# Fundi Sithebe

Fundi Sithebe is a South African business executive, recognized as a pioneering figure in both the horse racing and aviation industries. She served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of 4Racing, South Africa's largest horse racing operator, from June 1, 2021, until her resignation announcement on March 13, 2025, effective May 31, 2025. Sithebe is widely noted as the first Black CEO of a racing company in South Africa, and potentially globally, marking a historic milestone in the sport's leadership.

## Early life and education

Fundi Sithebe was born in Diepkloof, Soweto, South Africa. Sithebe matriculated at the age of 16 in 1995 from St. Anne’s Diocesan College a private school in Hilton. She attended Hilton College, an elite private school in KwaZulu-Natal, where she was among the first female students to complete A-Level studies in 1996. This experience significantly influenced her leadership philosophy and commitment to challenging gender norms. Sithebe later earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Midrand University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Business Administration) from Wits Business School. In 2003, she obtained a Private Pilot's License (PPL), reflecting her longstanding interest in aviation.

## Career

Sithebe began her professional journey in the financial and consulting sectors. She worked as a management consultant at Deloitte, specializing in strategy and operations, and later joined the expansion team of First National Bank (FNB) of South Africa. At FNB, she contributed to the bank's growth initiatives across the African continent, honing her expertise in business development and operational leadership.

## Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)

From December 2017 to April 2021, Sithebe served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). In this role, she oversaw operations at nine airports, managed infrastructure development, and spearheaded efforts to integrate safe, efficient, and profitable aviation services. Her tenure at ACSA solidified her reputation as a transformative leader in high-stakes industries.

## 4Racing

On June 1, 2021, Sithebe was appointed CEO of 4Racing, becoming the first Black person to lead a major horse racing organization in South Africa. During her leadership, she focused on modernizing the industry, promoting diversity and inclusion, and ensuring sustainable growth. Her initiatives aimed to broaden the sport's appeal and accessibility, particularly in a field historically dominated by male leadership.
Fundi was appointed to the Board of the World Tote Association at WoTA's General Assembly in 2022 in London. Sithebe was elected to the WoTA Board, which includes some of the most prominent figures in the global horseracing industry, by the members of WoTA's General Assembly. Sithebe announced her resignation on March 13, 2025, with her departure effective at the end of May 2025, prompting widespread discussion about her legacy and the future of South African horse racing.

### BetWay Summer Cup

The BetWay Summer Cup also known as Africa’s Richest boasting higher stakes than any other similar race in the continent has become one of Africa's most celebrated racing events, known as "The People's Race" for its broad appeal. Held annually at Turffontein Racecourse in Johannesburg, the Cup combines premium horse racing with fashion and community engagement. Since 4Racing partnered with Betway in 2022, Sithebe has focused on making horse racing more inclusive and accessible, attracting a younger, diverse audience. The event has seen significant growth, with the purse increasing from R2.5 million in 2022 to R6 million in 2024, solidifying its status as Africa’s richest horse race. Sithebe also prioritizes the racing community, ensuring that each groom in the final field receives a R20,000 bonus, highlighting her commitment to all industry stakeholders.
Under her leadership other notable achievements are Champions Day to be included in the prestigious Hong Jockey Club’s World Pool racing. A great milestone and achievement to have the Wilgebosdrift HF Oppenheimer Stakes in the top 100 GR1 races in the world, a first for 4Racing and currently the only one in South Africa. Creative themes have enhanced the event’s allure, such as "The Golden Summer" in 2022 and "Summer Reign" in 2023, which celebrated bold fashion. Future themes, along with partnerships with Glamour Magazine and top entertainers, have transformed the Cup into a cultural festival. Sithebe aims for 20,000 spectators at Turffontein, inspired by international racing events, and envisions a vibrant future where the public engages actively in the Cup. Through her strategic vision, she has redefined the e BetWay Summer Cup as a dynamic celebration of sport, style, and community.

## Personal life

Sithebe has cited her upbringing in Soweto and her experiences as a woman in male-dominated fields as key influences on her leadership style. She is an advocate for inclusivity and has spoken about the importance of challenging the status quo to create opportunities for underrepresented groups.
She has been described as a vocal advocate for diversity, Sithebe emphasizes the need to disrupt traditional norms, ensuring that underrepresented groups gain access to opportunities in horse racing and beyond. Her approach blends resilience with a passion for equity, driving her efforts to transform the sport into a more welcoming and accessible space for all.

### Durban July Event

Outside of work, Fundi is an avid fan of horse racing. In 2024, she was spotted at the Durban July, a prestigious event themed “Ride the Wave,” which saw Oriental Charm, trained by Brett Crawford and ridden by Juan Paul van der Merwe, claim victory, further showcasing the competitive depth of the field. Sithebe’s strategic oversight ensures that such events not only honor tradition but also pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for South African horse racing.

## Legacy and Impact

Fundi Sithebe is celebrated for breaking barriers as a Black female executive in South Africa. Her tenure at 4Racing is credited with advancing the transformation of horse racing, while her earlier work at Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) showcased her ability to manage complex operational systems. The World Tote described Sithebe's workload as comparable to that of the British Prime Minister, highlighting his active promotion of pool betting and the essential role it plays in supporting the global horse racing industry. She remains an influential figure in discussions about diversity, leadership, and industry innovation in South Africa.