I was struggling in undergraduate in another university, and when I was offered to do my PGDA at the University of Johannesburg, I took it with both hands – and that decision shaped my career for the better.” Today, Ngwenya is helping ensure that other students receive the same support and opportunity. As Senior Lecturer in Taxation, she teaches across several programmes, including second-year BAcc CA-stream students as well as BCom Accounting students. Yet for her, accounting education extends beyond technical competence. “I want the students to understand the practicality of taxation, the impact of tax revenue collection in changing this country for the better, and their role to play within the tax landscape,” she says. Her teaching philosophy combines academic rigour with humanity. “It takes balance,” she says of building a high- performing academic environment. “We are human, not robots. You cannot perform at a high level if you neglect your physical and mental wellbeing.” That awareness is particularly important in accounting programmes, where pressure and burnout are common. Ngwenya says support structures are critical in helping students succeed. “In our classes we address poor academic performance and remind students that they have available resources such as lecturers, academic trainees and tutors for consulting purposes,” she explains. “Students also have other resources within the institution such as the Academic Development Centre and PsyCaD to assist them in reaching academic success.” Her leadership role within the Thuthuka Programme has further deepened her commitment to transformation and student support. The Thuthuka Bursary Fund under the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) has become one of the profession’s flagship transformation initiatives, providing funding, academic support and mentorship to aspiring Chartered Accountants from disadvantaged backgrounds. Ngwenya understands its impact not only as a coordinator, but also as a former beneficiary herself. “As a beneficiary of the Thuthuka Bursary Fund, I view it as a flagship of the accounting profession,” she says. “The support the programme gives to students is unmatched. It makes the student journey easier as you do not have to worry about anything but your academics.” Still, she is acutely aware of the obstacles many students continue to face. “Lack of funding is a huge challenge for our students,” she says. “Another challenge is lack of reading amongst our students. Students are encouraged to read as this enhances their ability to understand and grasp certain concepts.” For Ngwenya, success within programmes such as Thuthuka is not measured only in marks or professional designations. “Success is being able to pay forward how others contributed to your own success,” she says. Her own sense of service was shaped long before academia. Before joining UJ, Ngwenya completed her articles at the South African Revenue Service (SARS), where she later worked in transfer pricing compliance risk, dealing with complex cross-border tax matters. “The tax man taught me the role I play in making this country better,” she says. “We have a responsibility to preserve this country and make it better, and to impact the lives of those vulnerable to socioeconomic challenges.”
AT THE SAME TIME, SHE BELIEVES ACCOUNTING EDUCATION MUST BECOME MORE RESPONSIVE TO SOUTH AFRICA’S BROADER SOCIAL REALITIES. “I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE PUBLIC-SECTOR-RELATED TOPICS AND ISSUES TAUGHT TO IMPROVE SERVICE DELIVERY AND CURB CORRUPTION IN THIS COUNTRY.”
Ms Mmatshepho Ngwenya
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