GET TO KNOW OUR
PRESIDENT
APRIL 2025
OUR PRESIDENT
POWER SPACES
PAULA’S JOURNEY
STAKEHOLDERS EVENT
CELEBRATING ONE
OF OUR BURSARY
RECIPIENTS
BOOK CLUB ZA
Introduction of
New President
Identify. Nurture. Lead
Johannesburg with
Allan Gray
Swimming to raise
funds for AWCA
with standard Bank
Yolanda Sapho
Embracing a culture
of reading
Identify. Nurture. Lead
GET TO KNOW OUR PRESIDENT: PUMLA MOLOPE
Pumla was born in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, spending her foundational
years, then moved to the mining town of Welkom in the Free State where
she attended primary school and her family nally settling in Johannesburg,
Gauteng for the remainder of her formal schooling and University years.
She made a decision to pursue the Chartered Accountancy route aer
witnessing her mother starting a new career as a CA.
Having been introduced to AWCA in 2007 by her mother, Ms. Nosipho
Molope, who was a board member at the time as well as her mentor and
one of the founders of AWCA, Ms Sindi Mabaso-Koyana who invited her
to a Board 2 preparatory course, Pumla’s journey has come full circle, with
her now at the helm of this vital institution for black women in the
accounting professiom.
Pumla Molope is currently an Investor Relations Executive at Value Capital
Partners (VCP), an investment company. She Joined VCP from Visio Fund
Management, where she was a Fund Manager with focus areas being retail,
luxury, tobacco and beverages. Prior to Visio, Pumla gained nance and
operational experience at Discovery Health as Head of Finance at Discovery
Health in addition to her involvement in various strategic projects in the
CFO’s oce as an Executive Associate to the CFO of Discovery Health.
Pumla started her CA (SA) journey with KPMG as a trainee accountant in
2006, subsequently qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.
She lived and worked in Lagos, Nigeria
during a four-month secondment to
the KPMG Nigeria oce performing
external audits and IFRS advisory.
ereaer joining Rand Merchant Bank
(RMB)’s Fixed Income Currencies and
Commodities (FICC) division, where
she developed a passion for the equity
markets. She then joined ABSA Asset
Management as a buy-side analyst,
covering retail stocks and assisting in
the portfolio management of one of the
funds.
Pumla is the President of the African
Women Chartered Accountants
(AWCA) and is a Non-Executive
Director of AWCA. She is also a Non-
Executive Director of AIH Vikela, and
a member of the South African Institute
of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
Pumla Molope’s leadership journey
with the African Women Chartered
Accountants (AWCA) is a testament
to the power of mentorship, resilience,
and a deep commitment to upliing
others. As the newly elected president
of AWCA, Pumla brings not only
her impressive credentials but also a
personal connection to the organization.
Having been introduced to AWCA
in 2007 by her mother, Ms. Nosipho
Molope, who was a board member at
the time, Pumla’s journey has come full
circle, with her now at the helm of this
vital institution for black women in the
accounting profession.
Reecting on what inspired her to take
on the role of president, Pumla recounts
the profound impact AWCA has had on
her career. From her rst introduction
to the organization, she was motivated
by the support, condence,
and sense of community that AWCA provided. “AWCA
had my heart from then on,” she says. e mentorship,
workshops, and sisterhood oered through AWCA
helped Pumla navigate the challenges of qualifying as a
Chartered Accountant and advancing her career.
Her leadership style, she notes, has been shaped by
these personal experiences and is a blend of democratic,
visionary, and empathetic qualities. “I aspire to be the
type of leader who listens, connects, and guides with
purpose,”. is approach is evident in the way she
plans to lead AWCA into the future—by ensuring the
organization remains responsive to its members’ needs
and continues to foster a safe, empowering space for
professional women in accounting.
As she looks ahead, she is focused on rening her
vision for AWCA, with an emphasis on ensuring the
organization remains a pivotal platform for black
women in the accounting profession. “AWCA plays a
critical role in supporting and developing women as
leaders,” she states. “We provide a space where women
can share ideas, experiences, and challenges while
feeling empowered to tackle any obstacle.”
Among the challenges facing black women in
accounting, Pumla identies systemic barriers such
as low pass rates for board exams, lack of mentorship,
and limited networking opportunities. AWCA has
been at the forefront of addressing these challenges,
introducing initiatives like the IAC and APC workshops,
mentorship programs, and wellness support sessions.
