Meet our members

Waterskiing champion Travis Fisher tells of his journey to become South Africa’s co-record holder. High speed and adrenalin – doesn’t sound like a typical day in the life of a CA, right? Unless you’re Travis Fisher, record-holding waterskier, that is.

Imagine a world where anything is possible … That is just what one team of CAs (SA) did. When criticism and disbelief rained down on them, they didn’t allow the perceived impossible to hold them back. Rather, it inspired them to venture forth, break barriers and create something that will quite likely change what the future holds

When Hiten Keshave (33) and Sanjay Soni (50) met through SAICA’s mentorship programme in 2019, they would never have guessed what a big impact they would not only have on each other but on the lives of countless others.

If you care about your community, working in the public sector can give you a deep sense of satisfaction. It has for Annalene Marais.

The journey to becoming a CA(SA) is never easy, but Ahmad Karolia (28) from Lenasia in Johannesburg proved he has what it takes when, against all odds, he successfully completed his CTA in 2019 after being paralysed due to a rare condition called transverse myelitis. Never did he even consider giving up on his dream of becoming a qualified CA(SA), and he is still going strong.

Zanele Maduna CA(SA) says that SAICA’s Thuthuka programme has changed her life. We spoke to her about the journey that brought her to her career success.

Zahid and Zahida Fakey, are both CAs(SA) and far from the typical couple. They have taken a unique journey to find their ultimate purpose in life and today we listen to their extraordinary story.

What makes someone leave a twenty-year career at a global organisation for a post at an eight-year-old start-up? The answer, according to Paul Stedall, recently appointed Chief Financial Officer (aka master of coin) at King Price, is simple: it all comes down to a dynamic culture and exciting opportunities.

Garth Pretorius believes that 2020 brought about significant introspection not only for himself but for innumerable others. He found himself taking stock of where he was within his career and where he saw himself in the years to come, and ultimately he decided to take the leap and start something of his own.

Vusi Mpofu AGA(SA) says how his life in financial services for the past 25 years can best be described as a ‘beautiful accident’.

In 2010 South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup and Tyron Barnard was acutely reminded that sport has the power to unify, and most importantly to inspire. As a passionate storyteller, he saw the need for the ‘lesser’ sports to have their stories told.

With so many negative news stories, it’s easy to forget that there are plenty of positive tales too. Earle van der Watt has built a very successful business in the heart of the agricultural sector and thrives at what he does. He describes how one of his favourite tasks is visiting the various farms.

Grant Greeff (30), currently the CFO of Drone Ops Group, has experienced an unusual CA(SA) story thus far and relishes the opportunity to share his learnings as well as his philosophy around leadership and business life.

After attending a conference in Amsterdam, Kalene Smalberger had a lightbulb moment when she realised how great the need was for entrepreneurs to understand the basics of finance. She landed back in South Africa and has since launched various financial courses that are making an incredible difference, right from kids to entrepreneurs, on how to work with their money

At 29, Khuthadzo Mbedzi believes we ought to be the best versions of ourselves in all we do. Currently, she serves as the chief financial officer at GC2T, a South African-owned company providing turnkey-enabled awareness solutions to defence, security and related technology customers.

Let’s face it: most people would rarely put ‘accounting’ and ‘social’ in the same sentence. However, with billions of social media users today, social media platforms have become an integral part of life, with more than half of the world’s population having at least one social media account.

Mpho Makoko-Hottie is a successful CA(SA) thriving in her role as a B-BBEE business analyst. She has sound advice for youngsters aspiring to become CAs(SA).

In a world full of stiff-collared, number-crunching chartered accountants, Dr Gideon Botha stands head and shoulders above the rest. As futurist and thought leader, he offers fresh, unexpected insights and perspectives and if you listen to him long enough, your whole paradigm might just shift.

Richard and Yvonne Starkey (both 39) decided to pack their bags and move to Kotor, a small, secluded coastal town in Montenegro with a population of about 13 512 − where they started their careers, met and got married.

Living life with purpose and endeavouring to be inspirational, Tshwarelo Legae is focused on winning, determined to be successful, constantly moving and improving, and nothing will stop him from reaching the top floor of life.

Ipfani Hope Singo’s journey to becoming a chartered accountant has not been easy for her. Thankfully she had Thuthuka to hold her hand

Obtaining the CA(SA) qualification is tough – anyone can tell you that. But not everyone finds themselves dealing with the challenges thrown up by the course while struggling with chronic pain. Despite it all, Ryno’s strong determination to write his APC and APT has been inspirational. Here is his story.

Johannesburg, 15 May 2018 - When it comes to choosing your school subjects, the reality is many learners and perhaps parents do not understand the importance of the choice or the difference between mathematical literacy and mathematics. But pick the wrong one and the consequences for your child’s future can be disastrous.