AWCA Decemeber Newsletter

AWCA NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2018
BULLETIN

CONTENTS

• The Presidential View
• AWCA Bursary Fund
• Celebrate Success with Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng: Vice-Chancellor of the

University of Cape Town
• APC Preparation Workshop: Cape Town
• APC Preparation Workshop: Johannesburg
• High Tea with Nhlamu Dlomu: CEO of KPMG
• Out to Lunch with Priscillah Mabelane: CEO of BP Southern Africa
• Is’thunzi Saba Fazi in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s Centenary
• Out to Lunch with Dr Judy Dlamini: Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand
• AIH News
• Student News: WITS Dinner
• Women and Health
• Movers and Shakers
• Book Club
• Upcoming Events
• Membership & Contact Page

THANK YOU

THE PRESIDENTIAL VIEW

I think it’s safe to say that we all cannot wait for the holiday season to get some
much needed downtime, even if it’s for a few days. More than ever, we
understand the need to switch off, reboot and start afresh. This year has seen some
of our good friends and colleagues succumb to the illness of depression, we can
only hope that 2019 brings about a refreshed perspective and zeal to tackle all
that may come our way.

On gracefully facing challenges, we once again tip our hats off to Nhlamu Dlomu
who took on the mammoth task of KPMG CEO when the firm was undoubtfully
going through it’s toughest time, we wish her success as she takes on her new
global position. In the same breath we congratulate Ignatius Sehoole on his
appointment as the incoming CEO when Nhlamu leaves office.

This will be the final issue of our newsletter for 2018 and you can expect recaps on
some of the activities that have taken place in the last quarter of the year. These
include a Bursary Fund update, Celebrate Success with Professor Mamokgethi
Phakeng, APC Workshops in Cape Town and Johannesburg, 2 very special Out to
Lunch’s with Priscillah Mabelane and our very own Woman of Substance , Dr Judy
Dlamini amongst other things.

The 2019 events calendar will be made available on the January 2019 issue. Before
then, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our members and donors for
the unwavering support you have shown us this year. Thank you for believing in the
vision and wanting to be a part of the change.

As you go about your holiday be safe on the roads, stay healthy and we hope to
see and partner with you again next year.

Sincerely,
Zama Khanyile CA (SA)

AWCA BURSARY FUND

Please visit
https://awca.co.za/bursary to
apply.
You may direct all enquiries to
Gugu Mthonti on 011 621 6881 or
email [email protected]
All the best!!!

CELEBRATE SUCCESS WITH PROFESSOR
MAMOKGETHI PHAKENG

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town

A date etched into the AWCA Cape Town memory is 18 September 2018. The night was dedicated to celebrating the
success of Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng. From the moment she stepped into the venue everyone was mesmerised
by her but more than that, she exuded confidence and genuine interest in wanting to interact with everyone. Many
moments she was found to be fondly joking and teasing with the student chapter attendees, often having them in
hysterical laughter with her witty comments, stories and jokes. Clear evidence of being the peoples Vice-Chancellor or
as she is now fondly known as the Deputy Mother to her students.

Ropfiwa Sithubi had the pleasure of introducing her and relaying a story of how she had initially met Prof. Phakeng. This
certainly added to the intimacy and special stories on the evening.

Professor Phakeng, shared critical lessons which resonated and inspired those in the room.
Among the key lessons which was shared were:
• Strive to be a good leader whilst also being cognisant of the context of the environment in which one finds

oneself. An understanding of situational leadership is important.
• Excellence cannot be achieved without transformation
• Be clear about your value system regardless of the situation/environment. These serve as your guiding principles

especially in tough circumstances. Remain true to who you are.
• Be conscious of the environment in which you find yourself/stepping into, its history traditions, culture etc.

The attendees had an opportunity to engage and ask their burning questions they have been waiting for, to which
serious, thought provoking, yet also fun filled, witty responses were provided.
The evening was ended off through an address by our National president, Zama Khanyile. The team also took the
opportunity to recognise and celebrate Zama’s success as one of SAICA’s Top 35 under 35 for 2018.
Once again it was highlighted that through hard work, persistence, consciously putting in the effort and seeking to
make a positive impact makes a difference and that despite many challenges which still exist, women can rise and
can lift others up.

