Rijnhard Hessel is the Executive of Data at TForge, specializing in software architecture, data architecture, product strategy, company strategy and emerging technologies such as AI. He leads the development of innovative AI solutions, with the sole focus of driving growth in the telecommunications sector. His leadership and strategic insights have been instrumental in shaping TForge for the era of AI. With his multi-faceted skill sets, Rijnhard continues to push the boundaries of innovation at TForge.

Ian is a corporate and commercial lawyer with over thirty years of experience. His expertise and experience in all aspects of running a successful business means that clients benefit from his extensive knowledge and skill, no matter their size or business sector.

His substantial legal offering includes assistance in data protection and processing, mergers and acquisitions, competition law, economic regulation, commercial exploitation of intellectual property, franchising and licensing.
Ian is acknowledged as one of South Africa’s leading experts in franchise law.

He is a Director of the Franchise Association of South Africa and also acted as its Chairman in 2014/2015.
Ian’s interest in business law and focus on entrepreneurs and innovators has led to him being a mentor and panellist for Endeavor South Africa, a mission-driven, global organisation leading the high-impact entrepreneurship movement in the country. He is listed in international “Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers” in their 2012 – 2019 editions and in international peer review guide “Best Lawyers for 2022” in their Mergers and Acquisitions and Franchise Law categories.

Ian has been a Commissioner of the Small Claims Court since 1997 and joined Fluxmans as a Director in 2022.
He obtained his B.A. LL.B. at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1983 and the University of South Africa and World Intellectual Property Organisation Certificates in

Michelle Knowles is the Pan Africa Head of Trade and Working Capital Product. During her 20 + years in the Banking industry, Michelle has spent a major part of her career in International Trade, holding several different roles and responsibilities. In her current role, Michelle is responsible for executing the Trade and Working Capital Product and Digital strategy across Pan Africa. The evolution of Supply Chain Finance products and Digital Trade has been a key focus for her.

Michelle has a master’s degree in Business Leadership and has completed the SAFEX Registered Persons examination for Bond, Equity, and Future markets. In addition, she holds a certificate in Business Psychology and human behavior from UNISA and is currently a member of the Institute of South African Financial Markets. She is a member of the global advisory committee for Factors Chain International and was appointed the Co-Chair of the BAFT Africa council in 2021, appointed to the BAFT Board in 2021, and appointed as BAFT Treasurer in 2023. She is a regular speaker at conferences and contributes to articles on the topic of Trade Finance, digitization ,and SMEs.

Tumediso Lobelo is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Crystal Partners, a Pan-African, female majority-owned investment company. With over 18 years of experience in the ICT and investment industries, she has worked with numerous multinationals.
Tumediso Lobelo started her career at Microsoft as a sales graduate, advancing to client-facing roles managing major government entities. She held senior positions at NTT Data, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, and now Crystal Partners. Her expertise spans business development, deal brokering, operations, sales management, business strategy, and stakeholder relations.

Mr Shiven Moodley is the Chief Operating Officer and Macro Strategist of 80eight. He transitioned from a traditional treasury background to alternative investment management, guiding a talented team on an exciting exploration of the treasury applications of tokenization and decentralized financial solutions. With a strong focus on the MENA region, his team is dedicated to empowering corporations and individuals with innovative financial strategies. Beyond his position at Eighty8, you can read his regular market commentary on on-chain analytics of cryptocurrencies and macroeconomic forecasts.

Experienced global business leader adept at navigating corporate and startup landscapes, specializing in enterprise growth and strategic operations. With a rich background in fintech and HR tech, I bring a unique blend of expertise to the table. Currently propelling Roubler's expansion as the Head of Enterprise Growth, strategically transitioning post-COVID. Recognized as the inaugural COO, I spearheaded transformative initiatives, optimizing delivery frameworks, and reshaping structures for enterprise-level growth.

A trailblazer with a track record of closing significant deals, fostering collaborations, and establishing key partnerships globally. From launching Roubler in Asia and South Africa to creating valuable assets, my career mirrors a dedication to innovation, efficiency, and internationalization. President and Founding Member of the South African Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, contributing to impactful business connections.

Fueled by a passion for technology and a hands-on growth approach, I have successfully navigated fintech and HR tech landscapes. With a proven ability to drive success in these dynamic sectors, I steer Roubler and beyond towards the next phase of growth. Strategist. Innovator. Global Growth Driver.