By Luzamo Sandlana
This year’s annual report launch included a notable announcement that drew warm applause from colleagues and guests. During the proceedings, CEO Percy Sechemane shared that TCTA’s Chief Financial Officer, Ms Andisa Zinja, CA (SA), MPhil
(Strategy), had been named the 2025 Public Sector CFO of the Year.
The recognition had been formally presented earlier in the month at the Inanda Club in Sandton on 11 November. The annual report launch, held later on 21 November, provided an opportunity for the organisation to acknowledge and celebrate the achievement with staff and stakeholders. When Ms Zinja accepted the honour at the awards ceremony, she reflected on the work that shaped her professional outlook and expressed her appreciation: “I’m very proud of the work we did at the Council for Medical Schemes. Although I’m no longer with the Council, I’m deeply grateful to be recognised even after moving to the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority. Honestly, it’s not easy being a CFO in the public sector, especially when transitioning into an organisation as financially robust as the one I now serve.”
The award recognises her leadership record and her capacity to strengthen financial governance in complex settings. Her earlier role as Chief Financial Officer at the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) shaped her focus on ethical governance and peoplecentred financial leadership. These qualities continue to inform her work within TCTA.
Reflecting further on the significance of the award, Ms Zinja noted: “This award is a testament to the power of integrity and collaboration in public finance. Our work is about creating systems that serve people and foster long-term impact.”
Her recognition also aligns with TCTA’s growing reputation for governance excellence within the national water sector. This reputation reflects the collective contributions of staff who support financial controls, compliance requirements and project
delivery across the organisation. The CFO Awards, hosted annually by CFO South Africa, highlight financial leaders who demonstrate excellence, innovation and principled stewardship.
TCTA congratulates Ms Zinja on this distinguished honour and looks forward to her continued leadership as the organisation advances financial sustainability, governance excellence and long-term performance.
