LeadUP Podcast

Christopher Williams is the Director of CJ Distribution, the logistics engine behind retail giant Dis-Chem. A UP Pharmacy graduate, he stepped into the wholesale space at a time when many were stepping away from it. On this episode, he speaks to us about: Why he went into pharmacy, and not farming. Launching a wholesaler during a difficult period for pharmacies. How to grow a business well, from a...

Viwe Mkizwana is an award-winning bassist, composer, arranger, musical director and educator. He has performed around the world, plays with the likes of the Gauteng Philharmonic Orchestra and MIAGI Orchestra, and has released three albums. He has picked up SAMA nominations, a Mzantsi Jazz Award, and two Naledi Awards. He continues to push the boundaries of African jazz.  On this episode, he speaks...

Izak Smit is the Group Chief Executive Officer at PPS, one of South Africa’s last remaining mutual insurance companies. He completed a BCom Honours in Economics at UP and holds a Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from the University of Oxford. He is a proud Tuks alum and sits on the Faculty Advisory Board of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS). On this episode, he speaks to us a...

Puno Selesho is a spoken word artist who has performed for presidents and celebrated companies, locally and internationally. In her capacity as a social entrepreneur, she established Harvest House Creative Agency, where she currently serves as creative director. She graduated with an LLB from the University of Pretoria and a certification in social entrepreneurship from UP’s business school, the G...

Sumarie Greybe, co-founder of insurance industry upstart Naked Insurance, graduated from the University of Pretoria with a BCom Honours degree in Actuarial Science. After leaving the corporate short-term insurance world, she decided to shake the sector up with a fresh perspective – and in the process she’s rethinking the status quo with a bold, human-centred approach shaped by her belief in fairne...

Prof Francis Petersen became Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria in October 2024, starting a new chapter in his already illustrious career in education. He was most recently Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State, where he was lauded for his focus on stability and transformation. He has previously served at a variety of higher education institutions...

Clement Manyathela is known for asking tough questions of some of the biggest politicians and changemakers in South Africa and beyond. After completing his BA degree at the University of Pretoria in 2013, he worked for the likes of Power FM, Eyewitness News, and Newzroom Afrika. Now he hosts The Clement Manyathela Show on Radio 702, and a show on eNCA. On this episode, he chats to us about: What r...

Tatjana Smith (formerly Schoenmaker) is a top South African female swimmer and University of Pretoria alumna (BCom Financial Sciences, 2020), who became a hero to millions throughout her country when she won gold and silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In July 2024 she heads to the 2024 Paris Olympics with high hopes and heaps of humility. On this episode, she chats to us about: How she disc...

Abdullah Verachia is CEO of The Strategists, Head of Faculty for Strategy and Sustainability at the University of Pretoria’s business school, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and Programme Director of the Harvard Senior Executive Programme For Africa, among other accolades.  He is also a globally renowned public speaker and the author of Disruption Amplified: Reset. Rewire. Reimagine Ever...

Sipho Ngwenya, formerly known as Psyfo, was a child star before becoming a household name playing Ajax on Generations. After a successful period as a musician, he received his MBA from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), and is now a senior manager at Showmax.    On this episode, he chats to us about: Lessons he’s learned from achieving fame and success early...

Robyn Oates is a Sustainable Development Officer in the United Nations Secretary General’s Office in New York City. After completing her BCom Honours in Accounting Sciences at the University of Pretoria, she worked in the private sector, including at Deloitte and Barclays Capital. On this episode, she chats to us about: How her family’s support helped her find the courage to explore internationall...

Munozovepi Gwata is the founder of Kukura Capital, and an entrepreneur passionate about teaching Africans about financial literacy. She completed her LLB at the University of Pretoria before moving to Webber Wentzel, and is currently a Principal Consultant at IQbusiness.  She has been involved in the World Economic Forum’s Global Shaper Entrepreneurship Programme, delivered a TEDxTalk, and has wri...

Professor Shakila Dada is the Director of the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Her work focuses on improving the lives of people with severe communication difficulties. She is a powerful example of UP alumni becoming staff and building long-running relationships with the institution that ultimately help change lives on a large scale.  On this episode,...

