Mary Vilakazi Biography
Mary Vilakazi (born August 1977) is a South African businesswoman and chartered accountant who became the CEO of FirstRand Group in April 2024, making history as the first woman to lead the financial giant.
Born in 1977 in Alexandra, Johannesburg, she was inspired by her mother, a bookkeeper, and pursued accounting despite becoming a mother in high school.
She earned a Bachelor of Commerce and Honours degree from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Her career began at PwC, where she became one of its youngest partners at 27.
She later held leadership roles at MMI Holdings and FirstRand, serving as COO before becoming CEO.
Married to Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, she has faced personal hardships, including the loss of her daughter in 2015.
She has received several accolades, including being named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
Her journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and transformation in South Africa’s financial sector.
Mary Vilakazi Wikipedia
- Full Name: Mary Vilakazi
- Birth Year: August 1977
- Age: 48 Years (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Alexandra, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Education: University of the Witwatersrand (BCom, Honours in Accounting)
- Career Highlights:
- Youngest partner at PwC (at age 27)
- Former Deputy CEO of MMI Holdings
- COO of FirstRand Group (2018-2024)
- CEO of FirstRand Group (2024–present) (First woman to hold this position)
- Awards:
- Young Global Leader (2016) – World Economic Forum
- Greg Boyd Award (2024) – ABSIP
- Husband: Professor Zeblon Vilakazi (Vice-Chancellor of Wits University)
- Children: Three (Lost eldest daughter, Kamogelo, in 2015)
- Legacy: A trailblazer in finance, diversity advocate, and the first female CEO of FirstRand.
Mary Vilakazi Age
Mary Vilakazi was born in August 1977, which makes her 48 years old as of 2025.
Mary Vilakazi Net Worth
Mary Vilakazi reportedly earned $24 million in total remuneration, making her one of FirstRand’s highest-paid executives.
Only two FirstRand executives were paid more at the time of the reports, Alan Pullinger earning the highest salary of $41,265,000.
Mary Vilakazi Education
Mary Vilakazi was born in August 1977 in Alexandra, Johannesburg, South Africa. She was inspired by her mother, who worked as a bookkeeper, and by Wiseman Nkuhlu, the first Black chartered accountant in South Africa.
She attended primary school in Alexandra and later completed her high school education at St Enda’s Secondary School in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Her studies were supported by a Rotary Fund scholarship.
Despite becoming a mother in her final year of high school, she pursued higher education at the University of the Witwatersrand.
She earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1999 and an Honours degree in 2000, setting the foundation for her successful career in finance and business.
Vilakazi became a chartered accountant in 2002 after earning his degree in 1999 from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Mary Vilakazi Career
Mary joined the Financial Services audit practice as a partner in 2005. Her areas of expertise were investment management firms and insurance.
In 2008, she quit her job as an auditor to become the CFO of the MS Group.
Before Momentum and Metropolitan Holdings merged in 2010, she was appointed as a non-executive director of the former board in 2009.
In 2010, she was appointed to the board of MMI Holdings.
Vilakazi managed her accounting, tax, and advising firm from 2011 until 2014.
In addition, she held positions on the boards of MMI Holdings Limited, which she joined in May 2014 as CEO of Balance Sheet Management, and the MS Group subsidiaries Kagiso Media Limited, Holdsport Limited, and Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA).
She was promoted to group finance director in July 2025. She was named deputy chief executive officer in June 2017 and given control over the Momentum and Metropolitan retail divisions.
In 2018, she was appointed Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at FirstRand. In October 2023, Vilakazi was named CEO of FirstRand, with effect from April 2024.
Mary Vilakazi as CEO of FirstRand
Mary Vilakazi was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FirstRand Group in April 2024, making history as:
- The first woman to lead the financial giant
- The second Black person to hold this position
Her Role and Impact:
- Strategic Leadership: She oversees one of South Africa’s largest financial institutions, managing brands like FNB, RMB, WesBank, and Ashburton Investments.
- Driving Growth: Focused on expanding FirstRand’s market share, both locally and internationally.
- Innovation in Banking: Advocates for digital transformation and financial inclusion, ensuring FirstRand remains competitive in a rapidly evolving financial sector.
- Diversity and Transformation: Committed to increasing representation of women and Black professionals in leadership positions.
Salary and Recognition:
- Earned R40.6 million ($2.2 million) in 2024, reflecting her executive leadership value.
- Continues to receive accolades for her leadership and contributions to South Africa’s financial sector.
Legacy at FirstRand:
Mary Vilakazi’s appointment as CEO of FirstRand cements her as a trailblazer in corporate South Africa, inspiring future generations of leaders.
Mary Vilakazi Honours and awards
Mary Vilakazi has received several prestigious awards and recognitions for her leadership and contributions to the financial sector:
Honours and Awards:
- Young Global Leader (2016): Recognized by the World Economic Forum for her outstanding leadership and influence in the financial industry.
- Greg Boyd Award (2024): Awarded by the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP) for her commitment to transformation and excellence in financial services.
Her achievements highlight her impact as a trailblazer in South Africa’s corporate sector, particularly as a champion for diversity and inclusion in leadership.
