SAIPA’s annual Project Achiever programme supports young and aspiring Professional Accountants (SA) to advance their accountancy career, which for many is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. In this series, SAIPA introduces you to some of the accomplished Project Achiever alumni and project facilitators to inspire both present and future members about the world of possibility of being a SAIPA member.

1. Tell us about yourself and your career thus far.

I’m from Pietermaritzburg, KZN originally, and currently live and work in Durban. During my studies, I specialised in both management accounting and taxation. I have been a lecturer at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) for around 17 years, since 2006. As a senior lecturer at MUT, my primary area of teaching is taxation. However, I have also previously taught courses in management accounting. Before that, I lectured at Durban University of Technology. I am also a member of the Finance and Investment Committee on the MUT Council.

2. What attracted you to academia?

In the early stages of my career, I wasn’t necessarily attracted to academia per se. Rather, I’ve always been interested in community service. I’ve always seen myself as both an activist and a community builder. This is something that I would have done in one form or other. When an opportunity was presented for me to lecture young people, I took it with both hands because I have always known that education is a great tool to positively impact people’s lives, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.

3. Tell us about how you become involved with Project Achiever.

I have been a facilitator for the SAIPA Project Achiever programme since its inception in 2015. I was recommended to join the programme by the then Head of Department for accounting at Mangosuthu University of Technology. She was initially chosen to be a facilitator but couldn’t take on the role at the time – so the opportunity became available for me and I was happy to oblige! At the time, SAIPA was looking for someone to facilitate the taxation and management accounting sessions, which aligned perfectly with my expertise. In the beginning stages of the program it was more regional in nature, but now it has grown to be nationwide.

4. What impact is Project Achiever having on those who come through the programme?

All of us as a collective – SAIPA, the project facilitators, and everyone involved in the programme at various levels – we are truly making a contribution in developing and preparing these young minds to not only become Professional Accountants, but to also be ready for the world of work. We are equipping them with skills to be first and foremost professionals who have the capability to use their knowledge to make a difference to organisations and the wider society. The programme is not limited to only developing accountancy skills – the Project Achiever programme is structured around developing a holistic professional who’s going to be able to step into any organisation in any place and be able to analyse the situation and provide necessary advisory. We are hopefully making an impact in creating a cohort of Professional Accountants who are critical thinkers and who will do their part in building communities and societies.

5. Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

Honestly, I can’t name one person. My life journey has been the epitome of the expression ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. My grandmother, parents, aunts, sisters, and a lot of my friends have been instrumental in supporting me towards reaching my goals. If I have to single out one person, I would say that I have always looked up to my father. I even feel emotional as I think about him. He is someone who has inspired me throughout my life.

6. What is your philosophy of life?

I believe in doing good, wherever you can and however you can. I think everybody has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of others and we have a duty to live up to this potential.

7. What are some of your interests/passions, outside of the office?

I play football with my friends from time to time. I am also a political activist. Those are the two things that I like to do. So, if I’m not reading a book and debating with people or involved in some community activity, I’ll be playing football. I come from a very poor area and when I got to university, I was introduced to the writings of Robert Sobukwe. From then on, I found myself interested in community activism that is aimed at uplifting the marginalized, particularly in African communities.

8. What do you consider the biggest opportunity you received thus far?

I think I’m a fortunate guy – I’ve received too many to count. But at the top of my head, I think the Project Achiever programme has been an amazing opportunity to have a positive impact in people’s lives. The programme has also made an impact in helping to diversify the profession, which is something that is dear to my heart. As each year passes, we are seeing more black people and women becoming Professional Accountants. It’s pleasing to me that, through the programme, I get to play a role in setting previously marginalised people on a path to career success.

9. What is your hope for the future of the Project Achiever Programme?

The government has expressed many times that accountancy skills are scarce in South Africa. Through the Project Achiever programme, I hope we can have a positive impact in closing that skills gap by developing the necessary human capital for the future growth of our country. I hope that Project Achiever will have the resources (both human and financial) to continue to grow and take on more students so the impact of the programme can expand throughout South Africa.

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