19/08/2026
This , we celebrate JA South Africa alumna Punki Modise CA(SA).
Punki is an Enterprise Executive and Non Executive Director with more than 20 years of leadership experience across finance, strategy, governance and business leadership within one of Africa’s leading financial institutions.
She has served as Group Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, Interim Group Financial Director, Interim Chief Executive of Retail and Business Banking and Chief Financial Officer at Absa. In these roles, she led initiatives spanning financial stewardship, capital allocation, organizational transformation and long term value creation.
In addition to her executive career, Punki serves on several boards across the banking and financial services sector. She is passionate about developing future leaders and believes that strong institutions are built through purposeful leadership, sound governance and investing in people.
Punki participated in the Junior Achievement South Africa Company Program around 1984.
“Junior Achievement gave me one of my earliest opportunities to experience business beyond the classroom. It helped me understand that business is ultimately about solving problems, working with others and creating value.
“As a young woman growing up in South Africa, it was incredibly empowering to realize that leadership and business were not beyond my reach. JA helped build my confidence, encouraged me to think differently and showed me that, with curiosity, hard work and a willingness to keep learning, opportunities that once seemed distant could become achievable.
“Looking back, I believe JA planted the seed that business could be a force for positive change, and that lesson has stayed with me throughout my career.”
Although Punki has held several executive leadership roles, her proudest achievement is not a particular title or position. It is earning the trust of boards, colleagues and leaders to guide organizations through periods of significant change and transformation.
“For me, leadership is ultimately about the positive impact you leave behind, building stronger institutions, developing people and creating opportunities that enable others to succeed long after you have moved on.”
Her advice to young women aspiring to lead:
“Do not feel that your career has to follow a perfectly planned path.
“Some of the most rewarding opportunities in my career came from saying yes to roles that stretched me beyond my comfort zone and challenged me to learn something new.
“Build strong technical foundations, stay curious, seek out mentors and never stop investing in your own development. At the same time, do not underestimate the importance of integrity, kindness and collaboration. People will remember not only what you achieved, but how you made them feel along the way.
“Leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about having the courage to keep learning, making thoughtful decisions and helping others realize their own potential.
“Never allow your background, your circumstances or the doubts of others to define the limits of your ambition. Believe in your potential, prepare well, and when opportunity comes, be ready to step forward.”