CELEBRATE SUCCESS WITH PROFESSOR
MAMOKGETHI PHAKENG CONTD.

APC PREPARATION WORKSHOP : CAPE TOWN

The AWCA Western Cape was proud to host their first APC
preparations event on the 27th October 2018. The event was
directed at aspiring Chartered Accountant women that are
preparing for the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to
be written in November 2018.
The vision for the workshop was to provide the candidates with the
tools necessary to ensure that they are prepared in the best way
possible and to provide the women with the motivation for the
exam ahead. Therefore AWCA included a variety of guest speakers
that were equipped to help the candidates prepare for the exam.

The following representatives from the UCT board course were present:
Ropfiwa Sithubi CA (SA) is a Corporate Governance lecturer at UCT and
currently sits on the UCT APC board course and Tumi Qheya CA (SA) is
Financial Reporting lecturer at UCT. They are both involved in the marking
of the APC board course in previous years. They encouraged the
candidates to think multi-dimensional when assessing the pre-lease
information. Consider different vantage points when reading the
information. Morepa Ntjane, Senior lecturer at the University of
Johannesburg represented the APT board course. She urged the women
to not compare one another to their colleagues and enter into the exam
being prepared and not rely on other candidates preparation work. Both
representatives provided the students with a breakdown of the exam
process and discussed each element of the exam…

APC PREPARATION WORKSHOP: CAPE TOWN
CONTD.

As both representatives have been involved in the board course the following action items were noted: Students often do not address
the question in full and not enough attention is provided to the application of the question. One must remember that the exam is a
reflection of 5 years of knowledge that each candidate has built up therefore it is important to believe in yourself.

AWCA felt it important to provide the candidates with a guest speaker who understood the journey to becoming a CA (SA). Lehana
Evans CA (SA) is an example of perseverance as she attempted her second qualifying exam multiple times. She spoke of fear of failure
and how one can never fail if you don’t give up. She is a beacon of strength and a role model to many. During the stressful time of
exams Lehana dealt with family responsibilities and work commitments yet she did not let that deter her from reaching her goal of
coming CA (SA). Lehana taught the candidate’s the importance of visualization of their goal and positive affirmations.

To ensure that workshop is meets all facets of exam preparation our final guest speaker Cindy Petersen
a registered counsellor tackled the importance of mental health
during stressful times. She encouraged the candidate’s to be okay
with not being okay. It is important to talk to a trusted individual/s
about the stress that comes with writing an exam and all the other
responsibilities that are one has to deal with.

The event was successful and we would like to thank
Auditor General for their sponsorship and their willingness
to be involved.

APC PREPARATION WORKSHOP: JOHANNESBURG

The 11th Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) workshop was opened with verve and vigour by AWCA Board
member Lebogang Senne. Ladies embarking on the last leg of their journey to becoming chartered accountants were

welcomed to the venue (graciously sponsored by Deloitte) where the morning got off to an energetic start through a
humorous icebreaker.

TK, our lively MC for the day pressed the audience to “remember their WHY”, through sharing her life story and ambitions in
pursuing a CA career, although she later ended up becoming an international development analyst for ABSA. She put it back

to the audience to remind their neighbour as to the reason for their attendance at this particular event. Touching testimonies
were provided by ladies who had a journey they had started and came here to finish – confirming that AWCA is indeed a
catalyst for nurturing the pipeline of talent.

UCT lecturer Tumi Qheya provided pearls of wisdom in “Looking Back to Move Forward”. Head space, time management and
a rounded, focused approach were listed as contributors to a winning game plan. Questions were also fielded around format,

understanding your audience, and what to do if one gets thrown off by a question they did not anticipate.
Candid UJ lecturer Ahmed Hajji highlighted the importance of what could possibly be marking the end of a long journey.
Writing APC should be seen as a celebratory time with the reminder that every candidate is special. Managing emotional
intelligence and stress levels, eating healthy and managing workload were defined as key inputs leading up the big day.
Exam technique also teaches us life skills that will prepare us for challenging boardroom scenarios in the future, which Ahmed

hoped would chart the path for all the ladies in the room. Olwethu shared her success story and tips on how to conduct
oneself around exam time. Nompilo Zungu touched the audience with a motivational recount of her journey to recovery and

perseverance after being involved in an accident.
The APC workshop was a fruitful event with knowledge shared in abundance. AWCA wishes the candidates all the best in their

passage to qualifying as chartered accountants. Thank you to Deloitte for making it all possible.

