UKZN’s School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, in partnership with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Eastern Region, is going the extra mile to address the under-representation of Black Africans in the chartered accountancy profession.
The School has introduced a number of initiatives to achieve this objective, including the mentorship programme spearheaded by chartered accountants (CA(SA)) and lecturers, Ms Hlengiwe Ndlela and Ms Zamanguni Gumede, supported by the Co-ordinator of Accounting Programs, Dr Suren Pillay and the Dean and Head of School, Professor Mabutho Sibanda.
The programme has signed 50 qualified CAs as mentors. These include Mr Lindani Myeza from the Office of the Auditor General; Ms Bongekile Cele, Ms Nosihle Nkoyeni, Mr Innocent Xolani Mhlongo and Ms Vuyelwa Dlulane from the eThekwini Municipality; Ms Sibusisiwe Zondi from the National BioProducts Institute of South Africa; and Fezeka Mbatha from South African Revenue Services who visited the School to meet the students.
The mentors have been paired with Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) students to assess the academic, emotional, psychological and social issues confronting the students and to map the way forward to ensure that they graduate as chartered accountants.
Myeza, who is also a PhD candidate at the University of Pretoria, said he himself is a product of good mentorship. He advised the students to, ‘be effective in their studying. Use the resources provided. You are very close to unlocking your fullest potential, so work hard and you shall reap great rewards,’ he said.
Student, Mr Sibusiso Maposa, remarked: ‘I am very fortunate to be part of this initiative and grateful to the School and the mentors for investing and believing in us. The extra tutorials have been very beneficial. We hope to make them proud.’
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photographs: Supplied
