2023 Trainee Trailblazers

Trainee Trailblazers is a SAICA initiative that aligns trainees with the competencies outlined in the CA2025 competency framework. The programme provides trainees with over 11 hours of engaging discussions on topics crucial for their future success, including digital acumen, ethics, corporate citizenship, decision-making acumen, business acumen, relational acumen and lifelong learning.

Through these awards, SAICA aims to celebrate the remarkable achievements of CA(SA) trainees and contribute to the overall trainee programme, nurturing a culture of continuous professional development and competencies.

Robert Zwane, SAICA’s Executive Director for Learning, Development and National Imperatives, believes in celebrating and promoting the #DifferenceMaker ethos among trainees, inspiring them to be catalysts of change and innovation in their respective fields.

‘Excellence deserves recognition and the Trainee Trailblazers competition is designed to reward and honour the exceptional efforts of trainees who go above and beyond. We strive to raise awareness of SAICA’s trainee programme and empower fellow trainees on the pathways to the CA(SA) member designation, ensuring a bright future for the profession. Furthermore, our commitment extends to promoting SAICA initiatives to students in the CA(SA) pipeline, universities, trainees, and training officers, providing a platform for growth and development,’ said Zwane.

Meet the 2023 Trainee Trailblazer Finalists:

Aphelele Dini

Asisipho Gagayi

Bandile O Dyasi

Daniel Martin

Fernard Luthando Makwakwa

Peter Brincker

Rachel-Leigh Audier

Sibongakonke Kheswa

Trevor Chinyanga

Wamashudu Mukheli

Marumo Masemola

“These finalists have not only excelled in their professional development but have also demonstrated their commitment to making a difference in their workplaces and communities. They were chosen based on their individual contributions, innovative approaches, and their alignment with the concept of being a #DifferenceMaker,” explained Zwane.

The Trainee Trailblazers competition not only rewards excellence but also provides winners with exciting prizes, including a cutting-edge training opportunity in an acumen relevant to CA2025, one-on-one mentorship sessions, possible cash donations towards community.

What was your inspiration to study towards becoming a CA?

I was inspired by my accounting teacher in Grade 10 who was passionate about accounting and later informed me about the CA career path as he recognised my passion for the subject.

What does it feel like to be a Trailblazer finalist?

Surreal … Receiving that ‘congratulations’ email completely threw me over the moon. I feel honoured and inspired; it’s been a delightful past few weeks reflecting on the growth that led to this.

Why were you nominated as a Trailblazer finalist?

The idea is to build a network with other young people and collaborate on bigger platforms to cause change on a larger scale. I entered in order to connect with a larger community of Difference Makers.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

Finish what you, as difficult as it may seem, you’ll thank yourself later.

How are you being a Difference Maker?

I am currently running my NPC; we are in the process of planning our upcoming December outreach project.

What was your inspiration to study towards becoming a CA?

It’s the versatility that comes with being a CA(SA). I enjoy learning and consistently developing myself. Learning that being a CA allows one to be diverse, I knew then that it is the path I want to pursue.

What does it feel like to be a Trailblazer finalist?

It’s amazing. I learned about the competition last when I came across the 2022 finalists videos and at that time, I never thought I would be one of the finalists because I never thought I had a story to tell. Shooting the video made it feel more real.

Why were you nominated as a Trailblazer finalist?

A message I received from my colleague, Khuselo Kale, who had only seen my work on LinkedIn but never met me in person or spoken to me, said: ‘I see you as the next trainee Trailblazer.’ This excited me, as it showed that someone from afar recognised my work and believed it needed to be shared.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

Not having a vision board. After failing my CTA in 2017, I spent six months feeling lost and unsure of my next step, and I settled for a path I wasn’t initially passionate about. However, when I regained the courage to resume my CA journey, I crafted a vision board to guide my path, and since then, it’s been a remarkable journey.

How are you being a Difference Maker?

I am where I am today because of the people I have met along the way: they have assisted me in shaping my life. Most of their contributions were through mentorship and motivation. The best appreciation I can give my mentors is reciprocating their efforts to others. I believe in Margaret Fuller’s words – ‘If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.’

