Proffessional

Where did the passion for Human Development come from and when did you decide that this is what you wanted to

do for a living? Like many teenagers, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life but I had to choose a career path based on my subjects, marks and circumstances around me. I have a natural inclination towards helping; and I’m curious. I was drawn to psychology because the description of the profession sounded interesting, like something I could do because I would be in a position to help people.

What was your proudest moment

academically or career-wise? Finishing my PhD in Organisational Development and Diversity Management on record time in 2015 and being appointed as the Chairman of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) in October 2021. I am currently at the heart of the economic development of the Gauteng province, which is in line with my life purpose of human development.

What does transformation mean to you in

the South African context? Transformation is about the transfer of social and economic power to the majority of the population, which is women and black people. We are far from achieving this, and for as long as we are so far, South Africa cannot develop to achieve its fullest potential.

A PEOPLECENTRED LEADERSHIP

STANCE

You have achieved so much at such a young age, are you content with what you’ve done so far or is there more that you want to accomplish?

I am humbled and grateful for my path and accomplishments so far but I will achieve contentment the day l achieve my dream which is to see black people who are mentally liberated and truly in charge of their destiny.

What do you do for fun? Since, I’m either at work or at home, I spend my home time with my family, often visiting cites and experiencing the beauty of our country together as a family.

What was your first job and how much did

you earn? I was a Research Intern at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). I earned R6500 a month

Who inspires you? People who get much done with little resources. People who instead of complaining and blaming despite having reason to, find ways to be impactful and developmental

We are our thoughts and actions. Whatever, I put my mind to and activate, I achieve. Respect power and authority even if you disagree with it, it is the beginning of order. With order, all things are possible.

What keeps you going? The knowledge that every action we put towards the realisation of our dreams and goals matters. Small steps build up to big things.

What leadership lessons have you learnt in

your industry? Leadership is not a position but the ability to serve. Only through serving do we get to influence people

What advice would you give to someone who

wants to follow in your footsteps? Follow your heart but be prepared to do the menial work. It all works out in the end. Remain humble and teachable

Is your industry a good industry for the

youth to pursue careers in? Yes, we need to be deliberate about being change agents in society. If anything has to change or grow, we need to be the ones that see to that change or growth. More young people must commit to patriotism. They are the future after all .

What are your long-term career goals? I’m more purpose driven than career driven. Wherever my purpose leads, I will be there to honour the role. With this said, I want to grow my Ntsikelelo Business Solutions consulting business to be a recognisable brand.

Do you read books? If yes, what book would

you recommend and why? I choose the books I read at a time based on areas of my life I want to grow at a given point. Therefore, I would not recommend a particular book but rather to say, make reading, any reading a part of your routine. We are the books/material we read and the people we hang out with.

What is your favourite genre in music? My 12-year-old daughter is my influencer in music right now. I listen to Amapiano because of her.

What are the top two quotes you live by? We are what we do, not what we say we will do

You always get out your intensions, check your Why before you do anything and make sure you are sincere in your intention.

SA’S YOUNGEST ACCOUNTING PROFESSOR SHARES INSIGHTS

Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like?

I was born in Springs in the Eastrand and I grew up in the township of Kwa-Thema, Springs. My childhood was okay. I had a good family support system. I had always been an academic achiever since primary school and I was among the top academic achievers in each grade.

Where did the passion for Accounting come from and when did you decide that this

is what you wanted to do for a living? My passion started way back in high school when I received the highest marks in the school in Grade 9 for Accounting at Springs Boys’ High School. This was when I knew that I had to follow a career in Accounting.

What was your proudest moment academically or career-wise? When I graduated with my PhD in Accounting Sciences in July 2019 and being the youngest person in the country with PhD in Accounting and also a professor. I am currently the youngest professor of accounting also a Deputy Executive Dean in the College of Accounting Sciences at UNISA.

What does transformation mean to you in

the South African context? Transformation means that as a society we need to change those who have access to economic resources, education and be inclusive of those who had been previously disadvantaged. Transformation is about ensuring that all sectors of our economy are reflective of the demographics of the country.

You have achieved so much at such a young age, are you content with you’ve done so far or is there more that you want to accomplish?

I am content with what I have achieved so far and now I wish that more young people can gain access to similar opportunities that I got and for them to study further and reach PhD level like me one day.

How do you balance your professional life

with your personal life? I am passionate about the work that I do, at the same time I love to travel. So traveling is my way of relaxing and taking it easy. I do work hard but I also play hard as well. That is how I maintain the balance.

What do you do for fun? I enjoy going to gym and doing Yoga to relax my body and brain. I also enjoy watching football and my favourite team is Orlando Pirates.

What was your first job and how much did

you earn? My first job was at Neale Whitecross Chartered Accountants, and I worked an audit clerk. I earned R3000 while doing vacation work during the December holidays for a month.

What keeps you going? What keeps me going is the change that we still need to make in the accounting and auditing profession in South Africa. I’m a huge proponent of transformation and we need to create new young black qualified and talented accountants and auditors to join the profession in order to make an impact in our society.

What advice would you give to someone who

wants to follow in your footsteps? I would encourage especially young people to ensure that they research about their career path at an early age and ask the right questions from the people who have walked the journey. Then get good grades in Matric for Maths and English in order for them to qualify to meet the minimum requirements for university.

Is your industry a good industry for the youth to pursue careers in?

Most certainly, young people are encouraged to join the accounting and auditing industry. I started my working career at the age of 23 years.

What contributed to your success as a

professional? What helped me in my success is finding mentors and coaches earlier in my career within the company that I was working for. They help me to learn more about the working and business world.

What book would you recommend and

why? My go to book which I enjoy for leisure is The Velvet Rage by Dr Alan Downs. That book helped me to understand who I am growing up and the person that I am today.

Which television program or movie or series

do you do enjoy ? I am a huge fan of Game of Thrones, The Blacklist, The Originals and Charmed fan.

I enjoy a series that allows me to escape from my reality and take me to a new world.

What qualifications are needed for your

career path? You need to complete a BCom: Accounting Sciences then procced to do a postgraduate diploma or honours degree then a Master’s degree.

What is your favourite genre in music? I am Soul and RnB fan, that’s my go to kind of music because it talks about matters of the heart. I also enjoy Jazz when I am working at night just listening to it inspires me. I also enjoy your occasional House dance tunes when I am in a party mood.

What quote do you live by?“ Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.”