Thuthuka Bursaries for UKZN BCom Accounting Students

BY: .

After a rigorous review process by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), UKZN’s School of Accounting, Economics and Finance (SAEF) has welcomed 15 Thuthuka Bursary Fund (TBF) recipients into its Accounting programme.

The Thuthuka Bursary programme is a transformation initiative of accountants aimed at encouraging previously disadvantaged African pupils to pursue a career in Chartered Accountancy (CA).

The Accounting profession is under immense pressure to produce African chartered accountants which seems to be a challenge judging by the throughput in the past few years.

UKZN has additional support systems in place to help accounting students academically, socially and professionally with the aim of bridging the throughput gap.

Accounting lecturer and UKZN Bursary Fund Programme Manager, Ms Hlengiwe Ndlela, said she was responsible for the planning, designing and implementation of support programmes to help students on their academic journey with the aim of enhancing their chances of graduating in record time and ultimately become CAs.

‘The Dean and Head of School, Professor Mabutho Sibanda, has been hands on in providing a lot of support and approaching senior management in departments within the Institution for assistance,’ said Ndlela.

‘We are currently giving first-year academics guidance and support, working closely with Teaching and Learning Academic Leader, Dr Msizi Mkhize.’

The recipients spent the last week of January involved in an orientation programme 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 CAs who faced early challenges in their studies and careers.

For more on the bursary go to: http://www.thuthukabursaryfund.co.za/ 

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga 

Photograph: Supplied