Members’ Profile: Mami Langa

In this edition of our CFO Spotlight series, we are featuring Mami Langa, Executive Director at SAS, a finance professional whose journey is deeply rooted in curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to impact. She has built a career centered on strategic financial management, SME growth, and economic development in South Africa.

Her career milestones include achieving two consecutive clean audits and contributing to South Africa’s GDP growth and unemployment solutions. Beyond technical expertise, Mami believes in nurturing young professionals, emphasizing both hard skills and soft skills to create well-rounded leaders. She is passionate about mentorship, youth development, and ethical financial leadership.

In this profile, Mami shares her career insights, leadership lessons, and personal philosophies—from the importance of a global financial perspective to setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. Whether she’s traveling for international conferences, training young accountants, or recharging at the gym, her mission remains clear: building capacity for sustainable success.

Mami Langa 
  • Executive Director – SAS, Shole Accounting Services (present) 
Qualifications: 
  • ND Accounting 
  • CIMA – Management level 
Country of Residence: 
  • South Africa 
Visit Mami's LinkedIn Page
What time do you usually wake up on weekdays? 

Early rising, me-time. 

How do you spend the first hour of your day? 

Prioritizing my tasks 
Segregation 
Delegation 

What sparked your interest in finance? 

Once I realized the world’s one common problem is money. i became curious to know what is driving the world economy. to understand the pitfall that drives our GDP, interest and currency 

Can you share some career highlights and defining moments? 

 I received a clean audit in my position as an accountant for two consecutive years.
The ability to contribute to the success of SA’s SMME, economic growth, unemployment and country GDP is my defining moment

How do you handle professional challenges? 

Once you have set a clear vision for your life obstacles become part of the journey. you tackle head-on knowing beyond evert obstacles is a definite success story waiting 

What future goals are you excited about? 

I have been in accounting for over 15 years. i want to give back to the young ones. contributing to the youth of this country gives me joy. ability to train, develop and give access to my world valuable knowledge gives me joy. 

Have you had any international or different cultural experiences in your career?  

Yes, I travel a lot. been part of the CFO Alliance conference opened me up to world unlimited possibilities. 

What key skills should a newly qualified accountant develop on their path to becoming a CFO? 

They need:

Diligency 
Analytical skills 
Organisational skills. 
Teamwork and good conduct to fit into the overall organisational vision. 

How do you balance your personal and professional life? 

I set clear boundaries. i don’t confuse my work with my personal. i don’t confuse my employees with my friends or families. i don’t confuse my work as an employer to that of being a councilor, and humanitarian. 

What are your interests outside of work? 

Gym, church, friends or travelling. 

How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?  

I offer access and an environment to learn. Based on their strength I allow them to flow and articulate themselves so they can be who they are but also enjoy what they do. 
 
In addition to training and skill development I realised there’s a huge gap in developing the soft skills. 
 
If we don’t teach them the importance of building value and making themselves indispensable, they will run after money at the cost of their character.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a CFO? 

Knowing accounting and finance is not enough. It’s important to have a world view of how every area connects. It helps to make sound decisions that will benefit the vision instead of individuals. 

What’s your favorite quote or mantra? 

You are not right because of what’s wrong, you are right because you are doing the right thing. 

Share your favorite leadership lesson.  

We should not chase money at the cost of human development. We need to build capacity for healthy productivity. 

What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your business bio? 

I love to joke; in fact, I would rather be around people who make me laugh. 

What’s your favorite non-business app on your phone? 

Kindle 

If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?  

It will be to predict market trends, move in and out of time. 

What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays? 

Taking breaks, staying focused, rehydrating. 

If you could relive one day from your professional career, which day would it be and why? 

The day I opened my business, seeing it growing and thriving through my knowledge and commitment was the highlight of my professional journey. 

 

If you’re a CFO Club Africa member and would like to share your journey, we invite you to be featured in our series
Not a member yet? Join the CFO Club Africa community to connect with fellow finance leaders and access exclusive opportunities

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