UKZN’s School of Accounting, Economics and Finance (SAEF) has welcomed 25 new Thuthuka Bursary Fund (TBF) recipients to its Accounting programme.
With the existing 15 recipients who are now in their second-year, a total of 40 students are part of the programme.
The TBF is a transformation initiative that aims to encourage previously disadvantaged African pupils to pursue a career in Chartered Accountancy.
The students attended an orientation programme in the last week of January where they received practical tips on “how to survive” and achieve success during their academic career, participated in team building activities and heard success stories from African Chartered Accountants (CAs) who faced challenges in their studies and careers.
The programme is an intensive one, with activities throughout each semester and workshops outside of lecture times, including but not limited to team building, motivational talks from CA(SA)s and trainees, business writing skills, financial literacy, emotional intelligence and stress management.
First-year student and bursary recipient, Ms Snenhlanhla Myeni said, ‘Orientation week was an eye-opening experience. I really enjoyed the presentations from experienced CAs, especially the female ones because it shows that we as women can do as much as men can and more. I am expecting a very busy year. The transition from high school to ‘varsity is not going to be easy but eventually we’ll settle in.’
Accounting lecturer and UKZN Bursary Fund Programme Manager, Ms Hlengiwe Ndlela said, ‘It is a great privilege to have support from staff members in the College, Department of Student Housing (DOSH) and academics who help to ensure that the programme runs as smoothly as possible. Our new students have been allocated families (a mentorship structure) and we can’t wait to see them grow.’
‘We seek to nurture not only the recipients of the programme but the mentors that support us, so as ukusiThuthukisa sonke, (to improve us all)’added Ndlela.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Supplied
