Governance and Ethics
At the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT), we are committed to ethical leadership and good governance in the tax profession. Integrity, accountability, and transparency form the foundation of everything we do.
We advocate for responsible tax practices that serve both the public interest and economic sustainability. Through our rigorous professional standards, compliance frameworks and policy engagement, we ensure that tax professionals adhere to the highest levels of ethical conduct.
As a trusted voice in the industry, SAIT actively collaborates with government, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to promote fairness, equity and responsible tax policy. Our focus on governance is not just about compliance; it is about fostering a culture of ethical decision-making, professionalism, and public trust.
By setting and maintaining these high standards, SAIT helps shape a tax environment that is transparent, fair, and beneficial to all South Africans.
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
JERRY BOTHA
Chairperson
Jerry Botha is the Managing Partner of Tax Consulting South Africa. He started his career with the Big Four accounting firms and, in 2005, took the step—like many SAIT members—to establish his own practice.
In 2025, the business celebrates its 20th year and has grown to a dedicated staff complement of 134 permanent employees and around 20 independent contractors. Jerry deeply understands the day-to-day difficulties faced by tax practitioners, being actively involved in the tax profession. Many tax practitioners seek his expertise when dealing with complex tax issues.
He is married to Maritza Botha, with whom he co-founded the business, and they have three children. He is passionate about the role of small- and medium-sized tax practitioners and is acutely aware of the everyday challenges of clients, SARS, and the immense effort required to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
Tax Consulting South Africa authored LexisNexis’ Expatriate Tax textbook, which was critically acclaimed by esteemed Judge Dennis Davis. The textbook is in its second edition, with the third print edition authorised for release in 2025. Jerry enjoys collaborating with fellow tax professionals, is enthusiastic about continuous professional development, and loves engaging in technical tax debates.
Nicole Copley
Vice Chairperson
Nicole Copley has consulted to the NGO sector since 1993. She is an admitted attorney (non-practising), holds a Master’s degree in tax exemption laws, and is a Chartered Tax Practitioner. Nicole developed her drafting skills while working as a business lawyer and applies a pragmatic, problem-solving approach to her work. Her extensive experience, combined with her engagements with government and diverse clients, gives her valuable insight into the sector.
Nicole founded ngoLAW, a one-stop, experienced, efficient, and passionate support team that handles registrations, applications, compliance, advice, contracts, and training for NGOs of all sizes and types.
In the early years of Nicole’s involvement in the NGO sector, she was part of the team that negotiated the tax exemption law reforms before 2000. In 2022, ngoLAW played a pivotal role in educating the sector and making submissions on the (Anti-Grey Listing) General Laws Amendment Act. Nicole is currently part of the NPO Working Group and Technical Task Team, advising the NPO Directorate on policy and legislative changes to the NPO Act and Regulations.
She is also the author, co-author, and now publisher of the ngoMATTERS series—practical guides on setting up, governing, and financially managing non-profits. Nicole serves on the boards of the Wildlife Act Trust, Siyazisiza Trust, Open Cities Labs NPC, and Solon Foundation SA NPC.
The team at ngoLAW has trained boards in Sandton boardrooms and rural Northern KZN, focusing on governance, tax, contracts, and compliance, with a passion for demystifying complex concepts.
Nomthandazo (Thando) Lamula
Thando Lamula is a distinguished tax professional and non-executive director with extensive expertise in corporate international tax, global estate planning, and structuring for high-net-worth individuals. She has a robust background in strategy formulation and corporate governance.
Currently, Thando serves as the Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator Board of Directors and the South-West Gauteng TVET College Council. She also works in the Wealth Investment sector of a reputable bank as a Trust Fiduciary Manager.
Thando has been widely recognised for her excellence, most notably receiving the Veblen 2024 Non-Executive Director Award. Academically, she holds five degrees, including a Master of Commerce (Tax), a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (specialising in Taxation Laws), a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (specialising in Compliance and Corporate Governance), a Bachelor of Commerce (specialising in Law), and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). She also completed an Executive Leadership Programme through Duke CE University.
