What inspired your choice to pursue the CA(SA) route in banking?
I was initially intrigued by the bold claims people often make about the CA(SA) profession, especially around the money. I wanted to see for myself if those claims held true, and the best place to see this is in banking. But beyond the allure of financial success, what truly drew me in was the way chartered accountants think. Their analytical mindset, strategic approach, and ability to add value in any environment fascinated me.
This career path shapes your thinking, equips you to make high-impact decisions, solve complex problems, and contribute meaningfully to different spaces. That’s truly my vibe and what I'm going for: to be smart, gorgeous, and confidently make serious decisions in top-tier organisations - the perfect blend of technical depth and business impact.

What quote do you live by?
‘Seize the day or it'll cease you’ – Tryphina Mahasha

What inspired your choice to pursue the CA(SA) route in banking?
I did not find much purpose in audit based on the VAC work programmes I have attended prior to making the decision to go to banking.

What’s one book you think everyone should read?
Do It Afraid by Joyce Meyer

What quote do you live by?
‘Your hands cannot touch that which your mind has not’ – Bishop Felix Adejumo

What inspired your choice to pursue the CA(SA) route in banking? 
I’ve always had a passion for numbers and understanding how money moves and creates value. Choosing the CA(SA) route felt like the best way to build a strong foundation in finance, with the benefit of a structured journey and world-class training. What really drew me in is how versatile the qualification is – it opens doors across different areas in finance, offers incredible exposure, and allows you to build a powerful network. For me, it wasn’t just about becoming a chartered accountant; it was about setting myself up for a career where I can grow, explore different paths, and have the flexibility to work in any financial field with confidence.

What quote do you live by?
‘Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond.’

What inspired your choice to pursue the CA(SA) route in banking?
I have always liked unchartered paths and my desire for banking grew more and more when I realised I enjoyed problem solving in a business context - the same way Management Accounting and Finance teach you. I understood the role banks play in supporting economies and helping small and medium-sized enterprises, which are crucial to the economy. Their investments have allowed for various African countries to develop. I wanted to be involved in making such positive impacts and that is what led me to Nedbank.

What song makes you bring out your best dance moves?
Daft Punk – Get Lucky

What’s one book you think everyone should read?
As a man thinketh by James Allen. It teaches you about the power of your thoughts and that you should tend to them as you would with a garden - providing it with nutrition and encouragement. What you think, you become.

What lesson of value have you gained from being a part of STP that you apply, whether in your rotation or in your personal life?
One key lesson I’ve gained from being part of STP is the value of collaboration. Working with people who see things differently has shown me that diverse perspectives strengthen the quality of deliverables. I’ve learned the importance of seeking input from others, and I apply this in my rotation by engaging with team members to refine ideas and improve outcomes.

What song makes you bring out your best dance moves?
Kelvin Momo – iLanga

What quote do you live by?
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

What inspired your choice to pursue the CA(SA) route in banking?
Opportunity to rotate across different departments or business units over the course of my 3-year articles. It gave me an opportunity to explore my career interests and aspirations in finance.

What song makes you bring out your best dance moves?
Top of the World – DJ Kent

What’s one book you think everyone should read?
SAICA Student Handbook 2022/2023 Volume 3: Tax Legislation

What inspired your choice to pursue the CA(SA) route in banking?
The dynamic nature of the industry. It’s a space where financial expertise meets innovation and impact.

What lesson of value have you gained from being a part of STP that you apply whether in your rotation or in your personal life?
I’ve come to appreciate the significance of resilience and a growth mindset, knowing that challenges are opportunities to learn and improve.

What song makes you bring out your best dance moves?
Schoolin' life – Beyonce

What inspired your choice to pursue the CA(SA) route in banking?
I chose the CA(SA) route in banking because I’ve always been drawn to the idea of using financial expertise to make a real impact. The banking sector plays a huge role in keeping our economy stable, and I knew that if I wanted to learn from the best and challenge myself, this was the place to be. It’s not just about crunching numbers – it’s about understanding how financial systems work and how they affect people’s lives. For me, doing my articles in banking felt like the perfect way to grow professionally while contributing to something bigger than myself: the well-being of our country’s economy and its citizens.

