The City’s chartered accountant (CA) training programme has recently achieved an elevated status, now classified as medium risk by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) reaccreditation process. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in the programme’s journey, spearheaded by Group Governance in collaboration with SAICA. This initiative, led by Mlandu Kona, the Group Head of Group Governance, aims to foster youth development and enhance financial skills in South Africa. Kona expresses his elation at the improved rating, highlighting its positive implications for aspiring chartered accountants.
The heightened rating has expanded the City’s capacity to recruit trainees, increasing the intake from four to 10.
Kona attributes the shift from a high to medium risk rating to strategic enhancements such as the appointment of a qualified CA as a training officer.
The risk methodology emphasizes compliance with SAICA expectations, including the presence of human capital, effective programme management systems, a targeted recruitment plan, support systems, and budget availability.
The programme’s inception in 2016, spearheaded by former Unit Head and CA Ayanda Kanana and supported by Mally Mokoena the Member of Mayoral Committee for Group Corporate and Shared Services at the time, has yielded nine CAs.
Beyond traditional accounting, the programme offers a holistic learning experience tailored for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, covering ethical leadership, business information systems, and innovation and leadership development.
Kona emphasizes the City’s commitment to upholding programme quality and standards, including qualified facilitators, strict adherence to SAICA standards, meticulous candidate selection, and a well-structured rotation plan for trainees. Notably, there is a growing interest among trainees to serve in the public sector, reflecting a shift from conventional trends.
Looking forward, the City aspires to achieve a low-risk rating within the next 24 months.
This strategic move aims to bolster recruitment capabilities, aligning with the City’s commitment to transforming the local government environment.
Kona underscores the City’s role in driving economic transformation, recognising its substantial contribution to the country’s GDP.
“The private sector can’t be the only ones nurturing talent. We also must grow our own timber in the public sector to improve operations, increase accountability and enhance transparency. The recent reaccreditation process is another feather in the City’s cap. It goes a long way in recognising our efforts towards building a capable workforce for the City and South Africa as a whole,” says Kona.
The City sees the training programme as a fundamental responsibility in transforming the country by developing the skills needed to drive the economy. Committed to ensuring the programme’s success, Kona envisions it as a lasting talent pipeline, supplying the skills required by the City well into the future.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi