With South Africa still basking in the glow of its remarkable rugby victories in 2024, now is the perfect time to reflect on the leadership lessons that can be drawn from the field and applied to the boardroom. South African CFOs, in particular, can gain invaluable insights from our beloved Boks, including lessons on leadership, team dynamics, strategic resource allocation and the importance of continuous improvement.

At the recent SAICA Finance Leaders event, South African rugby legend and co-founder of Paymenow, Bryan Habana, along with Mary-Anne Musekiwa (CFO of Coronation Fund Managers) and Jonathan Hurvitz (CEO of Teljoy) shared their thoughts on how the principles that drive the Springboks’ success can be applied to business leadership.

The power of strategic adaptation

In rugby, coaches know when to bring in fresh players or make tactical changes to turn the game in their favour. CFOs, too, must recognise when to change financial strategies to seize new opportunities or tackle emerging challenges. “As a coach, you need a sharp sense of timing,” explains Habana. “Similarly, a CFO must know when to adjust financial tactics to stay ahead.”

Much like a rugby coach who uses a ‘bomb squad’ approach to shift the momentum, CFOs must assess their team’s performance and adapt to changing circumstances. “As a leader, if I can build a high-performance team, that will help the organisation achieve its objectives,” adds Musekiwa. “It’s about recognising each individual’s strength and deploying them accordingly.”

And just as the Springboks’ success is built on synchronised team effort, the same principle holds true for businesses. Alignment and communication are essential for achieving shared goals. “We need to make sure that everyone is pulling in the same direction,” says Musekiwa. In business, as in rugby, when every player understands their role and works together, the results speak for themselves.

Hurvitz reinforces this point: “Building strong, communicative teams is key. You need to trust that your team will deliver, and when they do, that’s when you win.”

Integrity and trust are further cornerstones of the Springboks’ ethos, and they’re equally vital in business leadership. “In sport, as in business, trust is key,” says Habana. “You need to be able to rely on your team, knowing they have your back, and vice versa.”

No shortcuts to success

Perhaps one of the most powerful lessons CFOs can take from sports is the importance of preparation and discipline. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Both coaches and CFOs dedicate time and energy to refining strategies and improving performance. “There are no shortcuts,” says Hurvitz. “You need to put in the work consistently, whether you’re on the field or in the boardroom.”

Whether executing tactical substitutions, making mid-game adjustments or adapting financial strategies, the key to success is understanding individual strengths, fostering collaboration, and staying flexible to meet challenges head-on. As Habana puts it, “A coach has to be adaptable and make changes as needed. It’s the same in business—if you don’t adapt, you’re going to fall behind.”

Get more great advice and learn what life is like for South Africa’s top CFOs with the ‘How I Work’ series, sponsored by Finnivo® in partnership with SAICA.

With broadband internet access in Africa steadily growing from 26% to 36% between 2019 and 2022, and with internet penetration in Southern Africa reaching 73.1% by January 2024, Africa’s digital landscape has shifted rapidly. But, for Africa to truly unlock its economic potential, internet access must go beyond connectivity and embrace digital education and innovation, says Daniel Novitzkas, Chairman of Specno.

“In South Africa, where vast rural areas still lack educational resources, digital education can bridge critical gaps,” explains Novitzkas. “Imagine a world where students in remote regions gain access to high-quality online courses, teachers can access modern teaching techniques, and community members acquire skills to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. This isn’t a dream; it’s an attainable reality if we continue investing in South Africa’s digital infrastructure.”

Improving digital infrastructure across the continent, and not just South Africa, could bring transformative benefits, empowering rural communities to participate in the global economy. With accessible digital education, citizens could build businesses, gain essential digital skills, and create employment opportunities locally. This could kickstart a powerful wave of community-led economic development and entrepreneurial innovation across Africa, fostering a new culture of self-determination, autonomy and self-reliance.

“With tools like online courses and digital platforms, even a local artisan can become a business owner, with the skills to compete in markets previously out of reach,” Novitzkas notes. “We can envision communities that aren’t just consumers of technology but creators, producers, and entrepreneurs who add unique value to the global economy.”

