About

About The

Institute of Business Advisors
Southern Africa

Background

The Institute of Business Advisors Southern Africa (IBASA) is a Non-Profit Company which was formed in 2001. It is a self-regulatory professional body which prides itself on the calibre of members in its membership base who subscribe to its code of ethics and the high standards that have been set. It was previously known as IBA until recently when the name was changed to include our geographical local. We are recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as the professional body for Business Advisors. The Institute is responsible for the grading, accreditation and continuous professional development of business advisors, business coaches, and mentors serving the micro, small and medium enterprises SMME’s in South and the Southern Africa sub continent/ region.

IBASA is in strategic partnerships with the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT), the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), Small Enterprise Development Agency, Gauteng Enterprise Propeller, and various Businesses, Chambers of Commerce and Industry. There are various financial institutions, development finance institutions (DFI’s) and municipal Local Economic Development (LED) departments as well as tertiary institutions like the University of Johannesburg in the mix too. We enter into these agreements with a view to creating platforms for SMME’s to access information, funding, and markets for their sustainability.

IBASA Board

Tash Makamure

Chairperson

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Eric M’ituaruchiu

(NED)

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Mpone Moeketsi

(NED)

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Amo Marengwa

(NED)

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Chipo Chipidza

(NED)

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Teddy Mapuvire

(NED)

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Misheck Mugabe

(NED)

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Estelle Towers

(NED)

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Membership

The IBASA currently has a membership in excess of over 2000 members across South Africa, who are accredited as Business Advisors, Business Coaches, and Mentors.

Members are graded in accordance with their level of skill, education, and more importantly their advisory experience. Once assessed and graded, they qualify to use designations ranging from Business Advisor (BA), Principal Business Advisor (PBA) and Certified Business Advisor (CBA), which is the most skilled and experienced.

It is the objective of IBASA to provide our members with opportunities to continuously develop and improve their skills and capacity.

In terms of cooperation with the banking industry, our members have taken part in various Intermediary initiatives where our members would assist clients and direct Business Plans and requests for funding to financial institutions as well as act as post-investment mentors.

We would also like to encourage our members to take a moment and update their information by clicking on the link: Member Information Update From

The core function of the IBASA is the grading, accreditation, and maintaining of professional standards of conduct among Business Advisors, Mentors, Coaches and Counsellors.

Our goal is to become a statutory body for Business Advisors in South Africa, with the purpose to regulate the small business environment and to create a barrier to entry for unqualified and unscrupulous operators who are contaminating the reputation of the rest of the truly professional members of this group of small business service providers.

We believe that the quality and sustainability of small business in South Africa is directly linked to the quality and professionalism of properly qualified, accredited and certified Business Advisors in our country. The negative impact of bad business advice on SMME’s and the economy as a whole can only be guessed at.

The IBASA represents business advising professionals, within a framework, endorsed by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Our professionals provide services to small, micro and medium-sized businesses in Southern Africa and hence, contribute to the social and economic development of the region.

The IBASA provides its members with a formal recognized professional status, education and Continuous Professional Development in order to improve the quality of their services. This is done under a strict Code of Conduct for the benefit of the entrepreneurs that utilize them. We empower our strategic partners with high impact, quality-assured, managed solutions for SMME’s, through the use of our graded members.

Over the past year, with difficult economic conditions and increasing financial hardship, amongst both business advisors and SMME’s, there has been concern and uncertainty about the level of fees our members may charge their clients.

On the one hand, we are the only professional business advising body in South Africa whose members are registered with SAQA (The South African Qualification  Authority) and, as such, provide the highest standards of business advising assistance available to SMME’s.

This professional status would normally carry a premium cost to clients, versus less qualified competitors.

On the other hand, times are tough and we need to be both realistic and competitive in the rates we charge our clients. With the above considerations in mind, IBASA has been requested to provide a broad guideline on suggested fee structures, for our members, depending on their formal IBASA grading’s/designations.

We cannot and do not determine fee structures and IBASA Rates are only suggested guidelines, for comparison purposes.

Obviously, rates are also likely to vary from province to province as well fees will also vary between industries and between regions.