By continuing to address these gaps, AWCA is helping
to build a sustainable pipeline of black women leaders
in the industry.
Central to Pumla’s vision for AWCA is the continued
emphasis on mentorship and networking. rough
programs like the Mentorship Circle, where mentees
are paired with women in executive and leadership
positions, AWCA has created a strong framework for
supporting the career development of women at every
stage. “Mentorship is a critical part of why AWCA exists,”
Pumla asserts. “We are here to provide women with the
guidance and opportunities they need to thrive.”
In addition to formal mentorship programs, AWCA also
hosts networking events and spaces where members
can connect and support one another.
She believes that creating opportunities for women
to build relationships—whether through mentorship
or informal connections—will be vital for the
organization’s growth.
During her tenure, Pumla is focused on enhancing
the AWCA member experience and addressing the
evolving needs of the organization. “One of my key
priorities is to ensure that we get the basics right,” she
explains, “from responding to our members’ needs
to investing in the digitalization of our programs.”
By leveraging technology and data, AWCA is better
positioned to understand and serve its members while
providing new tools and opportuni
ties for career advancement.
Fundraising and securing sponsorships will also
be a signicant focus, especially to support the
AWCA bursary fund and various initiatives aimed at
empowering women in the accounting profession. “We
are working closely with the board on initiatives that
will be revealed in due time,” Pumla hints, showing
her commitment to driving impactful change.
POWER SPACES
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ALLAN GRAY AND SAICA
JOHANNESBURG
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the AWCA PowerSpaces,
in collaboration with Allan Gray and SAICA, convened
women from diverse backgrounds to delve into the theme
“Success Redened: Celebrating Wins at Matter!” e
AWCA is committed to honouring women in leadership
and those who positively impact their communities
through their unique gis and talents. PowerSpaces
strongly advocates for the use of storytelling as a means
to foster enlightening and inspiring conversations,
recognising that such dialogues have the power to shi
perspectives.
During the event, Paula Armstrong, an AWCA
fundraiser, shared her experiences with women who
have confronted numerous limitations yet found ways
to thrive despite these challenges. Manoka Mathye
facilitated a panel discussion that celebrated these
remarkable women, and the audience gleaned several
insights from the two featured thought leaders.
Ayanda Zwane discussed how her understanding of
“success” has transformed over the years, ultimately
reaching a point where she measures her success by her
ability to be adaptable and lead a purpose-driven life.
Harina Ndaba inspired attendees by explaining that,
for her, success is fundamentally about changing the
narrative for her family and serving her community.
“
“
e AWCA is proud of our bursary student who recently graduated at Milpark, this is a result of the great collaboration
between Milpark and AWCA and we look forward to celebrating more of our students graduating. My name is Yolanda Sapho,
and my path to this qualication has been anything but easy. I have attempted the PGDA twice before, facing setbacks that
tested my resilience. But giving up was never an option. On my third attempt, I nally passed, and now, I am one step closer to
my dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant.
“Now, they are proud and happy because we are so close to
having the rst Chartered Accountant in our family.”
FIRST AWCA BUSARY GRADUATE AT MILPARK
is achievement is deeply personal, not just for me but for my family as well. ey have supported me through
every challenge, and today, they share in my joy and pride.
is journey has taught me patience, perseverance, and the value of resilience. I am truly grateful for every lesson
learned along the way. is qualication represents more than just a degree, it is a symbol of hope, determination,
and the belief that no matter how long the road may be, reaching the destination is always possible. It has also
shown me that no challenge should ever make you give up on your dreams.
STAKEHOLDERS EVENT
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH STANDARD BANK
In the dynamic landscape of the Chartered Accountant (CA) pro-
fession in South Africa, the AWCA Annual Stakeholder event was
held on the 27th of February 2025 at Standard Bank in Rosebank,
where the organisation, its members, sponsors, donors and partners
gathered to reect on the AWCAs journey in the last year in fulll-
ing its mandate of accelerating the advancement of African female
Chartered Accountants. e evening was lled with insights and
reections, emphasizing the commitment to uphold the profession’s
reputation while navigating the challenges that lie ahead.
