Dbsa Staff

The organization’s strength lies not only in its projects but also in its highly qualified leadership. This post highlights key executives shaping the future of development finance in South Africa.

Michael Hillary – Group Executive: Financing Operations

Michael Hillary, born in 1970, has been a cornerstone of DBSA’s operations since his appointment in 2012. With academic qualifications including an MBA and BCom Hons from the University of the Witwatersrand, along with a CAIB (SA) certification from the Institute of Bankers, Michael brings deep financial acumen to his role. Under his leadership, DBSA’s financing operations continue to align with South Africa’s developmental goals.

Catherine Koffman – Group Executive: Project Preparation

Catherine Koffman has been pivotal in guiding DBSA’s project preparation unit since her appointment in 2021. With a strong legal background—holding both a Master of Laws and Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Witwatersrand—alongside an MBA earned from the London School of Economics and other leading global institutions, she ensures that DBSA’s projects are well-prepared, compliant, and ready to advance development goals.

Mpho Kubelo – Chief Risk Officer

Mpho Kubelo, who joined DBSA in 2007 and became its Chief Risk Officer in 2017, brings a robust mix of engineering and finance expertise. Armed with an MBA, a CFA Charter, and an MS in Risk Management from New York University’s Stern School of Business, Mpho is integral to DBSA’s risk management strategy, ensuring that infrastructure investments are both secure and sustainable.

Mpho Mokwele – Group Executive: Transacting

Appointed in November 2023, Mpho Mokwele brings more than 15 years of DBSA experience to her role as Group Executive: Transacting. A Chartered Accountant (SA) with an Advanced Management Programme from INSEAD, Mpho is responsible for ensuring the effective transaction of DBSA’s development projects, aligning financial strategies with the organization’s goals.

Sheila Motsepe – Group Executive: Human Capital

Since 2019, Sheila Motsepe has been responsible for DBSA’s human capital development. Her background in Clinical Psychology and Social Work, alongside an MBA from GIBS, equips her to manage the bank’s most important asset—its people. Under her leadership, DBSA continues to cultivate a culture of growth, diversity, and innovation.

Mohale Rakgate – Chief Investment Officer: Infrastructure Fund

As Chief Investment Officer since 2017, Mohale Rakgate leads DBSA’s Infrastructure Fund. His qualifications, including an MSc in Global Finance and experience in project and infrastructure finance, make him a key player in DBSA’s mission to develop and implement infrastructure projects that drive economic growth in South Africa and beyond.

Chuene Ramphele – Group Executive: Infrastructure Delivery

Chuene Ramphele, who joined DBSA in 2010, has been leading infrastructure delivery since 2018. With an MBL from UNISA’s Graduate School of Business Leadership and extensive public management experience, Chuene ensures that DBSA’s projects are delivered efficiently and sustainably, contributing to the region’s long-term development goals.

Mohan Vivekanandan – Group Executive: Client Coverage

Mohan Vivekanandan, part of DBSA since 2014, leads the client coverage division. His academic journey spans institutions like Kellogg School of Management and HKUST-NYU Stern, with expertise in finance and economics. Mohan ensures that DBSA builds strong relationships with its clients, fostering partnerships that propel infrastructure projects forward.

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.