ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS & REPORTERS
Media Advisory
For immediate release
Thursday, 26 March 2026
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) will confer an honorary doctorate on Ms Tryphosa Ramano on Friday, 27 March 2026, for her trailblazing work as a chartered accountant and transformative leader.
Ms Ramano’s three-decade career has fundamentally reshaped South Africa’s financial landscape through ethical governance and a commitment to economic empowerment.
Born in Mamelodi, Ms Ramano’s story is one of resilience. Raised by her grandmother, she overcame significant early challenges to graduate at the top of her class in high school. She later earned her accounting degree from the University of Cape Town. In 1996, she qualified as a chartered accountant at PwC, entering a profession where Black women were then severely underrepresented.
At RMB Asset Management, she became the first Black female investment analyst and portfolio manager. Her impact extended to the national stage in 2001 when she was appointed Chief Director of Asset Management at the National Treasury. There, she was instrumental in the partial privatisation of Telkom, a move that generated over R4 billion for the government, and implemented landmark legislation to stabilise the South African Reserve Bank.
Beyond her executive roles as CFO of South African Airways and PPC Ltd, Ms Ramano has been a fierce advocate for gender transformation. As President of the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (ABSIP), she launched the ‘Women in Focus’ initiative and established graduate programmes that have mentored a new generation of finance leaders.
Ms Ramano continues her service as a board member of the South African Reserve Bank. She chairs the Investment Committee of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), where she champions policies that prioritise women-owned asset managers.
Her accolades, including the 2019 AWCA CFO of the Year and the Forbes Woman Africa Award, reflect a legacy of integrity and social impact. By conferring this honorary doctorate, the University of Johannesburg celebrates a leader who embodies excellence and serves as a beacon of hope for future generations of African professionals.
This year, the University’s 2026 graduation series marks the institution’s 21st anniversary. Over 13,000 graduates will cross the stage this season, joined by global and national leaders recognised for their transformative leadership and impactful contributions to society.
“Honorary doctorates represent lives anchored in integrity, courage and sustained excellence. As our graduates enter new chapters of professional and civic life, they do so in the presence of individuals who demonstrate what can be achieved when education is matched with purpose,” said Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UJ.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, 27 March 2026
Time: 09h30 (to be seated by 09h00)
Venue: Sanlam Auditorium, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
RSVP: Media interested in attending this conferral during the graduation session are requested to RSVP to Mpiletso Motumi at mmotumi@uj.ac.za or to Masego Panyane at masegop@uj.ac.za by COB Thursday, 26 March 2026.
Media Briefing:
Media are invited to attend a pre-conferral media briefing with Ms Ramano, offering an opportunity for direct engagement, interviews and photography.
Date: Thursday, 26 March 2026
Time: 15h00 – 16h00
Venue: Madibeng Building, 2nd Floor, Kingsway Campus
Media are requested to arrive at the Madibeng Building no later than 14h45. Should you be running late, please inform the media liaison in advance.
Ends.
For accreditation, interviews or additional information, contact:
Mpiletso Motumi
Media Liaison
011 559 6463
082 052 7800
