MEET THE TEAM

Gareth Olivier

Chief Student Experience Officer

“Education could be renamed as “liberation”… it is the only way to achieve true freedom in every facet of life.”

My alma mater

UCT

Personal and professional goals

To keep fostering and growing communities that have massive impact.

A relevant achievement or accomplishment – including professional and other qualifications

Runner up in SAICA’s 2014 Top 35 Under 35 Chartered Accountants in South Africa,
Expert advisor to the JSE & SAICA’s Financial Reporting Investigation Panel (FRIP)
Regular member of SAICA’s academic review team,
External examiner at UCT, Wits, Rhodes
Previous member of the Financial Reporting Technical Committee (sub-committee of the Financial Standards Reporting Council in terms of Section 203 of The Companies Act, 2008 (Act No. 71 of 2008))

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

CA(SA) – SAICA
Master of Commerce (Tax) Cum Laude – Wits
Bachelor of Business Science (Honours) – UCT
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting – UCT
Postgraduate Diploma in Income Tax Law – UCT
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Accounting – UCT

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

This team is different to any other team in professional accounting education, in the best way possible. We achieve results through genuine care for each other and students. We don’t try to be perfect, but we try to work together as a healthy and authentic team. Through the inevitable ups and downs of any tough but valuable journey we support each other, trusting that excellent processes lead to remarkable outcomes.

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

Real – we make mistakes, we say “um” and “I’m not sure”, but we turn up every day trying to be a tiny bit better than the day before.

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

It’s a door to leveraging the significance of your life, more than you dared imagine.

If you think of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind and why?

Maya Angelou – what a lady!

If you could put up a saying on a banner that was displayed around the country, what would it say and why?

To know all is to forgive all.

What does the future of education look like to you?

Fascinating! Amped to be part of the future, and to grateful be joining for the ride.

If you had to define the role of a “teacher”, what would it say?

Exponential seed sowing!

Andrew Horsfall

Chief Executive Officer

“I believe deeply in helping our students to learn to believe in themselves.”

My alma mater

University of Cape Town (UCT)

Personal and professional goals

To enjoy a lifelong journey of continuous reflection and learning that results in ongoing improvement to myself, my family and the activities I engage in.

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

Entrepreneur
CA(SA)
Master of Commerce (Financial Management) – UCT
Bachelor of Business Science – UCT
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting – UCT

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

Our team has persevered through tough times in the face of overwhelming criticism and confrontation to forge something unique out of the fire. The community we have shaped is uniquely special and I am proud of that.

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

Real appeals to me the most. It is only by being truly and authentically you are you able be brave enough to accept who you are and how you can add value to the people you have relationships with and the activities you participate in.

Explain if and why education has the power to change South Africa?

Genuine education is really a process of continually improving your thinking which feeds directly into what you believe about yourself and your potential. The more you learn, the more you feel confident enough to try. It is only through a society that is bold enough to try are we able to change South Africa.

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

A platform that you can use to enable new opportunities for yourself and indirectly the people around you.

If you think of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind and why?

I don’t identify with traditional measures of success. I have more respect for the person who has found peace in their identity and is happy and content then someone who is financially successful.

If you could put up a saying on a banner that was displayed around the country, what would it say and why?

You are enough as you are

What does the future of education look like to you?

To me education in the future will be more focused on the journey and genuine educational transformation and less focused on the transaction or the outcome. We will appreciate and value the struggle of learning and prioritize it over rushing for a credential.

If you had to define the role of a “teacher”, what would it say?

A person who inspires others to be brave and take risks so they learn they can be more then they think.

Tracy Kraus

Head of Department of Professional Accounting

“Only when people are empowered to provide for themselves are they truly free. Thus, education lays the groundwork for meaningful transformation.”

My alma mater

University of Cape Town

Personal and professional goals

I want to use the gifts, skills and opportunities afforded to me to make a difference and leave things better than they were before. I want my family, my friendships, my colleagues, my work and my community to be better because I showed up, really showed up, and gave the best out of what I had to offer.

A relevant achievement or accomplishment – including professional and other qualifications

I recently completed a 2-year masters programme at UCT in less than 18 months, while working full time and pregnant / with a small baby.