Ms Pumla Molope, the incoming AWCA Preseident President, spoke
passionately about the importance of maintaining the integrity and
reputation of the profession. She highlighted the need for profession-
als to embody power and mastery in their roles, reminding everyone
that their contributions are vital to the profession’s future.
Ms. Pumla Molope, the newly appointed Preseident President of
AWCA, delivered a compelling address on the crucial role of integrity
in the profession. She emphasized the necessity for professionals to
embody both power and mastery in their activities, reminding all par-
ticipants that their contributions are essential for shaping the future of
the profession.
e evening was also used as an opportunity to reect on prior year
milestones and progress updates, presented by the AWCA Head of
Stakeholder relations. is served as a platform to engage with the
AWCA stakeholders who have supported us over the years, to reect
on the various achievements leading up to our 23 years
of existence and to share our strategy and focus for the
upcoming year. e event also presents an opportunity
to showcase the organization to prospective partners,
highlighting the pivotal role played by the synergies
between AWCA and our stakeholders in the success
and timely execution of initiatives.
Our keynote speaker, Ms Funeka Montjane – CEO of
Personal and Private Banking at Standard Bank and
2024 Woman of Substance, addressed the current
challenges facing humanity, urging attendees to remain
hopeful and patient. “All is not lost,” she reassured.
Funeka, encouraged/urged everyone to stay connected
to their roots and recognize the strength within them-
selves.. She emphasized the importance of agility and
grit, urging individuals to take initiative and respon-
sibility for their actions. “We need to wake up and do
things ourselves,” she stated, advocating for excellence
in every endeavour.
Funeka also reminded everyone to prioritize self-care,
likening life to surng—sometimes turbulent, but ulti-
mately rewarding. She encouraged contributions to the
community and emphasized the importance of happi-
ness, stating, “You have one life. It’s not that deep. Find
a way to keep yourself happy.”
Ms Mahlatse Lebelo, a former recipient of the AWCA bursary
shared her journey, expressing gratitude for the support she
received from the African Women Chartered Accountants
(AWCA), which alleviated her nancial stress by covering her
tuition fees. She reected on how even the most challenging
accounting standards became comprehendible with the
right support, highlighting the importance of community in
overcoming obstacles.
Ms Tsweletso Phasha expressed her gratitude towards
AWCA members who supported her journey in conquering
the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) exam
which she had previously attempted ve times and had been
unsuccessful in the prior years, until she attended the AWCA
exam readiness workshop.
Ms Zonke Kunene was part of the AWCA/FASSET/Duke
Leadership Programme and shared her experiences in the
public sector and how the program helped her embrace
integrity and governance. She emphasized the signicance of
being prepared when engaging with information and the value
of emotional intelligence in leadership.
Zonke’s highlight was the board simulation experience,
where she learned to navigate dierent energies from people.
She underscored the importance of understanding various
leadership styles and the necessity of embracing feminine
energy in the workplace. “It’s okay to be a woman and bring
in the feminine energy,” she armed, encouraging women
to upli one another and hold each other accountable in a
supportive sisterhood.
e theme of sisterhood resonated throughout the gathering,
with many speakers acknowledging the network that has
formed among women in the profession. is supportive
community has empowered women to upskill and thrive in
their careers, fostering an environment of collaboration rather
than competition.
Ms Mmabatho Hantise - the new Deputy President, concluded
the discussions by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the founders
of AWCA, acknowledging that their eorts have paved the
way for the current generation. She extended her thanks to
Ms Funeka Montjane for her call to action, urging everyone to
give back to their communities, and to Ms Lihle Ngema – CFO
of Personal and Private Banking at Standard Bank, for her
unwavering support.
e reections shared during this gathering served as a
powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and unity within
the CA profession and highlighted the signicant role of
AWCA as a pillar of the profession. As professionals continue
to navigate challenges, the themes of power, passion, and
mastery will undoubtedly guide us toward a brighter future.
e evening concluded on a high note with a delightful
networking session, enhanced by the enchanting melodies of
a violinist serenading attendees in the background.
-
Masego Mekgwe CA(SA) of the Stakeholder
Engagement Subcommittee
The BookClub ZA
What do you do when you love reading, enjoy deep, meaningful
conversations, and thrive on bringing people together? You start a
book club. And in the summer of 2022, that’s exactly what I did.