She holds three prestigious designations: Certified Director with the Institute of Directors South Africa, Chartered Tax Adviser with The South African Institute of Taxation, and the highest designation of Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Jashwin Baijoo
Jashwin Baijoo is the Associate Director and Head of Strategic Engagement & Compliance at Tax Consulting South Africa (Pty) Ltd. He is an admitted attorney (non-practising) and a Master Tax Practitioner, holding an LLM specialising in International Tax Law and Compliance.
Jashwin’s passion for tax and compliance has led him to assist numerous tax practitioners in overcoming business and client-related challenges through his involvement in the Professional Partner Network. His core focus areas include employee competency training and development, key account management for high-net-worth individuals and multinational enterprises, and stakeholder engagement with various RCBs and SARS.
Kari Ann Lagler
Kari Ann Lagler has 30 years of experience in the tax field and over 20 years in governance. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant (South Africa) in 1995, completed a Tax Honours degree in 1996, and now works as an independent consultant and Tax Practitioner registered with SAIT.
After completing her auditing articles, Kari joined KPMG’s tax department, where she was appointed as a Tax Partner in 1999. She has advised large listed corporates and private clients, providing services in tax planning, advisory, compliance, forensic investigations, expert witness testimony, and dispute resolution, including consulting for National Treasury. She served as an accountant member of the Western Cape Tax Court from 2012 to 2022.
Kari has held board positions in various companies, including roles as Head of Audit Committee, Head of Risk Committee, and Lead Independent Director in regulated and listed South African companies.
Abel Mabena
Abel Mabena is a well-regarded tax consultant with extensive experience in the financial sector, specialising in tax consultancy for small- and medium-sized enterprises and individuals in Gauteng. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Sciences, Diplomas in Investment and Portfolio Management from the University of Johannesburg, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation from the University of South Africa. He is currently completing a Master’s in Philosophy of Taxation at the University of Pretoria.
His career began as a Financial Analyst at the Financial Sector Conduct Authority before transitioning to a ten-year role as a Tax Specialist at the State Information Technology Agency. Abel has been actively involved with SAIT for over 12 years, significantly contributing to various committees. He has spoken at the 2021 Tax Indaba and has overseen SITA’s Alexander Forbes Retirement Fund Management Committee, managing assets worth R1.2 billion.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
KEITH ENGEL
Chief Executive Officer
Keith Engel is the Chief Executive Officer of the South African Institute of Taxation. As part of his core duties managing the Institute, he is deeply engaged in tax policy, legislation, and interpretation, regularly liaising with National Treasury, Parliament, SARS, and the private sector. He is also a frequent media commentator and public speaker. Keith previously served as Chief Director of Legal Tax Design at National Treasury.
He has lectured in tax law in both the United States and South Africa, covering topics such as company tax reorganisations, international tax, estate taxation, and corporate law.
MICHELLE LANDMAN
Strategic Finance and Operations Leader
Michelle Landman is a seasoned executive with expertise in financial management, operations, and leadership. She holds an MBA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from GIBS, a BCom in Industrial Psychology and Accounting, and completed SAICA Articles. As CFO, COO, and Board Member at SAIT, she has played a key role in driving operational efficiency and financial growth.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
KEITH ENGEL
Chief Executive Officer
Keith Engel is the Chief Executive Officer of the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT). In this role, he drives the Institute’s strategic direction while actively engaging with tax policy, legislation, and interpretation at both government and industry levels. He frequently collaborates with National Treasury, Parliament, SARS, and the private sector to shape South Africa’s tax landscape. As a recognised thought leader, Keith regularly presents at conferences and engages with the media on key tax issues.
Previously, Keith served as Chief Director of Legal Tax Design at National Treasury, where he played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s tax policies. He also has an extensive academic background, having lectured in the United States and South Africa on topics such as corporate tax, international tax, tax policy, and wealth taxation. His expertise extends beyond local tax matters, offering a comparative perspective on tax frameworks across Africa and other Commonwealth countries.
MICHELLE LANDMAN
Strategic Finance and Operations Leader
Michelle Landman is a dynamic executive with over a decade of expertise in financial management, operations, and corporate governance. She holds an MBA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from GIBS, as well as a BCom in Industrial Psychology and Accounting. Her career is built on a strong foundation of financial strategy, organisational leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
As SAIT’s Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Board Member, Michelle has been instrumental in driving operational efficiency and financial sustainability. Her leadership has helped transform SAIT into South Africa’s largest professional tax body with international recognition. Michelle is highly skilled in business performance analysis, financial controls, strategic planning, and corporate governance, including the implementation of King IV principles. She is passionate about mentorship, fostering a high-performance culture, and leading SAIT into a future of sustainable growth and innovation.
