‘The ambition of the SA Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) thesis competition is to raise the bar for research in accountancy and tax, and your excellent submission has without a doubt contributed immensely to the realisation of that vision. Thank you for setting such a high standard.’

So said SAIPA representative, Ms Faith Ngwenya, during the institute’s Accounting iNdaba 2019 Conference in Cape Town upon the announcement that UKZN senior lecturer, Dr Raj Rajaram won the 2019 SAIPA Thesis Competition for his excellence in the field of Accountancy.

Rajaram’s PhD thesis, which focused on business rescue and the financial rehabilitation of distressed companies, was subjected to a rigorous process of adjudication by a panel of experts in the field.

‘I am extremely grateful that research by Chartered Accountants is being recognised. It is a testament to the research support that our School and the College of Law and Management Studies has created in recent years.

‘I trust that awards and acknowledgements such as these inspire Chartered Accountants to continue with their research efforts to solve society’s pressing economic problems, thereby strengthening our young democracy,’ said Rajaram.

Dean and Head of the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Professor Mabutho Sibanda congratulated Rajaram on his achievement and thanked him for flying the UKZN flag high and for inspiring greatness.

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Supplied