At the time, I had just moved back from living in Secunda,
Mpumalanga for nearly two years. While I loved my experience
there, let’s be honest - it really is in the middle of nowhere. On top
of that, we were emerging from the isolation of COVID-19, and I
was eager to reconnect with people in a way that felt intentional.
e idea was simple but perfect: Saturday mornings spent with a
group of friends, a great book, and intellectual conversations over
coee (or wine). And so, e BookClub ZA was born.
Our very rst gathering took place on February 19, 2022, at my
place. We started o strong with What Happened to You? by Oprah
Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry - a thought-provoking read that set
the tone for the kind of discussions we would have in the years to
come.
Growing a Community
Now, nearly three years later, e
BookClub ZA has ourished. With over 40
members and an average attendance of 15,
it has become more than just a book club
- it’s a community. My goal has always
been to keep it intimate, inclusive, and a
safe space where people feel welcome,
especially those who might be
looking for genuine connections.
Our approach to selecting books
is simple: every member gets
a chance to choose, with no
limitations on genre. is has
led to an incredibly diverse
and enriching reading list,
spanning ction and non-ction,
self-development, and thought-
provoking contemporary works.
We meet on the rst Saturday
of every month, and each
session brings something
new - whether it’s laughter,
debate, or deep personal reections.
This Year’s Reads
For 2025, our book selections include:
• We Need New Names - NoViolet Bulawayo
• e Garden Within - Dr. Anita Phillips
• Maserati - Tshepiso Madihlaba
• Yellowface - Rebecca F. Kuang
• e Gis of Imperfection - Brené Brown
• e Midnight Library - Matt Haig
• Forgiving What You Can’t Forget - Lysa Ter
Keurst
• How Did We Get Here? - Mpoomy Ledwaba
• e Celestine Prophecy - James Redeld
• Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad -
Damilare Kuku
• Dream Count - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• Emotional Intelligence - Daniel Goleman
The Road Ahead
So, where do we go from here? e BookClub ZA is here to stay.
I truly believe it serves an important purpose - not just as a space
for book lovers, but as a place where people can see themselves
reected in stories, gain new perspectives, and nd healing
through words.
In 2026, I would love for us to focus on African literature. ere
is an immense wealth of storytelling
across the continent, and I want to
use this book club as a way for us to
immerse ourselves in the depth and
beauty of African narratives. I would
also love for us to be intentional
about supporting black owned book
stores.
Some Must-Reads for You
1. Homegoing – Yaa Gyasi
Homegoing is a powerful historical
novel set during the transatlantic
slave trade in Ghana. It follows
the lives of two half-sisters, Ea
and Esi, whose paths diverge -
one marrying into a life of privilege,
the other sold into slavery. eir
descendants’ stories unfold across
generations, showing
how history, trauma, and
resilience shape identities.
is book is raw, painful,
and deeply moving. I shed
quite a few tears while reading it because Gyasi doesn’t shy away
from the brutal truths of history. But that’s also what makes
it necessary - it’s a reminder of why we must never let history
repeat itself. When I visited Ghana, I went to Osu Castle and the
Cape Coast, where much of the book’s reality played out. Seeing
those places in real life made the story even more impactful.
Homegoing reminds us that while we are shaped by history, we
are also more than it.
2. The Year of Yes – Shonda Rhimes
In e Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes - creator of Grey’s Anatomy
and Scandal - shares how saying “yes” to things that scared her
completely transformed her life. She talks about stepping out of
her comfort zone, embracing opportunities, and taking risks
that she would have previously avoided.
is book is a game-changer if you’re someone who struggles with
self-doubt, overthinking, or just playing it safe. It teaches the power
of embracing the unknown and how fear oen holds us back from
incredible experiences. What I love most is how practical and
relatable it is - Shonda writes like she’s speaking directly to you. It’s a
push to start saying “yes” to the things that matter, even when they
feel uncomfortable.
3. Purple Hibiscus – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
First things rst - Chimamanda is a powerhouse. I always
recommend her books to people who are new to reading because
she has a way of making complex themes feel so accessible. Purple
Hibiscus is a coming-of-age story about Kambili, a young girl
growing up in a strict, religious household in Nigeria. It explores
themes of family, freedom, and nding one’s voice in a world that
oen silences women.
