Russel Morena
Full Name: Russel Morena
Position: CEO of the Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (Saiga)
Main Activity of the Company: Saiga is a professional body for auditors and accountants in the public sector that certifies professionals as being ‘Registered Government Auditors’ who are tasked with performing auditing functions in the public sector
Date and Place of Birth: March 11, 1978, Burgersfort
Education: I hold an MBA as well as BTech (Journalism) and BTech (Human Resources) degrees and am enrolled for the Doctor of Business Administration degree at the Tshwane School for Business and Society
First Job: Sales consultant, selling personal loans at Russells Furnishers, in 2000
Career History Prior to Current Position: I have 21 years’ experience, including 15 years in managerial roles. Ten years of my work experience have been in human resources and skills development in the education, professional-body and media and broadcasting sectors. I have also worked, for five years, in contact centre operations and management, and for four years in the wholesale and retail sectors. I have also worked as a journalist for the Sunday World and Sowetan newspapers. I joined Saiga from the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa, where I was manager: development and assessments
Size of First Pay Packet: R2 020 a month
First Job with Present Group: Education, training and development manager
Value of Assets under Your Control: R32-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: 14 people
Management Style: I manage differently to suit diverse situations and employees
Personal Best Achievement: Obtaining my MBA
Professional Best Achievement: Being appointed as CEO of Saiga in July 2020
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: All the people who fought against the injustices of the past – both locally and outside South Africa – whether in sport, music or politics. If I were to pick, it would be Solomon Mahlangu locally and Harriet Tubman outside South Africa. I am encouraged by their selfless leadership
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My late father
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: If he was still alive, it would be Muhammed Ali
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Mark Shuttleworth
Philosophy of Life: Respect others and empower, where you can
Biggest Ever Opportunity: My first official job at Russells
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Failing a module in my first year at university
Hope for the Future: Humanity
Favourite Reading: Leadership Lessons from Emperor Shaka Zulu the Great, by Phinda Mzwakhe Madi
Favourite TV Programme: Who Wants to Be a Billionaire?
Favourite Food/Drink: Meat
Favourite Music: I love everything from jazz to RnB, reggae, soul, African, gospel and house, because I collect music. I own close to 800 CDs
Favourite Sport: Soccer, rugby and cricket
Favourite Website: Sport and business sites
Hobbies: Playing music for a crowd, no matter the size
Car: Jeep
Pets: None
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Using vulgar language
Favourite Other South African Company: Barloworld Equipment
Favourite Foreign Company: Caterpillar
Married: To Olebogeng Morena, since November 2, 2006
Children: Modise, 16; Mmagomafiri, 11; Hlabishi, 5
Clubs: None