What quote do you live by?
‘I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul’ – Invictus by William Ernest Henley

What lesson of value have you gained from being a part of STP that you apply whether in your rotation or in your personal life?
From being part of STP, I have learnt the value of everyone being unique and contributing differently to the success of various initiatives. This has made me more confident and proud of who I am and the traits I bring to the table. I have also learnt the skill of delivering quality output even under time constraints, which has reinforced my ability to manage my rotation tasks as well.

What quote do you live by?
‘Perfect imperfections’ – We often overlook the beauty of our perfect imperfections. These are the qualities that make us authentic, grounded and capable of meaningful growth.

What inspired your choice to pursue the CA(SA) route in banking?
I have always wanted to explore more than just audit. I wanted to really understand how money works and get a feel for the bigger picture in finance. During university, I did a lot of Vac work, so I got a good sense of what audit is all about. And while it gave me exposure to different industries, it started to feel a bit repetitive (no matter where I was, I was still auditing). When I learned about the lending side of banking, it opened up a whole new world for me. It’s fast-paced, diverse, and gives me the chance to see how different industries operate from the inside. Banking isn’t stuck in tradition, and that’s exactly what I’m looking for. I want to grow in spaces that challenge the norm and push me to think differently.

What quote do you live by?
‘I refuse to die with purpose left in me. Nations are waiting on my obedience.’

When have you surprised yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone?
Being part of STP makes it difficult to answer this question. The graduate programme cultivates a pressure-cooker environment where you are constantly pushed out of your comfort zone. Through PI and rotation work, your thinking will be stretched, both from a behavioural and technical perspective. It is therefore important to extract key learnings from these experiences and continue the pursuit of seeking out opportunities that challenge and further drive you out of your comfort zone.

What quote do you live by?
‘Clarity comes from engagement, not thought.’

What sparked your curiosity about the Quant space in banking, and how has your perspective evolved since then?
When I first chose my degree, I didn’t know much about the quantitative space. I was simply drawn to the intersection of mathematics and finance. As I progressed through my studies, my interest deepened, and by the time I graduated, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in banking. Since joining the programme, I’ve come to appreciate how my academic background shaped the way I think and approach problems. It equipped me with valuable tools, but I’ve also realised that practical implementation in the working world often looks very different. In many ways, you relearn everything –adapting theory to real-world challenges and continuously refining your approach.

What quote do you live by?
Have courage and be kind.

What sparked your curiosity about the Quant space in banking, and how has your perspective evolved since then?
I got into the Quant space because of my love for numbers and fascination with the power of statistics in modelling. I also wanted to be in a space that keeps me challenged and gives me the opportunity to solve complex problems. It really clicked for me during my first rotation in Group Market Risk. That is where I saw how important it is to understand the maths behind the models to actually trust and use them properly. In my current rotation in Interest Rate Risk, I have realised how interest rates are central to everything in the banking book, from valuation to risk exposure. Over time, my view has shifted from just liking the theory to appreciating how these concepts are applied in decision-making and risk management.

What song makes you bring out your best dance moves?
Aweh by lordkez and Cassper Nyovest

What is something you have learnt from someone in your cohort or team that has stuck with you?
In my first rotation, my line manager taught me the importance of using OneNote to document my learnings and important notes. She still had notes from her first year in the programme and she could refer to them to help me understand certain things. That made me realise that you never know when you might need to refer back to work you did a while ago, so it is best have it written down somewhere and OneNote is now my go to!

When have you surprised yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone?
Given my academic background in science and engineering, I never thought I would end up working at a bank. I stepped outside of my comfort zone when I applied to be a Quant at a bank and now, I am here, so I definitely surprised myself. So far, so good.

When have you surprised yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone?
For my first rotation, I chose to work with a team that, as I later discovered, did not have any other quantitative analysts. This presented a significant challenge, since it required me to proactively engage with other teams and independently develop action plans to address problems. The team’s limited familiarity with quantitative and automation-based solutions meant I had to take initiative and navigate unfamiliar territory. Despite these initial difficulties, the experience proved to be highly rewarding. I developed a broader skill set and grew more than I likely would have in a traditional quant-focused environment.

