The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is proud to announce the launch of the Wiseman Nkuhlu Centre for Innovation, Thought Leadership and Governance (WNCIG) at its School of Accounting, in the College of Business and Economics, a significant milestone in advancing leadership, transformation, and excellence in the accounting profession and beyond.

The Centre is named in honour of Professor Wiseman Lumkile Nkuhlu, one of South Africa’s most distinguished leaders in business and academia, and the first African to qualify as a Chartered Accountant CA(SA). Professor Nkuhlu’s pioneering journey has inspired generations of professionals, academics, and students to believe in the power of resilience, ethical leadership, and transformative service.

Professor Nkuhlu, a visionary leader whose life and work have shaped South Africa’s accounting profession, education system, and broader society, was recently recognised with an honorary doctorate by the University of Johannesburg, whilst he was also appointed as an Honorary Professor in the UJ School of Accounting and the College of Business and Economics.

Over the decades, Prof Professor Nkuhlu has left an indelible mark on the profession and the country through his contributions to corporate governance, public service, higher education, and international development. His work has consistently advanced transformation and inclusivity in institutions across South Africa and the continent.

Through the new WNCIG, UJ’s School of Accounting seeks to build on Prof Nkuhlu’s legacy of excellence, integrity, and transformation. The Centre aims to inspire future generations of leaders in accounting and related fields, empowering them to drive meaningful change in their communities and industries. Furthermore, it will build on this legacy by serving as a hub of mentorship, thought leadership, and community engagement through inspiration and guidance for students, academic staff, and the wider community, as well as leadership development programmes, and engagement opportunities.

Speaking on the launch, Prof Ben Marx, Director of UJ’s School of Accounting said: “Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu embodies the values of leadership, perseverance, and service. His contribution to the transformation of the accounting profession in South Africa has opened doors for countless young people. This Centre will ensure that his influence continues to inspire and guide future generations of leaders.”

Prof Nkuhlu’s career reflects a life of service to the nation and the continent. Beyond his ground-breaking role in the accounting profession, he has contributed to corporate leadership, government advisory roles, and international development. His leadership has consistently been marked by a commitment to empowering others, driving transformation, and shaping institutions that foster inclusivity and opportunity.

Also speaking at the launch, Professor Tankiso Moloi, the Executive Dean of the College of Business & Economics, at UJ, said, “We honour Prof Professor Nkuhlu not simply by naming a Centre after him, but by actively continuing his vision, equipping our students and faculty with the tools, mentorship and ethical grounding to become agents of change. May this Centre catalyse bold scholarship, courageous leadership, and inclusive transformation in the accounting profession and beyond.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi also spoke at the launch, saying that, “the launch of the Wiseman Nkuhlu Centre for Innovation, Thought Leadership and Governance is much more than a symbolic gesture, it is a commitment by UJ to embed values of integrity, transformation, and excellence in all our teaching, research, and community engagement. Professor Nkuhlu’s story is a powerful reminder that true leadership is grounded not only in achievement, but in service. The Centre will help us shape generations of leaders who carry South Africa forward, not just academically, but morally and socially.”

The Centre’s strategic priorities include:

• Mentorship: Providing structured mentorship for students and early-career academics in accounting and related fields.
• Leadership development: Offering training programmes to nurture the next generation of ethical, innovative, and impactful leaders.
• Community engagement: Inspiring youth from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in accountancy, business, and leadership.
• Research and dialogue: Promoting research, thought leadership, and public dialogue on transformation, sustainability, and leadership in the profession.

The launch of this Centre marks an important milestone in the School of Accounting’s mission to be a catalyst for transformation and leadership in South Africa and beyond. By carrying Professor Nkuhlu’s name, the Centre will stand as a beacon of hope, excellence, and opportunity for generations to come.

Professor Nkuhlu spoke at the of the launch of the Centre and said “I am grateful to the University of Johannesburg for the recognition and provision of a platform to continue making contributions in leadership development, the auditing profession and education. I am confident that through research and structured engagements with targeted stakeholders, the Centre will generate innovative solutions in its areas of focus.