About Us
Our story:
Founders Gareth Ochse and Des Mahony became friends when they met climbing Kilimanjaro in 1996. In 2015/6 they started exploring the challenges of BEE ownership deals and trying to find a better way to do them, drawing on their experiences in private-equity, strategy consulting and investment banking. Gareth had also put a BEE ownership structure in place in a prior business, and Des knew the ins-and-outs of trading in restricted shares; he had also done a lot of work north of the South African border where local ownership or ‘citizen empowerment’ restrictions were commonly placed on business ventures.
Together they came up with the ideas behind what is now “Tusker” – a company (Musth Capital PTY LTD) brought to life in 2017 to make it easier to do BEE ownership deals and thus accelerate the necessary transformation of the South African economy.
Tusker (Musth Capital) is a registered FSP (49558) and both Des and Gareth are Key Individuals. We manage over R1.35Bn of our client’s BEE equity.
Our board:
SANJAY SONI
Director
Sanjay is a dynamic chartered accountant with over 30 years of experience. Outside of Tusker, Sanjay is an executive director role at the Black Lite Group, a boutique consultancy focusing on B-BBEE strategy, sustainability advisory, and management consulting services. He has built a reputation serving diverse clients, including multi-nationals, the private sector, and the public sector. Besides his professional achievements, Sanjay is passionate about personal development, often coaching and mentoring future leaders and business owners. Sanjay is a long-distance runner.
GARETH OCHSE
Director, Co-founder
Gareth has over 30 years of experience in building and financing businesses. His experience ranges from $50K seed to $1Bn export credit structures. Gareth is also a founding partner of TRIP (The Renewable Investment Partnership), advising businesses on energy transition and climate change issues. In prior lives, Gareth worked as a strategy consultant with Bain & Co (Johannesburg and London). Gareth is a former international rower, having represented South Africa at world-championship level 1992-1994, and was awarded national colours for Archery in 2023. Gareth is a Key Individual in terms of FAIS requirements.
You can reach Gareth (WhatsApp is best) on: +27 83 274 8678 or by email.
DES MAHONY
Director, Co-founder
Meet Des, a Chartered Accountant and Advocate. As the former co-founder of African Alliance, a pan-African investment bank, he brings over 30 years of deal-making experience. Most of his work has been conducted north of South Africa, where ‘citizen empowerment’ or ‘local ownership’ rules abound – with some similarities to BEE. Des has a variety of experience from private- to public-equity and related finance. Des is a registered Arbitrator and a Key Individual in terms of FAIS requirements. Des is an avid hiker and active in wildlife conservation.
You can reach Des on: +27 83 441 5323 or by email.
THAMI LEDWABA
Director
Thami Ledwaba, holds degrees B. SocSci (Hons) and MPhil (Public Policy) from the University of Cape Town.. Thami founded the Tshelela Africa Group in 2012. An experienced and passionate deal-maker, Thami’s passion for Africa’s development is evident in his work, emphasizing the critical role business plays in wealth creation and sustainable development. Prior to his current role, he served as a Senior Advisor to Fortune 500 companies based in Africa and various South African government departments and institutions.
DR NGAO MOTSEI
Director
Dr. Ngao Motsei specializes in Leadership Development, Culture, and Executive Coaching. She brings a wide range of executive, management consulting, and academic experience to the table. In addition, she serves as Lead Faculty for the GIBS Global Executive Development Programme (GEDP), and lectures on Leadership, Culture, and Workplace Bullying. As an ICF-certified coach, she is trained in working with abrasive leaders using the Boss Whispering® method. Beyond her professional achievements, she passionately advocates for creating respectful, bully-free work environments. Ngao is an exceptional meeting chair and serves on the boards of various businesses.