BUSINESS UNIT LEADERS
SINDY DU POINT
Head Of Membership
Sindy du Point has been a driving force behind SAIT’s membership growth since joining the Institute in 2014 as a Membership Sales Consultant. Her dedication and leadership skills led to a promotion to Sales Team Leader in just four years.
Now leading SAIT’s Membership Department, Sindy focuses on strengthening member engagement, enhancing value propositions, and ensuring a seamless membership experience. Her deep understanding of member needs and commitment to service excellence contribute to SAIT’s continued success as the leading tax professional body in South Africa.
WILNA DE BRUYN
Head Of Education
Wilna de Bruyn is the Head of Education at SAIT, leading the development of professional pathways from student to qualified tax professional. With a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration and a Tax Technician Occupational Certificate, Wilna brings both academic expertise and industry knowledge to her role.
She has spearheaded the expansion of SAIT’s education programmes, implementing innovative online assessments, automated workplace experience monitoring, and forging strategic partnerships with CIOT, Fasset, and SARS. Her leadership ensures that SAIT remains at the forefront of tax education, equipping professionals with the skills needed in a dynamic industry.
KEITUMETSE SESANA
Strategic Lead for Stakeholder Engagement & Legislation
Keitumetse Sesana is a Master Tax Practitioner and a recognised expert in tax legislative policy. She has a background in international corporate tax, having worked at KPMG South Africa, and currently leads SAIT’s tax policy and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
Her role involves strategic collaboration with key government entities such as Parliament, National Treasury, and SARS. She also oversees SAIT’s Tax Technical workgroups, driving legislative proposals that shape South Africa’s tax framework. Additionally, Keitumetse is a leading voice in professional development, hosting CPD webinars and contributing to SAIT publications.
Keitumetse holds an LLM in Tax Law, an LLB, and a BCom Law degree, demonstrating her deep expertise in tax legislation and policy reform.
TEAM LEADERS
TSHEPO MATLOU
Sales Team Leader
Tshepo Matlou is a seasoned sales professional with over 13 years of experience in the Finance, Insurance, and Banking sectors. Since joining SAIT in 2018 as a Membership Sales Consultant, his dedication and expertise earned him a promotion to Sales Team Leader.
With a strong background in Sales Management, Account Management, and Customer Service, Tshepo plays a key role in driving SAIT’s membership growth. Passionate about professional development, he is committed to delivering exceptional value to SAIT members. Outside of work, he enjoys family time, nature, and following soccer and Formula 1.
YOLISA DYASI
Tax Technical Team Leader
Yolisa Nomathamsanqsa Dyasi is a Tax Technical Specialist at the South African Institute of Taxation and General Tax Practitioner (SA). Her career spans over notable national regulatory bodies and reputable organisations such as SARS, the Office of the Tax Ombud and private practise, where she has been gainfully employed and specialised in Tax Administration and SARS Operations.
Yolisa holds a B.Com Honours degree in Taxation from the University of Johannesburg. Her contributions to the tax landscape continue as she continuously represents the interests of stakeholders with SARS and focuses her efforts on tax practitioner education.
At SAIT, Yolisa is responsible for facilitating the SARS operational relationship, (regional & national meetings) and relevant takeholders, and managing the communication process to and from these engagements. She manages the SAIT Tax Technical Helpline and escalations to the various SARS regions. Yolisa is also involved in contributing towards the body of knowledge in taxation in the form of CPD worthy webinars and leads media interviews on national and commercial media on behalf of the Institute.
ADRIAN MODIKWE
Legal & Compliance Team Leader
Adrian Modikwe is SAIT’s Legal and Compliance Officer, specialising in regulatory compliance, ethics, legal drafting, and dispute resolution. His expertise spans tax law, corporate law, labour law, and constitutional law.
In his role, Adrian ensures SAIT’s adherence to governance standards and regulatory frameworks, supporting both the Institute and its members in navigating legal complexities within the tax profession.