Lesetja Kganyago
Lesetja Kganyago | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 7, 1965 Ga Maribana, Moletjie, Limpopo, South Africa |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, central banking official |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Known for | Governor of the South African Reserve Bank; Chancellor of Stellenbosch University |
Lesetja Kganyago (born 7 October 1965) is a prominent South African economist and central banking official, currently holding the position of Governor at the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). His appointment was made by then-President Jacob Zuma on 6 October 2014, and he officially took office on 9 November 2014, following the tenure of Gill Marcus. In 2025, Kganyago assumed the role of Chancellor at Stellenbosch University, succeeding Justice Edwin Cameron.
Background and education
Kganyago originates from Ga Maribana, located in Moletjie, Limpopo. At age 18, he relocated to Johannesburg. He completed his secondary education at Pax College (Brothers of Charity in Polokwane) and initially studied at University of the Witwatersrand. He later obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of South Africa in 1991. Furthering his academic credentials, he earned a Master of Science in Development Economics from SOAS, University of London in 1994. Additionally, Kganyago holds various certificates and diplomas in economics, finance, and management from institutions such as Wits Business School and Harvard University.
Career
Kganyago's professional journey includes serving as Director at the South African National Treasury from 1996 to 1998, followed by his role as Chief Director: Liability until January 2004. He then advanced to become Director-General of the National Treasury, a position he held from January 2005 until May 2011.
In May 2011, he was appointed Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, a post he maintained alongside two other deputies until November 2014. On 9 November 2014, he was elevated to Governor of the SARB.
From 2018 through 2020, Kganyago chaired the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), which serves as the policy advisory body for the IMF. In 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his term for an additional five years.
Other activities
- Chairman of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) since 2018
- Member of the Regional Consultative Group for Sub-Saharan Africa within the Financial Stability Board (FSB)
- Chairman of the Association of African Central Bankers
- Chairperson of the Committee of Central Bank Governors for the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Recognition
At the 5th annual Central Banking Awards ceremony in 2018, Kganyago was honored with the Governor of the Year award.