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?

I would change global hunger and poverty, addressing both the need for extensive knowledge and access to food. My vision is a world where everyone has the means to make informed decisions through education and the basic human right of nourishment.

What was your inspiration to study towards becoming a CA?

The CA profession offers a unique versatility that enables you to excel in a wide range of industries, unlike other specialised qualifications that often limit professionals to a single division or sector. Additionally, being the first CA(SA) in my family reflects personal ambition and sets a precedent for future generations.

What does it feel like to be a Trailblazer finalist?

Being a Trailblazer finalist is an incredible and somewhat unexpected honour. I would have anticipated recognition from SAICA later in my career, but this early acknowledgement is both shocking and encouraging. It’s a fantastic feeling to be among the select few recognised as Difference Makers.

Why were you nominated as a Trailblazer finalist?

I was nominated as a Trailblazer finalist because of my influence, innovative impact, and being a catalyst for diversity and inclusion. This includes the contributions to both my workplace and society which inspire those in management as well as my peers, students, and people from various backgrounds to pursue their career dreams.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned the hard way is the importance of resilience and adaptability. Life can throw unexpected challenges and setbacks, and I’ve realised that the ability to bounce back, learn from failures, and adapt to changing circumstances is crucial for personal and professional growth.

How are you being a Difference Maker?

Through my roles as a leader, committee member, and mentor to aspiring CAs. Furthermore, I have actively engaged in the corporate industry, facilitating connections among trainees and young professionals to encourage mutual inspiration, collaboration, and networking. This involvement takes place within my organisations: the Young Professionals Hub and The Impact House.

What was your inspiration to study towards becoming a CA?

My inspiration was to study a career path that would equip me with all the tools I needed to become an effective leader and entrepreneur. I believe the CA path would give me the greatest opportunity to be equipped for a new age of work.

What does it feel like to be a Trailblazer finalist?

It is a great honour and privilege to be a Trailblazer finalist. I have immense joy to know that I am indeed making a positive difference and that I am positively contributing to the CA profession. I am extremely thankful and humbled by the opportunity.

Why were you nominated as a Trailblazer finalist?

I believe I am a Trailblazer finalist because of the work I have accomplished in the past year that has created a positive impact for a 37-person global sales team in TecEx. My initiatives have increased their effectiveness, resulting in significant value creation for all stakeholders.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is to never give up after failing but to keep trying and pivoting until successful. I have started multiple ventures, some failing and another which I sold whilst I continue my business today. If I stopped after initially failing, none of it would have happened.

How are you being a Difference Maker?

I believe making a difference isn’t just about doing things differently but doing things better. Since joining TecEx I have led multiple initiatives such as implementing a new CRM, increasing the quality of our outbound sales, sourcing thousands of new leads, and renegotiating contracts saving millions of rands.

What was your inspiration to study towards becoming a CA?

My inspiration to study towards becoming a CA was the desire to make a positive impact on my society and country. I believed the CA route would open doors for me to create meaningful change and provide opportunities to do so.

What does it feel like to be a Trailblazer finalist?

Being a Trailblazer finalist is a dream come true, as it allows me to be part of initiatives recognising achievements in my field. It’s a stepping stone to the Top 35-under-35, which I’ve always admired.

Why were you nominated as a Trailblazer finalist?

I was nominated as a Trailblazer finalist due to my outstanding work in my community through The FL Makwakwa Foundation NPO, my contributions as a young professional leader, and my efforts to make a difference in various aspects of life.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned the hard way is that no one owes me anything. If I want something, I must take action and pursue it myself because no one else will do it for me.

How are you being a Difference Maker?

I’m a Difference Maker through my organisation, which supports students with university applications, career guidance, classes, mentorship, and school visits to inspire learners to overcome their backgrounds. I also provide mentorship to those pursuing the CA(SA) journey.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?

If I could change one thing in the world, I would reform the way schools and society guide students into careers, ensuring that all learners pursue paths aligned with their true purposes.

What was your inspiration to study towards becoming a CA?