APC PREPARATION WORKSHOP: JOHANNESBURG

HIGH TEA WITH NHLAMU DLOMU

CEO of KPMG

On the 27th of November Nhlamu Dlomu and her team of
extraordinary women invited the board of AWCA to an intimate high
tea in celebration of Nhlamu’s strides during her tenure as the CEO of
audit firm KPMG. In addition to celebrating success, the afternoon was
also a send off for the young sage, as her team often referred to her,
as she sets her eyes on a new global role within the firm.

Among the guests was Nhlamu’s older sister, Makungu Mthebule, who
took us through their childhood and shared stories of the little girl she
grew up with. After hearing this, it is no wonder that Nhlamu had the
AUDACITY to take on a role some would shy away from. We learned
that she has always been confident, brave and determined. Combine
that with an unapologetic passion for people and you have a leader
to be reckoned with.

One message rang true from the engagement, was to always stay
true to yourself amidst the noise, and keep your eye on the prize. In
doing so you encourage a culture free from agitation, excitement, or
disturbance in your environment and the important work can be done
effectively.

AWCA commends Nhlamu for her contribution in stabilizing KPMG and
wish her the best of luck in her new role, we are confident you will
remain a strong advocate for transformation wherever you are.

OUT TO LUNCH WITH PRISCILLAH MABELANE

CEO of BP Southern Africa

Dynamite certainly comes in small perfectly styled packages as we
have witnessed with Priscillah Mabelane, CEO of BP South Africa. This
was the second time we had the pleasure of her company at an
“Out to Lunch”, yet the experience was fresh and enlightening as
ever.

Attributing her triumphant career to the keen interest taken in her by
her superiors at different levels of her journey, she has taken a
deliberate stance in uplifting other women and championing for
gender parity.

Priscillah often gets asked where she draws inspiration from and her
response remains “my parents”, she grew up around a very successful
father and disciplinarian mother who taught her the importance of
self actualisation but more importantly demonstrated the possibility of
a well balanced career and family life.

So what does it take to thrive in the male dominated and highly
complex energy industry? To Priscillah, it is humility – allowing oneself
to learn from people with knowledge at all levels and business
functions. It is vulnerability – identifying people who will complement
you and vice versa. Finally, it is hard work- putting in the required
input for the desired outcome.

Yes you are a leader but you are also an individual co-existing with
other individuals, accept it, appreciate it and maximise on it. We are
grateful for these sessions and hope you too are inspired.

ISTHUNZI SABA FAZI

Thank you to the Nelson Mandela Foundation for inviting AWCA to this prestigious event. The opportunity to have meaning exchange with
global influencers on pertinent issues facing women and girls in this country is incomparable.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation (the Foundation) partnered with the Graça Machel Trust (GMT) and the Kuhluka Movement
today in hosting Oprah Winfrey at the Soweto campus of the University of Johannesburg. Winfrey headlined an event designed
to mark the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth at the same time as promoting the work the organisations are doing to combat
patriarchy and to link in with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign.

Nearly 3 000 people attended an event which also featured contributions by Machel, her daughter Josina Z Machel, Executive
Director of United Nations Women Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Foundation Chairman Njabulo Ndebele. Proceedings were
facilitated by renowned broadcaster and author Redi Tlhabi and enriched by powerful musical performances from Mbongeni
Ngema and Zonke.
All the speakers alluded to unacceptable levels of violence in societies around the world and the need, even in democracies, for
the identification of more effective strategies for dismantling oppressive structures and systems of power. There was consensus
that women and girls carry the heaviest burden.

This conversation took place in the context of recently released statistics showing that in South Africa, more women and children
die from criminal violence than do in certain war zones elsewhere in the world. An estimated 40% of women in South Africa will
be raped, one in three children will be subjected to violence by a parent or a caregiver, and one in five will be sexually abused
by the time they reach 18 years old.

