Mazvita Maradzika

Afrishela Fund is an Indigenous African female fund manager that aims to contribute to increased economic advancement, visible leadership and improvement in the lives of African Women through gender and climate inclusive investments. Afrishela fund is incubated by the Graca Machel Trust and is aiming to raise US$ 30 million. Mazvita is a part-time consultant whose current consulting role is to build visibility of the fund in Southern Africa and raise funds from institutional investors in Southern Africa as well is identify local deals for screening and investing through debt, mezzanine and equity instruments. Mazvita's key roles include the following:

• Investor relations and fundraising with local and global partners.
• Fund & Investment management which includes review of the current fund model and assumptions to meet due diligence requirements for various funders, identify and assess potential investments and the use of appropriate instruments through alternative credit assessments and use of instruments such as revenue based and impact linked loans.
• Compliance & regulatory review through InnPact Partners for the various jurisdictions in which Afrishela intents to invest in that include South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
• Team Management and collaboration with the Graca Machel Trust Local teams to assist Afrishela in deal sourcing and assessment and to provide in-country support where required.
• Financial & Operational Oversight for the fund including review of fund model with the team, understanding the current budget, raising working capital through various means through grants, technical assistance facilities and warehousing facilities and other collaborative partners that assist with operational matters locally and regionally.
• Afrishela Brandbuilding and Communications. Working in conjunction with the larger GMT communications team and GP lead based in Nairobi, Kenya to represent the fund locally and within Southern Africa at conferences, webinars and local partnerships.
• Governance: Reporting to an Investment Advisory Board and Investment Committee members.

MJR Advisory Services is an advisory business that was incorporated in December 2015 by Mazvita to be a trusted business advisor to both large and small entities across multiple industries through the provision of advisory services. Mazvita's role includes the following:

• Strategy - Strategy formulation, implementation, review, and adaptation for MJR and for clients.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Develop and implement functional relationships with stakeholders.
• Business Development - to build the advisory deal pipeline.
• Value Add - Develop and implement value creation strategy for advisory clients and projects.
• People Management - Provide leadership to the various consultants working with MJR on projects and related client advisory.
• Financial Reporting - Establishment of client and project budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting principles in line with required compliance frameworks.
• Risk Management - (manage enterprise risks), compliance and reporting.
• Communication - drafting required presentations, reports and media notes.
• Collaboration - Develops strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
• Business process optimisation - Implements efficient operational processes to optimize productivity and resource allocation.

SEI1 Ltd was an investment holding company with assets of more than R130 million US10 million) whose broad aim was to invest in Small to Medium Enterprises SMEs) as an equity partner & BEE Partner. Mazvita's key contributions included the following:

• Leading a team of investment and finance professionals to manage the risk and compliance challenges stemming from historic non-compliance.
• Development and implementation of a Blue Ocean strategy for the business, whose metrics are reported in the Company's annual report.
• Board reporting framework for the Board, Audit & Risk Committee, Remuneration and Nominations Committee, Social & Ethics Committee, and the Investment Committee.
• Growth of the unlisted investment portfolio by 55%, with 4 unlisted investments worth over R50 million (US4.5 million) in the financial services, manufacturing, services, and property industries as a minority interest partner.
• Conclusion of Odd lot offer in November 2021 that reduced the Company's shareholders from 26,400 to 17,600, saving costs for the business through the implementation of a stakeholder engagement policy and plan.
• Spearheading the stakeholder engagement plan with all stakeholders, including shareholders, investee companies, board members, regulators, etc., to ensure capital preservation. This resulted in a stable share price of R0.78 in 2020 and a Net Asset Value per share of R0.83 in 2023.
• Establishment of the annual report framework, incorporating annual financial statements, integrated reporting framework, and King IV reporting principles.
• Establishment of key operational policies on investment policy, risk management, compliance calendar, IT Policy Governance and Framework, performance management policy, remuneration policies, and corporate and social investment policy.
• Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
• Developed comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.
• Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
• Cultivated a strong organizational culture built on integrity accountability teamwork which resulted in higher retention rates among staff.
• Managed risk effectively by instituting comprehensive mitigation strategies across the organization''s operations.
• Increased overall company performance by implementing strategic management initiatives and streamlining operations.
• Expanded market presence through successful negotiation of key partnerships and acquisitions.
• Optimized resource allocation for improved efficiency and profitability across all departments.
• Implemented robust financial controls and reporting systems, ensuring accurate forecasting and budget management.
• Directed large-scale projects from inception to completion on time, budget, and with strict adherence to quality standards.
• Oversaw complex negotiations with suppliers/vendors for favorable contract terms that led to cost savings.
• Enhanced workplace safety protocols proactively address potential hazards before they become critical incidents.
• Fostered an inclusive work environment by championing diversity initiatives and empowering employees at all levels.
• Championed process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
• Promoted a culture of continuous learning by investing in employee development programs and resources.
• Led company through successful digital transformation, enhancing operational effectiveness and customer engagement.
• Revitalized company's online presence, launching user-friendly website and engaging social media platforms.

