Mintek Executive

Ms Thembelihle Mbatha is the Group Chief Financial Officer of Mintek. She is a Chartered Accountant (SA) with a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership from the UNISA School of Business Leadership. Ms Mbatha is recognised for her expertise in financial management, governance, and strategic leadership, with a proven record of driving accountability, transparency, and sustainable organisational performance.

With over 16 years of experience in finance and audit, including more than 11 years in senior management and executive roles, Ms Mbatha has established a strong reputation in the public sector for her leadership in financial governance and accountability. She has served as an Independent Advisor to several government entities and departments, contributing to sustained clean and unqualified audit outcomes.

An accomplished governance and finance professional, Ms Mbatha has held Chief Financial Officer positions across multiple public sector institutions, where she successfully implemented financial turnaround strategies, enhanced fiscal discipline, and strengthened governance systems. Her contributions have earned her notable recognition, including the Oliver Tambo Public Sector Leader Award (2018) and finalist positions in two categories of the Standard Bank Top Women Awards (2017),  Top Female Public Sector Leader and Top Young Achiever of the Year.

Ms Mbatha was also recognised as a SAICA Top 35-under-35 finalist in 2019 and currently serves on the National Public Sector Committee of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). She joined Mintek in 2025, bringing with her extensive experience and a deep commitment to advancing financial integrity, operational excellence, and strategic growth within the science and innovation sector.