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June 2014
From the President’s Desk
AWCA would also like to congratulate and celebrate
one of our own, Ms. Pumla Molope, an AWCA Board
Member. Pumla was one of the candidates selected to
participate in the course in the inaugural year of
AWCA’s participation along with the University of
Pretoria and ABSIP. She came top of her class with a
98% grade for her paper on the Emerging Market,
Brazil. Her paper was also featured and published in
the Fordham University Journal of Political Science
and Economics. We as AWCA are very proud to have
such talent.
AWCA will be embarking on a board leadership
programme
with
Duke
University
in
June.
Communication regarding the programme has been
sent to members. We encourage members to
participate in the programme.
AWCA would like to congratulate our 2013 Bursary
students who passed Board 1 namely Talelani Madia,
Siphesihle Mageleni, Petunia Mulaudzi and Lerato
Phelane. We are very proud of their achievement and
we wish them the very best for their future.
In April we celebrated 20 years of freedom as South
Africans. It was a time for celebration but also for
reflection. We celebrate the strides our country has
made with regards to transformation. But we also reflect
on the sacrifices that were made in order for South
Africa as a country to reach this 20 year milestone. In
the same breath, we would like to congratulate the
founders of Wiphold on reaching 20 years in business.
We also congratulate our minister of finance,
Honourable Nhlanhla Nene on his appointment to this
prestigious role. AWCA is exceptionally proud of your
achievement and we pledge our continued support.
AWCA signed an MOU with Fordham University in 2013
for our members to participate in a six (6) week
Emerging Markets course in New York. This year Buhle
Hanise, Palesa Makobe and Mamosa Dlothi are
attending the course. We wish them all the best and
encourage members to apply for such opportunities as
and when they arise.
AWCA hosted the following events in the past two
months. In Johannesburg we celebrated Tsholo
Molefe, Zukie Siyotula and Thuli Kumalo as well as Dr
Terence Nombembe, Kimi Makwetu and Tsakani
Ratsela on their recent appointments. The KZN office
hosted a success Leadership Breakfast and Cape
Town hosted a cocktail meet and greet for AWCA
members who are based in the region.
Lesego
Events: Celebrate Success
On 20 March 2014, we celebrated extraordinary women
who are making extraordinary strides in their careers. The
celebrants were as follows; Tsholo Molefe who was
appointed Financial Director at Eskom , Zukie Siyotula
who was appointed CEO of Thebe Capital and Thuli
Kumalo who was appointed Head of Asset Origination at
Liberty Financial Solutions.
Each celebrant chose a mentor to speak on their behalf at
this auspicious event. Tsholo’s choice was Ms. Mpho
Letlape, MD at Sasol Solutions. Zukie chose one of
AWCA’s founding members Ms. Sindi Mabaso-Koyana
and Thuli asked her father, Mr. Joseph Thloloe.
Ms. Mpho Letlape spoke of how women need to support
one another in the corporate environment. She also
commended Tsholo on her resilience and hard work. Ms.
Sindi Mabaso-Koyana reminisced on how she spent
countless hours working with Zukie while they were both
on the AWCA Board. She praised Zukie for her diligence
and dedication as well as her ambition. Mr. Joseph
Thloloe, who is not only Thuli’s mentor but also her father,
regaled the crowd with tales of how Thuli taught him how
to swim. He explained that even though as her father,
there were many lessons to teach, he also learned a lot
from his daughter in her resolve to pursue the CA
profession.
Even though all three celebrants had different paths that
led them to the top of their respective fields, it was clear
that hard work, dedication and mentorship played a vital
role in all their journeys.
Overall the event was a great success. We would like to
thank the celebrants for gracing us with their time. A
heartfelt thank you to our sponsors as well.
On 29 May AWCA hosted a celebrate success for
Terence Nombembe, Kimi Makwetu and Tsakani
Ratsela to celebrate their appointments as SAICA CEO,
Auditor General and Deputy general respectively.
Nokwanda Nombembe spoke on her husband’s behalf,
who joked that she was surprise when he asked her to
speak as she is not an accountant. She went on to
speak of Terence’s heart for service, his diligence and
commitment not only to his previous role as AG but his
current role as well.
Terence then spoke on Kimi’s Behalf, praising Kimi for
his role as Deputy AG and stating that he has absolute
confidence in his as the ne AG. He noted, with gratitude,
that had Kimi not been as diligent at his role as Deputy
AG, he would not have been able to execute his work as
seamlessly.
Thandeka Zondi spoke on behalf Tsakani Ratsela. She
spoke of the grace with which Tsakani carries herself
through life’s challenges. She spoke of her admiration of
Tsakani’s commitment to serve in the respective
organizations that she is involved in.
The event was a great success. We thank KPMG for
their sponsorship and continued support.
ABSA Investment & Estate Planning
Breakfast - KZN
AWCA Western Cape - Sundowners with
the Chevron Finance Team
We live in a generation where many households are
headed up by single moms and government has
implemented numerous initiatives to develop and upskill women in South Africa to be able to manage their