For Novitzkas, the vision for Africa is similar to Estonia’s path to a vibrant startup ecosystem, which has nurtured a wave of ‘unicorns’—startups valued at over $1 billion. With the right investments in digital education, Africa could produce its own herd of “unicorns” born from the continent, providing African solutions to global problems. “This shift,” says Novitzkas, “would position Africa as more than just a destination for safari tourists, but as a global hub of innovation and unique digital solutions.”

Digital education is more than a tool for economic growth; it has a cultural role as well. Connecting communities to global networks could foster knowledge exchange, allowing local stories, traditions, and indigenous knowledge to be shared with the world. “Digital platforms offer a unique way to preserve and share African cultural heritage, as well as modern innovations. In doing so, we strengthen our identities and build respect for our traditions,” says Novitzkas.

By expanding digital access, educators, too, gain from resources and training, enabling them to implement innovative teaching methods that improve the quality of education within their communities. Students in the most remote corners of the country can access quality training and education without leaving their homes. According to Novitzkas, “With digital education, there’s no reason anyone in South Africa should be left behind. It’s a tool that breaks down barriers—whether they’re geographic, economic, or cultural.”

The impact on African economies could be profound. Digital education equips rural communities with the resources needed to thrive in a globalized environment. Remote areas gain access to global markets, which can lead to enhanced local productivity and economic diversity, breaking a dependence on tourism as the primary economic driver. With a startup ecosystem, Africa could become a provider of globally competitive, Africa-centered products and services.

In a world where digital tools are at our fingertips, Novitzkas emphasizes that Africa’s digital journey is far from impossible: “We have the infrastructure, we have the talent, and most importantly, we have the drive. The next step is to ensure that digital education and innovation are priorities across the continent. With this focus, we can build a future where African businesses are not only sustainable but thrive on the global stage.”

Situated within South Africa’s beloved Garden Route, the city of George – the second largest city in the Western Cape – seamlessly combines natural splendour and rich heritage. It’s within this breath-taking region that Hi-Tec is opening its doors to the brand’s newest retail store in the Outeniqua Lifestyle Centre on the 26th of November.

The new Hi-Tec store in George brings the local community an extensive, high-quality collection of everyday and outdoor apparel tailored for the keen adventurer in mind – from padel to hiking, trail running and more. The store caters to seasoned outdoor activity enthusiasts as well as to those looking to embrace an active lifestyle in the Garden Route.

George-based customers now have a go-to shopping destination where they can explore Hi-Tec’s essential products alongside the brand’s latest summer releases. Highlights for this season include the brand’s first-ever padel shoe, the Padel-AC, and the versatile Ula unisex sandal, perfect for sunny days from the beach to the mountains.

Shoppers can celebrate the opening of Hi-Tec Outeniqua with an exclusive launch offer – enjoy an incredible 30% off all full-price items. This exciting deal will be running from 26 November to 1 December.

The grand opening of the new Hi-Tec store aligns with the launch of the Outeniqua Lifestyle Centre, promising an exciting line-up of festivities. Shoppers can enjoy live performances by Juanita Du Plessis (26 November 2024), Lianie May & Jay (27 November 2024), and Kurt Darren (28 November 2024) from 6-8pm during the mall’s launch week. George kiddies can look forward to an array of fun activities, including face painting, balloon art, inflatable playgrounds, thrilling rides, and treats like slushies, candy floss, and popcorn, available from 1-6pm each day.

“We are proud to bring Hi-Tec to George, a city renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes and bustling outdoor culture. As a brand that champions exploration and adventure for all, we identified George as the perfect fit for our latest store. The Western Cape’s renowned fusion of coastlines, forests, and mountains aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing high-quality gear that inspires each wearer to embrace an intrepid lifestyle outdoors. This store is a hub for local adventurers and visitors alike, further embedding Hi-Tec’s mission to make an active lifestyle accessible to everyone,” says Louise White, Integrated Brand Manager at Hi-Tec SA.

Visit us in-store at Shop 18, Corner N9 & St. Georges Road | Outeniqua Lifestyle Centre | Camphersdrift, George from 09:00 to 19:00, Monday through Saturday, and from 09:00 to 15:00 on Sundays and public holidays. Alternatively, enjoy a seamless shopping experience online at https://hi-tec.co.za/ .