy reform. Notably, this has led to the creation and adoption of the landmark Financial Sector Charter in 2004, as well as other significant legislative reforms. ABSIP proudly serves as a founding member organisation of the Financial Sector Transformation Council,
which actively monitors the progress of transformation initiatives within the sector.
In line with its mandate and duty of care to its members, ABSIP continues to champion transformation on behalf of its members made up of black professionals as well as black businesses operating in (but not limited to) the asset management, private equity, venture capital, investment banking, investments, and pension fund industries.
ABOUT AWIF
The ABSIP Women In Focus (AWIF) sub-committee, known as the women's pillar, was established in 2006 with the purpose of supporting and developing emerging female professionals in the financial services sector. Our collective goal is to cultivate a
skilled and competent pipeline of female professionals who can serve as a talent pool for future women leaders in the industry. A crucial aspect of AWIF's mission is focused on leadership and skills development. We strive to provide highly sought-after opportunities for continuous learning, training, and skills enhancement, empowering emerging leaders in our sector to thrive
and excel.
About the AWIF leadership team
Mbali Phejaolema - AWIF Chairperson | Senior Transactor | Pr.Eng (Mining) |MBA(GIBS) | B.Eng(Hons)Technology Management| B.Eng(Mining Engineering) First Class
Mbali Phejaolema is a Soweto born qualified Mining Engineer with over 13 years’ combined experience in Mining, Metals, Oil and Gas in industry and in Investment Banking. Mbali has held various leadership roles as Miner, Shiftboss, Mine Captain (>200 direct and indirect reports) before pivoting into a career in Financial Services. Mbali’s experience spans 8 years in Corporate and Investment Banking, she has experience in Deal Making, Debt Funding, Client Relationship Management as well as Credit Risk within the Mining & Metals sector.
At RMB, Mbali is currently a Senior Transactor in the Resources Team and provides bespoke deal structuring and debt funding solutions to mining and metals clients across different commodities.
Mbali currently sits on the ABSIP Women in Focus (WIF) Sub-Committee as Chairperson as well as sits on the Advisory Board of the Department of Mining Engineering at the University of Pretoria. She has a passion for women empowerment, growth and a believer in ‘lifting as you rise’.
She’s a mother, a fitness fanatic and overall adventurous soul. She enjoys reading autobiographies and spending quality time with friends and family.
Khanyisa Phika - Vice Chairperson| Macro & Risk Advisor | Speaker & Writer
Khanyisa Phika is a seasoned executive with over 12 years of experience specialising in macroeconomic and credit risk advisory services, primarily in the financial services sector. Her expertise has played a pivotal role in guiding organizations towards financial stability, revenue advancement, risk measurement and management, and consistent investment returns.
Holding a Bachelor of Commerce Honors in Econometrics, Khanyisa brings a unique blend of analytical rigor and modern business acumen. Her ability to synthesize economic, social, and political data with credit risk trends and analytics fosters insightful narratives that illuminate the complexities of the evolving global macroeconomic environment and its impact on the investment landscape.
Beyond her professional achievements, Khanyisa is a champion for transformation, sustainability, and financial inclusion. Her commitment is evident in her active participation in critical initiatives promoting gender equality in the business world. She currently serves as Deputy Chairperson of ABSIP Women in Focus, a division of the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP), and leads the Women in Risk Gender Bias and Equality Pillar.
In conclusion, Khanyisa Phika embodies leadership and dedication within her field and the broader community. Her insights and contributions are instrumental in driving sustainable growth and positive societal impact, making her a truly distinguished leader.
*AWIF is made up of the following key pillars headed up by women within the financial services sector:
- Advocacy & Governance: Lumka Ngqola-Sebone CA(SA) / Nobukosi Kufa CFP® / Christine Anne Naidu / Thulebona Mhlanga
- Marketing and Networking: Nabelah Fredericks / Bongie Filtane / Nobukosi Kufa CFP®
- Entrepreneurship/Women in Business: Bongie Filtane / Lisebo Mothabeng / Rachma Ismail
- Professional Skills Development & Empowerment: Yumna Dhlamini Ncalo / Tumelo Masinga / Christine Anne Naidu
- Partnerships/Sponsorships – Rachma Ismail , Mbali Phejaolema and Khanyisa Phika