DealMakers Pathfinders Networking Event
This platinum networking event was launched to serve as a platform for networking among young M&A professionals. A space to create new connections, broaden your network and gain valuable exposure.
Speaker: Tsoanelo Ntene
Standard Bank CIB’s Head: Sponsor Coverage in South Africa
Date: Wednesday, 8 October, 2025
Time: 17h00 – 20h30
(Registration: 17h00 - 17h30)
Venue: Bowmans Offices (Cape Town)
22 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Sponsored by:
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This session with Tsoanelo Ntene, Head of Sponsor Coverage for South Africa at Standard Bank, was a powerful reminder that leadership and success in the M&A world are built on more than technical skill. They’re also anchored in grit, sound values and the way we show up.
A few insights that resonated with me:
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Do the right thing. Integrity and kindness matter. Never be the person who makes things harder than they need to be.
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Empower others. Real leadership is about creating the space for those around you to grow, learn, shine and ultimately be strong enough to replace you. That’s when you know you’ve done your job.
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Lead with purpose. Purpose isn’t just a personal compass, it’s a strategic advantage.
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Honour diversity and integrity. These aren’t buzzwords; they are the foundation of high-performing, trusted teams.
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Grit is a powerful differentiator. Success is rarely a straight line. Often, it’s about chugging through the tough times, showing up consistently and keeping the bigger picture in view.
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Say yes to opportunities. Growth often comes from trying new things, even when the path isn’t perfectly clear.
Tsoanelo reminded us that success is contextual, but values are universal. When you lead with clarity, consistency and heart, you build something that lasts. ~ Lerato Thahane, Partner, Bowmans.
Speaker: Tsoanelo Ntene (Standard Bank CIB’s Head: Sponsor Coverage in South Africa)
Tsoanelo currently serves as Head of Sponsor Coverage for South Africa, where he leads the growth of Standard Bank’s private capital allocator client franchise within Corporate and Investment Banking. His team manages relationships across all Private Equity, Investment Holding Companies and Family Offices and Ultra High Net Individuals. The team maintains strong connectivity with colleagues throughout the multiple sectors and presence markets that Standard Bank operates in.
Tsoanelo has a commendable track record of building robust shareholder relationships and originating transformational mandates for private capital allocators and their investee companies. He is a versatile banker with experience across Corporate and Investment Banking.
Prior to this role, Tsoanelo plied his trade as Senior Real Estate Investment Banker and Project Development Manager in the Public and Private Partnership sector. In both capacities, which combined spanned over a decade, he was responsible for developing deep client relationships, originating and executing complex funding, advisory and development transactions totalling over ZAR10bn.
When he’s not busy crafting the next deal, Tsoanelo is an outgoing and engaging personality with a passion for golf, traveling, and quality time with family.