Conversations with Gofaone

Mandy Kgobe can easily be considered to have conquered the South African modelling scene, she is also is a Motivational Speaker, among her many other skills. More than anything, she loves to add value and believers in embracing the unknown. In this episode we journey through the modeling industry, understanding self and image.

Dr. Koketso Ramoupi is a qualified homeopath - whose mission is to improve people’s health status through education and impact people’s lives positively. We’ll be exploring #Homeopathy for women’s health. The Homeopathic approach is to not only treat an individual for their physical complaints but to also consider their mental and emotional states as pivotal components in the healing and treatment process as well.

This week on Conversations with Gofaone, I’m joined by KC Rottok Chesaina, an award-winning Chartered Accountant (CA SA), former RSM audit partner, and JSE-accredited financial reporting advisor. KC is also a best-selling author and business speaker, founder of The African Professional magazine and the SA Professional Services Awards, and known for his titles Masters of Money and The CEO X Factor.In this conversation, recorded at the JSE - She Invests Summit, we explore what defines impactful leadership in Africa. KC shares insights on the traits that distinguish exceptional CEOs, the role of storytelling in elevating African professionals, and how finance and publishing intersect to shape the continent’s future leader.

Recorded live at the @johannesburg_stock_exchange – #SheInvests Summit, this special episode of Conversations with Gofaone features @bellz_motshwane an Attorney, Legal Entrepreneur, and Founder of Sister In Law, a platform dedicated to empowering women through legal literacy and access to justice.Too often, financial literacy is spoken of only in terms of budgets and investments, but the truth is, legal literacy is just as essential. From contracts to property rights, from marriage to estate planning, the law underpins every financial decision we make.Tebello shares why legal literacy is just as vital as financial literacy. She also provides practical strategies for making justice more accessible and offers practical steps for young professionals and women to protect their wealth and build a lasting legacy.

What does it really take to fund African innovation, not in theory, but in practice?At the 2025 African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Abidjan, I had the honour of moderating a powerful side event hosted by the Vision 2030 Fund and the DRC Ministry of Industry.Titled “Catalyzing African-Led Innovation: Financing the Next Generation of Startups & SMEs”, this session asked a critical question: What will it take to build investment systems that actually serve African entrepreneurs?What made this conversation stand out was its honesty. We confronted the gap between capital announced and capital deployed. We talked about the feasibility studies, infrastructure, and early-stage support that are often treated as afterthoughts and why without them, many ventures never stand a fair chance.The panel featured:•H.E. Dagmawit Moges Bekele – African Union Peace Fund•Minister Clément Moketo – Ministry of Industry, DRC•Jerry Osagie – Afreximbank•Hannah Ryder – Development Reimagined•With a keynote from Mr. Bertin Chisekedi

What will it take to fund the future of Africa, on our own terms?In this episode, I sit down with @marcwatum , a Congolese entrepreneur, strategist, and pan-African force driving change from policy rooms to boardrooms. From advising the DRC’s Ministry of SMEs to founding the Vision 2030 Fund, Marc is at the forefront of reimagining how African businesses are built, backed, and scaled.We explore the real cost of underfunded African entrepreneurs and why the continent’s solutions demand African capital. Marc shares powerful lessons from advising over 30 governments and mentoring more than 1,000 entrepreneurs across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. We also discuss what it takes to build climate-resilient, SDG-aligned economies and how to meaningfully bridge government, grassroots innovation, and global finance.This is more than development talk, it’s a bold conversation about economic sovereignty, homegrown ecosystems, and the Africa we must build.

Are diamonds really forever?t’s a question that haunts the heart of Botswana’s economy and shapes the soul of this conversation.In the Season 8 premiere of Conversations with Gofaone, I sit down with @naseem_lahri , Managing Director of @lucaradiamond Botswana, the first Motswana woman to lead one of the world’s most significant diamond mines.Under her leadership, Lucara unearthed the 1,758ct Sewelô and, most recently, a (now) 2,488ct diamond named Motswedi, one of the largest ever discovered. But this is not just a story of carats and commerce. It’s a story of conviction.Naseem speaks with rare honesty about the highs and hardships of her leadership journey, her deep-rooted belief in the potential of natural diamonds, and the urgency of adapting our story, not just for the market, but for the people.This episode is not just about what lies beneath the ground, but what we build above it.

In a world of fast-moving technology and inflated buzzwords, what does innovation actually look like when it’s grounded in value, not vanity?In this episode, I sit down with Tertius Zitzke , founder and CEO of 4Sight Holdings Limited , a JSE-listed tech company pioneering digital transformation across sectors in Africa. With over 31 years in the ICT sector and executive training from the MIT Sloan School of Management, Tertius brings both experience and continuous learning into how we reimagine business intelligence and operational technology.He calls innovation “brilliant basics” because true transformation doesn’t start with complexity, it starts with clarity. At the heart of 4Sight’s work is a philosophy of integration: aligning people, processes, and platforms to future-proof businesses in a fast-evolving digital economy.We talk AI and the true test of meaningful innovation.

