The SA Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Janice Johnston, Chief Executive of Edge Growth Ventures, and Paula Mokwena, CEO of Fireball Capital (a subsidiary of Ke Nako Capital), to its Board of Directors. The appointments were confirmed at the SAVCA Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on the 2nd of September 2025.

Commenting on the appointments, Interim Executive Director, Nicola Gubb said: “We are delighted to welcome Johnson and Mokwena to the SAVCA Board. Their extensive experience and proven leadership across venture capital, private equity, and impact investing will add tremendous value to our mission of championing private capital as a catalyst for growth in Southern Africa.”

Janice Johnston – Chief Executive, Edge Growth Ventures

Johnston brings over 25 years of investment and leadership experience across debt, venture capital, and private equity, with a career spanning top-tier financial institutions in South Africa and the United Kingdom. She spent a decade with Prudential Capital plc in London, served as a senior leader at Edge Growth, contributed to Identity Partners Group, and was part of the Presidential Climate Finance Task Team, which led the negotiation of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan.

Johnston re-joined Edge Growth Ventures in 2023 as Chief Executive. Her strategic insight and cross-sector expertise will be an asset to SAVCA and the industry at large.

Paula Mokwena – CEO, Fireball Capital

Mokwena’s career spans investment banking, development finance, private equity, and venture capital. During her tenure at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), she helped establish the pioneering Technology Venture Capital Fund, supporting the commercialisation of South African innovations. After more than six years in private equity, Mokwena co-founded Fireball Capital, which has successfully raised close to R1 billion from institutional investors.

Mokwena’s commitment to innovation, economic development, and impact-driven investing aligns strongly with SAVCA’s vision.

Acknowledging outgoing board members

SAVCA also extends its sincere appreciation to Fulufhelo Makwetla, Founding Partner & Managing Director of Third Way Investment Partners, who has served on the SAVCA Board since October 2019, and Natalie Kolbe, Managing Partner of Norrsken22, who has served since October 2020. Their dedication, vision, and leadership have been instrumental in strengthening both SAVCA and the broader private capital sector.