Dr. David Masondo is a political economist by trade and holds a PhD from New York University (USA), focusing on Post-Apartheid State Industrial Policy and Investment in the South African Automotive Industry. He obtained his BA (Hons) and MA from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Dr Masondo currently serves as the Deputy Minister of Finance, Board Chairperson of the Public Investment Corporation.

Dr Masondo has also published academic papers published in peer-review journals.

Dr. Masondo is an ANC National Executive Committee member, with an illustrious 30 years of political activism. He has held various political and managerial positions in government, including the MEC of Finance, CEO of the Automotive Industry Development Centre, Chief Director for Economic Sectors and Industry at the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Director in the Local Government Department in Limpopo. He has also served as the principal member of the Financial Sector Charter Council.

He is the founding Principal of the OR Tambo School of Leadership.

Dr. Masondo is passionate about education and community development, having lectured political economy at the University of the Witwatersrand and is a founding chairperson of the Topisa Trust, which supports youth in promoting education, sport, and cultural excellence in Limpopo villages.

Linda Maqoma is an accomplished accountant with over 15 years of experience in both private and public sectors. She honed her skills at Xolani Phumeza & Associates and KPMG South Africa. Holding a Bachelor in Commerce (Accounting) Degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Fort Hare, Linda completed her SAICA accredited articles at KPMG Johannesburg. She later established her consulting company, Nomatshawe Group, in 2020.

Linda's passion for business, development; and transformation is evident in her extensive leadership roles. She currently serves as the CEO of Nomatshawe Croup, National President, Council and Board Chairman of ABASA, Vice President for Professionals of BBC, and a former Executive Chairman of YAEI. In addition, she holds positions on various Boards. Councils, and Committees, contributing her expertise to organizations such as the Black Business Council, SAIGA, and SAICA, among others. Linda's diverse experience and leadership positions make her a prominent figure in the accounting and business community.

When not on TV, Cathy is a regular on South Africa’s corporate stages as a moderator, MC, facilitator, or panel chairperson. Her career in national broadcast-journalism spans over ten years. She began her career as a reporter and radio anchor for Talk Radio 702’s Eyewitness News and Kaya FM. In 2009 she won the
National Press Club Radio Journalist of the Year Award. In 2012, she was selected to take part in the CNN Journalism Fellowship. In 2014, Cathy was selected as a fellow for US President Barack Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).
She was named by Destiny Magazine as one of the “Top 40 Women under 40” in 2015. Passionate about youth, education and current affairs, Cathy enjoys facilitating workshops and conferences which tackle issues of socio-economic development; particularly those impacting young girls and
women. She is also part of an NGO that builds schools in rural areas and conducts youth development programs for empowering and up-skilling young people.

Ncumisa's background reveals a strong academic foundation and professional achievement. Born on 04 September 1984 in Idutywa, Eastern Cape, she has established herself as a Chartered Accountant (SA) with a wealth of experience spanning both the private and public sectors.

Her educational journey includes obtaining a B Com degree, Honors (CTA) and a Master’s degree in Taxation from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Passing the qualifying exams to become a Chartered Accountant on her first attempt speaks to her dedication and aptitude in the field of accounting.

With her academic credentials and professional accomplishments, Ncumisa demonstrates a strong commitment to her career and a capability to excel in diverse environments within the accounting profession.

An experienced Business Development Executive for more than 15 years in different industries such as Telecommunications, Supply Chain & Transportation - my focus on the firm’s top Strategic accounts and to support the lead relationship partners and account teams to drive profitable revenue growth and deliver exceptional client value.

In my current role as New Business Development Executive in Cornerstone Performance Solutions, I am responsible for Enterprise Development within the SMME space. A crucial role geared at imparting skills but also change the mindset to that of Business perspective than that of an employee. We collective have a responsibility to address the issues of youth unemployment with all stakeholders including government.

I have excellent communication skills and gravitas with senior staff stakeholders, as well as demonstrate a thorough understanding of the strategic business drivers for complex clients. A proactive individual who can work effectively as part of a team, which may at times be geographically dispersed. A collaborative individual who can learn from, contribute, and participate as a member of the go to market initiatives within the firm.

Equipped with good educational background from University of Durban-Westville, Henley Business School and Wits business School- I am better placed to understand all economic permutations in resolving what our country so desperately needs- Development!