More than 700 Grade 12 pupils from KwaZulu-Natal high schools benefitted from an Accounting examination workshop run by the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance as part of its mission to produce more African chartered accountants.
A programme, initiated by UKZN’s Dr Msizi Mkhize in 2015, offers a free Accounting workshop to matric learners preparing for their final examinations. Facilitated by UKZN Accounting lecturers assisted by members of the ABASA UKZN Student Chapter, the workshop covered a range of topics to aid learners as they prepare not only for exams but for their future.
This workshop is designed to enable the learners to improve their final mark which will in return boost the total academic performance score (APS) and make it easier for them to meet the University entry requirements.
Discussing the background to the creation of the workshop, Mkhize – a lecturer and Distinguished Teachers’ Award recipient – said he had observed that knowledge of mathematics was important in pursuing Accountancy and that was seldom acknowledged in Accounting books. So, he wanted to address the challenge.
‘The majority of the learners had a negative attitude towards mathematics and I wanted to promote fun, interactive and enjoyable alternative learning methods. Sharing with learners my creative mathematics and accounting skills is a way of giving back to the community and inspiring learners to pass these subjects,’ said Mkhize.
Some of the topics covered by the workshop include study skills, exam techniques, motivation, and career guidance and on request by the pupils, lecturers and masters students also did mathematics revision.
Pupils said the workshop was informative, helpful and interactive. Ms Akabongwa Ngcobo of Mtapo High Elindelani said the step-by-step guides and revision techniques were very useful, adding that she looked forward to pursuing her BCom studies at UKZN.
Ms Anele Mkhize of Mbizweni High said the thought of finals was really scary but after the revision session she was less stressed and was positive she would do well in her exams.
Dean and Head of School of Accounting, Economics and Finance Professor Mabutho Sibanda said the project was part of the School’s community engagement initiative and served to equip Grade 12 learners with Accounting and Mathematics skills. ‘We believe that together with high schools, we can improve learner performance in the upcoming examinations.’
Sibanda thanked the team of Mkhize, Ms Zama Gumede, Mr Siphiwe Mqadi, Mr Henry Marada and Mr Siphesihle Mkhize for their dedication to the programme.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Supplied