At the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Boitumelo Kuzwayo serves as the Head of the Department of Commercial Accounting with a clear and impactful vision: to create a department that significantly influences the lives of its students and colleagues. Her journey from the corporate world to academia is marked by a deep commitment to student success and a desire to build a legacy that honours her roots and professional aspirations.
From corporate finance to academic leadership
Boitumelo Kuzwayo, now 36, joined UJ in 2015 after a successful career in corporate finance. With a Master’s Degree in International Accounting and a Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification, Kuzwayo sought a new challenge after becoming disillusioned with her corporate role. The opportunity to teach at UJ’s Soweto Campus was serendipitous, particularly as it allowed her to work in a place close to her heart—Soweto, where she was born and raised.
Kuzwayo’s connection to UJ’s Soweto Campus runs deep. Her grandmother, Ellen Kuzwayo, a celebrated South African women’s rights activist and politician, is honoured with a building named after her at the campus. For Kuzwayo, joining UJ was more than just a career change; it was a continuation of her grandmother’s legacy, a sign from God to embrace this new path.
A vision for inclusive education
As Head of the Department of Commercial Accounting, Kuzwayo oversees one of the two departments within the School of Accounting. Her department serves students pursuing the Diploma in Accounting—a unique qualification catering to those who aspire to become Chartered Accountants but face academic challenges, such as lower APS scores or having taken Maths Literacy instead of Maths.
Kuzwayo recognises the hurdles these students face, often feeling rejected when they first arrive. However, through the collective effort of her department, these feelings are quickly dispelled. The department has worked tirelessly to ensure that students do not see their Diploma as a dead end but as a gateway to further education and career opportunities. Many alumni have progressed to become internal auditors, Chartered Accountants, or have pursued the CIMA qualification, demonstrating the department’s success in opening doors to diverse career paths.
Leadership and achievements
Kuzwayo’s leadership journey within the department began in 2018 when she took on the role of project coordinator for a SETA-funded bursary programme from FASSET. In 2019/20, she further proved her leadership capabilities by developing an academic support programme for struggling students, which significantly improved pass rates. The programme’s success, achieving a 90% pass rate on average, was a testament to Kuzwayo’s commitment to student support and academic excellence.
In 2021, Kuzwayo was appointed Deputy HOD, a role in which she continued to excel, particularly in Teaching & Learning. Her contributions were recognised in 2022 when she was named one of the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans in the Education category. That same year, she won the SAICA Top 35 Under 35 Game Changer Award for her work with students—a humbling recognition for someone who views her role as a CA in academia as an unconventional yet impactful path.
Future aspirations and departmental growth
Now, as she embarks on her PhD journey, Kuzwayo is intentional about selecting a research topic that aligns with her passion rather than conforming to the typical expectations for a CA. Managing a team of 40 staff members at a relatively young age, she emphasises the importance of consistency, humility, and maintaining a human touch in her leadership. Her approach to leadership is deeply rooted in a commitment to working with people for the greater good, ensuring that the department continues to make a positive impact on both students and staff.
During her tenure, Kuzwayo has prioritised celebrating staff achievements and milestones, recognising that these moments boost morale and foster a sense of community. She believes that her team is a reflection of her leadership and is dedicated to reminding everyone of the importance of the work they do together.
Looking ahead, Kuzwayo has ambitious goals for the Department of Commercial Accounting. She hopes to introduce postgraduate qualifications that will allow alumni to continue their studies within the department, supervised by the very lecturers who guided them through their Diploma. This initiative is part of her broader vision to build the department’s research capacity and provide more opportunities for graduates to advance in their careers.
Boitumelo Kuzwayo’s journey from corporate finance to academia is driven by a deep-seated desire to make a difference in the lives of her students and colleagues. Her leadership at UJ’s Department of Commercial Accounting is marked by a commitment to inclusivity, academic excellence, and personal growth. Under her guidance, the department is poised to continue making a significant impact, shaping the future of its students and contributing to the legacy of UJ.