What does it truly mean to invest in communities—not for visibility, but for impact?In this episode, I’m joined by Lunga Schoeman CSI Programmes Manager at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). Our conversation moves beyond the language of strategy decks and ESG reports, into what it really takes to create meaningful, measurable change—especially in underserved communities.We speak about DBSA’s commitment to eradicating unsafe sanitation in rural schools through its partnership with Breadline Africa an initiative set to replace over 200 pit toilets across four provinces. But the conversation goes deeper than infrastructure.Lunga offers powerful reflections on how corporates can move beyond performative impact by recentering community voices at the heart of decision-making. He unpacks what equitable partnerships between NGOs and the private sector should look like in practice—and where many fall short. We also discuss how corporate social investment is shifting across South Africa, and what true innovation in this space requires. At the core of his insights is a clear message: accountability—not charity—is what defines responsible business in today’s world.This is a conversation about rethinking what it means to build—and who we’re building for.

When we talk about energy transitions, we often focus on megawatts and infrastructure. But what about the children growing up in the shadow of coal plants, or the caregivers navigating disrupted livelihoods?In this episode, I sit down with @sikhulekileduma —a leading voice in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition-to explore how national policy, climate goals, and early childhood development are deeply intertwined.Drawing lessons from Komati and other transitioning towns, we explore how building a greener future is impossible without first investing in human capacity. We further examine why national energy planning must integrate early childhood development and local capacity-building-not as peripheral concerns, but as central pillars of a truly sustainable transition.This conversation reminds us: a just transition is only just if it includes everyone.

From Classrooms to Boardrooms—Why Early Childhood Development is Everyone’s BusinessIn this powerful 3-part conversation with Lene Øverland and Janine McEvoy of Breadline Africa, we explore what it means to build not just classrooms, but futures.With more than 20 years of experience across the African non-profit landscape, Lene brings a deeply strategic lens to the conversation—linking infrastructure, innovation, and impact to the long game of social change. Janine, Breadline’s National Business Development Manager, reminds us that transformation starts with relationships—and that real partnerships are built, not pitched.While we dive jnto Breadline Africa’s mission of transforming lives through access to safe, quality educational infrastructure, why Early Childhood Development is not a charity topic—it’s a business conversation tied directly to national growth, talent pipelines, and economic inclusion.Our emphasis is on what real impact looks like: the kind that lives beyond headlines and corporate scorecards.This series challenges us to see children’s futures as everyone’s responsibility—from policymakers and business leaders to professionals and everyday citizens.

In a world where values like dignity, agency, and solidarity are often tucked into policy decks and mission statements, the real question becomes: so what?In this episode, I’m joined by two powerhouse thinkers and practitioners:Alex Motshwanetsi Mathole, governance expert and co-lead of the V20 Sustainable Development stream, andThabani Mlilo (@datninjathabs ), sustainability leader with deep experience across mining, climate, and ESG, also a co-lead of V20.Together, we interrogate the promise and the performance of values-based leadership. Together, we dive into a conversation on what value-based leadership really looks like in practice—not just as an idea, but as a decision-making framework that shapes policy, business, and power.The V20 isn’t just a think tank—it’s a call to action. A collective of African leaders pushing for leadership grounded in integrity, inclusion, and future accountability.If leadership is about decision-making—what anchors those decisions, and who pays the price when values are optional?

Cashews may be small, but in Benin, they’re driving big industrial change. In this episode, I sit down with Martial Degbelo, Deputy Director General of Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ)—a hub that’s helping redefine Benin’s economic future.With over 15 years of experience in project management, procurement, processing, and government liaison, Martial shares how GDIZ is anchoring local value addition, boosting exports, and positioning Benin as a serious player in regional and global trade.According to the World Bank, Benin’s economic growth is projected to stabilize at 6.2% between 2024 and 2026, much of it thanks to the expansion of GDIZ. This episode explores how industrial zones can fuel transformation, empower local industries, and create lasting impact.

What does it take to lead with integrity across decades—and leave a legacy that transcends industry? In this episode, I sit down with Sipho Nkosi, former CEO of @exxaro_resources and recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at the @aablawards .Mr. Nkosi is widely respected for his pioneering role in South Africa’s mining and energy sectors, where he helped shape one of the country’s most successful black-owned mining companies. His leadership journey is marked by transformation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to people.In 2022, he was appointed by the President of South Africa to lead a national team focused on removing bureaucratic red tape to promote business growth—a testament to his influence not only in industry, but in national economic development.In this episode, we reflect on the lessons that shaped his leadership, the value of building others as you lead and empowering the youth.