What quote do you live by?
Treat others just as you want to be treated.

What is something you have learnt from someone in your cohort or team that has stuck with you?
Something that’s really stuck with me, shared with me by a few people in different ways, is the principle of always thinking about how to add value. That mindset encourages curiosity, openness, innovation, and a willingness to help. It also ties closely to taking ownership of your work. When you take ownership, you care more deeply, you’re more invested in solving problems, and you push yourself to understand the bigger picture. Ultimately, that’s a big part of how you make a meaningful contribution.

When have you surprised yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone?
This year has been full of moments where I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone, but the most notable have probably been the times I’ve presented my work. It’s always nerve-wracking, but pushing through that discomfort and seeing it through has been incredibly fulfilling. Each time, I’ve surprised myself with how much more confident and capable I’ve become.

What is something you have learnt from someone in your cohort or team that has stuck with you?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from someone in my team, specifically my manager, s the importance of not taking data at face value. She has a very analytical approach and always asks why. When reviewing numbers or outputs, she doesn’t just accept them as they are; she digs deeper to understand the underlying drivers and context. That mindset has really stuck with me. It has taught me to be more critical and curious, to always question what I see, and to seek the story behind the data. It’s a powerful reminder that good analysis isn’t just about numbers – it’s about understanding what influences them and what they truly mean.

What song makes you bring out your best dance moves?
Focalistic ft Vigro Deep – Ke Star.

When have you surprised yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone?
When I started working, everything was new. The people, routines, and expectations. And I found it challenging to get comfortable. But I made a conscious effort to stay open to feedback and learn from it. Instead of staying in my comfort zone, I pushed myself to try new approaches, ask questions, and grow through the process. Over time, I became more confident and adaptable, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

What song makes you bring out your best dance moves?
Any of amapiano songs.

What quote do you live by?
Feel the fear and do it anyway.

What sparked your curiosity about the Quant space in banking, and how has your perspective evolved since then?
My initial curiosity sparked when someone described a quant as 'the problem solvers of the bank’. I wanted to know what these 'problems' were and how were people dealing with them etc. Since then, I think my curiosity has evolved into asking the whys instead of the whats and hows.

What song makes you bring out your best dance moves?
Murder on the Dance Floor.

What quote do you live by?
This too shall pass.

What is something you have learnt from someone in your cohort or team that has stuck with you?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learnt is the importance of asking questions. As someone early in my career, it can be daunting to be the least experienced person in the room. However, I’ve come to embrace that position and recognise that curiosity is essential for growth. Asking questions not only deepens understanding but also allows me to contribute meaningfully.

What quote do you live by?
‘When you're in your own lane, there's no traffic.’

What is something you have learnt from someone in your cohort or team that has stuck with you?
Stay curious and always ask questions, I learnt this from my first line manager (senior quant).

When have you surprised yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone?
Voting to build an Email Automation. I thought this was impossible at first.

What quote do you live by?
'Everything is impossible until it is done'

What sparked your curiosity about the Quant space in banking, and how has your perspective evolved since then?
I got into the quant space because I liked the idea of solving real financial problems, especially ones that have a direct impact on trading, pricing, and risk. Since starting as a quant grad, my perspective has shifted. I have moved from focusing mainly on theory and models to understanding how things actually work in practice, such as model limitations, market behavior, and the role of regulation. It has made the work feel more grounded and meaningful.

What is something you have learnt from someone in your cohort or team that has stuck with you?
Stay curious and open to learning as much as you can but remember, not all advice will apply to your journey. Trust your instincts, reflect often, and take what resonates.

When have you surprised yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone?
STP Night Away when we had to dance.

What sparked your curiosity about the Quant space in banking, and how has your perspective evolved since then?
I wanted to be in a space where I could regularly apply quantitative reasoning to solve problems, while being surrounded by other smart individuals who push me to grow. Since joining the bank, I have learned that there is a great deal of balance between quantitative proficiency, regulatory knowledge (Basel and IFRS), and soft skills such as presenting to stakeholders or navigating tense emails with people much higher in the bank than you. I have found that I enjoy this balance, despite it not being 100% quantitative as I initially desired.

When have you surprised yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone?
I surprised myself when I was able to achieve an 'impossible' deadline and learn everything along the way, as it was the first time I worked on a project of that sort. I was amazed that I was able to bring it over the line and it pushed me to work better under pressure.

What sparked your curiosity about the Quant space in banking, and how has your perspective evolved since then?
To be honest, I had no idea what a quant was during my undergraduate year until I landed on the Nedbank website and came across QEP. That’s what got me curious and led me to apply for the vacation work programme. That’s where it all started. I learned what quants actually do and I had an amazing time! The schedule was packed with learning, fun activities and giving back. I was completely sold by the culture and the people. I’ve realised that being a quant isn’t a one-size-fits-all. There are different types of quants, each working in different areas of the bank, from credit risk to climate risk. We all enjoy different things but at the core of it all, we’re all about using data and models to quantify and manage risk. It’s been exciting to see how broad and impactful the quant space really is.

When have you surprised yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone?
I ran and collected my first 10 km race medal and my first Jump City obstacle race medal, that, by the way, includes a lot of climbing, jumping, crawling and a lot of ‘what did I sign up for?’ moments.

What is something you have learnt from someone in your cohort or team that has stuck with you?
Asking for help is always encouraged! One of the seniors in my team told me that no matter how far you are in your career, you will never have all the answers. However, there will always be someone willing to help, if you just ask.

When have you surprised yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone?
I am usually someone that gets fairly nervous with public speaking and needs to be super prepared for any presentation. However, I have always wanted to be the kind of person that can just speak and trust that I know my material well enough to give a good presentation. I surprised myself by stepping out of my comfort zone and giving a presentation in this manner and got an overwhelming positive response.

What quote do you live by?
What is meant for you will find you

What sparked your curiosity about the Quant space in banking, and how has your perspective evolved since then?
I wanted to delve into the Quant space because of the technical acumen that is required to be successful. I wanted to be in a space where I could combine my passion for statistics and finance. My perspective has changed since starting the role, as I have come to realize that your behavioural and business acumen also play an important role in being a successful quant.

When have you surprised yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone?
By raising my hand to take on more responsibilities in a previous rotation. I got a chance to learn a lot and present to various stakeholders, which is something I feared doing for the longest time.

What song makes you bring out your best dance moves?
It does not bring out the best moves, yet it calms me done whenever I lose sight of the blessing I have in life. The name of the song is Love Yourz by J Cole.

What is something you have learnt from someone in your cohort or team that has stuck with you?
With every piece of work that you are given to do, always think of the bigger picture, and ask yourself how does this piece of work fit into the bank's objectives. This has stuck with me, because thinking like this allows me to connect my work to the overall purpose of what Nedbank is aiming to achieve, and in doing so, I also push myself to contribute more to this greater objective.

When have you surprised yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone?
For me, stepping outside my comfort zone has always had to do with taking on leadership roles. It’s easy to stay in the background and remain silent, but I’ve found that stepping into responsibility has been the most transformative. Leadership has helped me better understand myself, to identify what I know, what I don’t know, and where I need to upskill. It’s through these experiences that I’ve gained the most insight and personal development.

What’s one skill you didn’t learn at university that turned out to be essential in your role?
One essential skill I didn’t learn at university but quickly realized was crucial in my role is the ability to build strong interpersonal relationships and establish a personal brand. In a fast-paced environment like CIB, how you engage with colleagues, communicate, and position yourself can significantly impact your growth and opportunities. These soft skills help foster trust, collaboration, and visibility, none of which were emphasised enough during my academic journey.

What advice would you give a person starting out in Nedbank CIB?
My advice to someone starting out at Nedbank CIB would be to be proactive and open to learning. Don’t wait for tasks to come to you. Raise your hand, ask questions, and show genuine curiosity. Take every opportunity to learn from the talented professionals around you, and don’t underestimate the value of forming strong relationships. The connections you build and the willingness to grow will shape your experience and accelerate your development.

