Leadership

Refilwe Matenche

Country President, South Africa

Refilwe Matenche is an accomplished leader with a diverse range of experience and expertise across multiple industries. She has over a decade of experience as a qualified chartered accountant, having completed her articles with EY. She holds a Bachelor of Accounting degree (BAcc) from the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) and is a lifetime member of the Golden Key International Honour Society due to her academic achievements during her time at Wits.

Her professional journey includes working as an Assistant Audit Manager at EY, serving as a Senior Lecturer in the Taxation department at the University of South Africa (UNISA), founding and managing her boutique consulting firm, Thendo Consultants, and holding positions on the boards of credible organizations such as the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Armscor, the Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB), and serving as the Chairperson of the Health and Welfare Sector Education Training Authority (HWSETA) board, among other noteworthy governance roles.

Despite her extensive experience in corporate, academia, and business, as well as serving on credible boards, Refilwe's passion for social entrepreneurship led her to found and become the President of the African Women’s Movement (AWM). AWM is a community of dynamic and leading women representing various sectors in Africa and the diaspora. Her objective is to promote equal opportunity and greater representation of women in decision-making and industry-leading spaces, as well as lobbying for the collective interests of members to influence any legislative or administrative action in pursuit of economic justice for women.

Refilwe's dedication to promoting women's leadership development has earned her several accolades, including recognition as one of SAICA's Top 35 under 35 in 2018 and selection as one of the 100 Albertina Sisulu Women of Fortitude ambassadors by the Ministry of Energy. Through her position as the Country President of the Association of Business Women in Commerce & Industry (ABWCI) in South Africa, Refilwe has expanded her global networks and represents the largest virtual global chamber for women entrepreneurs with a presence in over 30 countries across the world.

Overall, Refilwe’s wealth of expertise and experience spanning multiple sectors, as well as her unwavering dedication to advancing women's leadership, is evident through her various roles and recognitions. She continues to inspire and lead through her initiatives and roles.