Sydney Mbhele has spent more than two decades building some of South Africa’s most recognised brands and now does it at scale as Absa’s group chief marketing and corporate affairs officer. Away from the boardroom, he co-founded and chairs the Mentor a Boy Child NGO. He spoke to FM about what a career at the top of corporate Africa has taught him about money.
If money could talk, what would it say about your spending habits?
My personal mantra is “Life Unlimited”. It’s about pushing boundaries without being greedy or reckless and pursuing growth for its own sake, not at any cost. As you learn and gain exposure, your dreams evolve – that’s the beauty of life. I’m open-minded, I travel a lot, and I enjoy exploring the world, and I see those experiences as part of how I reframe what’s possible. If my money reflects anything about me, it’s that it’s a tool to remove limits, not create excess.
What’s the most significant financial lesson you’ve learnt from your own investment experiences?
I’ve learnt two things. The first is to be intentional rather than indulgent: every rand needs a purpose. I’m deliberate about spending on things that create long-term value, such as my home, education, meaningful experiences, and time-saving conveniences, because these are investments in growth, not expenses.
The second is that patience beats timing. Consistent investing, and staying the course through market cycles, has proven far more effective than chasing trends or short-term gains. Sustainable wealth is built through discipline and perspective, not urgency.
If there’s a stock you wish you’d invested in earlier, what would it be and why?
I believe people should invest in companies where the story matters and the business is purposeful, whoever they are and wherever they find themselves in life. Globally, that means companies that build scalable platforms early, particularly in technology, and stay human-centred. They show how strong fundamentals, combined with long-term vision, can compound value significantly over time.
What’s the most extravagant purchase you’ve ever made, and do you still think it was worth it?
My most extravagant purchase was my current home. Buying a house isn’t inherently extravagant, but the scale of the purchase relative to my income at the time made it a bold, somewhat imbalanced decision.
I chose to front-load the investment and commit ahead of time, knowing it would strain my finances in the short term. That did cause an initial liquidity crunch, which wasn’t easy to navigate. With the benefit of time, though, the investment has paid off. I’m now seeing the long-term value and returns, which made the sacrifice worth it. It’s a relief to be benefiting from that decision today.
What’s an unconventional asset class you’ve considered investing in?
Intellectual property and content-based businesses. In a digital economy, ideas that scale – whether in media, platforms, entertainment or education – can be powerful wealth creators if managed correctly.
What advice would you give to young professionals about building wealth and managing their finances?
Your story matters, wherever you are on your journey. My advice is to start early, even if it’s small, and focus on mastering the basics: budgeting, saving, and understanding debt. Commit to investing in yourself continuously.
We live in a digital, AI-enabled world where tools, tutorials and platforms are closing the information gap and making investing more accessible than ever, often with low or no minimums. Wealth is built over time through hard work, dedication, focus and good habits, not quick wins.
What is your retirement plan?
Diversification and flexibility. That includes formal retirement products, property and equities, but also remaining professionally relevant. Retirement, for me, is about choice and sustainability, not stopping work entirely.
What financial trend do you think is overrated, and why?
Get-rich-quick schemes disguised as “innovation.” Whether it’s speculative assets or viral investment tips, anything that promises high returns with little risk usually ignores fundamentals and reality.
If you were not in your current role, what company would you work for in a heartbeat?
That’s a tough one, because I genuinely believe I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. I’m proud to call Absa home – an organisation whose commitment to Africa and focus on empowering customers strongly aligns with my own values. If I weren’t at Absa, or in corporate life, I’d likely be teaching at an educational or academic institution. Contributing to Africa’s growth, particularly in technology, infrastructure and financial inclusion, matters deeply to me.
How can South Africa achieve widespread financial literacy and inclusion?
Financial education should be practical, and embedded in schools, communities and digital platforms. It also needs to be backed by accessible, customer-centric financial solutions that build trust, address real pain points and encourage meaningful participation.
