Katso Sebo Phahlane, 32, is reshaping financial leadership in the logistics sector as the financial director of Tanker Services, a division of global trade giant DP World. A qualified chartered accountant (CA-SA), Phahlane is the first black woman — and the youngest — to hold this executive role at an operational level within the company. Raised in Pretoria after being born in Limpopo, Phahlane was drawn early on to structure, logic and impact. She completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Pretoria, followed by a postgraduate diploma in accounting at Monash University. Currently, she is pursuing a diploma in futures studies at Stellenbosch University, preparing to lead with foresight and innovation in a rapidly evolving world. In her job, she oversees budgeting, forecasting, regulatory compliance and strategic decision-making, aligning financial performance with operational growth across Southern Africa. She brings maturity and collaboration to a male-dominated industry, proving that leadership is as much about influence and insight as it is about figures. Beyond the boardroom, Phahlane is the founder of PowerChats, an initiative designed to destigmatise sex education and improve access to contraceptives for young women in underserved areas. The platform — currently in development — will leverage tech to close critical information gaps. Inspired by her family, mentors and the next generation, Phahlane leads with humility and purpose. Her daily motivation? To the model for possibility for young black girls — proving that impact, dignity and joy can co-exist at the highest levels of leadership.
Becoming the first black woman and the youngest financial director to lead at an operational level within Tanker Services stands out as a defining career milestone — particularly within a logistics sector still largely white and male-dominated. The experience has offered invaluable lessons, especially the value of open-mindedness and maturity in navigating complex environments. Collaboration has proven to be more than a soft skill — it is a strategic tool for driving measurable results. Leading at this level has sharpened business acumen, reinforcing that financial leadership extends beyond numbers. It is about driving impact, influencing decisions and building sustainable value across the organisation.
I admire and look up to many people for different reasons. My parents, for their humility and grounded nature, continue to remind me of the importance of staying rooted no matter how far I go. I am also deeply grateful to my mentors, who have helped me navigate the complexities of corporate life as a young black woman with both confidence and grace. My friends are a constant source of inspiration — amazing women who are excelling in their respective fields while juggling marriage, motherhood, careers, friendship and their own emotional and physical well-being. Surprisingly, my nieces and nephews have become role models in their own right. Their ability to speak their minds, set boundaries and put themselves first is both refreshing and inspiring. They remind me that the next generation is coming in bold, self-aware and beautifully uncompromising.