Mangwashi Victoria ‘Riah ‘Phiyega is an experienced past senior executive in both the public and private sector having served in various executive positions.She is the Executive Director for Safer South Africa Foundation and serve on the Board of the Foundation. She also currently serve as CEO for the Womens Development Business Trust. (WDBT). She is the Chairperson of Workerslife Insurance Company.
Riah is a past National Commissioner of Police. The first woman to hold such position in South Africa. She had an illustrious career in the corporate and public sector holding senior leadership roles; Group Executive for Absa Bank Limited; Group Executive at Transnet Limited; Executive at the South African Ports Authority and Director at the National Council for Child Welfare. Endowed with a wealth of governance experience, she served in numerous boards of companies, NGO’s and University Councils. She is a member of the International Women’s Forum (IWFSA).
She served in numerous Commissions: The Road Accident Fund Commission appointed by the President; The Presidential Review Committee for State Owned Enterprises which she chaired; The Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers as Deputy Chairperson; Board member of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Bid Committee and was Chairperson of the National Welfare Forum which facilitated a strong collaborative forum to transform the welfare sector in a post-apartheid South Africa.
As an accomplished professional, she dedicates her life to uplifting coaching and mentoring for women. She is driven by a deep passion for women’s leadership and empowerment. She is guided by her driving philosophy ISE (Integrity, Service for others before self, and Excellence).