We value Moral and Ethical leadership of our members and as such we are continuously updating our policies. This will help the members of our organization, judge the moral legitimacy of their decisions, enabling them to apply moral, ethical principles and enact values of IBASA in conducting their business.

We promote responsible decision making through the Codes and Policies.

IBASA is confident that the updated Policies will continue to be valued by members as standards of excellence in the  Conduct of members within our designation(s).

Kindly familiarise yourselves with IBASA’s:

Mission of the IBASA

To be the recognised professional body for those who specialise in assisting the start – ups and stimulating growth, prosperity of small, micro and medium-sized enterprises in South Africa.

Professional Activates

IBASA is a recognised professional body responsible for the assessment, accreditation, and continuing professional development of business advisors, business counsellors and mentors assisting small businesses.

Business Advice

Business Advice is the provision of independent, impartial and confidential information and guidance to potential and established businesses, based on substantial business experience and current knowledge of related factors.

Business Mentoring

Business Mentoring is an ongoing long-term business advising relationship between an experienced Business Advisor and client that covers a diverse range of topics as a business develops.

Advising and Mentoring

Advising and Mentoring are a means to an end – that end is a profitable business, more effectively managed. In all businesses, performance is fundamentally linked to management capability.

Business Consulting

Business Consulting is the provision of advisory services to help senior management improve the effectiveness of corporate strategy, process, or operations by assessing business needs and reviewing business functions, plans and directions.

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Tash Makamure ( Chairperson)

Tash Makamure is an experienced business consultant and governance leader with strong expertise in the South African public sector and non-profit environment. He holds an MBA and an Honours degree in Business Science, grounding his work in sound strategic and organisational principles.

He has extensive experience working with non-profit organisations, helping them strengthen governance, improve structures, and enhance coordination. His work with organisations such as the Graça Machel Trust demonstrates his ability to support mission-driven institutions and navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Tash has advised public entities, municipalities, and development organisations on organisational design, institutional reform, and capacity-building initiatives.

Within the Institute of Business Advisors Southern Africa (IBASA), he has served in key leadership roles. Appointed Task Team Chairperson in 2023 after the Board was dissolved, he led the stabilisation process and oversaw the appointment of a new Board in 2024. He currently serves as EduCom Chairperson, driving the development of professional learning materials for IBASA members.

Eric M’ituaruchiu (NED)

Eric M’ituaruchiu is an education leader and business strategist with over 13 years of experience in academic management, institutional leadership, and organisational development. He brings strong strategic insight, operational discipline, and people-focused leadership to every role.

He holds dual MBA degrees, multiple IT certifications, and a Financial Markets and Investment diploma, and is currently pursuing a triple-accredited MBA at Henley Business School.

Eric has served in key leadership roles at the Maharishi Invincibility Institute, including Head of Academic, Business Development Projects Coordinator, and Research and Development Lead, where he has strengthened academic operations, improved student services, and supported long-term institutional growth. He also serves as a Business Advisor and Education Committee member at IBASA and was recently appointed as a Co-Option Board Member.

Recognised for his strategic thinking and collaborative leadership style, Eric is committed to student success, organisational excellence, and driving impactful transformation.

Mpone Moeketsi

Mpone Moeketsi, known as Mrs T, is a Human Resources and Training Consultant, Brain Profile Practitioner, Neurolinguistic Coach, and Professional Business Advisor with extensive experience in Education, Training, and Development across both private and public sectors.

She has worked across industries such as Mining, Government, Financial Services, Hospitality, and Education, delivering leadership programmes, entrepreneurial and career development initiatives, and strategic planning workshops.

Ms Moeketsi is the owner and Managing Principal of Journey to Destiny and Kavan Consultants, an accredited training provider with Services SETA and AGRISETA. Her clients include Anglo Platinum, Allan Gray, WEIR Minerals, KSB, and Crabtree. She also leads programmes focused on youth development, women empowerment, and support for ex-offenders and unemployed youth.

She holds a BA in Social Science, a BA (Hons) in Psychology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Trauma Counselling, and a coursework Master’s in Public Health Law from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is currently part of the Cherie Blair Foundation’s Leadership for Women Programme with GIBS.