Members of the Mandela family, the Machel family and the family of Walter and Albertina Sisulu were in attendance. Mandela’s
great-grandson, Luvuyo Madasa Mandela, said: “I think it’s important to hear more voices of women … We [men] just need not
be intimidated by or fight the role they have forever in empowering and enriching communities.” Elinor Sisulu argued that “an
event like this is necessary for women in difficult situations who need to hear someone like Oprah saying, ‘I’ve walked this road.’”
Winfrey reflected on her relationship with Nelson Mandela, “my favourite mentor,” and her passion for South Africa – “this is my
36th visit to your country.” She shared the thinking which led to her establishing a leadership academy for young women near
Johannesburg: “women are going to save South Africa.” vowed Ms Winfrey

Graça Machel indicated that the centenary of Mandela’s birth would not have been complete without Oprah’s voice. And she
made a call for everyone to dedicate the next 100 years to fighting for a world in which the lives of women matter.
(29/11/2018 https://www.nelsonmandela.org/news/entry/isthunzi-sabafazi-is-central-to-madibas-legacy#bar)

OUT TO LUNCH WITH DR JUDY DLAMINI

Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand

Our Woman of Substance Dr Judy Dlamini has had quite an eventful year and just before she was
inaugurated into her position as Chancellor of the University of Witwatersrand, AWCA saw it fitting to
spend some time with her at an Out To Lunch. We gathered our advisory council and
representatives from our donor companies to celebrate the year almost past and encourage
excitement for the year coming.

The discussion was wide and insightful, from early childhood development, mentorship, women
empowerment right to the 4th industrial revolution. Dr Judy as we passionately call her, is a wealth of
information and wisdom. It is really no wonder her career has been so multifaceted and successful.

Dr Judy Dlamini is a qualified medical doctor, accomplished businesswoman with an MBA and PhD
in business leadership, and author. Taking charge of her own destiny and refusing to be held back
by limitations has been her driving force. For her, it is crucial to live her purpose with no half
measures.

This message resounded with all the guests with some of the key takeaways being resilience amidst
the fear and limitations and using that very same feminine energy as a tool for empowering self and
others. The burden to be outstanding is heavier on females then it is for males, it is therefore up to us
to find inspiration and keep going even when it is uncomfortable. Instead of looking for people to
support you, find someone/thing to support. This creates a network of mutual support and
encourages long lasting relationships across networks.

AWCA would like to thank Dr Judy for engaging us and commend her for being an embodiment of
the modern day superwoman. Thank you to the donors that attended, we hope this first hand
insight into the work that we do inspires you to do even more.

OUT TO LUNCH WITH DR JUDY DLAMINI…CONTD.

AIH NEWS

AWCA Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd (“AIH”) News

Reef Tankers (Pty) Ltd.
We would like to congratulate our investee company, Reef Tankers on being awarded the 2018 CAIA Responsible
Care Hauler award. This award is in recognition of their year-on-year increase, with regards to the performance of
their responsible care programs and for sustaining a high safety, health and environmental performance over the
last three years period.
The award was presented to the company at a function held at the Johannesburg Country Club where members
of the Chemical and Allied Industries Association’s gathered.
AWCA Investment Holdings is very proud of this achievement by Reef Tankers, and are delighted to be associated
with a company that puts matters such as health, safety and environmental arenas at the forefront of their
concerns.

Hollard Insurance (Pty) Ltd
Recently the Hollard Insurance Group announced a ground-breaking partnership with the Tokio Marine Group, the
largest insurance group in Japan, and among the largest in the world. Tokio Marine will acquire a 22.5% stake in
Hollard South Africa and Hollard International for approximately R5 billion, fulfilling Hollard’s long-held goal of
partnering with a major international insurance group.
This is a game-changer for Hollard, as not only does it represent a significant vote of confidence in Hollard, but also
in South Africa and in the African continent as a whole. The transaction is aligned with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s
call for $100 billion to be invested in SA over the next five years, and is an endorsement of the well-regulated South
African financial services sector. The access to capital this partnership provides will help to accelerate our
ambitious plans in Africa and Asia.
AWCA Investment Holdings would like to congratulate Hollard on their achievement and are proud to be in
partnership with them.
AIH would like to wish all the members of AWCA, our shareholders, employees, board members, investee
companies, funders and all other stakeholders a peaceful and restful holiday. 2018 was a mixed bag for us all and
we are all hopeful for a brighter 2019.