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

Since qualifying as a CA(SA), I have been part of the CA Connect team, focused on Financial Reporting. Thus, that is where my technical expertise lies. However, as part of this team I have also developed other skills, including communication and interpersonal skills, project management, team coordination, strategic and critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

I could not imagine a better group of people to have journeyed with over this last decade. We have learnt and matured together and built something which will endure past our own direct involvement. We have also had the opportunity to positively impact the lives of thousands of students and can never really know the extent of the difference we have made.

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

For me, Care is central. The fact that we care about the people we work with, both staff and students, and we care about the work itself means that we give of our best. This is more than a job – it is a vocation. It is an expression of love.

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

Opportunity – to grow and learn, to build something more, to be better.

If you think of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind and why?

Probably someone like Richard Branson, who has built an enormous group of companies from basically nothing. Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg would be other examples. I think they represent “success” as it is usually understood.

What does the future of education look like to you?

Online, flexible, dynamic

If you had to define the role of a “teacher”, what would it say?

One who inspires others to want to learn

Sumaya West

Senior Lecturer and Section Head – Corporate Governance and Auditing

“You don’t need a big idea, you need big how’s” – Dan Brown

My alma mater

University of Cape Town (UCT)

Personal and professional goals

I believe that when my personal goals are aligned with my professional goals, then anything is possible! Personally, I aim to lead and embrace all my roles with empathy, sincerity and authenticity. Wearing many hats, often at the same time, as a wife, daughter, mother and academic challenges these characteristics. As long as my professional goals align to my moral compass, then any goal is achievable.

A relevant achievement or accomplishment – including professional and other qualifications

I believe that my biggest professional and personal achievement was overcoming the deep disappointment of failing my first ITC examination. The mental and physical strength needed to get through that period was enormous, but I conquered it by passing both ITC (second sitting) and the PPE examination in the same year. My other personal achievement was completing my Masters degree with two young children and juggling a full time academic career as an Auditing lecturer and Section Head.

Other achievements:

Successfully graduating Honours students, specializing in Higher Education Studies
Successfully designing and implementing tutor training programmes at the College of Accounting (UCT)
Previous member of the CFAS (Committee for Auditing Standards) at the IRBA
Departmental representative – UCT Senate
Member of UCT’s NGP (Next Generation Professoriate) Programme
Previous team member of the UCT ITC Board Course
Active involvement in transformation initiatives in the profession:
Member of UCT’s Faculty of Sciences Readmission Committee
External examiner to Milpark, UWC, Unizulu and Walter Sisulu University
Key advisory role in Auditing curriculum design and development at Unizulu and Walter Sisulu University

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

CA(SA) – SAICA
Masters in Higher Education Studies (UCT)
CTA (University of Kwazulu Natal)
Bachelor of Commerce (UCT)

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

To be part of a dynamic, high performing team is a daily reminder of how blessed I am! This is a unique team that genuinely cares for students and its staff – celebrating, empathizing, learning, growing and achieving, touching the lives of thousands. Bigger things are yet to come!

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

Real – I believe that being “real” allows me to show up as myself, be an authentic role-model to those close to me, to students and colleagues, without compromising my personal beliefs. Being “real” allows me to “care” deeply and authentically, and to “learn and relearn” in a safe, supportive environment like CA Connect.

Explain if and why education has the power to change South Africa?

The accounting education landscape is broader that content delivery. As an academic, I strive to lead and teach with empathy and sincerity – this extends far beyond the curriculum. This enables students to believe in themselves, build confidence, unlock potential and grow to be great future leaders in the profession and in South Africa.

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

The CA(SA) qualification DOES NOT represent technical knowledge only. It represents a learning journey where sacrifices were made by the individual, their families and communities. It provides a platform for growth, opportunity and transformation of the mind.

If you think of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind and why?

My definition of success is not confined to the conventional understanding of “academic or financial success”. I think of my late father as embodying the true meaning of success – he may not have achieved the financial freedom as many others, but he was successful in his relationships with his family and those close to him. He too led with the sincerity, authenticity and respect – these are the characteristics I aspire to when teaching, to ensure that our students are successful human beings first before being successful professionals.