I always wanted to understand the business world’s intricacies, to become a problem solver for others. Becoming a CA would expose me to technical knowledge, place me within the centre of business (and its problems) and help me develop a versatile skill set to achieve my goal.

What does it feel like to be a Trailblazer finalist?

I feel a sense of excitedness and a sense of contentment. Being a finalist allows me to connect with fellow trailblazers and create professional opportunities. It also shows me that the work I am doing does matter to others and that I am on the right route.

Why were you nominated as a Trailblazer finalist?

I created an impact for others where it was not required of me, but where it was needed. I have shown that accountants are multitalented. We are digital accelerators, team players, and strategists who try to make the business world the best version that we can imagine it to be.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

The result of a project trumps the amount of work you put in. Hard work does matter, but I learnt through failure that the result of the project is what people evaluate, and not just how hard you work to make it a reality.

How are you being a Difference Maker?

I am tangibly improving the experience for professionals in the business world. I am enabling them by decreasing the amount of manual work and I am exciting them by showing the beauty of analytics. I am also encouraging them to become innovators of their own accord through mentoring and coaching.

What was your inspiration to study towards becoming a CA?

Growing up, I wanted a career where I could contribute positively to the community, stimulate economic growth and enjoy my work. I have always loved accounting, strategy, retail and people, and after researching career prospects, I learned that becoming a CA(SA), specifically in commerce and industry, aligned with my aspirations.

What does it feel like to be a Trailblazer finalist?

Oftentimes we are misled to believe that to make a difference, our actions need to be grand and earthshattering. It is truly inspiring to be reminded that we all hold the potential to enact meaningful change through small, everyday actions – a belief validated by being recognised as a Trailblazer finalist.

Why were you nominated as a Trailblazer finalist?

I nominated myself, inspired by the stories of the 2022/2021 finalists. I realised that the ‘Be a Difference Maker – Bottle Tops Collection Initiative’ I started at my firm could inspire others, as it epitomised what it means to be a Difference Maker and showcased the potential for positive change.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

Failing my CTA year in 2020 taught me a valuable lesson – life is unpredictable and success frowns upon comfort. I learnt that success demands adaptability, a growth mindset and acknowledgement that failing fast is an exceptional teacher. My experience reinforced the notion that I am solely responsible for my success.

How are you being a Difference Maker?

I actively engage in community initiatives to effect and encourage positive change. I have participated in my church’s tutoring programme and Toastmasters Club’s seminar to educators at the EduBuild Institute and I initiated the Bottle Tops initiative at work, encouraging others to make a difference too. I also regularly donate blood.

What was your inspiration to study towards becoming a CA?

I received a sports and academic scholarship to attend Kearsney College. We had a club called Market Wizards that was tracking stocks. I was interested in investing and would regularly meet up for coffee with my friends’ fathers who were CAs and who channelled my passion for investing towards being a CA.

What does it feel like to be a Trailblazer finalist?

To be honest, it feels surreal. Seeing the candidates that have been previously selected for the SAICA Trailblazer Awards as well as the winners, I don’t feel like I’m doing anything amazing to make me worthy to be amongst the Top 10 finalists. However, I am eternally grateful.

Why were you nominated as a Trailblazer finalist?

I was nominated as a Trailblazer finalist for my dedication to fostering change: from pro bono work with less-privileged children to championing vital discussions on social issues within organisations whilst simultaneously mentoring those who want to move away from audit post articles into corporate finance / private equity.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

No matter what you may be going through or what is happening, life doesn’t stop happening, so you can either grieve or feel better: you always have to show up.

What is your favourite hobby?

My current favourite hobby is swimming – it has become a non-negotiable activity I have to do every Monday and it helps me destress as well.

What was your inspiration to study towards becoming a CA?

My inspiration to pursue a career as a CA stemmed from my fascination with the financial world and my desire to make a significant impact in the business realm. I was drawn to the CA profession because of its reputation for excellence, the diverse range of opportunities it offers, and its ability to open doors to various industries and roles. Additionally, I admired the CA designation’s emphasis on ethics, professionalism, and the ability to provide valuable financial insights and guidance to organisations.

What does it feel like to be a Trailblazer finalist?

