Fundi Sithebe – Executive Profile

Name: Fundi Sithebe
Born: 8 February 1979 – Diepkloof, Soweto, South Africa
Nationality: South African
Alma mater: Midrand University (now Eduvos); Wits Business School
Occupation: Business Executive
Years active: 2000–present

Known for:

• First Black female CEO globally in horse racing

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• Leadership and transformation in male‑dominated industries (aviation, gaming)

• COO of Sizekhaya Holdings – the consortium awarded the licence to operate South Africa’s National Lottery from 1 June 2026

Website / Social media: LinkedIn | X (Twitter)

Education

Career & Positions Held (chronological)

• Management Consultant – Deloitte

• Expansion Team – First National Bank (FNB) Africa

• Chief of Staff & Chief Operating Officer – Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) (2017–2021)

• Chief Executive Officer – 4Racing (2021 – May 2025)

• Interim Board Member – South African Airways (SAA) (2023–present)

• Co‑Chair – World Tote Association (WoTA) (2025–2026 term)

• Non‑Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer – Sizekhaya Holdings (2025–present)

Sizekhaya Holdings & The National Lottery

Sithebe joined Sizekhaya Holdings as a non‑executive director in 2025 before becoming COO. The consortium – led by Moses Tembe, Sandile Zungu, and the Goldrush Group – was awarded the eight‑year National Lottery licence, taking over from Ithuba Holdings on 1 June 2026.

As COO, Sithebe is leading operational strategy, including:

• Redesigning jackpot mechanisms to increase odds of winning and avoid “jackpot fatigue”

• Reintroducing live televised draws to improve transparency and revive a South African tradition

• Integrating technology partners (e.g., Genlot) for seamless ticket sales and infrastructure

Awards & Honours

• Top 50 Most Influential Women in Gaming, Africa (2024)

Controversy & Legal Matter

Defamation lawsuit (2021)
In February 2021, Bongiwe Pityi‑Vokwana – a former ACSA general manager – filed a R10‑million defamation suit against Sithebe in the Johannesburg High Court.

Pityi‑Vokwana alleged that Sithebe defamed her on two occasions (during a December 2019 board meeting and in communications with a law firm) by stating that Pityi‑Vokwana was under investigation by the Hawks for fraud, corruption, and murder linked to a tender dispute.

No criminal charges have been filed against Sithebe. No other legal issues or controversies are on public record.

Additional Context (Verified)

• First female student at Hilton College – Sithebe was among the first young women to complete A‑Levels at the previously all‑male elite school.

• Aviation credentials – She earned her Private Pilot’s Licence in 2003 at age 24 and is an advocate for women in aviation (member of SAWIA and Women in Aviation).

• SAA role – Served as an interim non‑executive director during South African Airways’ restructuring phase.

• World Tote Association – Elected Co‑Chair for 2025–2026, driving international collaboration in sports pool betting.