Welcome to the Wits School of Accountancy (SOA) Newsletter

Last year was a very busy and exciting year, not just for the SOA, but for Wits as a whole. The University of the Witwatersrand turned 100 on Tuesday, 4 October 2022 and the centenary celebrations held for this momentous occasion were spectacular and provided a wonderful opportunity for all schools and faculties to interact and unite. The SOA has been no exception (you can find details about the SOA’s Homecoming events on pages 10 and 11).

After two challenging years for both staff and students because of Covid-19, it was exciting once again to be able to host and participate in these social events, and to resume live, face-to-face classes in 2022. Going forward, the SOA strives to maintain an innovative and energetic learning environment to improve the students experiences, and to support them in their journeys to becoming competent and confident professionals. This newsletter reflects only a few of our school’s many achievements, and the amount of hard work and effort which all the staff in the SOA continue to make.

In terms of leadership, there are a few major changes coming into effect this year. As of 1 January 2023, Professor Jason Cohen, the new Dean of the Commerce, Law and Management (CLM) faculty, has officially filled his role. Effective from 1 May 2023, the new Head of School will be taking over after my term ends this year in April 2023

I have had an extremely fulfilling two terms (10 years) as the Head of School for the SOA and I look forward to seeing its continuous strength, growth and innovation. Best wishes, Professor Nirupa Padia CA(SA), MCom (Wits), BAcc (Wits), BCom (Wits) Head of the School of Accountancy at Wits

Congratulations to Professor Jason Cohen for being appointed Dean of the Commerce, Law and Management Faculty, effective from 1 January 2023. We look forward to working closely with him to improve and grow our school.

See Professor Cohen’s staff profile…

Congratulations to Adjunct Professor Zubair Wadee on his appointment as the Head for the School of Accountancy (effective 1 May 2023): he will be taking over from me after my 10-year term as HOS comes to an end in April 2023. I am confident that Professor Wadee’s experience and leadership will prove to be an asset to the school’s continued strength and success.