What I love about this book is how Chimamanda leaves you thinking
long aer you’ve nished reading. She doesn’t just tell a story; she
immerses you in it. e characters are so richly developed that you
feel like you know them personally. Purple Hibiscus is a brilliant
exploration of the tension between tradition and personal liberation
- a must-read for anyone who loves a beautifully told, thought-
provoking story.
4. What Happened to You? – Oprah Winfrey & Dr. Bruce Perry
is book is an eye-opener when it comes to understanding trauma,
healing, and the psychology of the mind. Instead of asking, “What’s
wrong with you?” this book shis the question to “What happened to
you?” - which is such a powerful reframe.
rough conversations between Oprah and Dr. Perry, What
Happened to You? explains how our early life experiences shape our
behaviors, emotional responses, and even the way we see the world.
One of the most profound takeaways for me was how trauma can be
passed down through generations, embedded in our DNA.
It also helped me become more aware of self-regulation -
understanding my own emotional responses and managing
stress better.
is is one of those books that changes how you see yourself
and others. If you want to deepen your emotional intelligence
and break generational cycles, it’s a must-read.
5. Lean In – Sheryl Sandberg
Lean In is an essential read for every woman navigating the
corporate world. Written by Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO
of Meta (Facebook), this book challenges the stereotypes and
barriers that hold women back in leadership and encourages
them to take up space.
One of the biggest lessons from Lean In is that as women,
we oen underestimate ourselves and hesitate to step into
leadership roles - even when we’re more than qualied.
Sandberg gives practical advice on overcoming imposter
syndrome, negotiating for what you deserve, and nding
mentors who will champion your growth.
For any woman pursuing a professional career, this book is
an inspiring guide on how to advocate for yourself and break
ceilings, both real and perceived.
Final Thoughts
Books have a way of shaping our perspectives, challenging our
biases, and helping us grow. e books on this list - and so
many others - aren’t just great reads; they are transformative
experiences. Whether you’re looking to understand history,
step outside your comfort zone, or embrace your own power,
there’s always a book for you.
So whether it’s by joining a club like e BookClub ZA (truly
one of the absolute joys of my life) or simply reading on your
own, I encourage you to do it. You’ll be surprised by how much
you learn - not just about the world, but about yourself.
The BookClub ZA
Article by Dankie Mokwena
Who I am:
My name is Paula Armstrong and I am an economist for
a consulting rm in South Africa. I’m originally from
Jhb but I live in Cape Town. I have been a swimmer all
my life, and in August 2025 I am going to take on the
challenge of swimming across the English Channel. It has
been on my bucket list for many years. I’d like to use the
swim to raise funds for the AWCA.
The Swim:
e swim is approximately 33km long, and I will be
swimming from England to France. I will be swimming
alone, accompanied by a boat with my support team
(which is my coach, my husband, an observer from the
Channel Swimming Association and the pilot, who helms
the boat and makes sure that I make it safely across the
channel). I will be swimming in a regular swimming
costume, and will do the swim in one go. I am not
allowed to touch the boat at any point during the swim.
e swim will take place between 16 and 22 August.
Why the AWCA:
e AWCA is an organisation that I have
tremendous admiration and respect for, and one
which has become very close to my heart. e
work that the AWCA does for women, and in
particular for African women in South Africa is
truly empowering. What I appreciate greatly about
the AWCA is the authentic, holistics approach they
take in supporting women to break through glass
ceilings. In raising funds for the organisation, I want
to send the message that I see you, I support you,
and I believe that the work that you do is vital to the
future of the country.
Fundraising target:
I would like to raise R 500,000 for AWCA through
this initiative.
https://backabuddy.co.za/campaign/african-women-
chartered-accountants-forum~2
PAULA’S JOURNEY:
SWIMMING ACROSS THE ENGLISH CHANNEL
TO RAISE FUNDS FOR AWCA
26 April - Entrepreneurship workshop KZN
7 May - 2nd founders story webinar JHB
17 May - Power spaces EC
21 May - Reigniting the passion of becoming CA(SA) KZN
31 May - Mental wellness workshop JHB
7 June - Mentorship circle JHB
14 June - Power Spaces (Future growth) WC
28 June - Power Spaces Collab with Allan Gray Polokwane
ANNOUNCEMTS &
UPCOMING EVENTS
CONTACT US
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011 681 6881/2
awca.org.za
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