In Conversation

Your Tax Specialist: Lesetja Makhura | Tax Specialist

In this conversation, we sit down with tax specialist and CA(SA) Lesetja Makhura to unpack the world of tax in a way that is practical, relatable, and easy to understand. From growing up in rural Limpopo to working at SARS, Absa, and now the IDC, Lesetja shares his career journey, what drew him into tax, and why businesses should stop treating tax as an afterthought. The conversation explores: • What tax specialists actually do • The difference between loans and equity from a tax perspective • Why documentation matters in business • Common mistakes businesses make with SARS • Cross-border investments and tax risks • Corporate restructuring explained simply • Lessons from working inside SARS • The latest budget speech highlights • Advice for young professionals considering tax as a career Whether you are employed, freelancing, studying, running a business, or simply trying to better understand your finances, this episode will help you see tax differently. Because tax is not just about compliance — it is about awareness, planning, and making smarter financial decisions. Powered by Grownish Woes & Money Unscripted.

The Brand: Standwa Nongauza | Brand Operations Manager

In this conversation, we sit down with Standwa Nongauza — a brand operations professional whose journey spans international relations, financial markets, client engagement, content, communications and brand strategy. From growing up across different countries as the son of a diplomat to working in fast-paced corporate environments, Standwa shares how culture, storytelling, data and strategy all shape the way brands connect with people. We unpack: • The real difference between branding and marketing • Why trust matters more than visibility • What brand operations actually involves behind the scenes • How creativity and data work together • Lessons from working in regulated industries • The future of branding and digital communication • Advice for young people interested in marketing, communications and brand strategy This is a thoughtful and practical conversation for creators, entrepreneurs, marketers, communicators and anyone building a personal or business brand.

Insure Yourself: Navasha Pillay | life claims reinsurance officer

Insurance is one of those things most people only think about when something goes wrong — but what actually happens behind the scenes when you submit a claim? In this episode conversation, we sit down with Navasha Pillay, a Life Claims Reinsurance Officer with over a decade of experience across life, disability, dread disease, hospital, and funeral claims. From understanding policy wording and waiting periods to unpacking why claims get delayed, declined, or paid, Navasha gives us a rare behind-the-scenes look into the insurance industry and the realities many consumers never fully understand. We also explore: • The difference between life cover, disability cover, and critical illness cover • Why income protection matters for young professionals • Common mistakes people make when taking out insurance • Fraud, investigations, and the future of AI in insurance • How to prepare yourself for a smoother claims process • Career opportunities within the insurance industry This is an educational and eye-opening conversation for anyone trying to better understand insurance, financial protection, and the systems designed to support people during difficult moments.

My World of Work: Shene Voster | Property Practitioner

In this conversation, we sit down with Shene Vorster, a property practitioner and founder of the Young Agents Network, to unpack the realities of the real estate industry and break down how to buy property step by step. From entering a commission-based career at a young age to building credibility without a traditional path, Shene shares her journey — and more importantly, she gives us practical insights every first-time buyer needs to hear. We talk about: * How to get started in real estate (even without a degree) * What agents actually do behind the scenes * The truth about commission-based work * The biggest misconceptions about buying property * Why pre-qualification is your first step * Hidden costs you need to prepare for * Credit scores, rejection, and fear * The full property buying process (in simple terms) Whether you're thinking about buying your first home, curious about the property industry, or trying to understand how wealth is built through property — this episode is for you. Read the full article on Grownish Woes: Connect with Shene:

Road to CA: Anele Dumse | Finance Manager

In this conversation, we sit down with Anele Dumse, a chartered accountant and finance manager working in the venture capital and impact investing space, for our Road to CA edition. Anele takes us through his journey from studying accounting at UWC and completing his postgraduate studies at UKZN to navigating articles, board exams, and life after qualifying as a CA(SA). He opens up about the pressure of postgrad, failing, rebuilding his confidence, choosing PwC over KPMG, and what it really takes to stay committed to the CA path. We also unpack his transition into financial services, fund administration, advisory, and his current role in impact investing—where finance is not only about numbers, but also about supporting businesses, creating jobs, and making responsible decisions. This conversation is honest, insightful, and encouraging for anyone on the road to CA, considering the profession, or trying to build a career with purpose.