male and white profession. In 1992, she founded Gobodo Incorporated, a firm that would grow to become one of the country’s largest black-owned accounting firms. Under her leadership, the firm expanded its services and influence, catering to a diverse portfolio of clients including large state-owned companies. Rising swiftly from a junior lecturer to Chief Financial Officer at the Transkei Development Corporation, she established her private practice in 1992. Despite apartheid challenges, her practice grew into Gobodo Incorporated, later merging with SizweNtsaluba to form SizweNtsalubaGobodo (SNG), South Africa’s largest black accounting firm. Speaking about the early days of her career, Gobodo said she was inspired to believe that she too could be successful when she saw people like herself being successful in their respective careers. “I am the third child of five siblings. I was fortunate because my parents were educated as my mother was a nurse and my father a teacher. My parents enlightened me and encouraged me to take education seriously. The environment of Mthatha at the time was inspiring and conducive because in the former Transkei there was independence and so the conditions were not as harsh as they were in the rest of the country. My father was big on education so I was inspired and encouraged to get to the highest level I could,” she said. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Gobodo’s impact extends into the realm of corporate governance and leadership. She served as the Chairperson of the Transformation Committee of the Independent Regulatory Board of Auditors (IRBA), where she advocated for greater diversity and inclusivity within the profession. Her tenure at IRBA was marked by initiatives aimed at empowering young black accountants and enhancing their representation in leadership positions across the industry. Gobodo’s influence transcends corporate boardrooms. She is a vocal advocate for gender equality and social justice in South Africa, using her platform to address systemic inequalities and advocate for meaningful change. Her commitment to corporate social responsibility is reflected in her support for educational initiatives and community development programs aimed at uplifting marginalised communities. The honorary doctorate bestowed upon Gobodo by UJ is a recognition of her exceptional contributions to the accounting profession and her role as a mentor and role model for aspiring professionals. It acknowledges her leadership in promoting ethical practices, transparency, and accountability in business, principles that are crucial for the sustainable development of South Africa’s economy.
Nkululeko Gobodo at the signing of her book
Looking forward, Gobodo continues to inspire future generations through her work and advocacy. She is the founder of Awakened Global, a social initiative, which looks to empower disadvantaged communities. As the Chancellor of Walter Sisulu University, she remains actively involved in promoting education and entrepreneurship, particularly among young women and disadvantaged communities. Her journey from a small town in the Eastern Cape to the pinnacle of South Africa’s corporate world serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through determination, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. Nonkululeko Gobodo’s story is not just one of personal achievement but also of transformative leadership. She has shattered glass ceilings, opened doors for others, and left an indelible mark on South Africa’s corporate landscape. As she continues to champion diversity and equality, her legacy will endure as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. Taken from her speech during the ceremony, these were Gobodo’s words to the graduates: “Congratulations to all of you. I know there are challenges on the way. You went all the way and now you are awarded with the degrees. You take me back to when I received my first degree and I was sitting there just like you, full of hope and expectations that the whole world would open up to me. Self- development is a decision which you personally make because you are the one who has to walk the road. You may ask, ‘what was the secret to my success? The biggest one of them all was to have a vision, as it became a driving force for me,” said Nonkululeko Gobodo. To see Gobodo’s full graduation acceptance speech, click on the following link: https://youtu.be/JqhR6Vg9-r4?t=3942
Gobodo at a commercial accounting event
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