Ripfumelo Maluleke, 30, was born in the village of Ndengeza in Giyani, Limpopo — a place known for producing professionals who defy the odds. Ripfumelo is a senior specialist in legal compliance reviews at Vodacom, where he manages legal and compliance risk reviews, assesses internal controls, monitors non-compliance incidents and works with business units to align operations with regulatory requirements. His multidisciplinary background — spanning finance, internal auditing, law and risk management — enables a holistic approach to corporate governance. He holds four qualifications, including a BCom in financial sciences, BCom honours in internal auditing, BCom law and a postgraduate diploma in risk management. He is completing a master’s in applied risk management and previously served as a risk manager at one of South Africa’s Big Four banks. Beyond his corporate role, he leads Tcop Bethesda, a community initiative providing career guidance, school uniforms and food relief. He is also a committed endurance cyclist, having completed three 94.7 cycle challenges and multiple 106km events. Ripfumelo’s message to others: “Stay rooted, but don’t be afraid to evolve.”
I deeply admire my father, a retired principal and a dedicated teacher of the Word of God. He has been a powerful role model throughout my life, instilling in me the values of humility, discipline, integrity, and service to others. What inspires me most is his unwavering commitment to growth — even at the age of 70, he is still actively studying. His lifelong dedication to learning and uplifting others continues to shape how I approach both life and work. Professionally, I am fortunate to be mentored by Thapelo Modisagae, a young Black Chief Risk Officer at one of South Africa’s Big Four banks. His remarkable rise to a CRO position at a young age has been both motivating and empowering. His guidance has provided me with invaluable insight into navigating the corporate world with confidence, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose. His mentorship has played a key role in helping me grow into the professional I am today.