Growing up in Alexandra township, I never imagined that I would one day become a chartered accountant working for one of the biggest banks in South Africa. My humble beginnings were marked by hard work and dedication, which ultimately led to me securing a bursary for high school and later a scholarship for university. I studied BCom Accounting at varsity, where I was one of the best-performing students, earning Golden Key and Dean’s List merit awards.
However, my journey wasn’t without its challenges. In my fourth year, I hit a dark place. Depression crept in, and I struggled to focus and concentrate. For the first time, I had to deal with failure – I had to repeat my honors year. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I knew I had to face it and process it. Fortunately, my scholarship gave me a second chance, and I made the most of it. With the help of qualified professionals provided by the scholarship, I worked through my struggles and made a conscious decision to choose myself and move forward.
That experience taught me a valuable lesson: that setbacks are not roadblocks, but rather stepping stones to success. I emerged stronger, more resilient, and determined to achieve my goals. Today, I’m proud to say that I’ve earned my place as a chartered accountant in Corporate SA.
As a young black woman in the corporate world, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, including feeling like I sometimes don’t belong and having to fight with imposter syndrome. But I’ve learned to harness my strengths and silence my doubts. I’ve come to realize that I am more than capable, and everything I’ve achieved has brought me to where I am today.
As a mentor for 100ABC, I want to encourage young women to never give up on their dreams. Everyone has a unique blueprint, and our purpose is to reach our full potential. The sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning.
As a first-generation graduate in my immediate family, I’ve paved the way for those who come after me. I see the impact I’m having on my siblings, and it’s a multiplier effect. My sister looks up to me as a role model, and my brother is striving to be the best he can be.
In South Africa, we face numerous challenges in our political and economic systems. That’s why I believe in the power of financial literacy and basic knowledge about what’s happening in our country. The ability to make informed decisions is freedom.
To all the young women out there, I want to say that your circumstances or past do not determine your future. You have greatness within you, and with hard work, determination, and the right support, you can achieve anything.