STUDENT CHAPTERS : WITS CORPORATE DINNER

On 15 September 2018, the WITS Student Chapter hosted a corporate dinner at Café Fino (Origins centre). We were honoured by the
presence of deputy president of AWCA Buhle Hanise, Dr Judy Dlamini, Nonkululeko Gobodo, Sindi Mabaso –Koyana & Phuthanang
Motsielwa.
The dinner took a talk show format facilitated by Nokubonga, AWCA Wits chairperson. The speakers were asked questions based on their
background, development stage, growth and retention as well as the acceleration stage in one’s career. The theme of the event was
“Meeting The Future You” hence this group of phenomenal women.
The panel shared their achievements and challenges. They encouraged the audience to pursue their studies beyond degrees and
honours. It was fun yet motivational, educational and insightful. The speakers also touched on a very important issue which many people
don't want to talk about, depression. Dr Judy Dlamini advised us to seek medical treatment and psychological assistance regularly.
Thank you to the wonderful guests and audience that made the night a success.

We know how hard you’ve been working to WOMEN & HEALTH
keep off the kilos for summer. Now the
real work begins, keeping the kilos off Avoid sugary drinks
during summer! and opt for soda
Here’s some ideas to help keep the water as a mixer.
health bunny at bay.
The less calories the
…and Always better.

pack a healthy

snack for when you

get the munchies.

Remember, if you

have to go rogue

PORTION CONTROL.

Protect the
melanin

MOVERS & SHAKERS

CONGRATULATIONS

Zimkhitha Zatu

Zimkhitha Zatu has been appointed
as an Independent non-executive
director to the board of Sun
International

CONGRATULATIONS

Phuthi Mahanyele

Phuti Mahanyele has been
appointed to the board of
Vodacom

BOOK LAUNCH

“MY BLOOD DIVIDES AND UNITES” BY JESMANE BOGGOENPOEL,

Motivated by her own upbringing in the streets of Westbury,
Jesmane Boggenpoel writes this book to motivate youth in similar
neighbourhoods as well as share her experiences of a divided South
Africa as a coloured woman, often used as a buffer in the black and
white ‘wars’.

My Blood Divides and Unites is an excellent digest of the plight of the
coloured community and provides solutions to a global arena on
the subject of racial reconciliation of the individual, groups and
nations desiring to build inclusive and prosperous futures.

The book was launched on 10th November 2018 at Studio MoMo
and will be available for purchase from January 2019 in various
bookstores and online outlets.

“My message for South Africa is about bridging for authentic connection to
others and not seeing people in terms of categories. It is also about having
empathy for the experience of others. I talk about how I connect to White
South Africans who can express empathy for the struggles of those of us who
went through apartheid and I feel distance from White South Africans who
don’t try to connect to my experience and instead defensively state they had
nothing to do with apartheid.” – Jesmane Boggenpoel

BOOK LAUNCH

BOOK CLUB

Becoming – Michelle Obama

An intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment,
Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America -
the first African-American to serve in that role - she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also
establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that
families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing
moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an
unforgiving media glare. In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her
world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her - from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive
balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively
wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it - in her own words
and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has
steadily defied expectations - and whose story inspires us to do the same.(www.exclusives.co.za)

The Ones With Purpose – Nozizwe Cynthia Jele

With her sister, Fikile, dead from breast cancer, her father long gone, her mother emerging from years of slumber, and her younger brother,
Mbuso, consumed with rage that refuses to settle, Anele Mbuza has no choice but to collect herself and grow up. Or does she? Because, if
truth be told, she has not signed up to be her family’s caretaker. Surely her dreams are valid? The Ones with Purpose is a remarkable story
of family, disappointment, sacrifice, forgiveness, and love. (www.kwela.com)

EVENTS

❖ 17 January 2019- ITC Preparation
Workshop

❖ 14 March 2019- Entrepreneurs Forum
Summit

MEMBERSHIP CONTACT US

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2019 programmes 011 681 6881/2
[email protected]
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