What does it take to shape a nation’s digital future? In this episode, I speak with Eng. John Tanui, CEO of Konza Technopolis Development Authority and Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy in Kenya, about the bold steps being taken to position Kenya as a continental leader in digital innovation.From spearheading the development of Konza Technopolis, one of Africa’s most ambitious smart city projects, to advancing digital skills through initiatives like Jitume ICT Hubs, Eng. Tanui shares lessons from the frontlines of Kenya’s transformation.We unpack the critical role of public-private partnerships, emerging technologies, and policy leadership in building inclusive digital economies—while also addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with rapid innovation.

In a world where perception shapes reality, who controls Africa’s narrative? Few understand this better than Jacob Ouma , Co-Founder & Group Managing Director of Ad Media (Kenya & South Africa), whose leadership in PR, strategic communications, and impact-driven entrepreneurship has earned him some of Africa’s most prestigious recognitions.A Business Daily’s Top 40 Under 40 Men in Kenya (2015) honoree and recipient of the Forty Under 40 Africa 2024 Award in Marketing & Communication, Jacob has played a pivotal role in reshaping how Africa tells its story. From guiding corporate brands and leaders to mentoring the next generation of African changemakers, his work spans media, governance, sustainability, and business leadership.In this episode, we dive into his insights on how African media can challenge global narratives, the role of storytelling in governance, and why digital platforms are reshaping the future of PR and reputation management.With his extensive background in civic leadership, investment in sustainability (EVs & air quality solutions), and mentorship through the Pan African Leadership Incubator, Jacob offers a unique perspective on how communications can be a catalyst for both business success and societal impact.

Leadership without ethics is like a ship without a rudder—lost in a sea of uncertainty. We talk about leadership all the time, but what happens when ethics takes a backseat?Carol Banks a seasoned healthcare leader and consultant who transitioned from a Registered Nurse at The Nairobi Hospital to General Manager of IQVIA Eastern Africa, is the author of Ethical Leadership: Creating a Culture of Trust and Responsibility - joins us for a conversation that challenges everything we think we know about leadership. Can business success and ethics? Are you unknowingly a toxic leader? When the law and ethics collide, which should take precedence?From corporate dilemmas to personal self-awareness, this episode is a masterclass in leading with intention and integrity.

The world is ending! Or is it?We are witnessing unprecedented shifts in our environment—rising temperatures, disappearing species, and ecosystems transforming before our eyes. The question is no longer whether change is happening, but what kind of world will be left for future generations?To unpack these realities, I sat down with Adam Welz , an environmentalist, journalist, and author of The End of Eden: Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown. With years of experience documenting ecological change across continents, Adam has studied how even the slightest disruptions in climate can trigger cascading effects on biodiversity—many of which go unnoticed in mainstream climate discussions. We explore the hidden casualties of climate breakdown, the reshaping of entire landscapes, and the delicate balance between preserving what we know and accepting nature’s inevitable evolution.Are we doing enough to safeguard the planet for future generations or are we witnessing an irreversible shift that we have yet to fully comprehend?

A diamond’s brilliance isn’t just in its cut—it’s in the ecosystems that sustain it, the industries it fuels, and the futures it builds.In this episode, we sit down with Richard Steenkamp, Senior Sales and Office Manager at De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa, a leader with deep expertise in luxury goods, global diamond markets, and strategic sales growth. With a career spanning the USA, Belgium, and Southern Africa, Richard has played a pivotal role in shaping how African-mined diamonds create value beyond extraction—through beneficiation, skills development, and entrepreneurship.He shares insights on how beneficiation is reshaping Southern Africa’s diamond landscape, moving beyond extraction to value creation. From skill development to local entrepreneurship, we unpack what it really means to engineer opportunity in the diamond sector.With beneficiation at the heart of the conversation, we explore the real impact of keeping value on the continent, the evolving role of miners, manufacturers, and traders, and why the future of Africa’s diamond industry is about more than just carats—it’s about community and collaboration.

In the dynamic world of music, the fusion of creativity and commerce is inevitable. Artists often find themselves at the crossroads of artistic expression and business obligations, making legal literacy not just beneficial but essential.In our upcoming episode, we engage with Nick Matzukis a distinguished Advocate of the High Court and a pivotal figure in South Africa’s music industry. As the founder of the Academy of Sound Engineering and chairman of CAPASSO, Nick has dedicated his career to educating artists about their rights and the intricacies of music law. His clientele spans major royalty collection societies, publishers, labels, recording artists, and industry associations. Throughout his career, Nick has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, providing them with the legal acumen necessary to navigate the complexities of the music business. His work emphasizes that the creative industry is deeply intertwined with legal and business frameworks.Join us as we uncover how artists can harmonize their creative passions with the necessary legal knowledge to thrive in the music industry.