24 August 2023 Volume :11 Issue :39

UKZN and SA Institute of Chartered Accountants Meet to Strengthen Co-operation

Highlights of the meeting held by SAEF with SAICA Executives.

In a significant step towards enhancing collaboration, especially in the area of bursaries, representatives of the Discipline of Accounting within the School of Accounting, Economics, and Finance (SAEF) met with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) executives.

The meeting concentrated on strengthening the institutions’ partnership and to foster new initiatives for the Thuthuka Bursary Programme, a vital initiative that supports students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing the coveted CA (SA) qualification.

Among those present were key figures from SAICA, including CEO Mr Freeman Nomvalo, and the Executive for National Projects, Mr Robert Zwane, while UKZN personnel included Dean and Head of the School Professor Mabutho Sibanda; Co-ordinator of Accounting Programmes Professor Suren Pillay, and UKZN Thuthuka Bursary Programme Manager Mr Rudolf Mbanjwa.

SAICA places great importance on maintaining open communication channels with universities involved in running the Thuthuka Bursary Programme and continually seeks ways to enhance the funding programme. During the meeting, both parties evaluated several options to improve the overall experience of students participating in the bursary programme.

‘UKZN has been running the bursary programme successfully in collaboration with SAICA for over four years and has now entered its fifth academic year in 2023. The programme significantly contributes to SAEF’s efforts, particularly in terms of SAICA’s accreditation of the Accounting qualification,’ said Mbanjwa.

He highlighted that the meeting also provided UKZN with an opportunity to showcase some of the initiatives and programmes that have been integrated into the bursary programme. Notably, the Thuthuka Bursary Fund plays a crucial role in achieving the transformation objectives of the government and SAICA for the accounting profession.

The Thuthuka Bursary Programme serves as a crucial platform to redress historical injustices that have hindered deserving students from pursuing the CA(SA) qualification due to financial constraints. Sibanda said the programme played a pivotal role in producing future chartered accountants with global mobility. 

‘As a School, we have built numerous partnerships with both the private and public sectors for enhanced student experience and graduate employability. The Thuthuka programme is one such partnership, and we are confident that it will achieve its set goals of transformation through the University of KwaZulu-Natal.’

SAICA thanked those involved for efforts and progress made through the Thuthuka Bursary Programme and welcomed the interventions implemented by UKZN to provide additional support to students facing challenges.

For those interested in applying for the bursary, qualifying students can visit www.thuthukabursaryfund.co.za.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photographs: Supplied

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