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Mary Vilakazi Husband
Mary Vilakazi is married to Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). He is a renowned physicist and academic leader.
The couple has three children, but they experienced a tragic loss in 2015 when their eldest daughter, Kamogelo, passed away in a car accident.
Mary Vilakazi Children
Mary Vilakazi and her husband, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, have three children. However, in 2015, they suffered a tragic loss when their eldest daughter, Kamogelo, passed away in a car accident.
Mary Vilakazi House
Mary Vilakazi refrains from posting images of her home online.
Mary Vilakazi Cars
On social media, Mary Vilakazi doesn’t share pictures of her cars.
Some Interesting Facts About Mary Vilakazi
1. First Female CEO of FirstRand: In April 2024, she became the first woman to lead FirstRand Group, one of South Africa’s largest financial institutions.
2. Youngest Partner at PwC: At just 27 years old, she became one of the youngest partners at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
3. Inspired by Her Mother: Her mother was a bookkeeper, which influenced her passion for accounting and finance.
4. Overcame Challenges: Despite becoming a mother in her final year of high school, she pursued higher education and built a successful career.
5. Married to a Scientist: Her husband, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, is a renowned physicist and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand.
6. Tragic Loss: In 2015, she lost her eldest daughter, Kamogelo, in a car accident.
7. Recognized Globally: She was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2016.
8. Passionate About Transformation: She has been recognized for driving diversity and transformation in South Africa’s financial sector.
Mary Vilakazi’s Legacy
Mary Vilakazi’s legacy is one of trailblazing leadership, resilience, and transformation in South Africa’s financial sector. Her impact is seen in several key areas:
Breaking Barriers in Leadership:
- As the first female CEO of FirstRand Group (appointed in 2024), she paved the way for women in top corporate leadership roles in South Africa.
- She is also the second Black person to lead the financial giant, highlighting her role in breaking racial and gender barriers.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion:
- Throughout her career, she has been an advocate for diversity in the financial services industry, helping create more opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Inspiring the Next Generation:
- Her journey from Alexandra Township to the boardroom serves as an inspiration to young professionals, particularly women and aspiring accountants.
- She has shown that challenges—such as being a young mother in high school—do not have to limit one’s ambitions.
Excellence in Finance and Business:
- Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (2016) and awarded the Greg Boyd Award (2024), she has earned global recognition for her contributions to finance and leadership.
- Her strategic decisions at FirstRand continue to shape the future of banking and financial services in Africa.
Personal Resilience:
- Despite facing personal tragedy with the loss of her daughter in 2015, she has remained committed to her work and family, demonstrating strength and perseverance.
NOTE: Mary Vilakazi’s legacy will be remembered as that of a transformational leader who redefined what is possible for women and Black professionals in South Africa’s corporate world. She stands as a role model for leadership, excellence, and overcoming adversity.
FAQs
1. Who is Mary Vilakazi?
Mary Vilakazi is a South African businesswoman and chartered accountant who became the CEO of FirstRand Group in April 2024. She is the first woman and second Black person to lead the company.
2. When and where was Mary Vilakazi born?
She was born in August 1977 in Alexandra, Johannesburg, South Africa.
3. What is Mary Vilakazi’s educational background?
She studied at the University of the Witwatersrand, earning a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in 1999 and an Honours degree in Accounting in 2000.
4. What was Mary Vilakazi’s first major career achievement?
At the age of 27 (in 2005), she became one of the youngest partners at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), specializing in auditing financial services.
5. What roles did she hold before becoming CEO of FirstRand?
She served as:
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Mineral Services Group
- Deputy CEO of MMI Holdings
- Chief Operating Officer (COO) of FirstRand Group (2018-2024)
6. What is Mary Vilakazi’s net worth?
While her exact net worth is undisclosed, she earned R40.6 million ($2.2 million) in 2024 as CEO of FirstRand.
7. Who is Mary Vilakazi’s husband?
She is married to Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
8. How many children does Mary Vilakazi have?
She has three children, but tragically lost her eldest daughter, Kamogelo, in a car accident in 2015.
9. What awards has Mary Vilakazi won?
She has received several prestigious awards, including:
- Young Global Leader (2016) – World Economic Forum
- Greg Boyd Award (2024) – ABSIP, for her contributions to the financial industry.
10. Why is Mary Vilakazi an important figure in South Africa?
She is a trailblazer in corporate leadership, breaking gender and racial barriers in South Africa’s financial sector. Her story of resilience, transformation, and leadership serves as an inspiration for future generations.
Conclusion
Mary Vilakazi is a trailblazing leader who has made history as the first female CEO of FirstRand Group and a driving force in South Africa’s financial sector.
From humble beginnings in Alexandra, Johannesburg, to becoming a chartered accountant and one of PwC’s youngest partners, her journey is marked by hard work, resilience, and excellence.
Her leadership at FirstRand, combined with her commitment to diversity, transformation, and innovation, has solidified her as one of South Africa’s most influential business leaders.
Beyond her corporate achievements, she has also overcome personal challenges, including the tragic loss of her daughter in 2015, showcasing her strength and perseverance.
Mary Vilakazi’s legacy is one of breaking barriers, inspiring change, and shaping the future of financial services in South Africa and beyond.
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