Leslie Ndawana

Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer

at National Fund for Municipal Workers (NFMW)

Dr. Leslie Ndawana is the CEO and Principal Executive Officer of the National Fund for Municipal Workers (NFMW). With more than 15 years of experience in the South African retirement funds industry, he has served mainly in advisory and fiduciary capacities. He is a Director of Batseta Council of Retirement Funds and a member of the Financial Sector Transformation Council’s Reporting Working Committee, representing Batseta. He has presented at and participated in various leadership/industry conferences, seminars and masterclasses on topical matters affecting the industry.

A Chartered Principal Executive Officer (CPEO) and professional Batseta member, Leslie holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning and an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Investments from the University of the Free State. He earned an MBA, with merit, from Henley Business School in 2021. In 2024, he completed his master’s degree in development finance at Stellenbosch University and a Professional Doctoral degree in Leadership and Investments from the European International University (EIU) Paris.

Out of his passion for development finance, impact investments, and leadership development, Leslie leads the NFMW’s strategy, provides leadership, and engages stakeholders to drive positive outcomes for members and broader socio-economic transformation.