resources in a manner that will sustain their families.
AWCA saw an opportunity to partner with government
on similar initiatives to up-skill some of women in South
Africa with financial wisdom, hence organised an
Investment workshop with ABSA Private Banking.
11 April was the date that AWCA, in collaboration with
ABSA Private Bank, held an investment breakfast
workshop at the ABSA premises in Umhlanga where a
wealth of knowledge was obtained from the ABSA
specialist Awonke and Ian about the products ABSA
has to offer as well as the relevance and importance of
estate planning. With a diverse audience ranging from
rd
3 year university students, finance managers to
directors; one would’ve thought that it would’ve been a
challenge to keep such an audience engaged, but
surprisingly everyone was intrigued, this was evidenced
by the numerous questions raised.
Awonke boldly informed us that ABSA’s competitive
advantage lies in its ability to nurture client relationships
from the moment that the client banks with ABSA until
retirement age. He emphasised the importance of
sustaining personal relationships with clients to
understand fully each clients portfolio relative to his/her
circumstances at each stage of their life.
Ian then took the members through that topic that
nobody ever wants to talk about, of a situation that is
inevitable - death and the importance of a will, whether
testamentary or inter-vivos. He took the audience
through the finer details to note about the construction
of a will as well as the execution of a will, stressing the
importance of ensuring that all is adhered to when
constructing a will to ensure that the intended
beneficiaries are the ones that benefit from your wealth
because in the absence of a will, upon death, the state
intervenes. He addressed the purpose of a trust fund
and who can have a trust fund, as well as the risks of
having a trust fund such as ensuring that the trustees
are accredited to avoid instances of fraud.
It was a successful event and all learnt something from
the event. As AWCA, we definitely look forward to
maintaining such relationships and ensuring that we upskill women wherever we can.
AWCA Western Cape had their first event for the year
at Chevron house, with the CFO of Chevron Dino
Mendoza and his finance team. The aim of the event
was to expose members to various opportunities
available within Chevron. The evening started with
welcoming remarks and a safety talk by Lusanda
Ngxonono Head of Compliance at Chevron
The CFO gave an informative presentation about
Chevron, and he shared his experiences. The evening
progressed with representatives from various finance
functions who shared information about their roles at
Chevron and their journeys in their respective careers.
The highlight of the evening was when the HR
Representative concluded that they are looking for
talent at Chevron and they will be adding AWCA as an
affiliated organization on their careers profile so as to
give members preference on their applications.
The evening was concluded with sundowners and
networking at Chevron house, where canapés and
conversations were shared. Members left well informed
on career options available in the energy and oil
industry.
Student Chapter Report: University
of Limpopo
AWCA CSI Initiatives: Food Parcels
Hand Over
AWCA UL took part in a Career Expo for Grade 11 and
12 learners at Nkowa-Nkowa Community hall. The Expo
was conducted by a non-profit organization (Vantshwa
Va Xivono) which has been running similar career
expos for the preceding five years. There were learners
from different high schools around Nkowa- Nkowa.
There were different presenters from Vantshwa Va
Xivono who presented on different careers one can
pursue
after
completion
of
matric,
the
different
institutions of higher learning and bursaries.
Friedah Mkansi presented on the background of the
AWCA both at national level and at the University of
Limpopo, the vision and mission, how to become a
member of African Women Chartered Accountant
(AWCA-UL), the School of Accountancy (UL) admission
and the benefits of being a member of AWCA.
The number of female learners who were interested in
becoming Chartered Accountants was not satisfactory
since most of the learners do not have mathematics as
a subject, instead focusing on subjects such as
Consumer Studies, Tourism and Mathematical Literacy
to name but a few. Those who had the relevant subjects
agreed to apply for admission at the University of
Limpopo and other SAICA accredited institutions for the
academic year 2015. Thuthuka bursary forms were emailed to some of these learners.
The overall observation was that learners did not
understand the Chartered Accountancy profession and
were fearful of doing accounting degrees because of
“hear says” that it is a very difficult degree. After the
presentation, they were motivated and inspired to
become Chartered Accountants.
Fridah Mkansi – AWCA UL Deputy President
AWCA participated in Siyazigabisa Children Youth &
Community Organization outreach programme, which
has reached out to 1000 people (orphans, child headed
families, families with loved ones suffering from death
threatening illnesses). They also motivate the youth and
the community at large to take charge of their lives and
become successful future leaders and make a positive
impact to society. AWCA contributed food parcels to the
community.
Other CSI Initiatives include:

Siyazigabisa Children Youth & Community
Organization monthly food parcels for the
home in Tembisa.

47 food parcels were handed over to the old
age home in Western Cape.

Food parcels purchased for Mmalerato
Children home of safety.

Food parcels purchased for Ephaphatha Early
Childhood Development Centre in Mafikeng.

33 food parcels were handed over to members
of the Zizameleni project members at Msinga
(Shiyane village/Rocks Drift). This is a
continuation programme initiated by AWCA in
2013 with the help of Siyazisiza Trust.
Leadership Corner: Belief Re-patterning for Leaders
Belief re-patterning is a proactive technique developed by
author and educator Suze Casey. It rebuilds neural
pathways and connections, allowing you to think, act, and
feel differently. Speaking more generically our thoughts
become embedded beliefs as we think them over and over
again, and our emotions often act as the glue that cements
them into our brains. This is why traumatic events often
have a lasting impact on people. Our behaviour is largely
determined by these engrained thoughts and changing our
patterns of thinking has a great impact on our behaviour.
Successful leaders understand the power of their minds
and are careful about what they allow themselves to dwell
on. Many of us have made friends with fear and lies. I call
these misbeliefs. Outlined below is an example of the
impact of misbeliefs on the assertiveness of a leader. This
is a real life situation from one of my coaching sessions.
Misbeliefs vs Counter Arguments
One of my coaches felt they would have liked to say more
during a meeting with their executive head. I asked them
what misbeliefs had caused them to be silent on some
matters. This was their response:
Misbelief:
I am not competent enough to speak out at this level.
We subsequently explored the alternatives. What else
could be true? I call these counter arguments.
Counter arguments (the liberating truth):
I have spoken at this level in my previous organisation.
I have received positive feedback at this level.
You can be more competent in specific areas than people
higher up in the organisation.
Successful people do not entertain self debilitating lies.
The starting point in changing negative patterns of thinking
is resolving to do so. When you realise the negative impact
of negative thinking based on misbeliefs you are motivated
to change. I have highlighted some of these misbeliefs
adapted from Henry Cloud and John Townsend’s great
book, Changes that Heal. Go through these and think of
the counter arguments for each of them.
Try to identify the lies that are affecting you and resolve
to replace them with new liberating thoughts.
Remember that bad thoughts have to be displaced by
good ones. Try not to just wish them away; it doesn’t
work.
What misbeliefs (lies) have you embraced?
Lies about self
I am bad if they don’t approve of me. That proves it.”
“I am less than others.”
“I am not as good as…”
“I must please others to be liked.”
“I am bad if I disagree.”
“My opinions are not as good.”
“I have no right to my opinions.”
“I must get permission from others to…”
Leadership Corner: Integrity in
Business
“I am bad if I fail.”
“My plans will never succeed.”
“I should defer to their beliefs, even though I disagree. I
need someone else to manage my life. I am not capable
enough.”
“If I differ, I am wrong.”
“I could never teach him or her anything.”
In Her Own Words:
“Rising above Circumstances”
”
Lies about others
“They are all disapproving and critical.”
“They are better than me.”
“They will like me better if I am a compliant. “
“They think that I am wrong or bad for disagreeing.”
“Their opinions are always right.”
“They will think I am bad for failing.”
“They have no weaknesses.”
“They never fail like I do.”
“…is easy for them.”
“They know what’s best for me.”
“They never feel…”
“They know everything.”
“They are never this afraid, or mad, or sad or…”
‘They will have me for standing up to them.”
“They are so confident & I’m not”
Lies about the world
“Competition is bad; someone always gets hurt.”
“Disagreement is bad; someone always gets hurt.”
“Conflict is bad; someone always loses.”
“There is no such thing as a “win-win” relationship.”
“People who are people-pleasers are liked better than
people who say what they think.”
“There is a right and wrong way of seeing everything.
Perspective makes no difference.”
“Flexibility is license and lawlessness.”
“There is a right and a wrong way to do everything.”
“It will never work.”
Having lost my mom at the age of 14 when I was in grade
09, I had soon got to the realisation that it is not where you
come from that matters but rather where you are going,
and I mean it is of utmost importance to not forget where
you come from as it shapes the person you become. I got
pregnant when I was in matric, despite that I passed very
well achieving an overall achiever in my year at our school.
I had always wanted to become a chartered accountant. I
Our thoughts can quite easily become deeply embedded
beliefs. Our beliefs affect our behaviour. As a leader,
reflect on your beliefs and examine the impact they are
having on how you lead people. Continually remind
yourself of the counter arguments to your misbeliefs.
knew my family would not be able to take me to university,
in spite of this I applied to Wits for a B Com accounting. I
remember it was in January of 2008 and I still had no idea
as to where I was going to get funding (I had applied for a
Paul Nyamuda
www.corporatelegends.co.za
couple of bursaries and was awaiting responses).
In Her Own Words:
Movers and Shakers Corner
“Rising above Circumstances”
”
A friend of mine told me that her friend’s mom was
AWCA Congratulates Hon Nhlanhla Nene on his
awarding bursaries to people that wanted to further their
appointment as the Finance Minister. With his years of
studies in the CA profession. I immediately submitted my
experience, we have no doubt that he will bring the
documents and a couple of days later I was on a phone
expertise he has harnessed over the years to serve out
call from Tryphosa Ramano (at the time she was CFO of
country diligently.
WIPHOLD) who then told me I was awarded a full scope
bursary.
This was the happiest day of my life, to know that I was
one step closer to achieving my dreams. I then went to
university completed my degree in record time and I
guess due to poor planning on my side I found myself not
being able to go and pursue my CTA in 2011.
In that year (2011) I got a job to work as an administrator
for the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA)
Forum, working with CA’s had me so inspired and I knew
there and then that this was my vocation and I was going
to stop at nothing to achieved my goal. I then applied to
do my PGDA at the UKZN in 2012, unfortunately I did not
make it, but still I was not discouraged. Luckily for me I
had already signed a training contract for articles with one
of the big four audit firms; as such I got admitted into their
More
on
our
Movers
and
Shakers
Corner
work study programme and enrolled to do my CTA with
acknowledge the following captains of industry;
we
UNISA. I passed my CTA in 2013 and wrote the board

