Speaker

Lerato Phelane is a Chartered Accountant [CA(SA)] and Transformational Leader with over a decade of experience driving professional excellence and institutional governance across multiple sectors. Recently recognized on the global stage, she was named a Silver Winner (Runner Up) in the National Impact category at the 2026 Women Changing the World Global Awards in Paris, an accolade that underscores her commitment to creating systemic, large-scale change. Recognized as a SAICA Top 35 under 35 Finalist and a Gender Mainstreaming Awards Positive Role Model, she has dedicated her career to the powerful intersection of fiscal discipline, public accountability, and social justice. Currently, Lerato serves as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee for the South African Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), providing high-level oversight on risk management and statutory compliance for the South African state. Her commitment to strategic leadership extends deeply into the education sector, where she serves as a Board Member and Treasurer for Citizeen Leader Lab, overseeing the financial sustainability of leadership initiatives that are fundamentally transforming the South African education landscape.