Fatima Vawda isn’t just talking about change in the financial services sector – she’s leading it. A passionate advocate for diversity, transformation and gender equality, she’s the driving force behind 27four Investment Managers. Her strategic mind, backed by a master’s in applied mathematics from Wits University, has also seen her chair Legae Securities and contribute as a director at the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa. Leading a pioneering Black women-owned asset management firm, she has a wealth of knowledge about navigating the world of finance. We got her take on personal finance.
If money could talk, what would it say about your spending habits?
We had a solid, sensible relationship — until online shopping came along! But truth be told, you do treat me well. You invest me wisely, share me generously, and you’re always on the lookout for opportunities that stretch my potential. You understand that money isn’t just for spending — it’s a tool for building, uplifting and, sometimes, indulging just a little.
What’s the most significant financial lesson you’ve learnt from your own investment experiences?
Markets reward patience, not panic. The biggest gains often come from sitting still when everyone else is running around. It’s easy to get swept up in noise and short-term fear, but real wealth is built by staying the course, trusting your process, and letting time do its quiet compounding work.
If there’s a stock you wish you would’ve invested in earlier, what would it be and why?
Getting in on TymeBank during its first capital raise. It was a bold play in a highly regulated, traditional industry – but with the right mix of tech, timing and unmet demand, it’s grown into one of South Africa’s most exciting digital banking success stories. Early investors didn’t just back a bank – they backed a shift in how banking could be done across the continent.
What’s the most extravagant purchase you’ve ever made, and do you still think it was worth it?
Sending my kids to the best universities in the UK – and paying in pounds! It’s probably the most expensive line item I’ll ever fund, short of buying a small island. But absolutely, it’s been worth every cent. Investing in their education has been the ultimate long-term play – no market volatility, just compounding confidence, growth and opportunity.
What’s an unconventional asset class you’ve considered investing in?
I genuinely enjoy exploring unconventional asset classes. I invest in hedge funds, venture capital, private equity and private debt, because they offer access to innovation, differentiated returns and, often, a stronger connection to the real economy. These are spaces where capital doesn’t just grow – it gets to work.
What advice would you give to young professionals about building wealth and managing their finances?
Exactly what I told my son when he earned his first pay cheque during the summer holidays: start saving early. Time in the market is everything. The earlier you begin, the more you benefit from compounding – and that’s how real wealth is built. Even small amounts grow meaningfully if you give them enough time and discipline.
What is your retirement plan?
Retirement? I’m not wired for it. I don’t plan to slow down – just to shift gears. As long as there are ideas to build, people to back and change to make, I’ll stay in the game. Rest is great, but relevance is better.
What financial trend do you think is overrated, and why?
Sports betting – especially in South Africa – is massively overrated and deeply concerning. It’s marketed as entertainment, but for many, it becomes a financial trap. It creates the illusion of quick wealth, but more often than not, it leads to real economic harm, especially among young people. Gambling is not a financial strategy – it’s a distraction from building real, sustainable wealth.
If you could give your younger self one piece of financial advice, what would it be – and would you actually listen?
Honestly, I did things exactly the way I wanted to – with intention, conviction and a long-term view. I trusted my instincts, backed myself, and stayed the course. If I had to say anything, it would be: “You’re on the right track. Keep going.” And, yes – I would’ve listened.
How can South Africa achieve widespread financial literacy and inclusion?
By changing our political mindset. We need less talk, more action – and policies that empower people, not just placate them. Financial inclusion starts with education, access and leadership that sees citizens as future investors, not perpetual dependants.
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