Dr Mathews Phosa (2009-2011)

The axiom - "changes in life" - are the only constant known factors that ring true in the minds of so many South Africans today.
Only 15 years ago, our country was deprived of a true democracy - hundreds of thousands of people were denied their basic rights to life that was free and fair - many black people had no say regarding the outcome of their enslaved lives, neither protection from a government that dictated law and regulation to oppress the poorest of poor. 

Indeed, whilst some countries in the world stood by and silently condoned the behaviour of a corrupt government, many others rallied support against the oppressed people of South Africa and applied tough economic and diplomatic sanctions as a means to protest against the unruly behaviour of South Africa's past undemocratic government which was rife for so many years.  This "tough love" was the world's manner of showing its disapproval for the poor governance and lack of accountability that prevailed.

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Professor Shirley Zinn (2009 - 2011)

CGF Research Institute (Pty) Ltd has made a name for itself, since its inception in March 2004, as an organisation that is serious about causing change in the mindsets of business leaders when it comes to matters associated with good corporate governance. In so many instances, the words “good governance” quickly slips off the tongue from directors who may not fully appreciate the full impact and meaning, not least the underlying governance complexities associated to their businesses. In this regard, CGF goes about its daily tasks to assist business leaders understand the broader context of the topic and that the governance process is not culminated in a single event.

Good business governance and its practices requires - as a process - a renewed understanding of business that is conducted fairly, business which is unencumbered by hidden agendas and the people who drive the business must be willing to accept their responsibility when things go wrong. These business values can only be found amongst leaders who, at their fundamental roots, are solid honest individuals - they have a heart, mind and soul which care for the greater good of the society in which they conduct the affairs of their business.

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Devi Sankaree Govender (2010 - 2012)

There’s no doubt the axiom ‘dynamite comes in small packages’ holds true for CGF Research Institute (Pty) Ltd and its growing team of dedicated employees, who have established a strong market presence in the area of governance, risk and compliance reporting.  The company has been in operation since March 2004 and has seen a steadily growing customer base, with strong business strategic alliances.

Expectedly -- and within the arena of corporate governance matters -- CGF is placed in a position to assist its clients to making some very important, and often strategic decisions wherein governance issues are raised.  In this regard, whilst CGF is cited as a leading governance research establishment, there are times when the most well researched material cannot provide the answers sought after by our member clients and partners.  This is typically when one needs to apply the ‘old fashioned brain’ approach, which somehow still manages to override the most complex computer systems.  It is in this vein that CGF attaches its value to the loyal support of our Honorary and Corporate Patrons, each who play a special role within CGF and serve in an advisory capacity when called upon by CGF’s executive management.

Accordingly, we are delighted to announce that the well-known investigative journalist, Ms Devi Sankaree Govender has accepted an Honorary Patron role within CGF, and who joins the ranks of Professor Shirley Zinn and Dr Mathews Phosa.  Devi is certainly no stranger in the media, and whilst she has been a familiar face on M-Net’s award winning investigative programme, Carte Blanche, we are certain to receive much assistance regarding her invaluable business insights and experience which will bring a new and dynamic dimension to CGF’s business of governance desktop reporting.

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J Michael Judin (2010 - 2012)

CGF is honored to have Michael Judin amongst our ranks and believe his presence will bring tremendous value to our business and all its constituents.  His wealth of knowledge in the governance and legal arenas, including the positioning of his law firm and its associations with various international law firms, tax consultants are quite unique and difficult to match.

Michael Judin, is not only known for his long standing relationship with the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa, but also as an iconic attorney and director in one of South Africa’s premier boutique law firms, Goldman Judin Inc, which was established in Johannesburg in 1936.  He obtained his qualification in law from the University of Witwatersrand and commenced practice in 1969.

Michael is a member of the Committee who was responsible for the preparation of the King III Code and Report on Corporate Governance, a Commissioner of the Small Claims Court and Legal Advisor to, and a Director of, the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa.  He is a member of the International Bar Association and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.

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Bernard Peter Agulhas (2011 - 2013)

In the contemporary environment there is the undeniable need for organisations to be adequately informed and equipped in order for them to meet the increasing demands to adopt and implement sound governance practices. 

This includes benchmarking against both local and international best practices.  The significance of having good governance practiced by the fiduciaries found within the nations’ leadership of both governmental and corporate spheres cannot be downplayed.   These individuals fly high the flag for good governance and set an example to encourage those around them.

CGF strives to support and advise its constituents to function soundly and sustainably, in line with good governance practices.  Central to this is looking at Corporate Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) as related to the strategy, people, processes and technologies of an organisation.

This is no small mission and assisting CGF in its role as educator are key individuals who have been carefully selected to stand as honorary Patrons.  CGF regards its honorary Patrons as iconic people; each one being highly regarded for the important contribution they make to society as well as for their ideals and their ethical leadership. The honorary Patrons exemplify accountable citizenship and serve as models of good governance.

In partnering with CGF, these individuals play an essential part in assisting CGF’s campaign to see more people and organisations evolving to embrace and effectively implement sound governance practice.  They support CGF in its drive to ensure that good governance is laid down as a strong foundation within both the public and private sector.  CGF is proud to announce that Bernard Agulhas has joined the ranks of its honorary Patrons, namely Dr. Mathews Phosa, Professor Shirley Zinn, Ms Devi Sankaree Govender and Mr Michael Judin.

Bernard’s extensive knowledge and experience, particularly related to the field of auditing, allows him to provide -- among other contributions -- an invaluable oversight function to CGF.

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Tina Eboka (2011 - 2013)

As more external thought processes and inputs continue to be applied by the  Honorary Patrons within CGF, so the applicability and demand for further services continues to grow within CGF, thereby allowing our company to increase the value we provide our esteemed client base.

It therefore goes without saying that the selection of our honorary Patrons -- each who serve a two year period -- is a critical component for CGF, as well as our client base.  Not only is the process of searching for honorary Patrons an important feature of CGF’s strategy, it is also challenging to ensure that there is an excellent fit between the selected person’s experience and knowledge, which must compliment CGF’s own requirements and of course those of our clients.  Needless to say, when Tina Eboka’s profile was presented to fulfill our woman’s position as honorary Patron, our executive management team was simply bowled over.  Ms Eboka’s credentials are literally world class, with an academic background that covers an MBA in Business Operations and Project Management which she obtained from Philadelphia University, in the USA.  She also obtained a BSc in Textile Engineering from the same university.  Prior to this, Tina also received a BSc in Applied Maths and Industrial Engineering from the State University of New York, as well as attending the Senior Executive Programme at the Harvard Business School.  From 1984 to 1986 she held the positions of mathematics adjunct professor at Philadelphia University.

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