On Friday, 06 September 2019, the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of South Africa (ABASA) launched its Student Chapter at the University of Venda (UNIVEN). The launch took place at the University’s Auditorium and was coordinated by the Department of Accountancy.
UNIVEN’s Senior Lecturer who also serves as Education Committee Member of ABASA Limpopo branch, Mr Tshikovhi Ambani CA (SA), on behalf of the Deputy Dean of the School of Management Sciences, welcomed students and guests from the University of Limpopo (UL), Absa, Auditor General – South Africa, ABASA and UNIVEN staff and students. He said this event is significant because most graduates lack knowledge, experience and skills, most importantly, they don’t know where to go after graduating. “This will assist you to know where to go from here,” he told the audience.
Ms Mokgadi Lekota CA(SA), Assistant Audit Manager at Ngubane & Co
Ms Mokgadi Lekota CA(SA), Assistant Audit Manager at Ngubane & Co, who is also the ABASA Limpopo Interim Deputy Secretary, outlined the purpose of ABASA. She explained that ABASA is an organisation that provides a platform for sharing information in the accounting field. “ABASA strives to create awareness and produce as many black accountants as possible.” She continued to say that the purpose of launching this chapter at UNIVEN, is to make sure that UNIVEN students can also benefit from ABASA initiatives.
ABASA UL Student Chapter Public Relations Officer, Rotenda Tshivhula
ABASA UL Student Chapter Public Relations Officer, Rotenda Tshivhula, said being an ABASA member is very important and beneficial. He encouraged UNIVEN accounting students to join ABASA for their own benefit and for the benefit of other learners and students who will benefit from them. “Do what is best for UNIVEN by joining ABASA and focus more on the positive things that will change your life and the life of other people.”
UNIVEN Representative, Ms Mutondi Mashamba CA (SA)
UNIVEN Representative, Ms Mutondi Mashamba CA (SA) told UNIVEN accounting students that the UNIVEN Accountancy Department acknowledges the launch of this chapter at UNIVEN. “Our accounting degree is SAICA accredited, and it only took us 5 years to get full accreditation. This means within the next 5 years a lot can be achieved and everything is out of hard work and determination.” Ms Mashamba mentioned that there are many people coming from this area who are doing well out there. She therefore encouraged students to follow their footsteps. She assured the students that ABASA will ensure that UNIVEN students occupy more prominent positions in higher offices with the skills that they would have acquired from ABASA. “Choose to be wise and apply skills that ABASA will be giving you. Do not allow other people to define you; set your own standards. Do not live according to other people’s expectations. Be an original of yourself.” She encouraged and assured students that UNIVEN Accountancy Department is fully behind them and will support them until they reach their goals.
Ms Shiela Rhangani, Absa Private Banking Manager in the Vhembe Region
Ms Shiela Rhangani, Absa Private Banking Manager in the Vhembe Region, thanked ABASA for this launch and further congratulated ABASA and applauded them for choosing to launch this chapter at UNIVEN because it will also contribute to the communities of Venda. She told them to go on and continue making change in the lives of other citizens of this country. Rhangani encouraged students to be part of this chapter so that it could improve their performance and boost their career. “We value this launch because this will bring your dream to a reality. We are fully behind ABASA for what they are doing.”
UNIVEN SRC representative, Ms Musingadi Murunwa
UNIVEN SRC representative, Ms Musingadi Murunwa, said she appreciates this launch at UNIVEN because it will make UNIVEN students aware of the implications and expose the students as to what to expect in the workplace. She advised students to join ABASA and learn a lot for their future benefit.
Trainee Accountant at Crescent Consulting, Mr Mangena Ludwig
ABASA Limpopo Interim Chairperson who is a third year Trainee Accountant at Crescent Consulting, Mr Mangena Ludwig, told students that ABASA is in support of women, mainly black female students. “We believe that ABASA will empower our students with various skills at different levels. He believes that UNIVEN prides itself in creating future leaders and those future leaders are students. When you are a UNIVEN registered student you are a leader already.” He continued to say that leaders don’t need only academic qualifications but also other skills such as communication and leadership skills, and how to approach, overcome challenges and make sound decisions from what you are faced with.
Senior Financial Accountant at Lepelle Northern Water, Mr Stanley Ramalatso CA (SA)
ABASA Limpopo Interim Treasurer who is also a Senior Financial Accountant at Lepelle Northern Water, Mr Stanley Ramalatso CA (SA), thanked UNIVEN for allowing them to launch ABASA student chapter. He also thanked Absa representatives for supporting the launch. He said Absa is partnering with ABASA in making sure that the movement achieves its intended goal. “Help this committee to achieve goals and make transformation. Support each other and look for someone that you can help. Go out to our secondary schools and assist learners while they are still at secondary level. This is the first step that you took and avail yourselves and acquire as much skills as you can to complement your qualification,” He told students.
Audit Manager at Auditor General of South Africa, Polokwane Office, Mr Disego Debeila CA(SA),
ABASA Interim Stakeholder Sub-Committee Representative who is also an Audit Manager at Auditor General of South Africa, Polokwane Office, Mr Disego Debeila CA(SA), told students that as students they should be able to balance their studies and extramural activities. Make sure that ABASA do not negatively affect your academic performance.
The elected Interim Committee is comprised of Mr Bernard Pfundzo Phaswana as the Chairperson; Ms Precious Mathevula as the Deputy Chairperson; Mr Masilela Banele as the Treasurer; Mr Rotshidzwa Nakana as the Secretary and Ms Muofhe Ramuntshi as the Deputy Secretary.
L-R: Mr Muhali Ndou – UNIVEN; Ms Caroline Shavhani CA(SA) – UNIVEN; Dr Arthur Reynolds – UNIVEN , Mr Ambani Tshikovhi CA(SA) – UNIVEN, Mr Masilela Sebenele Bethuel – UNIVEN, Mr Nakana Rotshidzwa – UNIVEN, Ms Mutondi Mashamba CA(SA) – UNIVEN, Mr Bernard Pfunzo – UNIVEN; Ms Precious Mathevula – UNIVEN, Ms Shiela Rhangani – ABSA and Ms Ramuntshi Muofhe – UNIVEN.
L-R: Mr Masilela Sebenele Bethuel- Treasurer; Mr Rotshidzwa Nakana- Secretary; Mr Phaswana Bernard Pfunzo-Chairperson; Ms Precious Mathevula- Deputy Chairperson and Ms Ramuntshi Muofhe Deputy Secretary are UNIVEN ABASA Interim Committee
L-R :The newly appointed ABASA UNIVEN Student Chapter Interim Committee with UNIVEN Senior Lecturer and also ABASA education committee member – Mr Tshikovhi Ambani CA (SA), Mr Stanley Ramalatso CA (SA) – ABASA Limpopo Interim Treasurer , Mr Masilela Sebenele Bethuel – ABASA UNIVEN Treasurer, Ms Ramuntshi Muofhe – ABASA UNIVEN Deputy Secretary, Mr Rotshidzwa Nakana – ABASA UNIVEN Secretary, Mr Mangena Ludwig – ABASA Limpopo Interim Chairperson, Mr Phaswana Bernard Pfunzo – ABASA UNIVEN Chairperson, Ms Precious Mathevula – ABASA UNIVEN Deputy Chairperson, Rotenda Tshivhula – ABASA UL SC Public Relations Officer, Mr Disego Debeila CA(SA) – ABASA Limpopo Interim Stakeholder sub-committee representative and Ms Mokgadi Lekota CA(SA) – ABASA Limpopo Interim Deputy Secretary .
Accounting students listening to speakers during ABASA student Chapter launch
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 17 September 2019