Siyakha Capital Advisors focused on the development of inward investment strategies for global businesses wanting to operate in South Africa and Africa. SCA were leaders in implementing Localisation programmes, optimizing local manufacturing capabilities, establishing strong relations between public sector investment and private sector growth. Mazvita's key roles were as follows:

• Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
• Represented organisation on public forums giving presentations and speeches in conferences, webinars and on various media including TV and radio.
• Developed and implemented organisational strategies to achieve set goals and objectives and secured long-term success.
• Worked closely with organisational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
• Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organisation''s reach and influence.
• Guided staff through periods of organisational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
• Set organizational goals and objectives to guide and direct company focus and achieve mission fulfillment.
• Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the organization to create a more inclusive work environment.
• Built and maintained strong company teams by hiring and training qualified staff to create positive and productive work environments.
• Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
• Optimized operational workflows, reducing overhead costs and maximising resource allocation.
• Led successful fundraising campaigns, securing critical resources for program development and expansion.

Mazvita's key contributions included the following:

• Contribution toward the development of Siyakha Fund Managers & Siyakha Africa Advisory, a platform for consultants to come together and provide advisory services in the different countries across Africa as a collective.
• Contribution to localization projects of entities for BEE purposes between private entities, public entities such as the DTI and private funders.
• Provided advisory on COVID-19 funding for Small and growing businesses through partnerships with public & private funders.

Identity Capital Partners (ICP) is an Investment Holding Company led by women making proprietary investments in key sectors which are priority sectors for South Africa's growth where traditionally women have not played a leading role such as in infrastructure e.g transport, rail, energy, manufacturing and agriculture sectors. Mazvita's roles and responsibilities included the following:

• Enhanced financial reporting accuracy through regular audits and reconciliations, leading to improved decision-making capabilities.
• Prepared comprehensive financial statements for executive review, aiding in effective decision-making processes regarding growth opportunities and resource allocation.
• Analysed budgets, financial reports and projections for accurate reporting of financial standing.
• Drafted reports for leadership for use in strategic planning and decision making.
• Created analytical framework for identifying and developing financial growth opportunities.
• Analysed market trends to inform investment strategies, capitalizing on growth opportunities as they arose while mitigating potential downfalls.
• Deal sourcing and full transacting including investment appraisals, due diligence, valuations, review of transaction documents to conclusion.
• Portfolio optimisation through reveiw of investment reports from investee companies on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.

Mazvita's key contributions were as follows:

• Responsible for raising funding and working capital facilities through ESD initiatives with Aspen & Ethos Private Equity.
• Key acquisitions concluded were the acquisitions of equity stakes in Coface South Africa (main is French listed) and the acquisition of equity stake in Beckman Coulter & Hach, all entities within the Danaher Group that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, transactions whose value were more than R500 million.
• Part of the team that concluded the exit of McCann Advertising Agency/Webber Shandwick which resulted in a stake in IPG Mediabrands for ICP.
• Part of the team managing and assisting the set up the Gibela Rail ESD fund that was managed by Identity Fund Managers in which Identity Partners was an equity shareholder through a consortium as part of a public, private partnership with Rail OEM Alstom, the IDC and private investors through the Ubumbano Consortium.
• Participated in the UN ECA African Women Fund Manager Programme as part of the training of developing the Identity Fund Manager business and licensing requirements with the FSCA for a category 2 license.

