In a world often clouded by cynicism, it’s rare to find those who channel their expertise into genuine, transformative work − especially within the local government sector. Enter Kashnee Sewnarain, a CA(SA) whose dedication to KwaZulu-Natal’s public sector is reshaping the narrative around government service.
Beyond financial oversight, Kashnee is a figure of integrity driven by a mission to uplift her profession and inspire the next generation. She volunteers on SAICA’s Eastern Region Public Sector Committee, extending her knowledge and embodying a commitment to service and leaving an impact that resonates far beyond the numbers.
Discovering purpose through service
After achieving her degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2002, Kashnee initially saw accounting as just a path to stability. But her perspective shifted dramatically with a three-month contract as a rates clerk at Msunduzi Municipality, where she saw firsthand the tangible impact accountants could make on communities, This revelation ignited a new purpose in her – one where each calculation and reconciliation had the potential to improve financial management and accountability, thus impacting the ability to serve a greater good.
That transformative experience set her on a trajectory toward public sector service, culminating in her work with local government, Provincial Treasury and beyond. Each project, audit opinion and client she supports serves as a reminder of the significant influence finance professionals play in service delivery implementation. For Kashnee, accounting has evolved into a tool for change – a chance to create lasting improvements in governance and community welfare.
Redefining perceptions of public service
Kashnee is actively doing her small part to change the narrative around public sector work. ‘Many people believe that the public sector is solely focused on benefiting themselves, but there are many dedicated individuals working hard to make a difference,’ she explains. Her journey is guided by a simple philosophy: rather than complain about the system, work to change it from within. She believes that CAs(SA) in government can be powerful advocates for ethical leadership and lasting reform.
For her, the role of a CA(SA) in government goes beyond balancing budgets – it’s about being a steward of public resources ensuring essentials like water, electricity, and sanitation are funded sustainably. In her view, each financial strategy is an opportunity to influence lives and communities for the better.
Courage and integrity in the face of challenges
Kashnee’s journey has not been without its challenges. Recounting her experiences, she describes a time when confronting financial discrepancies led to safety concerns – an experience that highlighted the risks inherent in ethical accounting. Her commitment to integrity meant making difficult choices, including stepping away from projects
that compromised her values. ‘In our line of work, reputation and ethics are non-negotiable. As public sector accountants, it is fundamental that we are able
to assess the risks with accepting projects, and make
difficult decisions, including declining projects
where required.’
Her courage in these moments underscores the vital role accountants play as guardians of ethical boundaries. For Kashnee, each project represents a stand for accountability and truth, even when the stakes are high.
A legacy of empowerment
Beyond her role as a CA(SA), Kashnee is passionate about training and empowering others in the public sector. Having witnessed the gap in skills development, she feels a deep responsibility to equip government employees with the knowledge to excel. ‘Many people in government are not underperforming out of lack of will; they simply have not been provided with the necessary tools to perform optimally,’ she explains. Through the many training sessions within public sector, she’s not just imparting knowledge but fostering a culture of continuous learning and self-improvement.
This dedication to uplifting others is what truly defines her legacy. For Kashnee, real change is driven by empowering individuals, creating a ripple effect of competence and confidence that strengthens the entire sector.
Building a brighter future
Reflecting on her journey, Kashnee reveals that financial gain was never her primary motivation. Her vision is to shift public perception proving that CAs(SA) can be instrumental in driving positive change when engaged with integrity. ‘If I can look back and see that we have not only delivered impactful work but reshaped how consultants are viewed in the public sector, I would have achieved what I set out to do,’ she says.
Looking ahead, her focus remains on connecting public sector professionals with SAICA, encouraging them to embrace designations like CA(SA), AGA(SA), and AT(SA) to elevate the sector. She believes a stronger alignment between government employees and SAICA can transform public service, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals who can bring about meaningful change.
Coupled with embracing technology within the public sector, she acknowledges that there is a now a greater need for the public sector to embrace the latest technology advancements to improve oversight and management of limited resources. ‘As accountants, we dedicate too much time to manually capturing and reconciling information, and not enough time making strategic decisions that impact our ability to deliver services based on the financial data.’ She is hopeful that over time this landscape will change for the better, with the introduction of effective systems and processes in place to strengthen financial management.
Conclusion
Kashnee’s story is one of resilience, courage, and purpose. She is determined to bridge the gap between the public sector and SAICA, building a legacy that fosters professional pride, integrity and transformation. Through her volunteer work and training initiatives, she’s showing the way for others to follow in her footsteps. For Kashnee, true impact isn’t measured in financial terms – it’s measured in the lives uplifted, the challenges overcome, and the communities strengthened. In her, we see the potential for a public sector that embodies accountability, compassion and lasting change.
Author
Edward Moleke Makwana
