Head of the Department of Accounting Sciences at Walter Sisulu University and Managing Director at SnB Chartered Accountants and Auditors
A visionary leader igniting excellence in accounting and beyond
In the ever-evolving landscape of chartered accountancy, individuals who not only excel in their field but also demonstrate visionary leadership are rare gems. Senzo Ndlangamandla CA(SA), recently celebrated as the overall winner of the esteemed SAICA Top 35-under-35 competition, emerges as a luminary whose journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact.
A journey defined by passion
At the core of Senzo’s remarkable achievements lies the discovery of his passion. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges: ‘My biggest achievement so far would have to be having found my passion. Through that, I have been able to view my work as a hobby because of how passionate I am about what I do.’ This profound realisation underscores the transformative power of aligning professional endeavours with genuine passion – a driving force that has undoubtedly fuelled Senzo’s trajectory toward success.
Senzo’s journey began in Mthatha, where he served as the JSE Investment Challenge Coordinator in the Mthatha region from 2015 to 2018. He was already working at WSU at the time and played a pivotal role in introducing students from rural communities to the intricacies of stock exchange dynamics, setting the stage for a remarkable career trajectory.
Catalysts of leadership
Senzo’s foray into leadership began early in his career, marked by his role as the JSE Investment Challenge Coordinator. This experience served as a catalyst, igniting his passion for education and community engagement. It laid the foundation for his ascent through the ranks in the academic world, culminating in his current positions as the Head of Department – Accounting Sciences at Walter Sisulu University and the Managing Director at SnB Chartered Accountants and Auditors.
From coordinator to head of department
In 2022, Senzo assumed the role of Head of Department at Walter Sisulu University, where he orchestrated transformative initiatives that not only elevated the department’s standing but also garnered recognition from SAICA. Senzo engineered an improvement and implementation plan in 2022 that catapulted the department’s SAICA rating from a precarious 3 to a commendable 2. This remarkable achievement reflects not only his strategic acumen but also his ability to mobilise a diverse team of senior academics and external experts toward a common goal.
Senzo’s leadership style is distinctive − he leads with the people, fostering inclusivity and empowerment within his team. His approach has not only facilitated effective strategy development and implementation but has also created an environment where every team member plays a meaningful role. This people-centric leadership philosophy is undoubtedly a key driver behind the department’s success under his guidance.
Leading beyond academia
Beyond the academic realm, Senzo has ventured into the practical application of his expertise, running an audit practice, SnB Chartered Accountants and Auditors. With a staff complement of 11, all youth, he addresses the critical issue of youth unemployment in South Africa, contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.
Navigating complexity with finesse
One of Senzo’s notable achievements in 2023 was the coordination of the relocation of the faculty from one campus site to a new location. This complex process, involving the development of a tuition timetable and the allocation of offices for staff, underscored his ability to manage intricate organizational changes effectively. Such endeavours not only contribute to the operational efficiency of the department but also position Senzo as a leader capable of navigating challenges with finesse.
Cultivating excellence
Senzo’s commitment to academic excellence is exemplified by his initiation of an annual academic excellence awards ceremony. This event, designed to recognise and celebrate students who have excelled academically, is poised to create a lasting culture of excellence among students. Its ripple effect is evident as other departments and faculties within the university express inspiration and intent to follow suit in 2024.
Embracing the digital age
In June 2023, Senzo took a bold step by launching a Facebook page for the department, making it the only academic department within the university with an official and university-approved presence on social media (Accounting Sciences WSU). This move not only reflects Senzo’s forward-thinking approach but also positions the department as an innovative and progressive academic entity.
Impact beyond academia
Senzo’s impact extends beyond the academic domain. His involvement in community projects such as Masifundisane Career and Development Campaign, JSE Investment Challenge, the School Governing Body project by SAICA, and the Learn Accounting project by the University of Cape Town, underscores his broader commitment to societal development through education.
Recognition and reflection
Reflecting on his achievements, Senzo acknowledges the surprise of being named the overall winner of the SAICA Top 35-under-35 competition. He attributes his success to a culmination of contributions to the profession, his role as the Head of Department, and his prior managerial experiences. His humility and gratitude towards the judging panel echo his commitment to continuous improvement and recognition of the collective efforts that led to this significant accolade.
’It is taking longer for me to absorb the achievement and really comprehend the feeling. All I can say for now is that I am truly honoured. My heart is filled with so much gratitude,’ he said.
‘I totally did not expect it. Absolutely zero expectation! We had a diverse team of fellow finalists, doing amazing things in their respective spaces. Judging from each fellow finalist’s profile, I honestly did not think I stood a chance.’
Shaping the future
In addition to his current achievements, Senzo has initiated the WSU Accountancy Alumni Association, approved at an institutional level and set to launch in March 2024. This initiative is a testament to his commitment to fostering a sense of community and continuity among alumni, further enriching the university’s academic ecosystem. Senzo’s strategic vision extends to forming partnerships with the local business community in Mthatha, demonstrating a commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry. Such collaborations are pivotal in ensuring that academic programmes remain relevant and aligned with the evolving needs of the business landscape.
A visionary legacy
Senzo’s multifaceted contributions, from academic leadership to community projects and practical application of his expertise in the business realm, paint a comprehensive picture of a leader who is not only excelling in his field but is also actively shaping the future of accounting education and practice.
As he continues to steer the ship of Accounting Sciences at Walter Sisulu University, Senzo’s impact will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the academic corridors, leaving an enduring legacy of positive change and progress.
Author Marteli Brewis | Photographer Theana Breugem
