ACCOUNTING SCIENCES HEAD RECEIVES TOP HONOR AS SAICA 35-UNDER-35 OVERALL WINNER

In a display of wealthy evidence of expertise and commitment, a 35-year-old WSU Accounting Sciences Head of Department, Senzo Ndlangamandla has clinched the prestigious top spot as the overall winner among South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) 35-Under-35 recipients.

Since stepping into the role as the head of the department in 2022, Ndlangamandla proactively put together an improvement and implementation plan that led to an advanced SAICA rating of 2 from the previous 3 rating.

“The award is given to someone with a significant contribution to the profession. This win was a result of my contribution to the department as an HoD, in addition to the work that the Department was able to do during this period. Taken into account is  also the managerial roles that I have participated in over the years before being HoD,” said Ndlangamandla.

The eSwatini-born added that other initiatives that contributed to his success include community projects that he has participated in such as, Masifundisane Career & Development Campaign, JSE Investment Challenge, the School Governing Body project by SAICA and the Learn Accounting project by the University of Cape Town.

“Looking at everyone's profile, I didn't see myself standing any chance of emerging as the overall winner. I guess the judges knew what they were looking for from each candidate and I am truly humbled to have met their requirements for the overall winning prize. This is significant, not only for me, but for Brand WSU as well,” said Ndlangamandla.

He recently played a lead role in organising an academic excellence awards ceremony to recognise students who excelled academically. The event, which will be hosted annually going forward, is meant to motivate students and create a culture of excellence among students.

“I lead a team of amazing talent. This is not to say there have not been challenges. I believe there are many ways to lead, but among them are these three: lead from the front, lead from behind, and lead with the people. I took the approach of leading with the people and being inclusive. This approach has created a space for every member of the team to participate meaningfully in strategy development and implementation, and for everyone to really be empowered,” added Ndlangamandla

He also led the development of the department’s 2030 strategic plan, outlining several special projects such as meeting HoDs from several universities to initiate discussions for potential collaboration and mentorship, specifically for their Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy project.

WSU Chancellor, Nonkululeko Gobodo, said: “It is rare for an academic to get this accolade and that is just evidence of the quality of academics we have. The work that has been put into the academic projects at WSU is starting to bear fruits. The recognition by SAICA will also improve the efforts of our department to further improve our SAICA rating, something I take personally as a Chartered Accountant myself.”

Gobodo added that she was in attendance when Ndlangamandla received the award and felt pride and joy.

“This achievement has raised the profile of our accounting department and the University. I was being congratulated for the great work WSU is doing by dignitaries who attended the event. We will build on this achievement as we move WSU to even greater heights,” said Gobodo. 

Ndlangamandla has also initiated the WSU Accountancy Alumni Association, which has already been approved at an institutional level and aimed to launch in March 2024; and forming strategic partnerships with the Mthatha local business community.

The SAICA Top 35-under-35 is an annual recognition programme that aims to identify and celebrate young chartered accountants who have significantly contributed to the accounting profession and society. 

By Anita Roji