Mentoring and Coaching Division
The Mentoring and Coaching Division is committed to playing a crucial developmental role for individuals aspiring to join academia, developing academics seeking growth, and those looking to rejuvenate their passion within the accountancy education landscape. The division addresses concerns about individuals entering academia without a genuine commitment, particularly young CAs who may have misconceptions about the role of academic professionals.
Observing the trend of non-suitable individuals joining academia for the wrong reasons, such as expecting limited interactions with students while receiving substantial pay, the division seeks to reshape mindsets and revive passion, love, and care for the role of a CA(SA) academic. The goal is to define the true essence of being a CA(SA) academic and how one can leverage their professional qualification to inspire and develop prospective accountancy professionals.
The Mentoring and Coaching Division offers a range of packages for clients. Each of the packages includes some or all of the following:
- Access to monthly one-on-one mentoring sessions with an experienced academic.
- Access to monthly CA academic events. Please refer to the events tab for a schedule of upcoming events.
- Access to monthly group coaching sessions that unpack and practicalize the discussions from the events.
The division emphasizes the importance of passionate, caring, and competent academics, especially in Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) where students often come from rural, township, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Ensuring that these academics are well-equipped to support students is vital for the success of prospective chartered accountants facing competition in their profession.
Recognizing that being a Chartered Accountant doesn’t guarantee success as an academic, the division emphasizes the necessity of guidance and mentoring to navigate the complex academia environment successfully.
The Mentoring and Coaching Division is dedicated to shaping a bright future for the chartered accountancy profession by fostering passionate, caring, and competent academics who can effectively guide and inspire the next generation of professionals, particularly in HDIs and challenging socio-economic backgrounds.
24 - months
Renewable subscription
60 - months
Renewable subscription
36 – months
Renewable subscription
12 - Months
Renewable subscriptionInstant Access
Download ebooks instantly and start reading right without waiting for shipping or delivery. without waiting for shipping or delivery.
Portable Library
Download ebooks instantly and start reading right without waiting for shipping or delivery. without waiting for shipping or delivery.
Adjustable Reading Experience
Download ebooks instantly and start reading right without waiting for shipping or delivery. without waiting for shipping or delivery.
Mentors Profiles
Mr Sitembele James
Mr Sitembele James CA(SA) is a passionate mentor who discovered his passion for mentorship during his teenage years. He has experience mentoring school learners, university students, trainee accountants and qualified chartered accountants.
As the Founding Director of In-Pursuit of Excellence (IPEX), Mr Sitembele James CA(SA) played a critical role in influencing a group of learners from the Eastern Cape province to embrace excellence in their academics by encouraging them to utilize their full potential and earn grades that will enable admission to higher education in South Africa.
From his student days at Nelson Mandela University (formerly Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University), he was a Thuthuka mentor for junior students within the university and his mentorship of university student has not stopped as he currently mentor students enrolled in SAICA accredited academic programmes.
From his trainee accountant days and upon qualifying as a CA(SA), he has mentored a number of trainee accountants and Chartered Accountants, especially Chartered Accountants in Academia. The Managing Director of the Institute of Teaching and Learning, Mr Chuma Njomeni CA(SA) is one of his long-time mentees and their mentorship relationship dates back to 2021 when they first met as colleagues at Walter Sisulu University.
Mr George Sarpong
Mr George Sarpong is a passionate leader who cares for the development of others. Briefly:
- Transitioned to academia after a few years in corporate.
- Served his SAICA-accredited training at KPMG (Port Elizabeth), where he was recipient of the Business Unit Managing Partner award given for outstanding commitment to clients.
- Currently serves as a Senior Lecturer & Head of MAF at the Nelson Mandela University’s Accounting Sciences department.
- Was selected as a finalist for SAICA’s top 35 under 35 finalist for 2024.
