Strengthening the National Treasury’s Leadership

The National Treasury has appointed Ms. Mmakgoshi Lekhethe as Deputy Director-General: Asset and Liability Management, and Mr. Christopher Axelson as Acting Deputy Director-General: Tax and Financial Sector Policy. Lekhethe has been with the National Treasury since 1996, while Axelson joined in 2012 after working in the UK. Their appointments strengthen the National Treasury’s leadership team and ensure the organization’s ongoing success in managing South Africa’s finances and promoting economic stability. Colleagues have expressed confidence in the new appointees, citing their expertise, knowledge, and commitment to their work.

New Senior Appointments at the National Treasury

The National Treasury recently unveiled new additions to its senior leadership team, appointing Ms. Mmakgoshi Lekhethe as Deputy Director-General: Asset and Liability Management, and Mr. Christopher Axelson as Acting Deputy Director-General: Tax and Financial Sector Policy. Both appointments will take effect on 02 October 2023.

Mmakgoshi Lekhethe: A Wealth of Experience

Lekhethe is a familiar face at the National Treasury, having joined in 1996 as Deputy Director: Foreign Debt Management. She has since held numerous positions within the organization, steadily advancing to her new role. In 1999, Lekhethe was promoted to Director: Foreign Debt Management, and in 2002, she was appointed Chief Director: Strategy and Risk Management within the Asset and Liability Management Division.

Lekhethe’s diverse experience also encompasses serving as Deputy Director-General of International and Regional Economic Policy, as well as representing South Africa on the Boards of the African Development Bank, the New Development Bank, and the World Bank.

Lekhethe’s educational background is equally noteworthy, holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Economics from the University of Durban Westville, a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Economics from the University of Witwatersrand, and an MSc in Economics from the University of London.

Christopher Axelson’s Path to the National Treasury

Axelson commenced his career as an Economic Researcher at Genesis Analytics Ltd before progressing to various positions at HM Revenue and Customs in the United Kingdom. In 2012, he joined the National Treasury as Director: Personal Income Taxes and Savings, later being promoted to Chief Director: Economic Tax Analysis.

In his previous capacity, Axelson provided policy advice to the Minister of Finance on tax proposals included in the Budget Review and was responsible for compiling the tax section and tax expenditure section of the publications.

Axelson’s academic credentials include a Master of Commerce in Economic Science, a Bachelor of Economic Science Honours (Cum Laude), and a Bachelor of Economic Science, majoring in Economic Science and Mathematical Statistics, all from the University of the Witwatersrand. He also holds a CFA charter.

Strengthening the National Treasury

The appointments of Lekhethe and Axelson reinforce the National Treasury’s leadership team. Their extensive expertise in asset and liability management, as well as tax and financial sector policy, will undoubtedly contribute to the organization’s ongoing success.

It is vital for the National Treasury to maintain robust leadership, given its crucial role in managing South Africa’s finances and ensuring the country’s economic stability. With Lekhethe and Axelson leading their respective divisions, the National Treasury is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of finance and continue serving the South African people.

Colleague Insights and Well-Wishes

Those working at the National Treasury characterize Lekhethe as a dedicated professional with a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of the intricacies of asset and liability management. Her composed demeanor and ability to make informed decisions under pressure make her an excellent fit for her new position.

Conversely, Axelson is recognized for his analytical mind and meticulous approach to economic tax analysis. His substantial experience in the United Kingdom, combined with his profound knowledge of South Africa’s tax system, renders him a valuable asset to the National Treasury’s leadership team.

The Director-General of the National Treasury has expressed well-wishes for the new appointees in their roles, reflecting the organization’s confidence in their capacity to excel in their respective positions.

In conclusion, the appointments of Mmakgoshi Lekhethe and Christopher Axelson to key senior positions within the National Treasury represent significant milestones for the organization. Their wealth of experience, knowledge, and commitment to their work will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing success of the National Treasury and the financial stability of South Africa.

1. Who has the National Treasury appointed to its leadership team?

The National Treasury has appointed Ms. Mmakgoshi Lekhethe as Deputy Director-General: Asset and Liability Management, and Mr. Christopher Axelson as Acting Deputy Director-General: Tax and Financial Sector Policy.

2. When will the appointments of Lekhethe and Axelson take effect?

Their appointments will take effect on 02 October 2023.

3. What experience does Ms. Mmakgoshi Lekhethe have?

Ms. Mmakgoshi Lekhethe has been with the National Treasury since 1996, holding positions such as Deputy Director: Foreign Debt Management, Director: Foreign Debt Management, and Chief Director: Strategy and Risk Management within the Asset and Liability Management Division. She has also served as Deputy Director-General of International and Regional Economic Policy and represented South Africa on the Boards of the African Development Bank, the New Development Bank, and the World Bank.

4. What are Ms. Mmakgoshi Lekhethe’s educational qualifications?

Ms. Mmakgoshi Lekhethe holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Economics from the University of Durban Westville, a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Economics from the University of Witwatersrand, and an MSc in Economics from the University of London.

5. What is Mr. Christopher Axelson’s background?

Mr. Christopher Axelson commenced his career as an Economic Researcher at Genesis Analytics Ltd before progressing to various positions at HM Revenue and Customs in the United Kingdom. He joined the National Treasury in 2012 as Director: Personal Income Taxes and Savings, before being promoted to Chief Director: Economic Tax Analysis.

6. What are Mr. Christopher Axelson’s academic credentials?

Mr. Christopher Axelson holds a Master of Commerce in Economic Science, a Bachelor of Economic Science Honours (Cum Laude), and a Bachelor of Economic Science, majoring in Economic Science and Mathematical Statistics, all from the University of the Witwatersrand. He also holds a CFA charter.

7. Why are the appointments of Lekhethe and Axelson important for the National Treasury?

The appointments of Lekhethe and Axelson reinforce the National Treasury’s leadership team, with their extensive expertise in asset and liability management, as well as tax and financial sector policy. This is crucial for the National Treasury’s role in managing South Africa’s finances and ensuring the country’s economic stability.

8. What do colleagues have to say about the new appointees?

Colleagues have expressed confidence in the new appointees, citing their expertise, knowledge, and commitment to their work. Lekhethe is characterized as a dedicated professional with a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of the intricacies of asset and liability management, while Axelson is recognized for his analytical mind and meticulous approach to economic tax analysis.