Mari-Louise Kotzé is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at PKF Octagon in Johannesburg. PKF is one of South Africa's Top 8 auditing firms. She completed her Bachelor of Accounting degree cum laude at the University of Johannesburg, followed by an Honours degree in Chartered Accountancy – also cum laude. After her studies, she was an Academic Trainee at the University of Johannesburg for a year. During her academic article year, she discovered her passion for education, particularly in Financial Management and Strategy. After completing her articles at Deloitte, she passed her board exams on the Honours Roll and qualified as a Chartered Accountant CA(SA) in 2021. She subsequently served in the Office of the CEO at TecEx, where she co-founded and managed a business called Zee – a global import and export platform for Amazon sellers – where she was the Managing Director for three years before the company was sold. She currently leads strategic leadership and digital transformation initiatives at PKF Octagon, where she is also actively involved in the development of trainee accountants. She is a regular speaker at industry conferences and academic institutions on leadership, artificial intelligence, and innovation in professional services. Mari-Louise Kotzé Pat Mahlangu Amy Elliot Isaah Mhlanga EXECPTIONAL ALUMNI Pat Mahlangu studied at the University of Johannesburg and is a dynamic entrepreneur and brand strategist based in Johannesburg, serving as the founder and CEO of Pat on Brands and Lerato Agency. With a passion for building authentic brands through storytelling and innovation, he has established himself as a thought leader in the creative industry. Recognised amongst Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans in 2023, Mahlangu embodies resilience and vision, drawing on his rural upbringing and insatiable curiosity to challenge norms and inspire change. As a digital creator, he leverages online platforms to amplify brand voices and empower emerging talent, reflecting his commitment to shaping a new generation of impactful brands. Driven, adaptable, and smart, Amy Elliot is a burgeoning talent poised to make significant contributions to the tourism and hospitality sectors in the future. Upon earning a National Diploma in Hospitality Management from the University of Johannesburg in 2011, Amy started her career as a guest relations officer at Southern Sun (then Tsogo Sun) Hotels and advanced to the position of Duty Manager. Throughout the years, Amy has developed robust commercial, financial, and operational expertise in high-end environments. Currently, she holds an MBA and numerous accolades, serving as the General Manager of the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers. She considers herself a transformative leader who takes pride in her people management abilities and strives to represent the companies she manages with professionalism and resolve. Mr Isaah Mhlanga as an exceptional alumnus whose academic excellence, professional leadership, and continued engagement with the institution exemplify impact and excellence. Originating from a disadvantaged background, Mr Mhlanga obtained a BCom in Economics and Econometrics, a BCom Honours, and an MCom in Financial Economics from the University of Johannesburg. His academic achievements were complemented by prestigious accolades, including the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals Economist of the Year (2019), membership in the Golden Key International Honour Society, and recognition in the Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition. He currently serves as Chief Economist and Head of Research at Rand Merchant Bank, where he leads research across macroeconomics, financial markets, data science, and ESG in multiple global regions. He is also a member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council. His previous roles at Alexander Forbes, Absa Capital, National Treasury, and the International Monetary Fund reflect his significant influence on economic policy and investment strategy. Mr Mhlanga remains actively engaged with the University through guest lectures, public engagements, and facilitating graduate recruitment. He is also supporting strategic collaboration between RMB and the University’s academic programmes. His journey from humble beginnings to national and global impact serves as a powerful inspiration. 80 81 College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2025 College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2025
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