exam in January 2014.
Terence Nombembe – Awarded an honorary
Doctorate from the Walter Sisulu University.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have been able to kill

Andronica Masemola – Appointed Head of
Internal Audit at Barloword.
two birds with one stone, in that one year of articles is
done and I have my CTA and certainly one step closer

Kimi Makwetu – Auditor General of SA.
towards achieving my dream of becoming a CA. I am

Tsakani Ratsela – Deputy Auditor General of
SA.
grateful to everyone who believed in me even when I had
lost faith in myself and the great women of AWCA for

from the University of Limpopo.
continuing to pass on the baton.

Lerato went on to pass Part 1 of the Board exam and is in
preparation for Part 2. AWCA wishes you the best as you
progress in your journey to becoming a CA (SA).
Lerato Phelane
Futhi Mtoba – Awarded an honorary Doctorate
Gloria Serobe, Louisa Mojela, Wendy Luhabe
and Nomle Canca – Founders of Wiphold.
Key Successes: Nungu
Resolutions
Membership Fees
We encourage our members to pay their membership
fees as they go a long way to helping AWCA fund its
initiatives.
Membership Fees are as follows:
Core Membership: R600
Trainee Membership: R300
Student Membership: As per student Chapter Charter
Banking Details:
Looking Ahead: Vision 2020
Account Name
AWCA
Bank Name
Nedbank
Branch
Thrupps- Illovo
Account Nr
197 602 7225
Reference
Your Full Name
.
Upcoming Events
Power Tea
7 June 2014
Duke Leadership Programme Launch
12 June 2014
Duke Board Leadership Programme
23 – 24 June; 31 – 1 August 2014
CPT Celebrate success
July 2014
Woman of Substance
7 August 2014
Contacts
Judith Mnisi
Tel: 011 772 5301
Mobile: 011 0275642
talent@awca.co.za
Nkateko Mashaba
Tel: 011 502 0622
Mobile: 0110275648
administrator@awca.co.za
We have moved office, our new address is:
EY
102 Rivonia Road, Sandton
2146
www.awca.co.za
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