SAICA’s annual competition looks to identify an outstanding young Chartered Accountant (CA – SA) who leads, takes risks, and is innovative. Someone who is creating value – either in their own business, for the company who employs them – or even for society around them.

Ms Kekana has always believed in building relationships with students that will result in life-long mentorship and will enable them to reach their fullest potential. “The responsibility and opportunity of building a pipeline of future chartered accountants really excites me,” she says.

Kekana has always dreamed of using her skills and expertise as a CA in the non-profit sector in South Africa. In the last five years, she has had the opportunity to do so in various roles. Her purpose for people development extends beyond lecture rooms. Ms Kekana sits on the boards of non-profit organisations such as the Johannesburg Parent and Child Counselling Centre and of Nali’ Bali as an audit committee member. These organisations are focused on the holistic development of individuals and families and educating children on how to read in their home languages.

Currently, she is a director at the Gauteng Board Course and prepares CA candidates for their initial test of competence (ITC). She also works closely with SAICA in discharging its responsibility of performing and conducting accreditation visits to various universities in South Africa. She is also a senior reviewer on the JSE proactive monitoring team. She was recently appointed to the management team of UJ’s Department of Accountancy.

Her advice for future CAs: “The future of the profession lies with you and you need to be the change you want to see in the sphere of the profession. Determine right now that you will do the little things right, even when no-one is watching.”
SAICA is the professional home of CAs.