Zibuyile Majola, Financial Controller
Financial Controller
Current Experience:
Financial Controller at Meraxis Group Jan 2024 - Present · (1 yr 11 mos)
Past Experiences:
Accountant at Meraxis Group Full-time Mar 2023 - Jan 2024 · (11 mos)
Senior Associate 2 at PwC
Jan 2021 - Present · (4 yrs 11 mos)
Senior Associate at PwC Apprenticeship 2020 - Present · (5 yrs 11 mos)
Associate at PwC 2018 - Present · (7 yrs 11 mos)
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Accounting (Hons)
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
“I sing when I’m stressed and break into laughter over the ridiculous, because in this game, sanity is a strategy.”
Meet S’bonginkosi Zibuyile Majola, Financial Controller at Meraxis SA, CA(SA), and rising force in a high-stakes, high-change industry. From a high school spark to steering complex compliance in polymers, she’s rewriting what it means to lead with clarity, confidence, and a little calm cartoon therapy on the side.
She’s not just doing finance, she’s solving real problems, lifting her team, and proving daily that smart, strategic accountants build more than balance sheets, they build futures.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
04:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I like to spend the first hour of my morning reflecting. I enjoy the calm and stillness before the world wakes up, it’s my time to sit in peace, think about the day that’s passed, and plan for what’s ahead. It’s also a bit of mental downtime, a quiet moment just for me before the pace of the day picks up.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I’ve always been driven to push myself a little further. My interest in accounting started back in high school, thanks to an inspiring teacher and an article I came across in my mom’s club magazine about the top five most fulfilling careers. I had no idea what a CA(SA) was at the time, so I started researching, and that curiosity grew into a passion. Once I entered the field, I found myself drawn to the problem-solving side of it. Every day brings a new challenge and a chance to look at things from different perspectives. Over time, I realized it’s not just about the numbers, it’s about understanding how those numbers shape the bigger picture.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
A few standout moments in my career include being promoted to Financial Controller at Meraxis SA in 2023, joining the company’s Social and Ethics Committee after just two years in 2024, and being chosen that same year to lead a team on a key company project. Each milestone has pushed me to grow both professionally and personally.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I currently serve as the Financial Controller.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I provide guidance on complex accounting matters and ensure the financial integrity of the data used by senior management for key decisions. I also stay informed on legal and compliance developments that could influence the company’s strategic direction.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
The polymers industry is highly specialized and constantly evolving, which has made adapting to its unique challenges one of my biggest learning curves. I had to shift my mindset to not only make informed suggestions but also offer solutions that align with both the company’s goals and the realities of the industry. I’m fortunate to have access to senior management with extensive experience, and I make a point of approaching each challenge with curiosity and a willingness to learn by asking the right questions.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
Clear communication has been one of the most effective tools in achieving the right outcomes, information really is power. I’ve learned that people respond better to change when they understand the “why,” so I make a point of bringing my team along in the process and ensuring everyone sees the bigger picture. When the vision is clear, solutions come faster and transitions feel less daunting. On a practical side, Excel is my go-to, it’s invaluable for analysis, calculations, and breaking down data to uncover insights. And above all, teamwork and mutual respect are essential. A strong, cohesive team is the backbone of any successful financial operation.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
Delegate, don’t abdicate, you can’t do everything yourself. Cross-training and handing off tasks that don’t require your direct input can make a huge difference during hectic periods. I’ve also learned that explaining the “why” behind priorities helps the team stay aligned and motivated. And finally, effective prioritising, sorting tasks by importance and urgency, is an underrated but essential skill for staying balanced and in control.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
I love to travel, especially to places where I can find peace and quiet, whether that’s by the coast or surrounded by nature. I also have a soft spot for cartoons (not anime, think Looney Tunes or My Little Pony). They give my mind a real break from the constant rush. Spending time with my 18-month-old nephew has the same effect, its simple, grounding, and always brings me joy.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Although not in an official mentoring role, I do my best to support my colleagues whenever I can. I’m always open to sharing what I know and prefer to approach things from a place of understanding rather than simply repeating information. I believe that when people come together with the same goal, there’s no problem that can’t be solved.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice would be to understand your strengths and acknowledge what you don’t yet know. Don’t be afraid to figure things out and ask questions when needed. Knowledge is valuable, but experience really accelerates your growth. Respect those who have been through it before you and learn from them. Finance in a company is, and always will be, a team effort.
“1. You can learn a lot from any person if you listen with the right ear.
2. A R100 note remains a R100 note even when wrinkled, torn and stained. So why do see yourself as less cause of the struggles you have been through?
- Setlogane Manchidi”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
A leadership lesson I’ve learned is to speak up, you’re in your role because of your hard work, and no matter how small, your voice adds value in the right environment.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something surprising about me is that I tend to sing at the most unexpected times, especially when I’m stressed, and I can burst out laughing at even the smallest ridiculous things.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have a superpower for work, my top three would be:
The peace of always knowing the right decision, rather than trying to make the best choice based on the information available.
Reading minds.
The ability to process large data sets and analyze them to predict future trends
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays is a good cup of coffee paired with a pack of gummy bears.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
If I could relive one day from my career, it would be the day I received my SAICA accreditation. That day made me realize that there’s nothing I can’t achieve when given the opportunity. It opened up a world of possibilities that a young girl from a small town in KZN had never imagined.
S’bonginkosi is exactly the kind of accountant South Africa needs: sharp, human, and unafraid to ask why.
If you’re in the trenches of finance and want to charge more, lead better, or get the recognition you deserve, you’re not alone.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn your career story into a superpower.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
Not yet a professional designated accountant?
CIBA is the professional body for all accountants.
We offer designations for each stage of your finance career:
➥ Bookkeeper
➥ Financial Administrator
➥ Financial Accountant
➥ Financial Manager
➥ Chief Financial Officer
➥ Accountant-In-Practice
Become a CIBA Member
Your first step towards a professional designation
