Who we are
Invested for long-term success
The SA SME Fund is an independent, standalone investment vehicle governed by a highly experienced board of directors and supported by an independent investment committee.
Our executive management team leads day-to-day operations, drives investment due diligence, oversees portfolio performance, and ensures that our transformation, ecosystem development, and strategic objectives are embedded across everything we do.
Experienced. Purpose-driven. United by a commitment to inclusive growth.
Leading by example: our team brings deep experience across venture capital, private equity, entrepreneurship, finance, economic development, and governance. We combine institutional rigour with a real understanding of the challenges facing South African entrepreneurs.
The team
Ketso Gordhan
Caryn Winter
Claudia Manning
Lumka Mlambo
Ryan Harrison
Reabetswe Mjekevu
Lerato Mashaba
Ketso Gordhan
Chief Executive Officer
Over 20 years of private equity and impact investing leadership, with a career dedicated to driving growth, entrepreneurship, and transformation.
Caryn Winter
Chief Financial Officer
Over 20 years of international finance and asset management experience, ensuring strong financial governance and operational excellence.
Claudia Manning
Over 20 years of investment and venture capital experience as well as extensive non-executive director experience, having served on the Boards of PIC, DBSA, and Adcock Ingram.
Lumka Mlambo
Over 20 years of investment experience across venture capital, private equity, fund-of-funds, and corporate finance, with deep expertise in South Africa’s early-stage ecosystem.
Ryan Harrison
Entrepreneur and investor with hands-on start-up experience and strong due diligence and portfolio support capability.
Reabetswe Mjekevu
13 years of direct and indirect private equity, corporate finance, and investment experience across local and pan-African markets.
Lerato Mashaba
Finance Manager
Finance, audit, asset management, and treasury specialist with strong operational and reporting expertise.
Board of directors
Adrian Gore
Fareed Chothia
Judy Dlamini
Lisa Klein
Nigel Payne
Yvonne Muthien
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa
Johan Bosini
Investment committee
Michael Jordaan (Chair)
Nazeem Martin
Mamedupi Matsipa
Eutychus Mbuthia
Michael Jordaan (Chair)
Nazeem Martin
Mamedupi Matsipa