Ms Moeketsi serves as Deputy Chairperson of Boksburg Child Welfare and is a Trustee of the National Children’s Theatre Fund.

Amo Marengwa (NED)

Amo Marengwa is an Enterprise Development Specialist and Business Mentor with over 10 years of experience advancing small business growth through advisory services, incubation programmes, and mentorship. Backed by an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science and a strong financial background, he has supported national initiatives across government, private, and academic sectors.

He has worked with SEDA, UNISA’s Inhlanyelo Hub, Siyakha Consulting, and Fetola, helping more than 150 entrepreneurs access markets, strengthen operations, and improve investor readiness. He also serves in governance and leadership roles within business advisory and mineral sector bodies.

As an entrepreneur in mining, agriculture, and food services, Amo brings practical insight into the challenges faced by SMMEs. Passionate about economic empowerment, he is committed to building resilient enterprises that drive sustainable growth and job creation.

Chipo Chipidza (NED)

Chipo Chipidza is a Business Development and Strategy Specialist with an MBA from the University of Cape Town and extensive experience mentoring SMEs and driving enterprise growth across Africa. She has led the design and implementation of enterprise- and supplier-development programmes and provided strategic advisory support to diverse businesses.

She previously held senior roles in major local and international information companies, managing regional growth and partnerships. Chipo currently serves as a Non‑Executive Director on the IBASA Board, chairing its Strategy Committee, and is the founder of Andisani International Consulting, supporting African enterprises with strategic growth and value-driven advisory services.

Teddy Mapuvire (NED)

Teddy Mapuvire is a seasoned finance and business advisory professional with a B.Compt in Accounting Sciences and professional designations including Professional Accountant (SA), Certified International Financial Reporter (ACCA), and Certified Business Advisor from the Institute of Business Advisors Southern Africa.

He is the Owner and Director of Maps International, where he provides strategic business advisory, financial reporting, and enterprise development services. Teddy combines deep financial expertise with practical business insight, helping clients across industries enhance financial management, drive growth, and achieve sustainable success.

Recognised for his professionalism and strategic acumen, Teddy is committed to supporting businesses and entrepreneurs in building resilient, high-performing organisations.

Misheck Mugabe (NED)

Misheck Mugabe is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in governance, strategy development, project management, and business advisory. He works on Investment Projects at the Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (ECSECC) and is on secondment to the Provincial Project Support Unit (PPSU) in the Office of the Premier (2023–2025). He serves as a Board Member of the Institute of Business Advisors of Southern Africa (IBASA).

Misheck has held leadership roles in student and higher education governance, including SRC President at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and President of the South African Union of Students (SAUS). He is also a professional facilitator in leadership, governance, strategy, and higher education policy.

He holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master of Commerce in Business Management (UFH), and is currently pursuing a PhD at UNISA, focusing on economic value chain participation. Misheck combines strategic leadership, project management expertise, and a commitment to inclusive economic and societal development.

Estelle Towers

Estelle Towers is a seasoned Business Advisor with over 25 years’ experience supporting BEE Level 1 entrepreneurs. As the owner of Towers Business Consultancy (TBC) since 2000, she has provided business advising, mentoring, training, bookkeeping, taxation, HR management, payroll, and start-up support to small enterprises.

She holds a Diploma in Commerce, BCom, and BCom Honours, and has built her career from the ground up, giving her a deep understanding of SME growth in South Africa. Estelle is accredited as an Associate Professional Accounting Technician, Associate Professional Tax Technician, Certified Business Advisor, and Practicing Tax Practitioner. She is a long-standing member of SAIPA and IBASA.

A Certified Professional Director and Certified Chairperson, Estelle currently serves as the Chairperson of IBASA’s Disciplinary Committee.

She is an accredited advisor for SAB, Coca-Cola, and Distell, with 25 years’ involvement in the SAB Owner-Driver Empowerment Programme. She has also contributed to national enterprise-development programmes including SSETA/IBASA mentorship initiatives, the Ximilani and North West mentorship programmes, the 2024 Start-Up Mentorship Programme, and the African Development Bank township digital-support initiative.

Estelle’s mentoring approach emphasises competence building, ethical practice, and long-term business sustainability.