- Currently serves as an audit committee member and non-executive board member for various organizations.
|
Names
|
Qualifications
|
Primary role
|
Link to profile
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Afia Boakye
|
CA(SA); MCom (Development Finance)
|
Former Senior Lecturer (Financial Reporting) at WSU.
|
|
|
Cornelie Crous
|
CA(SA); Doctor of Accounting (DAcc)
|
Senior Lecturer at UFS Business School
|
|
|
Edwin Mashaba
|
CA(SA); Master of Accounting (MAcc)
|
Senior Lecturer: Financial Reporting at UNISA
|
|
|
Elton Pullen
|
CA(SA); PhD (Education)
|
Senior Lecturer: MAF at UWC
|
|
|
Senior Lecturer: Financial Reporting at WITS
|
|||
|
Msizi Gwala
|
CA(SA); Master of Accounting (MAcc)
|
Project Director: Public Sector & Enabling Competencies at
SAICA. CTA lecturer (Auditing) at Regent Business School |
|
|
CA(SA); PhD (Accounting Science)
|
Senior Lecturer: Financial Reporting at UNISA
|
||
|
Thuli Mokgele
|
CA(SA); MCom
|
Senior Lecturer: Taxation at UNISA
|
Testimonials
I met Sitembele, affectionately known as ‘ST,’ during my undergraduate years. His eagerness and warmth made him approachable, and as a senior student walking the same path, I felt comfortable seeking his guidance. ST's advice was always practical and relatable, drawing from his own experiences and previous mentoring. Our relationship deepened in 2013 after I failed to complete my third year and lost my bursary. ST became a crucial presence, helping me navigate administrative hurdles, secure funding, and prioritize tutorials. His personalized study tips and stress management techniques were invaluable. ST went above and beyond, sourcing study materials that enhanced my preparation. His mentorship extended through my post-graduate studies and professional board exams, providing consistent support and inspiration. ST’s disciplined work ethic and persistence served as a model, motivating me to achieve my goals. His guidance prepared me not only academically but also for my professional journey. Today, as a manager in Commercial Operations, I continue to apply ST’s teachings, problem-solving approaches, and values. His mentorship has had a lasting impact on my success, and I am deeply grateful for his unwavering support.
Sitembele & Chuma's successful mentor-mentee relationship laid the foundation for something even greater – the Institute of Teaching & Learning (ITL). Recognizing the transformative power of mentorship and the need for structured support in chartered accountancy education, Sitembele and Chuma co-founded ITL. This initiative aimed to replicate their success story on a larger scale, offering Mentorship & Coaching of newly joined academics, professionals in practice and corporate wanting to join academia and experienced lecturers who want to engage on topical teaching & learning issues, Student (Academic) Support, IAC Preparatory Board Course and Events (Webinars) on topical issues around chartered accountancy education and hosting courageous conversations with aspiring chartered accountants (students and trainees). The story of Sitembele and Chuma is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship. It highlights how a strong mentor-mentee relationship can lead to personal growth, professional success, and the creation of impactful initiatives that benefit the broader community. Their journey from a coincidental encounter to the establishment of ITL serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating that when destinies collide, remarkable things can happen. In the words of Sitembele, "Mentorship is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about nurturing potential and igniting passion. Chuma and I are proof that when we invest in each other’s growth, we can achieve extraordinary things." And indeed, their story continues to inspire, proving that with guidance, dedication, and a shared vision, not even the sky is the limit.
I met ST James in 2008 at Nelson Mandela University through the Thuthuka programme, where he was assigned as my mentor. ST took a comprehensive approach to mentorship, providing both academic and emotional support, which made my transition from high school to university seamless. His guidance extended beyond academics, offering practical exam tips and emotional reassurance during difficult times. When I faced significant challenges, like failing CTA, ST was there to encourage me to keep going and provided the necessary support to help me succeed. Even after university, ST continues to check in on me, offering invaluable advice for both my professional and personal life. ST's dedication to individual development is what truly sets him apart. His strict yet caring approach, combined with his extensive knowledge and mentoring skills, makes him an exceptional mentor. I am deeply grateful for his unwavering support and the positive impact he has had on my journey. Xolani Qubeka
