Following a thorough recruitment process that involved multiple high-calibre candidates, CISA’s Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Sherma Malan as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Compliance Institute Southern Africa. The appointment is effective from 1 August 2025 following the completion of her current notice period.

Sherma holds a BCom Ed, B. Ed (Hons), Post Graduate Diploma Financial Planning and an MBA. With over twenty years of leadership experience spanning professional body management, governance, stakeholder engagement and education, Sherma has been driving innovation, growth, and member value in the professional body space in South Africa. Sherma has held various senior leadership roles and brings a wealth of experience in professional bodies, education, governance and strategic leadership.

In Sherma’s current role as an executive director at the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA), she leads Certification, Individual Director Development, and Membership Services and is a key employee in the overall management of the IoDSA. Her tenure has been marked by delivering on strategic imperatives, fostering partnerships with other similar organisations, and ensuring operational excellence. Key accomplishments include developing high-impact mentorship programs, implementing a robust system that enables the IoDSA to hold members accountable, and designing initiatives that enhance organisational sustainability.

Says Sherma, “I am honoured to join CISA at such a pivotal time. CISA has built a strong foundation of trust and performance. I look forward to engaging with the members, and to continue delivering the value you have come to expect.”

The Board is confident that Sherma’s strategic insight, passion for professional development, and inclusive leadership style will further strengthen the Institute’s impact and growth trajectory. We look forward to introducing Sherma to our members and stakeholders over the coming months.

Sherma will take over the helm from current CEO Rianné Potgieter who has led the Institute since July 2018. Under Rianné’s leadership, CISA achieved, amongst others, significant growth in membership, increased awareness of both the Institute and the compliance profession; enhanced financial sustainability, strengthened its training programme, introduced the AMLC Prac (SA) designation and a mentoring programme for young compliance professionals, and amplified its voice within the regulatory and compliance community across Southern Africa.

Rianné said “I am incredibly proud of what the CISA team has accomplished during my tenure. It has been a privilege to serve our members and the profession. I am confident that Sherma will lead CISA into an exciting new era, and I look forward to seeing the Institute reach new heights.”

The Board, whilst welcoming Sherma, wishes to express its deep appreciation to Rianné for her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence over the past seven years. Her legacy will continue to shape CISA’s journey going forward.

Join us at this year’s gala dinner on 28 August when we will welcome Sherma and celebrate Rianné’s impact, and the milestones CISA achieved during her tenure.

In the interim, Rianné and the team will continue to work closely with the Board to ensure continuity and alignment on key priorities. There will be a structured handover to support Sherma's onboarding and success from day one.