MJR Advisory Services is a business that was established in 2015 by Mazvita as a vehicle to provide strategy and transaction advisory services to the SMME market. Key projects during this period included the following:

• The business has provided advisory services through a consortium for Petroleum licensing projects for Total with NERSA from 2018 to 2021.
• The business has provided corporate development services to Eurasian Resources Group Africa ERG Africa) on the working capital optimization of the Africa assets and has provided advisory services on the disposal of non-core assets to the Corporate Development team in Luxembourg and Amsterdam 2015 2016.
• Successful Capital raise and financial strategy development for SMEs.
• Various Advisory work was undertaken between 2017 to date.

EY is a global professional services firm providing external audit and advisory services.

• Mazvita's key roles included the following:
• Established strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business.
• Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
• Held monthly meetings to create business plans and workshops to drive successful business.
• Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
• Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results.
• Collaborated closely with peers from other departments to drive organizational success jointly as one cohesive unit.
• Mentored junior staff members for skill development and career progression within the organization.
• Managed budgets effectively, achieving financial objectives while maintaining strict control over expenditures.
• Key highlights included leading a team of transaction diligence professionals on various projects including multi-functional specialist teams across the firm. Transaction diligence and valuation services to clients such as the PIC Isibaya Fund of Funds and various others. Due diligence services for transactions across the various industries including the acquisition and disposal on behalf of clients.

SizweNtsaluba VSP/ SizweNtsaluba Gobodo now SNG Grant Thornton is a professional accountant and advisory services firm that trains and develops chartered accountants and specializes in external audit and advisory services across various disciplines. Mazvita's key roles and responsibilities included the following:

• Assisted in preparing comprehensive reports outlining audit procedures performed, findings identified, and recommended corrective actions for clients to implement.
• Ensured timely completion of audit tasks by efficiently managing workload under tight deadlines without compromising quality or attention to detail.
• Collaborated with audit team members to complete assignments on time and within budget constraints.
• Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering teamwork among colleagues while diligently completing individual tasks assigned by supervisors.
• Gained valuable experience in various industries by working on diverse client engagements.
• Leveraged technology tools such as Excel spreadsheets, data analysis software, and audit-specific applications to enhance audit effectiveness.
• Performed detailed testing of account balances, transactions, and disclosures to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial records.
• Facilitated the resolution of complex accounting issues encountered during audits through effective collaboration with clients'' personnel and senior audit team members.
• Assisted in identifying potential risks and provided recommendations for improvements in internal controls.
• Identified areas for improvement in existing internal control systems by applying industry best practices during audits engagements.
• Enhanced client satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality audit services and addressing their concerns promptly during the audit process.
• Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new industries'' specific requirements during diverse client engagements across various sectors.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards and regulations through continuous professional development activities.
• Improved communication skills by presenting audit findings to both clients and senior management during exit meetings.
• Developed strong analytical skills through the examination of complex financial data and identification of key issues affecting clients'' businesses.
• Enhanced audit efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new auditing techniques.
• Proofread audit and tax reports and year-end financial statements to verify accuracy.
• Prepared, analyzed and verified annual reports and financial statements to assess financial condition and facilitate financial planning.
• Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.

Mazvita's key highlights included the following:

• Leading a team and mentoring trainee accountants and corporate finance professionsals within the firm.
• Responsible for the Corporate Finance firms Corporate Finance portfolio that included the transaction support services.
• Financial due diligence, financial modelling, investment appraisals and analysis.
• Leading transaction advisory, capital restructuring, capital appraisal and raising for client transactions.
• Financial & risk analysis of projects and in 2013, Mazvita was part of a team that was responsible for independently reviewing Renewables Solar PV projects that were submitted as part of the Independent Power Producer programme.
• BEE Reporting of the major banks that included First Rand group and its subsidiaries, Standard Bank of South Africa, and Nedbank.
• External audit or development finance institutions including the National Empowerment Fund, Industrial Development Corporation, NYDA, and Khula Financial Services.
• Responsible for the 5-year contract with the Public Investment Corporation for valuation reviews that included valuation analysis on all private equity funds funded by the PIC's Isibiaya fund of funds that at the time included over R2billion worth of assets in over 20 different private equity funds equating to over 90 investments in total.
• External Auditor in the Cape Town Office whose key clients included the following: Old Mutual Pension & Provident Funds, Metropolitan Holdings, City of Cape Town Municipality, NSFAS, Ovation Global Financial Services Curatorship team, V&A Waterfront Properties & Management Company.