“They said I was too young. I proved them wrong.”

Unathi Mhlanga isn’t waiting for the title, she’s already doing the work. At 23, she runs her department, mentors her team, and trains entrepreneurs. Her journey? Built on late nights, a single mother’s influence, and the fire to earn her CA(SA).

From being dismissed because of her age to landing deals with industry giants, Unathi’s story is a blueprint in resilience and results.

This is what leadership looks like, raw, relentless, and rising.

"I almost gave up in 2020."

When Anish Kooverjee failed his honours year, becoming a CA(SA) felt out of reach. But instead of quitting, he doubled down, balancing work, studies, and the chaos of the pandemic.

Now a Manager at PwC, he’s living proof that mindset beats marks. His story is raw, real, and a reminder that the road to qualification is rarely smooth, but always worth it.

Read how he turned failure into fuel.

Tembela Tsutsu, Audit Manager at BDO Johannesburg, is proof that technical excellence and human impact go hand in hand. From leading audit teams to mentoring future CAs, she’s not just checking boxes, she’s setting new standards.

How Vumbhoni Hlongwane turned a schoolyard win into a career-defining edge.

He didn’t come from privilege. He wasn’t top of the class — until one accounting exam changed everything.

Today, Vumbhoni builds the cost models that drive FNB’s executive strategy. But behind the title is a story of resilience, mentorship, and a passion for buses that still fuels his dreams.

As Financial Accountant at Thos Begbie & Co., he’s mastered the balancing act of deadlines, audits, and strategic reporting. But behind the spreadsheets is a leader who believes in mentorship, ethics, and early-morning hustle. With a BCom and 8 years in finance, Tebatšo proves that consistent execution, not flashy titles, is what drives business forward.

His mantra: “Your greatness is limited only by the investments you make in yourself.”

Bronwyn Cramer didn’t follow the traditional path into accounting leadership. But that didn’t stop her from tightening month-end chaos into clean, efficient processes — or mentoring a team of six with empathy and precision. Between early-morning chess matches and scuba diving with sharks, she’s reshaping finance, one bold decision at a time.

Michaela Moodley didn’t wait for permission. She built her own system, implemented her own controls, and earned her seat at the decision-making table. With a BCom in Accounting and a deep love for detail, she runs lean but leads big.

Her career isn’t powered by titles — it’s driven by resilience, quiet mornings, and a belief that smart work beats hard work.

From systems audits in mining to writing billion-rand credit reports, Clinton's career took off fast, and he’s still figuring it out as he goes. His edge? Relentless curiosity, bulletproof routines, and a mindset built on micro-wins: “Just improve 1% every day — the rest adds up.”

He’s not chasing titles. He’s building resilience. And proving that leadership isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about showing up anyway.

A quiet force in public sector finance, Ockert Pienaar took his high school curiosity (sparked by his accounting lecturer mom) and turned it into impact, landing in the SAIPA Top 10 and helping clients fix years of financial chaos.

With CaseWare in one hand and Philippians 4:13 in the other, he tackles asset compliance, team support, and regulatory red tape with focus and faith.

His advice? Master the basics, stay sharp, and never underestimate Excel — or a good cup of coffee.

Comfort Bhila is a Senior Financial Accountant at the Municipal Demarcation Board with 8–9 years of experience in public sector finance. With a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Accounting, he specialises in financial reporting, compliance with GRAP and National Treasury regulations, and leading year-end financial closes. Known for his calm leadership style and dedication to mentoring junior staff, Comfort combines technical precision with strategic insight—ensuring financial accuracy while supporting cross-functional decision-making.

Ahmed Gadelkarim is a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) and Technical Audit Manager at PKF Octagon with over six years of experience in the accounting and auditing field. His career, which began in veterinary science before transitioning to accounting, showcases his unique blend of technical expertise and a passion for continuous learning. Dedicated to delivering high-quality financial solutions and mentoring junior colleagues, Ahmed plays a key role in shaping PKF Octagon's commitment to innovation and excellence in the financial services sector.

“I failed every board course exam, then passed APC on my first try.”

Ashleigh Abrahams doesn’t sugarcoat her journey. From switching out of chemical engineering, to surviving virtual articles during COVID, to now auditing the JSE’s control environment, her career is built on grit, growth, and getting back up stronger. A CA(SA) who leads with empathy, structure, and purpose.

“I manage the numbers. All of them.”

At just one year into his finance career, Rinaldo Josie runs the full financial operations at Assore, from daily cash flow to general ledger control. He’s not just a CA(SA); he’s a mentor, strategist, and early riser who believes in doing everything with purpose and precision. His story proves that you don’t need decades to lead, just the mindset to learn fast and move smart.

Farheen Zaman-Mohamed, Assistant Manager at Nexia SABT, isn’t chasing titles, she’s building systems, solving real problems, and leading with empathy. With 6+ years in finance, she’s fought imposter syndrome, redefined mentorship, and turned email overload into a tactical advantage. Her mantra? “Accuracy isn’t a virtue, it’s a necessity.” Whether mentoring juniors or managing client compliance, Farheen brings clarity, creativity, and courage to the table.

"My interest in accounting was sparked by my family’s side hustles, they had the drive, but not the systems. I chose this path so I could one day help them do it right."

Sesethu Q, is part of a new wave of accountants reshaping the future, one VAT return, audit, and mentorship session at a time. She’s driven, detail-obsessed, and unapologetically clear on her why.

Werner Gerber didn’t just qualify as a CA(SA), he earned it between fire shifts.

From firefighting as a student to now leading Apex Group’s African business development, Werner turns complex financial problems into elegant, tech-driven solutions. His mornings start with coffee and global news; his workdays end with strategies that scale across borders.

Netisha Moodley didn’t inherit a finance team, she built financial systems from scratch, solo. As a Management Accountant with a background in debt counselling and hands-on bookkeeping from her teen years, she’s proof that you don’t need a big firm behind you to lead with authority. From forecasting to stakeholder negotiations, she’s mastered the art of managing up, down, and across, all while staying grounded in real-life strategy, Disney movies, and weekend tutoring. Her mantra? “What you go through, grows you.”

“I had to stop focusing on numbers and start focusing on people.”

That’s when everything changed for Cindy de Lange. As a CA(SA) turned junior manager at a US-based remote bookkeeping firm, Cindy’s not just doing the work, she’s building teams, mentoring talent, and driving growth across borders.

She learned the hard way that soft skills aren’t optional, they’re your superpower.

At just 27, Ricus Fourie became the youngest member of executive management at Andrada Mining. His formula? Laser focus on cash flow, open-door mentoring, and a deep belief that finance should serve people, not intimidate them.

He’s not just managing numbers. He’s making sure every rand aligns with business strategy, and he’s doing it by speaking plainly, listening deeply, and driving real impact.

Nicholas isn’t your typical junior accountant. He’s a KPMG top performer, SAICA ITC distinction holder, and EY Project Alpha finalist.

Now in a new role, he’s learning fast, enforcing boundaries, and refusing to drag work into his personal life.

His motto? “You work to live, not the other way around.”

He decompresses with off-roading in his Jimny and Xbox marathons. His dream superpower? Reading his clients’ minds.