ICC finance chief wins top award
The Durban ICC’s Chief Financial Officer, Melanie Rambally, has added a prestigious accolade to her name, winning the 2024 Top Women Leader in Public Sector Award at the Standard Bank Top Women Awards.
The award is a tribute to her significant contributions to the financial and operational success of Africa's leading meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) venue.
A chartered accountant hailing from Pietermaritzburg, Ms Rambally has spent a decade at the financial helm of the Durban ICC, ensuring the organisation’s sustained growth and impeccable financial track record. Her tenure has seen the venue achieve its tenth clean audit and consistent revenue growth, reinforcing its reputation as a world-class conference destination.
Ms Rambally holds a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and an Accounting Science Honours degree from the University of South Africa. Her leadership has been pivotal in maintaining the Durban ICC’s financial stability and operational excellence.
“Melanie has done the entire team proud,” said Durban ICC CEO Lindiwe Rakharebe. “A good Chief Financial Officer is essential for the financial health and strategic direction of an organization, especially in the public sector. Her expertise in fiscal management, accounting principles, and financial reporting has been crucial in navigating complex financial landscapes and making informed decisions that benefit the organization.”
Rakharebe also praised Rambally for maintaining a collaborative and productive work environment, inspiring the finance team to maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
For Rambally, the recognition is due to the collective effort of her team. “I dedicate this award to my team members for their unwavering commitment to sound financial management and upholding the highest standards of governance and integrity,” she said.
The Durban ICC itself continues to shine on the global stage, recently reclaiming the title of Africa's Leading Meetings & Conference Centre for 2024. This marks the venue’s second consecutive win after a brief hiatus from the top spot. Additionally, it was recognised as the second runner-up for the Most Innovative Business Tourism Destination Award by the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and maintained its prestigious five-star grading from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
Looking ahead, the Durban ICC will host Africa’s Travel Indaba in May 2025, further cementing its status as a hub for premier leisure, travel, and tourism events.