Being a Trailblazer finalist is an incredible honour and a humbling experience. It is a validation of the hard work, dedication and commitment I have put into my professional development. It fills me with a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment to be recognised among a group of exceptional individuals who are making a positive impact in their fields. Being a Trailblazer finalist also serves as a motivation to continue pushing boundaries, challenging myself and striving for excellence in everything I do.

Why were you nominated as a Trailblazer finalist?

I believe I was nominated as a Trailblazer finalist due to my dedication to making a difference in my profession and beyond. Through my involvement in various organisations, my commitment to mentorship, and my active participation in community upliftment initiatives, I have demonstrated a strong passion for creating positive change. My leadership roles, academic achievements and contributions to the industry have also played a role in my nomination as a Trailblazer finalist.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned the hard way is the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges and setbacks. Life is filled with obstacles and unexpected twists, and it’s how we respond to them that truly matters. Through personal experiences, I have come to understand that setbacks can often serve as opportunities for growth and learning. It is essential to remain resilient, maintain a positive mindset, and embrace change, as these qualities enable us to overcome adversity and continue progressing towards our goals.

What was your inspiration to study towards becoming a CA?

When you observe the prominent figures in the global and local business arena, those who are actively shaping and positively influencing our society, a significant portion of these influential individuals hold the esteemed title of chartered accountant. It has always been my aspiration to join their ranks, to be a catalyst for positive change, and to leave a substantial and lasting impact on our society.

Why were you nominated as a Trailblazer finalist?

My nomination as a Trailblazer is a result of the work I’ve undertaken which has had a significant impact on guiding and assisting numerous students in their journeys toward becoming chartered accountants. While it would be unjust to claim all the credit, it’s the small but crucial role I’ve played in these students’ journeys that has earned me this prestigious recognition.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

While accepting failure can be an incredibly challenging experience, it may initially feel like the world is crumbling around you. However, it’s crucial to recognise that the initial step toward achieving success often involves encountering and learning from these setbacks. Reflect on the process of learning to ride a bike, for instance. You likely had to experience a few falls before mastering the art of balance and steering. As a businessperson, I’ve come to realise that failure serves as the essential first step on the path to success.

How are you being a Difference Maker?

My team and I have founded an educational technology company that has played a pivotal role in aiding over 20 000 students on their path to becoming chartered accountants. It is through this endeavour that I consider myself a catalyst for positive change and a significant contributor to their success.

What does it feel like to be a Trailblazer finalist?

Being a Trailblazer has brought a sense of achievement and recognition, and a feeling of having made a meaningful contribution in a particular field or area of interest.

What was your inspiration to study towards becoming a CA?

I pursued the CA path because of the ample opportunities that is comes with, both national and international. My long-term goal is to be an entrepreneur and the CA career equips me with the skills set to become a successful entrepreneur.

Why were you nominated as a Trailblazer finalist?

I was nominated as a trailblazer because I am a well-rounded trainee, which is what CA2025 is about. In addition to being technically competent, I am also ethical and a life-long learner, and I exude the highest level of social responsibility.

How does it feel like to be a Trailblazer finalist?

It feels fulfilling … The recognition is validating and assures me that I am doing something right. It is like a pat on my back to keep on impacting positively in society and be the change that I want to see in the world.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

The biggest lesson I have learned the hard way is knowing when to stop, especially at work. It is important to rest and let your body reset, otherwise it will fail you and you end up in the emergency room.

How are you being a Difference Maker?

I am a beacon of hope to individuals who do not see their lives amounting to anything. In rural villages, learners do not dream beyond their village borders because it is all they know. I educate these learners about the CA dream (because employment is almost guaranteed), get them to university, and provide funding and food parcels as well as ITC and APC support during their articles. I hold their hands until they qualify as CAs and they become the beacon of hope to others.

What is your favourite hobby?

Playing netball every Monday with fellow CAs who have now become my sisters. I draw inspiration from them as most of them are in their 5−10 years post qualification. They have walked the path before and serve as great advisers. It is also just amazing to vent after a hectic day of work to people who relate and know what you are going through.