Fazel Sulaman: The Measured Hand Behind Bold Foundations

There’s a quiet power in those who build rather than boast. Individuals who don’t chase the spotlight but still manage to shape the direction of things that matter. South Africa, with its layered history and still-unfolding future, has always needed such voices. As the country continues to define what progress truly looks like, balancing justice, opportunity, and growth, leadership becomes less about position and more about presence. The kind that listens deeply, acts intentionally, and leaves a mark that doesn’t fade with trends. 

Fazel Sulaman is that kind of presence. His story isn’t one of shortcuts or sudden ascents. It’s a deliberate rise shaped by deep roots and a strong sense of purpose. What makes him stand apart isn’t just what he’s achieved, but how he’s done it.  

A Journey of Leadership and Legacy 

Fazel has been with Nexia SAB&T for over 19 years, a journey that has seen him grow through the ranks from trainee accountant to Chief Executive Officer. His career path within the firm reflects a remarkable trajectory marked by dedication, mentorship, and a deep alignment with the organization’s values. 

As Fazel reflects on his journey, he expresses deep gratitude for the mentorship he received along the way—particularly from the firm’s Founder and former CEO, Bashier Adam. Bashier’s early recognition of Fazel’s potential and his deliberate efforts to nurture it left a lasting impression. His commitment to growing leadership from within the organization is a philosophy Fazel now continues to champion as CEO. 

Fazel began his career at Nexia SAB&T in 2006 as a trainee accountant. From the start, he was encouraged to be proactive, to look beyond the task at hand, and to treat each assignment as a foundation for future growth. In 2009, he was promoted to manager—a defining moment that tested his leadership capabilities and resilience under pressure. Just a year later, he was appointed director, transitioning his focus from technical delivery to strategic thinking and talent development. 

In 2013, Fazel took on the role of hub leader, broadening his operational oversight and deepening his understanding of the firm’s service lines and collaborative dynamics. His appointment as Chief Operating Officer in 2019 marked another significant milestone. In this capacity, he played a key role in driving the firm’s innovation agenda, enhancing internal efficiencies, and shaping strategic direction. 

His most recent and notable milestone came in 2024, when he was appointed Chief Executive Officer. This role, he notes, is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to Nexia SAB&T’s enduring commitment to cultivating leadership from within. 

Each chapter of Fazel’s journey has presented new challenges and opportunities, but the thread that ties it all together is the firm’s culture of trust, support, and empowerment—a culture that continues to drive both him and the organization forward. 

The Unseen Forces Behind Nexia SAB&T’s Rise 

Nexia SAB&T stands today as one of South Africa’s leading audit and advisory firms, a remarkable evolution from its humble beginnings in a garage in Laudium in 1994, where it was founded by just two individuals with a shared vision. According to Fazel, the driving force behind the firm’s sustained growth and success lies in its relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to its people. 

Fazel highlights that the firm's resilience and continued relevance stem from its adaptability and proactive spirit. Whether through joining international networks, pursuing strategic mergers and acquisitions, or developing automation solutions for clients, Nexia SAB&T has consistently embraced change and innovation. Rather than resting on past achievements, the firm constantly asks itself how it can improve, and more importantly, how it can lead rather than follow. 

One of the most impactful drivers of growth, Fazel notes, has been the firm’s deliberate investment in young talent. More than 70% of Nexia SAB&T’s workforce is under the age of 40, and 24% of its directors fall within that same age group. This is no coincidence. The firm is intentional about giving young professionals meaningful responsibility early in their careers, trusting them to grow into leadership roles. This approach has cultivated a high-performance culture that naturally attracts ambitious, driven individuals who are eager to make a difference. 

This blend of innovation, agility, and people-centric leadership continues to fuel Nexia SAB&T’s journey forward. 

Blueprint for Transformation and Inclusive Growth 

As a majority black-owned firm, Nexia SAB&T plays a pivotal role in advancing economic transformation and empowerment in South Africa—a commitment that, according to Fazel, is embedded in the firm’s very DNA. For Nexia SAB&T, transformation is not a box to be ticked, but a way of life. The firm is a living example of how inclusive leadership and meaningful opportunity can uplift individuals and entire communities. 

Fazel emphasizes that the firm actively supports black-owned businesses, contributes to the development of small and medium enterprises (SMMEs), and empowers the next generation through extensive training programmes and bursary initiatives. Economic transformation and empowerment are not just strategic objectives—they are principles that guide the firm's daily operations. 

One of Nexia SAB&T’s most powerful contributions, Fazel highlights, lies in advancing gender transformation within the professional services sector. Over half of the firm’s female directors started their careers as trainees at the firm, a clear reflection of its commitment to growing leadership from within. Today, women make up half of the Executive Committee, breaking barriers and setting a new standard for empowerment in the industry. This internal leadership pipeline fosters sustainable transformation that resonates beyond the walls of the firm. 

The firm’s commitment to empowerment has been recognized both locally and internationally. By investing in the growth of black professionals—particularly black women—Nexia SAB&T is actively shaping a more inclusive future for the South African economy. 

Fazel also points to the SAB&T Foundation, which drives the firm’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives. The Foundation spearheads sustainable community upliftment and entrepreneurial development programmes, ranging from providing educational resources to underprivileged schools, to funding aspiring Chartered Accountants, empowering youth, supporting survivors of gender-based violence, and distributing sanitary pads to thousands of young girls 

Sport, too, plays a meaningful role in the firm’s outreach. Nexia SAB&T sponsors school sports teams across the country, from primary to high school levels, believing firmly in the transformative power of sport. These sponsorships help young athletes—especially those from under-resourced communities—develop their talents and gain access to quality facilities. Supporting well-established schools also helps the firm build brand presence while contributing to youth development in impactful ways. 

In 2023, the firm further expanded its empowerment agenda with the launch of the SAB&T Academy. This initiative offers practical, work-readiness training for young individuals entering the workforce. Fazel proudly shares that the Academy’s second cohort recently graduated, equipped with the real-world skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the economy from day one. 

For Nexia SAB&T, and for Fazel, transformation is about more than policies or targets—it’s about empowering people, creating opportunity, and making long-term investments in a better, more inclusive future for all. 

Global Reach, Local Insight 

As a proud member of the global Nexia network, Nexia SAB&T benefits from its affiliation with over 250 member firms operating across more than 120 countries. According to Fazel, this global connectivity enhances the firm’s ability to deliver world-class solutions to South African clients while supporting them seamlessly as they expand internationally. 

The network offers more than just reach—it provides access to global best practices, international training, and collaborative opportunities with like-minded professionals across borders. This not only enriches the firm’s service offerings but also nurtures its talent pool. 

Fazel, recently appointed as Chairman of the Africa, Middle East (AME) region of Nexia and a member of the Global Board of Directors, highlights the strategic influence that comes with such roles. Through this leadership platform, Nexia SAB&T contributes to shaping the network’s global direction while ensuring the voices and perspectives of the AME region are well-represented. He views this as both a significant responsibility and a valuable advantage for the firm and its clients.

Tailored Solutions for Complex Industries 

Nexia SAB&T’s strength lies in its ability to serve a wide spectrum of industries, including healthcare, mining, and higher education—each with its own set of unique demands and challenges. 

Fazel explains that the firm does not apply a one-size-fits-all methodology. Instead, it delivers industry-specific solutions built on deep sector knowledge. In healthcare, for instance, the firm must navigate strict regulatory environments and ensure high-stakes compliance. In mining, there is a delicate balance between environmental responsibility and financial performance. Higher education institutions, meanwhile, face growing governance demands and shifting funding structures. 

To meet these diverse needs, Nexia SAB&T brings in sector specialists, employs advanced data analytics, and draws from its global network’s wealth of knowledge. Whether advising a university on strengthening its governance framework or assisting a mining company with ESG reporting, the firm aligns every engagement with the client’s strategic priorities—ensuring relevance, value, and impact at every stage. 

Embedding Integrity, Passion, and Quality 

For Nexia SAB&T, integrity, passion, and commitment to quality aren’t just aspirational phrases—they are embedded in the company’s DNA. Fazel emphasizes that these principles guide both everyday decisions and long-term strategy. The firm reinforces its values through continuous training, structured mentorship, and performance evaluations, alongside recognising and rewarding excellence. 

Fazel believes that leadership must model these principles if they are to permeate the organization. He maintains a hands-on approach, engaging with teams across all branches and service lines. His presence is not only to oversee performance but to consistently reaffirm the company’s purpose and vision. 

Quality is further safeguarded through rigorous assurance processes and a strong emphasis on professional development. These systems ensure that clients are served with integrity, skill, and unwavering confidence—regardless of the project or location. 

Vision for a Resilient Future 

The auditing and advisory industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and Fazel identifies regulatory shifts, evolving stakeholder expectations, ESG compliance, and the rise of cyber threats as major challenges. However, rather than view these as obstacles, Nexia SAB&T approaches them as opportunities for innovation and growth. 

In response, the firm has expanded its service offerings to include Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Forensic Auditing, and ESG Advisory—key areas that speak directly to emerging client needs. By staying ahead of market trends, Nexia SAB&T positions itself not only as a service provider, but as a strategic partner in adaptation and resilience. 

Internally, the firm is heavily invested in future-proofing its workforce. Through initiatives like Nexia Africa Rising and in-house training programmes, employees are continually upskilled to meet the demands of a shifting landscape. Fazel sees this as essential to maintaining the firm’s edge while delivering exceptional client outcomes. 

Building Consistency Across a National Network 

With ten offices nationwide and a growing footprint, maintaining consistency in service quality and culture is both a priority and a point of pride for Nexia SAB&T. Fazel explains that while each branch may have its own local flavor, all are unified by a shared purpose and clearly defined values. 

This cohesion is fostered through regular leadership engagement, standardised policies, and a strong internal communications structure. Leadership development plays a central role—ensuring that each location is led by individuals who champion the firm’s standards and culture. 

Technology also acts as a key enabler. Through digital platforms and streamlined operations, Nexia SAB&T ensures that both clients and staff experience the same high standards, no matter the region. In Fazel’s words, it’s the people who carry the culture—but it’s the systems and vision that keep it consistent. 

Cultivating Potential and Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders 

Fazel defines his leadership style as inclusive, fair, strategic, and people-focused. His approach is deeply influenced by the trust and opportunities he received early in his own career—experiences that continue to shape the way he leads today. He believes in creating an environment where individuals can thrive, take risks, fail safely, and ultimately grow into leaders themselves. 

Transparency, accountability, and initiative are values he consistently champions within his team. Fazel encourages innovation by urging his colleagues to challenge the status quo and present fresh ideas. For him, true leadership lies in empowerment rather than control. Mentorship plays a central role in his leadership philosophy, and he finds immense fulfillment in watching young professionals evolve into confident, capable leaders. As he puts it, their success is his greatest reward. 

Leaving a Legacy that Lasts 

Looking ahead, Fazel’s strategic goals for Nexia SAB&T are guided by five key pillars: innovation, expansion, efficiency, quality, and talent development. Under his leadership, the firm continues to prioritise the integration of automation and AI tools across all service lines—an initiative that reflects Nexia SAB&T’s forward-thinking ethos. 

Fazel also envisions a broader geographic footprint, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, leveraging the firm’s global Nexia network and his own leadership role on the Nexia AME Board. He emphasizes that people remain the firm’s greatest asset. By investing in training, mentorship, and wellbeing, Nexia SAB&T is not only redefining roles in a digital era but also creating a workplace culture where innovation and high-quality service are organically intertwined. 

His ultimate ambition is for the firm to be known as a visionary force—one that builds businesses, empowers people, and leaves lasting legacies in every market it touches. 

Wisdom for the Next Generation 

Fazel offers candid and heartfelt advice to young professionals aiming to make their mark in auditing, accounting, and consulting. “Be hungry to learn. Be bold in your ideas. And most importantly, be consistent in your efforts,” he says. 

He underscores that success in this industry requires patience, integrity, and a daily commitment to excellence. There are no shortcuts—just a steadfast dedication to growth. Fazel encourages newcomers to ask questions, take initiative, and view mistakes as stepping stones rather than setbacks. 

At Nexia SAB&T, young professionals are entrusted with real responsibility, a culture of trust that Fazel himself benefited from early in his career. He reminds them that the journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Surrounding oneself with mentors, being open to feedback, and keeping sight of the bigger picture are, in his view, the keys to a fulfilling and impactful career.