What does the future of education look like to you?

Flexible, catering to individual needs, facilitating critical and integrated thinking

If you had to define the role of a “teacher”, what would it say?

The following quote embodies the role of a teacher:

“A teacher is born, but a great teacher is made great by his/her changes”

Great teachers respond and adapt to the changing environment to align with common goals. This is seen as CA Connect responds to the changes in education and the South African landscape.

Leon Gazet Du Chattelier

Chief People Officer

“I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” –Albert Einstein

Raun Billett

Head of Taxation

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

My alma mater

University of Cape Town.

Personal and professional goals

Play a role, big or small, in the journeys and success stories of young ambitious South Africans!

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

CA(SA)
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (UCT)
Finance Hons (UCT)
Financial Management Hons (UCT)

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

Since day one, CA Connect has been relentless in its pursuit of better. The team has always intentionally pursued what is right, over what is easy, knowing that the short-term cost is always outweighed by the long term benefit for all stakeholders.

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

Learn – I revel in the process of being curious, challenging my perspectives and adapting my approach to problem solving.

Explain if and why education has the power to change South Africa?

Education is empowerment. Through increasing the skills base and knowledge, South Africans with greater agency can understand the world better and make more meaningful contributions to it.

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

CA(SA) equips graduates with the confidence, skill and ability to navigate the world of leadership, business decision making and entrepreneurship.

If you think of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind and why?

Siya Kolisi – respected by all for what he represents and wants to achieve I the world. He has achieved great things despite the odds being heavily stacked against him.

If you could put up a saying on a banner that was displayed around the country, what would it say and why?

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Kindness costs nothing but can have a profound impact on its recipients.

What does the future of education look like to you?

The best brands and the best teachers collaborating to raise the bar on a broader scale using technology to enable an increasingly individualized experience for learners.

If you had to define the role of a “teacher”, what would it say?

Enabler – A student lead “guide” who combines methodology, mentorship and motivation to enable learning outcomes and goal achievement.

Michael McInerney

Head of Student Experience

“I relish searching for answers to difficult questions. I’m fascinated by people, the human mind, and the possibilities of new technologies. I embrace change and the opportunity to challenge the status quo.”

Personal and professional goals

I am constantly striving to unlock the potential of education and technology as a vehicle for growth and development.

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

After completing my BA in Film & Media Production and Psychology at UCT, I completed my postgraduate studies in Psychology (Honours and Masters with distinction) at Rhodes University.

While practicing as a Counselling Psychologist in the areas of sport and performance psychology, I also lectured and supervised the research of postgraduate psychology students. With an increasing number of my teaching experiences transitioning to an online learning environment my focus shifted to enhancing the performance of students through online learning design.

After having learnt in, taught on, and designed online learning experiences I brought this unique skill set to bear on the challenges in training Chartered Accountants. My role brings together the domains of learning experience design, student support and data analysis to enhance students’ learning experience and drive engagement and student success.

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

The team really cares about using education to make a positive impact on the world. That can sound like a cliché, but it’s refreshing to work with a group of people who genuinely believe in that goal.

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

You would think with my background in psychology, that Real and Care are the values I’d be most connected to, but it’s actually Learn. I am drawn to the way in which learning can unlock potential and love the opportunities to learn something new.

Explain if and why education has the power to change South Africa?

Yes, education undoubtedly has the power to change South Africa. Education can facilitate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us, allowing us to make better decisions for ourselves and for our communities. But it is by no means an easy task. The systemic challenges that our country face, make improving our education system difficult. The issues of inequality that influence access to quality educational experiences are at the core of the challenges we face. Online learning is not immune to these problems, and we need to actively work to ensure that the opportunities that online learning provide are realised by ensuring that we don’t end up entrenching the same inequalities we see in traditional modes of education.

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

This is quite a tricky question for me to answer, as I’ve come into this world from a completely different domain. My experience of the CA(SA) designation is that it carries a lot of status, and is highly sought after. The journey that one goes through to gain the title is a tough one and, in some respects, I think this enhances the status that the title has. For many of our students achieving that designation is a lifelong dream. While it often signals significant rewards in terms of job and financial security, many students appear to benefit from having proven to themselves what they’re capable of, and take that deeply held confidence with them into their careers.

