Dbsa Board of Directors

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is a leading financial institution dedicated to infrastructure development and economic growth across South Africa and the broader Southern African region. Central to this mission is the expertise and leadership provided by its Board of Directors, which brings together seasoned professionals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that the Bank fulfills its mandate of fostering sustainable development.

In this article, we take a closer look at some of the key figures who are driving the DBSA’s vision forward.


Ebrahim Rasool – Chairman of the DBSA

Ebrahim Rasool has been at the helm of the DBSA since November 2022 as an Independent Non-Executive Director. With a rich background in government, diplomacy, and social services, Rasool is well-equipped to lead the Bank. His previous roles as Premier of the Western Cape and South African Ambassador to the United States have endowed him with leadership and management skills essential for guiding the Bank through complex regulatory environments.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Higher Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Town, and honorary doctorates from Roosevelt University in Chicago and Chatham University in Pittsburgh.

Boitumelo Mosako – Chief Executive Officer

Boitumelo Mosako made history in April 2023 by becoming the first woman to serve as CEO of the DBSA. With a background in finance, including previous roles as Chief Financial Officer at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), Mosako brings over 12 years of experience in financial services. Her expertise in governance, risk management, and financial strategy is instrumental in steering the Bank toward its long-term objectives.

A Chartered Accountant by training, Mosako holds several prestigious qualifications, including an Advanced Management Programme Certificate from Harvard Business School.

Zodwa Mbele – Chief Financial Officer

Zodwa Mbele joined the DBSA as CFO in October 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in financial leadership. Her career has seen her hold key positions within the DBSA, including Acting CFO and Group Executive: Transacting. Mbele’s strategic and financial management skills are supported by her Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification, along with additional certifications in International Treasury Management and executive programs from institutions like Harvard Business School.

Kenneth Brown – Non-Executive Director

Kenneth Brown joined the DBSA as a Non-Executive Director in 2022, bringing with him significant expertise from his career in both the public and private sectors. His experience at the National Treasury of South Africa, where he served as Chief Procurement Officer, and in leadership roles at Standard Bank, positions him as a critical figure in the Bank’s mission to promote sustainable development.


Martie Janse van Rensburg – Deputy Chair & Independent Non-Executive Director

With a tenure beginning in 2016, Martie Janse van Rensburg plays a key role in overseeing governance at the DBSA. Her experience as the former CEO of the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority adds valuable strategic planning and project finance expertise to the board. A Chartered Accountant, van Rensburg holds qualifications in finance and governance from the University of the Free State and Stanford University Business School.


Edgar Pieterse – Independent Non-Executive Director

Prof. Edgar Pieterse joined the DBSA in October 2023, adding academic and policy expertise to the Bank’s Board. As the Director of the African Centre for Cities, Pieterse is a thought leader in urban development and sustainable human settlements. His insights into poverty alleviation and infrastructure development will help guide the Bank’s initiatives to improve the lives of millions across the region.


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.