Laurie Dippenaar is a South African millionaire, businessman, investor, and banker with a wealth of knowledge who co-founded the FirstRand Financial Group, which includes subsidiaries WesBank, FNB, and RMB. He graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Master of Commerce degree, and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate.  On this episode, he speaks to us about: How he started out in ban...

Ndavi Nokeri is now the third consecutive Miss South Africa to have graduated from the University of Pretoria. She received her Bcom Investment Management degree a few months before she was crowned Miss South Africa and instantly became a role model to young and older people all over the country. On this episode she speaks to us about: How and why she decided to study at the University of Pretoria...

Carmen Reddy started her journalism career at TuksFM while studying at the University of Pretoria, and has since worked for the likes of 5FM, Primedia, eNCA, and Newzroom Afrika. She is currently a media consultant.  On this episode she speaks to us about: Starting out on campus radio. Taking risks and proving herself in commercial radio. How her ideas about success have evolved over time.  The im...

Dr Anton Meyberg is a specialist physician and pulmonologist, working in clinical medicine as an ICU physician and intensivist at Linksfield Clinic in Johannesburg. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic he faced the disease in wards – and educated the public about it through podcasting and more. On this episode he speaks to us about: Studying in Afrikaans while growing up in English. How COVID-19 taugh...

WeBuyCars was founded by two brothers and quickly became one of the biggest car-buying companies in South Africa. Faan van der Walt, one of the co-founders, has learned a lot about success on this journey of growing and evolving a business. On this episode he speaks to us about: How his childhood fascination with cars turned into a long-term career. What it is like to build a business with his bro...

Known as ‘Mr Deadline’, Dr Perekeme Mutu moved to South Africa from Nigeria to pursue his studies, and worked multiple jobs – including as a security guard and a car washer – to fund his academic career. His perseverance paid off handsomely when he completed two degrees at the same time, including his Doctor of Philosophy (Law) from UP. He is currently a researcher at the Centre for Child Law and...

Yolana Du Plessis-Martin, who is now an Engagement Manager at Deloitte Consulting in New York, was a promising young swimmer at the University of Pretoria’s TuksSport High School and its first Head Girl in 2006. When an injury dashed her Olympic dreams, she had to rethink her ideas of the future. A move abroad later, she graduated cum laude from Villanova University in Pennsylvania with majors in...

We kick off the second season of the podcast, which speaks to University of Pretoria (UP) alumni about their experiences of success, with Nozipho Tshabalala, CEO of The Conversation Strategist. Tshabalala works with big brands globally to help shape their strategies and work. She has been an award-winning journalist and has worked with CNBC Africa among others. She also completed her Honours in In...

Professor Tawana Kupe is not only Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, but a big fan of the LeadUP Podcast!  In this special episode to wrap up this first season of the podcast, Prof Kupe reflects on some of the highlights of our previous interviews with UP alumni, and shares his own experiences of leadership.  On this episode he speaks about: His ‘why’, and the purpose gui...

Deepa Sita is the Chief Financial Officer at Tiger Brands, after holding similar roles at the likes of Mondelēz and Makro. She grew up working in a family business that she then took over after her father’s death.  She is a qualified chartered accountant and holds an MBA (Cum Laude) from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). On this episode she speaks about: Fal...

Andries Levi Pretorius is a serial entrepreneur, from selling candy floss as a student to innovating in the real estate industry.  He completed his BCom Honours in Finance & Entrepreneurship at the University of Pretoria while running a leading confectionery business called Willmor Candy Co. He later co-founded an extraordinary property investment group, WeBuyProp, and is currently the head of...

Dr Coceka Mfundisi is the first woman to receive a Master of Medicine in Neurosurgery degree from the University of Pretoria. She now practices as a specialist neurosurgeon at Busamed Modderfontein private hospital and has interests in neurotrauma, neuro-oncology and spinal surgery.  Her notable achievements include being a member of the Golden Lions Rugby Club Medical Committee, serving as a test...