“On a personal level, my husband, Larnston Gowera, inspires me with his drive, resilience, and ability to encourage me to reach my full potential – all while keeping things fun and lively.” Carving a career path After completing her articles, Tendai recognised that auditing, while valuable for the learning and exposure it provided, was not her long-term calling. “Though I’m incredibly grateful for the learning and exposure it gave me, I quickly realised auditing wasn’t my long-term passion,” she explains. The analytical rigour of auditing, however, played a crucial role in shaping her mindset, preparing her for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. A pivotal turning point arrived when the audit firm she worked at seconded her into a financial accounting role at a large mining company, an opportunity that opened new doors. “That’s where I discovered my love for corporate finance,” Tendai shares. She found the move both challenging and exhilarating, as she applied her audit skills in a new context, but in reverse,” as she puts it. This experience ignited a new passion and gave her the confidence to embrace the complexities of corporate finance. Leadership in a new arena Tendai began her next chapter when she joined her current company as Finance Manager (Executive). In this role, she received what she describes as “a blank canvas” and took the opportunity to build effective and sustainable systems. This challenge truly tested her mettle and showcased her ability to drive transformation. “I am motivated by challenges, and this for me was a great one,” she reflects. The environment was not without its hurdles. “Being in an environment where I was the only female and the youngest executive was intimidating yet intriguing,” she admits. But rather than shrink from these challenges, Tendai leaned in. She learned to be assertive and confident, embracing her role as a barrier-breaker. “It was a dream opportunity, a barrier-breaking opportunity,” she says, recognising the significance of her presence at the leadership table. Over time, Tendai’s strategic abilities flourished. She honed her leadership, sharpened her vision, and gradually grew into the role of Chief Financial Officer – a milestone she had once only dreamed of. The power of education Central to Tendai’s story is her commitment to lifelong learning, a value that found fertile ground at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). “UJ is where it all started,” she says. Leaving her hometown of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Tendai came to UJ on a scholarship, determined to make the most of every opportunity. She completed her BCom in Accounting between 2011 and 2013, followed by her BCom Honours in Accounting – CTA (2014).
From top to bottom: Tendai on her graduation day in 2022 Tendai at the Cyber Revolution Summit 2024, Mozambique. At her CTA graduation with her husband, Larnston Gowera.
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ALUMNI IMPUMELELO
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