What surprised you most about working at Nedbank CIB compared to what you expected as a student?
The warm culture of the people.

What advice would you give a person starting out in Nedbank CIB?
Soft skills are more important than you think. Invest in them!

What are you most excited about when thinking about your future and your career?
In this digital world full of information and resources, I have diverse enablers to grow my career and aspirations, thus unlocking my future.

What advice would you give a person starting out in Nedbank CIB?
Show up consistently in the work you do and the effort you put out. Remember that your work is a representation of yourself, and every team you rotate into or work with develop a perception of you through what you deliver. Don’t underestimate the importance of building meaningful relationships either. Your name could be mentioned in rooms you haven’t stepped into yet.

What are you most excited about when thinking about your future and your career?
When I reflect on how much I’ve grown during my first year at Nedbank CIB, and knowing that this is just the beginning. I am inspired by the managers I admire – those who lead with purpose, make bold decisions, and drive real impact. It’s empowering to see women who look like you and me stepping into the spotlight, leading high-performing teams, and shaping the future of banking.

What surprised you most about working at Nedbank CIB compared to what you expected as a student?
I thought it was male-dominated, but I was pleasantly surprised seeing the diversity and inclusion within NCIB.

What advice would you give a person starting out in Nedbank CIB?
Be curious and proactive. Take initiative to learn and often ask questions, as this will fast-track your growth. Build relationships early. Nedbank is a people-driven organisation, so get to know your colleagues. Collaboration makes everything smoother, and it's often your network that opens doors later. Keep your head up and remember that you deserve to be here.

What’s one skill you didn’t learn at university that turned out to be essential in your role?
Stakeholder engagement and effective communication, especially with people outside your immediate team, have been crucial. Building relationships with clients and internal stakeholders is key.

What are you most excited about when thinking about your future and your career?
Making a meaningful impact at the intersection of finance and technology by driving innovation and change.

What surprised you most about working at Nedbank CIB compared to what you expected as a student?
I was surprised by how much guidance and support we received from our rotation managers. They were genuinely invested in our growth, which made the transition from theory to practice much smoother than I expected.

What’s one skill you didn’t learn at university that turned out to be essential in your role?
Adaptability – being able to quickly adjust to new environments and expectations was something I didn’t learn in class but is essential in the programme.

What surprised you most about working at Nedbank CIB compared to what you expected as a student?
Flexibility. When I imagined corporate, I thought of set times and lots of pressure. When I joined, I learnt that management sees you as a person. Emotions and personal lives are taken into account. We have the flexibility to work in the office for 5 hours and then at home for the rest of the day.

What advice would you give a person starting out in Nedbank CIB?
Don't rush yourself. Everyone progresses at their own pace. Do not compare yourselves to other grads. The first 2 or 3 weeks will be slow, so enjoy it! When you're doing compliance for a week, enjoy it because once work starts, it never stops. And most of all, ask questions. Don't suffer in silence.

What surprised you most about working at Nedbank CIB compared to what you expected as a student?
Real-world exposure. As a graduate, I had the opportunity to work on live high-impact deals that are aimed at cementing Nedbank as a market leader in various sectors. From day one, I was immersed in real work and not just shadowing. Moreover, the welcoming culture and supportive environment made it easier to adapt. The leadership is approachable and invested in seeing the growth of young talent.

What advice would you give a person starting out in Nedbank CIB?
Be open-minded and let curiosity guide you. Have a vision but don't be too fixated on it, as things won't always play out how you expect them to. Allow your mindset to see opportunity in every challenge.

What surprised you most about working at Nedbank CIB compared to what you expected as a student?
I was pleasantly surprised by how much trust and responsibility you're given early on. You're not just learning but you're contributing meaningfully from day one.

What are you most excited about when thinking about your future and your career?
I’m excited about building a career that’s both strategic and creative – not just as an analyst, but as someone who can shape ideas, lead projects, and grow across different parts of the business.