The Experts
When I founded Cliffco Capital, I had a vision of creating an investment firm that went far beyond simply providing financing. I wanted to build a true partnership with the companies and founders we funded – one based on transparency, innovation, and a roll-up-your-sleeves approach to driving growth.
Today, Cliffco Capital leverages cutting-edge fintech along with our exclusive access to foreign private capital to open doors that traditional lenders cannot.
Founder and CEO
Clifford Babo is a driven and seasoned Managing Director with a deep-seated passion for problem-solving and achieving business success.
With over 12 years of executive leadership experience in the law industry, Clifford obtained his LLB from the University of South Africa, specializing in commercial law. Currently serving as Group MD of the Cliffco Group in Durban, South Africa, he excels in leading teams, managing projects, and driving strategic business initiatives.
His expertise spans operations, business development, commercial law management, and overall business strategy. Clifford is known for his focused and results-oriented approach, consistently delivering strong commercial outcomes and fostering sustained business growth through effective leadership and innovation.
Scelo Ndaba is a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of diverse business experience. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1999 with a franchise business, followed by a successful gas franchise that continues to operate in the retail sector.
With a strong background in material handling, Scelo has spent 10 years specializing in managing commodities such as manganese, coal, iron ore, and chrome. His expertise extends from pit to port operations, handling commodities across various South African ports, including back-of-port and dry port facilities.
Scelo’s professional portfolio also includes significant contributions in the financial sector. He served as the Regional Marketing Manager for KwaZulu-Natal at King Finance, playing a pivotal role in its merger and transformation into African Bank.
His educational background includes a certificate in credit management from Damelin, complementing his practical business acumen. Scelo’s entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured from an early age, growing up in a family that owned and operated various retail businesses including shops, butcheries, and vegetable stores.
In addition to his commodity and retail experiences, Scelo has ventured into construction and property development. He has also held a directorship in a major transport company, further diversifying his business portfolio.
A qualified Mechanical Engineer from the Freie Universität Berlin, a German native Oliver Bohm is an accomplished leader having national as well as international experience and a great aptitude for Engineering and Management combined with success in public speaking and public relations. Possessing excellent technical knowledge and skills in competition with the challenging environment and the ability to function as a team leader as well as a team member. Hardworking, energetic, and a quick learner for any task delegated.
In addition to this, he holds and MBA from the London School of Economics. As the head of Foreign Investments at Cliffco he brings a wealth of experience in how international markets function. His emphasis on creating a symbiotic relationship between local and international businesses has opened up a different market for Cliffco Capital.
Henry Ngcobo is a results-driven entrepreneur with a passionate focus on health and business innovation. As the CEO and founder of MAKKA Holdings (Pty) Ltd and I-Qhaqe LeMpilo, a thriving homeopathic medicine company based in Durban, South Africa, Henry has consistently demonstrated his ability to identify market trends and drive continuous innovation.
With a proven track record in all aspects of business development, Henry excels in high-pressure environments, showcasing exceptional leadership and time management skills. His strategic vision has enabled him to stay ahead of the competition and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the health and wellness sector.
Henry’s diverse background includes 8 years of experience in radio broadcasting at Izwi loMzansi 98. FM, which has honed his outstanding communication abilities. This unique combination of entrepreneurial acumen and media expertise allows Henry to effectively lead his organizations and contribute valuable insights to the business community.
Ayanda Ngwenya is a seasoned International Marketing Manager bringing extensive experience in global trade to her role at Cliffco Capital. With a proven track record in the Packaging and FMCG industries, Ayanda’s expertise spans logistics, sales, management, and marketing.
Ayanda holds a degree in Export Management from the prestigious IMM Graduate School of Marketing, equipping her with cutting-edge skills in international trade dynamics. Her career highlights include leadership roles in shipping departments of major multinational corporations, where she honed her abilities in employee management and operational efficiency.
Known for her exceptional organizational skills, Ayanda excels in managing complex, time-sensitive projects. Her approach to professional communication fosters strong relationships with team members, business partners, and clients alike, enhancing Cliffco Capital’s global network.
Ayanda’s profound knowledge of business administration and economics drives her strategic approach to international markets. At Cliffco Capital, she leverages this expertise to optimize export operations and uncover new opportunities for growth.
Her blend of academic excellence and practical experience in global trade makes Ayanda a valuable asset to Cliffco Capital’s international ventures, ensuring the company maintains its competitive edge in the global financial landscape.
Mzamo Khuzwayo is the founder of Nasela Capital, a diversified entity with interests in renewable energy, food, ICT, and electrical installations. A Chartered Accountant (CA) with over 20 years of experience in the finance sector, Mzamo has held several executive positions, including Group Chief Commercial Officer at Crookes Brothers Limited and Chief Financial Officer at Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone Company SOC Ltd. His extensive corporate governance experience includes serving on boards in agriculture, agro-processing, real estate, investment promotion, and manufacturing.
Mzamo’s career in finance has spanned various specialties within large financial institutions such as Nedbank and Absa. His expertise includes corporate and SMME lending, credit structuring for corporates and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, private equity, and leverage and acquisition finance. As a Transactor at Nedbank Capital Private Equity, he was responsible for all aspects of private equity investments, from sourcing to exiting.
Educated at the University of KZN, Mzamo holds a B Comm. degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy. He qualified as a CA (SA) in 2004 after completing his articles with Deloitte. Beyond his professional achievements, Mzamo has experience in investment promotion, having led missions to countries including South Korea, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and New Zealand. He resides in Kloof, Durban, with his wife Sebenzile and their three daughters.
Partner with us
We study each proposal on its merits using industry-specific metrics and context.
Applications don't disappear with us. We make it a point to respond to each proposal that reaches our table.
Our Advantage
Our in-house team of seasoned business builders, technologists, and financial experts work hand-in-hand with the management teams we back. We provide strategic advisory, operational guidance, technological implementation and a comprehensive suite of support services – all aimed at maximizing growth and returns.