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Having completed PGDA piecemeal (without CTA) in 2020 after a number of attempts at the APC exams with his previous academic institution, Mbusi could not gain entry to SAICA’s ITC Exam. Following a near-fatal battle with COVID-19, Mbusi Ndlovu’s resolve to become a SAICA-accredited Chartered Accountant (CA) was stronger than ever.

A story about how overcoming self-doubt can lead to successfully completing the journey ahead. Inspired by the words of Jennifer Lee to “be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire,’ Milpark graduate Andiswa Ntantiso has demonstrated remarkable persistence on her journey to becoming a chartered accountant (CA).

Zamashenge Ginnie Buthelezi failed the postgraduate diploma in accounting (CTA/PGDA) twice at other institutions. She talks openly about how discouraged she became and that she needed to clear her mind and find her focus before trying again. But then, she joined Milpark Education and after her third stab at the course, she succeeded—thanks to the phenomenal support she received at Milpark.

Yolanda Sapho’s educational journey is a success story and a testament to resilience and determination. Born in the small town of Qumbu in the Eastern Cape and later moving to Mount Frere, Yolanda faced numerous challenges in her young life.

If you aspire to be a professional accountant, we have exceptionally good news! Milpark’s Advanced Accounting bridging short course now boasts SAICA recognition, reaffirming its credibility and paving the way for graduates to pursue two of SAICA’s professional accreditations – Associate General Accountant (AGA) SA and Chartered Accountant (CA) SA.

“You will only realise this later in life, but always listen to your parents, they know what they’re talking about”, says 19-year-old 1st year BCom Accounting student Janke Joubert. She sat down with us to share her experience at Milpark Education and emphasised that achieving success requires hard work and balance, not luck.

At Milpark’s online career day, MGI Bass Gordon, also known as #TEAMBASS, hosted an insightful session for aspiring Chartered Accountants (SA). The event featured key speakers from MGI Bass Gordon who shared their journeys, challenges, and valuable advice for future CAs.

Lumka Diop’s CA journey started in Orkney, a small town in North West. She grew up there and went to school in nearby Klerksdorp. By the time high school came around, Lumka had discovered her natural aptitude for accounting.

David Barnes always wanted to go to university and get a degree. His first attempt at a traditional university saw him dropping out after a year. He then went travelling and tried another educational institution on his return — but the administrative challenges proved too much this time. By then he was working in the hospitality industry and was busy on weekends and on public holidays, when some schools scheduled exams and tests.

Khomotso Masingita Chuma has been determined to become a chartered accountant (CA) since her early years of high school in Polokwane. Despite many challenges, including three failed attempts and becoming a new mom halfway through her course, she successfully completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) with Milpark in 2023.

As the new Head of the School of Professional Accounting, Jonathan is thrilled about the prospects that lie ahead. He is fully committed to expanding and enriching the School’s programme offerings, with a keen focus on the pivotal role of lecturers in our ever-changing world.

Practice questions under exam conditions and mark yourself. Reflect on where you went wrong and if you need to go back to the material or not. Sometimes it may just be a case of poor exam technique. Start embracing discussion questions from the start; they are not going away.

With four degrees under his belt, including two from the most recognised universities in the world, Richard Wilkinson is the definition of “distinguished”. It hasn’t been an easy road, but he’s learnt the art of perseverance throughout his tertiary education.

Benedict Thabo Nkosi has embarked on a journey of perseverance, inspiration and sheer determination. Benedict is studying his Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting at Milpark Education, but the route he’s taken to get to this point has been arduous and far from smooth-sailing.

As the year draws to a close, I would like to express my gratitude to the entire CA Connect team. The PGDA journey was profound for me but at the same time one of the toughest years of my life. I had to do the work to get through it but, when I needed support, it was never in short supply.

Alwyn Visser has a way of speaking about his passion for teaching BCom in Accounting subjects that would inspire even the most accounting-adverse person.

Milpark Education’s unique approach to studying online, coupled with the success of its Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) has made it the largest contributor of PGDA candidates for SAICA’s ITC board exams.

For Lazola Momo, three things have always been a given: his natural ability with numbers, a love for what he is good at, and the willingness to follow it and see where it takes him.  

Audit manager Stephanie White, 37, had always hoped to become a chartered accountant CA (SA) but a few years ago, she saw her prospects slipping away.

When I was in grade six, my aunt was studying accounting. I came across one of her books – those old ledger books – and asked her what they were about. She explained that it was for her accounting class and that if you do accounting you become a CA.

We are thrilled to announce that Milpark has partnered with Gallup to bring you the Clifton Strengths Assessment, a powerful tool designed to uncover your unique strengths and unleash your full potential.

If you had told me at the beginning of bridging, that this journey would end, I would have agreed – every journey eventually ends.

Audit manager Stephanie B. had always hoped to become a chartered accountant (CA(SA)) but a few years ago, she saw her prospects slipping away.

The first African woman to qualify as a chartered accountant (CA (SA)) in South Africa was Nonkuleleko Gobodo. When she graduated in 1987, she paved the way for women in the industry as well as for transformation in the private sector.

Senior lecturer Louise Maritz is well schooled in the needs and challenges of students by now. Having taught in Milpark Education’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect) since 2015, she’s seen it all – every life and academic obstacle under the sun.

Karabo is from Taung, a small town in the North West province of South Africa. The first time she ventured beyond the town’s borders was to study in Cape Town – a thousand kilometers away.

Mapule Phathela dreamt of being able to put the professional and academic designations of CIMA, MBA as well as CA(SA) behind her name before she turns 35.

The shortage of financial skills in South Africa is beginning to affect business growth.

Kamogelo Ngwenya remembers when she was in grade two and her young aunt came home with a fancy new car – how did she afford it?

Zimbabwean Tafadzwa Muyambo, 22, can still hear the critical voices telling him it’s a waste of time to pursue a PGDA.

Zimbabwean born and raised Tsitsi Sharara (née Dhitima) knew at about 12 years old that she wanted to be a chartered accountant (CA).

At Milpark, we are constantly upping our offering in response to needs in the higher education sector.

As an online higher education provider in the financial services, commerce, and management space, it is an institutional imperative that our programmes and accreditations speak to our high standards of honesty, fairness, and accountability.

Amy Wood always loved numbers at school, so applying for finance studies made sense. She cruised through her matric year, but at university an unexpected event threatened to derail her academic pursuits…

After failing her postgraduate diploma in accounting (PGDA) at a traditional university, Ndivhuwo Nethononda was ready to give up on her dream of becoming a chartered accountant (CA). Then, years later, she tried again, with the help of Milpark Education.

In working with thousands of students over the years, Terri-Leigh Ryklief has come to see that there’s far more to academic success than hard work and intelligence. To achieve their goals, students need the right mindset and a dynamic ecosystem of support. 

Sometimes Merilyn Hove can’t believe how much her life has changed from growing up in Bulawayo in Zimbabwe to her current apartment outside London.   

Phemelo Lekale failed at her first attempt doing the postgraduate diploma in accounting at Milpark Education. When she enrolled again, she did things differently and made use of the support structures available to students – this changed everything.

For a whole year, Regina Witbooi got up every morning at 2am to study for a few hours in peace and quiet before her three kids woke up and she had to get ready for work. When she passed the PGDA in 2022 and saw her way cleared to becoming a CA – she knew it was worth it.  

We are so excited to see that Milpark Education is now the biggest contributor to the CA(SA) pipeline! 14 years into the CA Connect story, this is a significant milestone for us.

Meet Princess Stone, the first-ever student to enrol in our newly launched BCom Accounting programme. Princess started her work life as a balancing clerk after matriculating.

If you have been thinking about education, maybe this is the year to commit to online study.

Despite facing many challenges, CA Connect student Miriro Mlilo from Zimbabwe not only passed her Namibian ITC exam this year, but she also received the top marks of all students taking the exam.

The SAICA Top 35 Under 35 competition is about broadening CAs’ horizons beyond just the accounting profession and appreciating young people who make ‘a meaningful contribution to society’.

South African students are now able to enrol for a comprehensive, fully online BCom Accounting degree offering not only technical academic expertise but also comprehensive student support.

Placing values at the foundation of your goals has an impact on how you view success, which has a profound impact on your motivation and commitment.

Placing values at the foundation of your goals has an impact on how you view success, which has a profound impact on your motivation and commitment.

Placing values at the foundation of your goals has an impact on how you view success, which has a profound impact on your motivation and commitment.

Placing values at the foundation of your goals has an impact on how you view success, which has a profound impact on your motivation and commitment.

How do you prepare for the big match (exam), the impact of good coaching (teaching) and how, under pressure, do you effectively put yourself in an emotional state which gets the best out of you?

There’s nothing quite like a global pandemic to make you rethink your values and reframe your priorities.

S/he who asks the questions holds the power! This couldn’t be truer in an educational environment, yet it seems to be an area of learning where so many of us hold back.

Starting articles is a big change, especially when it is your first real job and you don’t have anything to compare it to. Gareth Olivier gives you a few things to think about.

For aspiring and young CAs(SA), the world of chartered accounting can seem overwhelming and demoralising at times – is this normal?