If you think of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind and why?

To be honest when I think of successful people my initial thoughts are strongly influenced by what we’ve been conditioned to think of as success in our society. I think of successful sportsmen and women, like Serena Williams, or musicians or film stars like Leonardo Di Caprio. We’re taught to believe that success is something that one gains by climbing the steps to the top of a particular field. Often, we celebrate those who do it the fastest, or the most consistently, without any apparent struggle.

As a result of this cultural narrative of success, it requires a conscious effort for me to think of success differently in my life and in the lives of our students. When I think of our most successful students I don’t necessarily think of our top performers. I think of the student who passed the PGDA on their 5th attempt, the student whose marks climbed from 30% to 50%. It’s those students who I believe are truly successful. They’ve done far more to reach their potential, than the few top performers who often benefit more from luck and circumstance than we care to acknowledge.

If you could put up a saying on a banner that was displayed around the country, what would it say and why?

I probably wouldn’t put anything on a banner for everyone to see ???? I think my truth, my meaning, is often not the truth for others. I would rather hear what they have to say, than impose my thoughts on them. But since you’re asking, I would probably steal from the Holstee Manifesto:

“This is your life. Do what you want and do it often.
If you don’t like something, change it.
If you don’t like your job, quit.
If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV.
If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.
Stop over-analysing, life is simple.
All emotions are beautiful.
When you eat, appreciate every last bite.
Life is simple.
Open your heart, mind and arms to new things and people, we are united in our differences.
Ask the next person you see what their passion is and share your inspiring dream with them.
Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself.
Some opportunities only come once, seize them.
Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating.
Life is short, live your dream and wear your passion.”

What does the future of education look like to you?

Vastly different. My educational experience resembles that of my parents but will be fundamentally different to that of my children. For a long time, education has been an entrenched system. As the problems with the system have become increasingly evident, and as new technologies have unlocked opportunities to do education differently, we have, and will continue to, see change. In higher education I believe work and learning will grow closer together. Good online learning experiences are going to continue to allow people to integrate their studies into their careers. We’re going to have to develop solutions that allow for “life-long learning” as the knowledge and skills we require to navigate the world and our careers are changing at a rapid rate. Educational experiences that are flexible and tailored to the individual will increasingly become the gold standard as we depart from models that have expected everyone to learn the same way, under the same conditions, at the same pace.

If you had to define the role of a “teacher”, what would it say?

Someone who cares first for their students. Someone who can empathise with the struggle that true learning requires. Someone who can see where students need to get to but allow them to find their own route there.

Chris Guattari-Stafford

Financial Reporting Subject Head

“To compassionately foster focused curiosity that is undeterred by failure.”

My alma mater

University of Cape Town

Your personal and professional goals

To wield the skills that I have in the most effective manner to benefit others.

A relevant achievement or accomplishment – including professional and other qualifications

Positioned 1st in PGDA at UCT (2012)
Positioned 8th in SAICA ITC (2013)
UCT APC Board Course assessment setter (2013) and marker (2015 – present)

An overview of your qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

CA (SA)
Master of Philosophy (Tax Law) cum laude (UCT)
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting cum laude (UCT)
Bachelor of Commerce cum laude (UCT)

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

The CA Connect team is clearly distinct from any team that I have been a part of. It is a curated group of highly talented colleagues who unite as friends to achieve a common goal. What a joy it is to be part of this wonderful team!

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

Learning is how we grow. It engenders an attitude of self-reflection and helps us make progress. To learn is to be vulnerable, to be willing to travel into unchartered territory and to challenge our own ideas.

Explain if and why education has the power to change South Africa?

There is little doubt that what South Africa needs most is an educated youth that is liberated from the debilitating consequences of both poverty and wealth.

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

The CA(SA) qualification primarily represents an opportunity – an opportunity to open doors and an opportunity to empower others.

If you think of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind and why?

William Wilberforce – for him, success was continually striving, with increasing enthusiasm and tenacity, to abolish slavery despite numerous setbacks over a period spanning five decades!

If you could put up a saying on a banner that was displayed around the country, what would it say and why?

Apply now to study towards your CA(SA) qualification at CA Connect!

What does the future of education look like to you?

The future of education is bright – the online tools that are (and will become) available to both students and educators can make learning more relatable, more accessible, and more exciting!

Louise Maritz

Senior Lecturer – Corporate Governance and Auditing

“The best teachers are those who tell you where to look but don’t tell you what you see.”

Johnathan Dillon

Subject Head: Management Accounting and Finance

“It always seems impossible until it’s done” – Nelson Mandela

My alma mater

Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and University of Cape Town (UCT)

Personal and professional goals

To be genuine, committed and caring in all spheres of life; making a positive difference to people, situations and communities along my journey

A relevant achievement or accomplishment – including professional and other qualifications

Honours Tie award for outstanding contribution to the development of the Chartered Accounting profession
Finalist in SAICA’s Top-35-under-35 competition in the Academic category

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

MCom in Finance, CA(SA)
Experience spanning academia, corporate (CFO) and consulting roles – specialising in management accounting & financial management

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

We make a positive difference in the lives of prospective professional accountants, not just with teaching but also in how we work, as a high-performance team, and live out our values

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

Care – this is the heart behind all that is done and talks to how we truly value people

Explain if and why education has the power to change South Africa?

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” Nelson Mandela

Education empowers people to be and do more. It frees people from poverty and “levels the playing fields” of life.

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

It helps me to not have to explain to others that I’m competent and can be trusted within the world of finance and opens doors.

If you think of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind and why?

Nelson Mandela – he never gave up fighting for what he believed could be achieved despite immense adversity, which was ultimately for the benefit of everyone.

If you could put up a saying on a banner that was displayed around the country, what would it say and why?

There are no shortcuts to sustained success

What does the future of education look like to you?

Successful education going forward requires passionate teachers who are flexible, doing what is best for their students.

If you had to define the role of a “teacher”, what would it say?

A teacher guides students along their learning journey, as best possible for their success.

Joné Pienaar

Senior Lecturer: Management Accounting and Finance

“I believe that all students are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can experience growth and have the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills. It is my desire to create an environment where students feel that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

My alma mater

University of the Free State (BCom Accounting and CTA)
Nelson Mandela University (MCom Accounting)

Personal and professional goals

Personal goals:

Cultivate a growth mindset
Embrace opportunities to learn new things
Maintain a healthy work-life balance

Professional goals:

Contribute toward curriculum building in Management Accounting and Finance.
Remaining relevant regarding developments in the critical thinking space and contribute to infusing critical thinking into curriculum design.
PhD in critical thinking research.

A relevant achievement or accomplishment – including professional and other qualifications

MCom Accounting (Cum Laude), 2019
(The relationship between critical thinking and academic performance in the CTA programme at Nelson Mandela University).

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

Qualifications:

BCom Accounting (Cum Laude), 2008
BCom Hons Accounting, 2009
CA(SA), 2012
MCom Accounting (Cum Laude), 2019

Skills:

Confident communicator
Fast learner
Responsible

Areas of expertise:

Management Accounting and Finance
Critical Thinking

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

Everyone in the CA Connect team genuinely cares about students and wants to see them succeed at their goals and reach their full potential.

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

Real: Authenticity and transparency are the cornerstones of healthy and trusting relationships in which you can thrive.

Explain if and why education has the power to change South Africa?

Education is not only about imparting technical content, but equipping students with valuable skills. If students transition to become responsible stewards of the skills and knowledge they acquired, education has fulfilled its goal and has the power to change the country.

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

Leadership, excellence and stewardship.

If you think of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind and why?

Any person who realizes that the true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit is successful in my eyes. They have realized that life is not about accumulating as much as you can for yourself, but also about having the capacity to leave a rich legacy behind.

If you could put up a saying on a banner that was displayed around the country, what would it say and why?

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurnam

I believe this quote challenges readers to not to look to others to make a positive difference but to look to yourself.

What does the future of education look like to you?

My hope for education is that it moves away from a “one-size fits all approach” to viewing the needs of individual students where it is possible to customize the student learning journey and design a tailored learning path for each student to be successful.

If you had to define the role of a “teacher”, what would it say?

A teacher is someone who has the responsibility to facilitate a students’ learning process, supporting them along the way and challenging them to believe in themselves and to reach their full potential.

Elna Malan

Senior Tax lecturer

“Carpe Diem – Life is short, enjoy it while you are present!”

Shameez Naidoo

Senior Operations Officer

“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” – Warren Buffett

My alma mater

UKZN and Wits

Personal and professional goals

To improve my growth mindset and balance through reflection and cultivating a sense of purpose.

A relevant achievement or accomplishment – including professional and other qualifications

For me, my achievements are in my day-to-day work in the form of identifying problems and solving them by developing or implementing new procedures or systems.

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

Experienced Coordinator with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education and training industry. Skilled in Business Analysis, Business Process Management, Operations Management, Educational Technology, Leadership, and Strategic Planning.

Education professional with a Certificate in Business Analysis from FTI and an BEd Honours focused in Mathematics, and Leadership & Management from University of the Witwatersrand.

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

I am proud to be part of such a talented, fun, & motivated team that is dedicated to making an impact in education. CA Connect is a healthy and happy environment that allows my innovative ideas to flourish, creates room for creativity, and is where we live our shared values.

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

“Real” for me appeals the most as being your authentic self is a key component of a healthy workplace culture and guides how we behave and interact with each other and our students.

Explain if and why education has the power to change South Africa?

Definitely! The most important factor for escaping from poverty is education and this is how our country can continue to grow and prosper.

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

I am not a CA, but I see the qualification preparing our students to be capable of anything related to their skills. Most importantly, to have an entrepreneurial mindset and create jobs for people in SA.

If you think of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind and why?

I think of Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey. Elon Musk is a visionary, ambitious and innovative; and Oprah Winfrey overcame her tough childhood to become a positive impact maker. Both successful people are inspiring, authentic and creative.

If you could put up a saying on a banner that was displayed around the country, what would it say and why?

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion

The above encompasses all that I am passionate about. Gender and racial equality, equal opportunities, cultural racial and religious diversity, and inclusion.

What does the future of education look like to you?

Learn as you go, where education takes place everywhere at any time and more learning opportunities for young Black South Africans.

If you had to define the role of a “teacher”, what would it say?

To bring out the best in someone and to inspire ????

Jacqueline Jacobus (Jacqui)

Programme Manager

“Time is precious, waste it wisely”

Personal and professional goals

Live my best life and make the most of the opportunities granted to me, be grateful for all the blessings

A relevant achievement or accomplishment – including professional and other qualifications

Making the decision to study again after such a long break-Bcom here I come

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

ND-Occupationally Directed Education Training and Development Practices
Skills Certificate in Project Management
Skills Diploma in Accounting
N4+N5 Certificates held in Accounting and Computer Practise
Senior Certificate-Immaculata Senior Secondary School

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

It’s exciting to be part of “innovation” , changing how we do things, always thinking

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

Real- be real, be open and honest- gives people different perspectives

Explain if and why education has the power to change South Africa?

Education(not just in a teaching sense, educate ourselves in life, history, culture etc) has the power to change South Africa in many ways, if we learn to embrace change and realise that as different as we all are (culture, race etc) we are also the same

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

A lot of hard work, sweat tears, stress, anxiety and then wow I made it, I’m a CA!

If you think of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind and why?

My grandfather, he is 90 years old, has lived a full life and has experiences, lost 2 wives to cancer and is still living his best life, no complaints and he is just happy to be alive. He has 13 grandkids and 10 great grandkids and has a memory like an elephant and is very keen to share his life experiences and knowledge to anyone who cares to listen.

If you could put up a saying on a banner that was displayed around the country, what would it say and why?

Colour, race and religion are insignificant when the lights go out- then we are all equal!

What does the future of education look like to you?

Right now, scary, grade school has changed so much, even though it’s more true to life now, the curriculum has changed for the better.
But hopeful to, as there are more opportunities available

If you had to define the role of a “teacher”, what would it say?

I see a teacher as an individual who has the “power” to make a difference to young minds or any mind for that matter

Yumna Essack

Programme Manager

“When you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity…do not slam it shut behind you…you reach back, and give other people the same chances that helped you succeed”

Your company name and/or personal brand statement that aligns with the mission of the programme in which you are involved

Milpark Education
Excellent customer service and integrity and respect. This is so important to me

Personal and professional goals

To complete my qualification to the best of my ability. To grow within Milpark

A relevant achievement or accomplishment – including professional and other qualifications

Being able to study and complete assessments with my kids being home.

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

Qualifications:

Problem Solving Certificate
Manager Development Certificate
HR Certificate Higher Cert in Business Management (L5)
Certificate in process Bachelor in Business Administration – Project Management.

Skills:

Strategic Planning
Training
System knowledge
Customer Service

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

I feel like there is a sense of sincerity, compassion and interest which to me is heart-warming.

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

Care means the most to me. Caring about the students – giving our best to ensure that they fulfil their dreams. Caring for one another means that we will grow closer as a team and unity creates for better team work and it also leads to being real and learning from one another.

Explain if and why education has the power to change South Africa?

Education opens your mind to look at things differently
Job creation
Building your own business
Hopefully decreasing the unemployment rate

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

Success, fulfilment, aspirations

If you think of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind and why?

Someone I admire is Leigh-Ann Hayward within Milpark. She is a strong woman yet she is so caring and approachable. She doesn’t stop learning and finding ways to make the company successful.

Someone who is passionate about what they do and use their voice to change things for the better – that is a success

If you could put up a saying on a banner that was displayed around the country, what would it say and why?

Today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want

What does the future of education look like to you?

Flexibility – Time
Information systems will play a big role in the future.

Online – I think students will become used to writing assessments online and venues will become a thing of the past.

High demand – with many people having similar opportunities, obtaining a certificate/degree with become obtainable, which means more people will consider investing in their future

If you had to define the role of a “teacher”, what would it say?

Someone who shares their knowledge and transfers it to the student in the best way. Someone who is passionate about what they are teaching and tries to let the passion and understanding rub off on the student

Jesamé Geldenhuys

Learning Designer

“I believe we’re already knocking on the door of the future of education.“

Elton Pullen

Senior Lecturer: Management Accounting and Finance

“We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education” (Martin Luther King Jr, 1947)

My alma mater

The University of the Western Cape (UWC)

Personal and professional goals

My personal goal is to graduate with a PHD in the Philosophy of Education at Stellenbosch University by the end of 2022. My professional goal is to continually grow as a teacher, and to continually add value to the CA connect team, as well as students.

A relevant achievement or accomplishment – including professional and other qualifications

I was a finalist in SAICA’s Top 35 CAs under 35 competition in 2017.

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

I am CA with a MCom in Financial Management obtained from the University of Cape Town (UCT). I’m currently in the final stages of completing a PHD in the Philosophy of Education at Stellenbosch University.

My skills and expertise is primarily in the area of Management Accounting, Financial Management and Strategy. I also have a keen interest in citizenship education.

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

The team is value driven and committed to their core values. Values-based education and values-based work, sits close to my heart.

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

All three appeal to me but if I had to choose only one, I would say ‘Care’. I think within a South African context, a pedagogy of ‘Care’ is absolutely vital, if education is truly going to affect change.

Explain if and why education has the power to change South Africa?

A true education has the power to transform how I feel about myself, how I feel about others similar to me and most crucially, how I feel about others different to me. Within the South African context, this transformative intent of a true education, has significant potential to effect positive societal change.

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

It represents influence, and thus by implication, it represents the responsibility to use the influence for good.

If you think of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind and why?

Nelson Mandela. He understood the power of reconciliation, which is crucial to the success of our democracy.

If you could put up a saying on a banner that was displayed around the country, what would it say and why?

“LIFT AS YOU CLIMB”. I believe we all want to grow in different areas. But growth is so much more meaningful when we empower others in the process.

What does the future of education look like to you?

A focus on skills and competencies, rather than just content. This will however require that learning takes place in community, and that teachers and students interact as intellectual equals.

If you had to define the role of a “teacher”, what would it say?

To treat students as intellectual equals and to foster learning environments conducive to deliberation and independent thought.

Nico Fourie

Senior lecturer – Financial Reporting

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated”

My alma mater

University of the Free State (UFS)

Your company name and/or personal brand statement that aligns with the mission of the programme in which you are involved

To develop and empower students to become ethical business leaders.

“Work until your idols become your peers”

“I never lose. I either win or learn”

Personal and professional goals

To use my passion for learning and knowledge to add value to my own and others’ lives and to work until my idols become my peers.

A relevant achievement or accomplishment – including professional and other qualifications

I am a CA (SA) and I completed my articles at PwC. I have two years international secondment experience at PwC United States of America.

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

I am a CA (SA) with a B.Com (Cum Laude) and B.Com Honours degree in Accounting from the University of the Free State. I have two years’ international secondment experience at PwC United States of America. Since 2016, I have been involved in lecturing financial reporting to PGDA students and was the institutional subject head of financial reporting at the North-West University. I have been involved in setting and marking SAICA’s Initial Test of Competence (ITC) several times in recent years and I am an external moderator for a number of SAICA accredited universities. My area of expertise is mainly financial reporting.

Why are you proud to be a part of the CA Connect team?

I am proud to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking team with a passion for knowledge and their students.

Which of the CAC Values appeal to you the most and why? (Real, Care, Learn)

For me care and learn are equal – sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life and the beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.

Explain if and why education has the power to change South Africa?

The late president Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”. Education has the ability to improve the quality of life and ensure a successful future for every South African citizen.

What does the CA(SA) qualification represent to you?

A gateway to an exciting career, locally and internationally, where CA(SA)s lead ethically at the highest level of business.

If you could put up a saying on a banner that was displayed around the country, what would it say and why?

With the right attitude and skills every mountain can be conquered.

What does the future of education look like to you?

Technology is rapidly changing the world around us. Education will never disappear, but it will have to adapt and change and take up different forms to ensure technology does not take over the role of educators. Education of the future will be more accessible and eLearning tools will facilitate more opportunities for remote learning.

If you had to define the role of a “teacher”, what would it say?

A specialist well versed in its discipline who facilitates learning while remaining a considerate lifelong learner.

Terri-Leigh Ryklief

Student Support and Development Advisor

“You’re not the same person you were a year ago and that’s beautiful.”

Tumi Qheya

Senior lecturer in the Financial Reporting Section

“When you find something you are passionate about, it won’t feel like hard work.”

Your company name and/or personal brand statement that aligns with the mission of the programme in which you are involved

I was born and raised in Dobsonville, Soweto and studied at Wits University. I spent a year of my training contract as an academic trainee and that is where the love of teaching and engaging with students solidified. It not only deepened my love for accounting, but I wanted to share this love with my students.

I met the citizen and resident of my heart in 2014 and we moved to Cape Town after being married in 2016. This is when I joined the College of Accounting in University of Cape Town and lectured financial reporting on both postgraduate and final year undergraduate level. I was also involved in the ITC and APC preparatory course during my tenure which fostered my involvement in the marking of the SAICA’s ITC and APC exams.

I later moved to the Department of Financial Accounting at the University of South Africa where I was primarily exposed to the challenges and opportunities of distance learning along with the variety and diversity of the student body which not only challenged my teaching philosophies but my views to accounting education. I got the opportunity to study further and obtained my MCom (Accounting Sciences) and become more involved in the SAICA marking structures, working as a member of the senior marking team for ITC and APC. I was convening a final year undergraduate accounting module and assisted in the development of the module to incorporate the competencies required for the CA 2025 framework.

Academic and educational beliefs

Understanding the why is always key and the reasoning behind some of the principles in accounting resonate with some of the values I hold dearly and gets me excited about IFRS. Some of the topics I enjoy the most is consolidations and deferred tax. I am super excited to be joining the vibrant team at Milpark and look forward to empowering our students as they embark on this rigorous journey of the PGDA. #itwillendinCA(SA).

Personal and professional goals

Deep meaningful conversations with friends and family helps me stay grounded. I enjoy a good cup of coffee with great company and like to explore (simply put, eat) various foods. I have started growing plants (and they not dying) and I enjoy traveling and exploring new places especially around South Africa where the are numerous gems to see.

Overview of qualifications, skills and areas of expertise

CA(SA) and MCom (Accounting sciences)