UKZN Empowers Grade 12 Learners through Exam Preparation Workshop

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The School of Commerce, in partnership with the Student Services Division, hosted an Accounting Exam Preparation Workshop on the Westville campus which attracted more than 450 Grade 12 learners all eager to sharpen their skills ahead of half-year accounting exams. 

Led by Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Services at UKZN Professor Msizi Mkhize, the workshop offered more than just revision - it was a masterclass in exam technique, efficient calculation strategies and study motivation. 

Drawing from his extensive expertise, Mkhize guided learners through complex topics in a clear, engaging, and memorable way. 

“Accounting is not just about numbers; it’s about understanding how they tell a story. Once learners grasp that, they can excel,” he said. 

Learners responded with enthusiasm, many calling the experience ‘life-changing’. 

Said Ms Ofentse Rakgakole of Grosvenor Girls’ High School in the Umlazi District: “I learned a lot of faster methods and tricks for calculating adjustments for the Statement of Comprehensive Income, Statement of Financial Position, and Statement of Cash Flows, as well as the repurchase of shares. Prof Mkhize’s method can be used for most of the calculations in accounting.” 

The excitement was echoed by Ms Sibusisiwe Ndwendwe of Thobigunya Secondary School in the Ugu District and Ms Asanda Mathibela from Ziphathele High School in the Pinetown District who described the event as a fantastic learning experience saying they will not hesitate to attend another similar workshop. 

Educators were equally impressed. Mr Thamsanqa Mncube, an accounting teacher from Gobindlovu Comprehensive High School in the Umgungundlovu District, remarked: “Learners benefitted a lot from this excellent workshop. For learners to be at a university and be workshopped by a professor is a powerful motivator.” 

The success of the event was not only measured in knowledge shared, but also in the connections made between learners’ educators, and the University. 

Dr Simiso Msomi, a lecturer in UKZN’s School of Commerce and part of the organising team, commented: “The event was received with overwhelming enthusiasm. I got to interact with some of the educators and learners, who were thankful for the effort we’ve put in. The common sentiment was that this event would sharpen their knowledge and also give learners the experience of being in a university setting.” 

Academic Leader for High Impact Community Engagement, Dr Sanele Gumede emphasised the broader value of the initiative: “We saw the need for the workshop with accounting still being one of the professions where there is a shortage of skills,” said Gumede. “We also found that most students do not perform well mid-year but improve towards year end. Hence, the revision classes aimed to bridge that gap and keep a consistent performance throughout the year, which helps students when they apply,” he said. 

With this initiative, UKZN continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence and meaningful community engagement - empowering learners, bridging knowledge gaps, and inspiring the next generation of professionals. 

Words: Ayanda Radebe

Photograph: Supplied