Makoena Mabusela

South Africa

Deceased (4 Jan 1974 - 10 October 2020)

Occupational Information

Job Title: Senior Consultant, Aviation Finance at Investec Bank

Professional History

Makoena was a Senior Transactor within Investec Bank, responsible for marketing aviation financial services to the broader aviation sector worldwide.

Before joining Investec Bank, Makoena worked for Nedbank Capital for four years as a Principal Transactor within the newly-created Aircraft Finance Division. Her responsibilities included growing revenues in the global aviation market.  Prior to Nedbank, Makoena worked at Kumba Iron Ore in corporate finance for 3 years and at SAA, also in corporate and structured finance. While at SAA, she was responsible for the aircraft financing portfolio, which was worth approximately R14 billion. 

Makoena grew up in a poor, rural area of Ga-Matlala in Limpopo. She became a successful Chartered Accountant whilst studying part-time and raising a family of five. Her classmates will remember her for her big heart and her support for Children of the Dawn charity; a foundation she began to help support children in poverty with their education; and a library she started as her Tutu Community Project.

She and her friend, Tebogo Mphuti, were killed execution-style in Polokwane on 10 October 2020. Police arrested five suspects on 22 October 2020. A memorial service was held on 14 October 2020 for her in Midrand, Gauteng. Sizwe Damane, a Class of 2018 Fellow, created a video celebrating Makoena that's on the AFLI YouTube channel. 

Qualifications

BCompt from University of the North
BCompt Honours from UNISA
SAICA APT
Chartered Accountant South Africa - South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

Programs

2018 Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow