- Hi! I am Vhonani Ndwambi, a proud South African and Chartered Accountant from SAICA (The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants).
- Being raised by a ‘single parent’ gave me more reasons to want to succeed as I saw how my mother worked so hard to give us a better life. Her struggle kept my ambitions alive and reminded me of ‘why’ I wanted this.
- The CA journey tested my faith, my dreams, and my ability to keep at it even when things seemed impossible!
- Here is my story of how I was able to achieve my dreams with the limited resources that I had and how delay doesn’t mean denial.
Table of Contents
Back Story – Why Chartered Accountancy?
I am from Limpopo and a daughter to the strongest, loving, dedicated ‘single mother’ of 4. I grew up in church for most of my life and that’s where my faith was birthed.
Growing up I never aspired to be a Chartered Accountant. In fact, when it was time to choose my majors in high school it was not a decision that I was 100% sure of.
I knew that I struggled a lot with any science-related subjects and excelled very well in business studies! It then became an obvious choice to pursue business studies and add accounting!
As I progressed in my studies, I got introduced to the term ‘Chartered Accountant’ and considered it as a future career choice. However only when I began excelling in Accounting I was convinced that Chartered Accountancy would be the right choice for me!
And that’s how I decided to become a Chartered Accountant.
What Next? Applying for Study Financial Assistance
I came from a family of limited resources and thus it was not possible for my mother to fund my studies. So like most students, I applied for Bursary.
In fact, my application for this bursary can be attributed to my mother who when I was Grade 12 went on ‘Google’ and typed “Accounting related bursaries”. The list was long but that’s how I started my bursary application process. I filled in all those forms and the bursary search began.
With all the applications I filled in, KPMG welcomed my application and gave me an offer. This is how my CA (SA) journey was funded until I finished my CTA studies.
After my university studies, I did my articles at KPMG. My articles firm was selected by default as I had a bursary with KPMG and that automatically meant I had a 3-year training contract after my studies, so I never struggled with applying for a firm to serve my articles.
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Timeline of my 10 year long CA journey (2010-2020)
2010, 2011, 2012
B.Com Accounting (Degree) from the University of the Free State
- After high school, I went and studied at the University of the Free State. I was fully funded by a bursary (scholarship) that I received from KPMG. I did not come from a family of wealth so I knew ‘I could not lose my bursary’ and hence I buried myself in my books.
- Whilst in university I was always at the library, computer lab or my room studying. My social life was very low.
- I also had ‘no laptop’ for the duration of my entire studies as money to fund this was not available. Hence I had to use the resources at the university. I capitalized on my time to ensure that I didn’t use the lack of a laptop as a reason for my bad marks.
- Even with all that, I excelled in my academics – I finished my degree and honours in record time, with great marks on top of that.
- So this type of win made me automatically assume that this career wasn’t as hard, and if a person sat in the library, put in the time, sacrificed and was focused then one could finish this route in record time and become a CA(SA)!
2013, 2014, 2015
2013 B.Com Accounting (Honors)
2014 1st Attempt CTA: Failed
- CTA became the biggest challenge that tested me. I failed my first semester tests and this fail was my worst academic fail. It was a blow for me when CTA was not co-operating as I was used to passing.
- The fails continued to the 2nd semester until the end of the year. CTA humbled me and I had officially encountered my first official academic fail. In 2014, I received the official news that I would be repeating my CTA.
- I emailed my bursary holder (KPMG) and informed them of the fail and that I wanted to go back and repeat CTA. I received an email from my bursary indicating that due to my poor performance I can go back to varsity but I was placed on probation. This meant that they would reassess my bursary depending on my performance!
2015 Second Attempt CTA: Passed
- In 2015, I went back and did my 2nd attempt at CTA. By June I had failed 2 modules and passed 2. I was very disappointed in myself as I could lose my bursary. and this would be a financial strain for my mom.
- This is when I saw a miracle and my faith carried me through this season. Even with 2 fails and 2 passes the bursary lifted the probation and paid 100% of the debt that had accumulated. This was another source that fueled my ambition.
- I put in more hours, I consulted, I did all I could possibly do to ensure that I could salvage the other 2 modules that I was failing in. And luckily I managed to pass CTA in my second attempt!
2016, 2017
2016: ITC (Board 1)
- After passing CTA, I registered and completed the UJ board course and I wrote my 1st board exams (ITC) in January 2016. I passed ITC in the first attempt.
- Now I just had to complete my articles and pass one more board exam APC (APC is considered the easiest!). In my head, I had almost made it!
SAICA articles at KPMG Johannesburg
- When I started my articles journey at KPMG Johannesburg I felt I had made it! I mean, I was in the Big 4 firms; What more could I ask for? I was ready to learn and I was so excited.
- All this excitement soon became tears as I struggled so much to understand what I was doing – I battled to link what I had studied to what corporate was offering me.
Struggling during articles
- I failed to understand working papers, I felt so out of place and I struggled to raise my hand when I was stuck. I would just suffer in silence whilst sitting in those boardrooms.
- I felt like my peers knew what they were doing, they were asking questions and I felt like I didn’t even know what to ask as I didn’t even understand what I was doing. It was so foreign. I would cry as I felt so stupid.
- I had passed my first board exams (ITC) in my first attempt but that didn’t stop me from feeling so inferior in those boardrooms.
- Luckily, a colleague who was in her 3rd year of articles (who later became a friend) saw my struggle and was able to give me the lifeline I needed. She became a sort of mentor and helped me through the first year!
- As time went by and with the help I received I began to understand and also started to contribute to the boardroom. I started to question working papers which helped me in gaining the exposure that I have gained. Through this, I learned that a questioning mind opens up the opportunity to constantly be at a place of learning.
- In my second year of articles, I started leading teams and from there I was able to learn even more!
Nov’17: Appearing for APC exams and failing the same
- So, now I had only one more hurdle to complete in order to become a CA(SA) which was the last board exams (APC)! Also, the word was if you can pass ITC then APC was actually a breeze.
- I was confident of passing APC exams as I had nailed the ITC exam in my first attempt.
- I registered and completed the APT course and my journey with APC board exams started. I was confident that in November 2017 I would write and pass the APC exam.
- November 2017, I wrote APC for the first time and in February 2018 I received the SMS from SAICA saying that I had ‘failed’. This was terrible for me.
- I was broken because mentally I had a road map of my life and this detour wasn’t factored into this plan.
- With time I had to get myself off the ‘pity party’ and registered again with APC to complete the whole course again.
2018
Secondment: May 2018 –July 2018 Short term secondment at KPMG UK
- I had just failed my 2nd board exam (APC). Around the same time came an internal opportunity at KPMG UK. I didn’t think that if I applied I would even qualify, but nonetheless, I had nothing to lose so I applied and hoped for the best.
- When I received the news that my application was successful, I was beyond happy and this was and still is an amazing opportunity that I am grateful for.
- This wiped away my frustrations of failing and this grace period gave me hope.
November 2018: I wrote APC for the second time and failed!
- I registered for the APC board course again in 2018 and did the entire process for the 2nd time, and guess what? I failed again! The news of failing APC for the second time hit harder than the first.
- As I indicated initially, word on the street is that if you pass CTA and ITC, then APC is a breeze. So, I felt so stupid that I am failing where I am supposed to be sailing! It killed my self-esteem.
- How could I confidently respond to my trainee’s questions during audits if I couldn’t even pass APC? What do I know? I wasn’t as confident as I used to be. Failing made me question myself.
2019
January – May 2019: Short term secondment at KPMG US
- This second secondment happened after I had completed my SAICA 3-year articles and I was already signed off. During my final year of articles, I had applied to KPMG U.S to do my secondment there.
- I served at KPMG US in Houston, Texas for 4 months. This was also an amazing journey that I am grateful for.
November 2019: I wrote APC for the third time and I passed
- I came back from secondment in May 2019 and obviously at some point reality sunk in that I still had not passed this APC hurdle. I didn’t register for the board course this time as I was really emotionally tired of the process.
- Fast forward, I finally decided to start being serious and started practising techniques for the APC. I went through prior papers, and my scripts with the only intent to learn exam techniques and to see what the markers look for when they mark!
- February 2020 on Valentine’s Day I received an SMS that I had waited for, for the longest period of my life – I had passed APC and was now eligible to register as a qualified Chartered Accountant. (Woohoo!)
What Next? Challenges in job hunting
I had thought that after becoming a Chartered Accountant the job hunt would be easier but this has not been the case!
I started my job hunt in 2019 and what I have been praying and believing for has not yet materialized. This is the new hurdle that I am learning to be patient with.
I know better is coming and this positive attitude keeps the dream alive even more.
My setbacks have prepared me, and I know that it may take longer than anticipated but giving up on my dreams will never be my story.
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In Conclusion….
My faith in God carried me and kept me from literally throwing in the towel. I got disappointed but I knew this was my dream and it might be delayed but I knew I was never going to give up on it.
I told a friend that “I was tired of failing, but I am never going to give up. I wasn’t going to be responsible for dimming my own dreams.”
The virtual social media world we live in, where we are constantly seeing wins of our peers, can easily make you feel behind…but always remember it’s your race and if this is the dream you have don’t be the one that kills it by giving up!
Don’t compare your journey. Some cruise, some sail.
Keep at it. Seek help when you feel you need help. Use the resources available to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask help from those who have walked or are walking similar journeys.
Vhonani Ndwambi, is a CA(SA) and has worked in various clients (Listed and Unlisted) ranging from manufacturing, mining, investments and contact centre. She has also worked at KPMG in SA, UK and US from 2016 till 2019 in the Energy and Resources industry.
Now It’s Your Turn…
Do you have a goal that you want to achieve? Or are you feeling bogged down with the challenges?
Tell us your story in the comments. And don’t forget to share this with your friends.
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Congratulations Sisi. I’m glad you fought until the end. I can relate to your story.
All the best for the future!!
Thank you so much. The dream was what I truly wanted to see materialize. All the best to you too 🙂
i am really inspired by this story it makes me evn more confident that i will reach the top one day ..
thou it might take long
i am a 2nd year student studying towards a national higher certificate in accounting nd i aspire to be charted accountant , but the problem i am facing is that i have bad grades for pure maths , and most of the universities wont offer me credits so i can do Bcom accounting ( CA) stream , and im not even sure if i would get an accounting bursary to pay 4 my studies should i get a university to credit me …
im kindly asking for advice .
You can apply for an extended course in accounting , and then one year will be for math and then you can continue with the accounting stream after that and also do apply for bursaries and NSFAS ,rejection only makes us stronger
i am really inspired by this story it makes me evn more confident that i will reach the top one day ..
thou it might take long
i am a 2nd year student studying towards a national higher certificate in accounting nd i aspire to be charted accountant , but the problem i am facing is that i have bad grades for pure maths , and most of the universities wont offer me credits so i can do Bcom accounting ( CA) stream , and im not even sure if i would get an accounting bursary to pay 4 my studies should i get a university to credit me …
im kindly asking for advice .
if any one would like to reach out to help show me the way this is my email address
sesimanana3@gmail.com
Definitely. Don’t limit yourself. And don’t use time as a reason to quit in your dreams. You will reach the top one day and you are responsible for keeping your dreams alive
I will email you privately. I know people who can provide you the necessary guidance and how to proceed forward
I believe in you 🙂
Hello
Long time, your story is realy an inspiration. It has made me to sel-introspect. I am realy grateful for your life. KEEP FLYING THE JESUS FLAG.
Thank you so much. I am glad to use my journey to help others keep the fire burning in their dreams.
I will definitely keep representing Jesus with my journey.
Hey, Thank you so much for the feedback. I am glad to use my journey to help others keep the fire burning in their dreams.
I will definitely keep representing Jesus with my journey.
Hi, my name is Cathrine and I’m currently enrolled for a Diploma in Accountancy at the university of Johannesburg. My first option was to do a Bcom Accounting extended degree as I was doing mathematical literacy back in high school but I didn’t get accepted due to space constraints. I came to university with that mindset that I want to be a Charted Accountant but last year after my second semester (was doing my 2nd year) I started being discouraged as my marks dropped and I saw my friend slaying the module. I was happy for her but deep Inside I was so broken that I even started feeling as though being a CA wasn’t really my calling. I do pass accounting but there’s one module that I’m excelling most in than the rest, cost and financial management. What careers can I do under this modules, and also after doing my advanced Diploma do I go straight to writing my articles Orr I can just get a job anywhere without writing articles?
Hey Cathrine
I’m sorry to hear about the academic struggles you are facing. It can definitely get depressing when what you are invested in is not working the way that you had hope it would
Please send me a Inbox in any of my social media pages or you can send me your email and I can link you with people who have the necessary information that can help you in your career path
Don’t worry . Help with surely be available and you can get back on track
All the very best 🙂
Weldone to Vhonani Ndwambi!
You have really done great!!!
You are such an inspiration, like any other accounting professional, I know how failing can really affect you so badly and make you just give up but I’m greatful that you never took giving up as an option at all that alone showed you were on your way to success.
Never stop dreaming now that you have seen that everything is possible, Luke 1:37
Congratulations my dearest, enjoy what the CA (SA) future has to offer.!
Thank you so much my sister. It was truly a humbling journey. Failing is indeed painful but seeing the results now I am more happy that I stayed true to my dream and continued in the midst of everything
I will never stop dreaming. I’ve seen God do what is beyond what i have ever desired or prayed for, so i am truly hopeful that my next 10 years will be beyond blessed
Thank you once again 🙂
Hi everyone.
Inspiring and motivating journey. I wish you all the best in making ur dream a full reality.
I’m currently doing Diploma in accounting science due to poor performance in mathematics. I also dreamt of becoming a CA. I’ve applied for Bcom(CA) at some universities in hopes that they credit me. But it CA dream doesn’t work out what other accounting professions are there. My dream is to persuade a dream in the accounting world.
Please advice
mbalimaria323@gmail.com
Hi Mbali
I will respond to your query through the email you have sent me
It can be frustrating to feel like you don’t have options but don’t despair. You will get the necessary assistance
Don’t give up
Congratulations Vhonani, you had a lot of hurdles on your journey and one can clearly see the hand of God in your life. I salute your perseverance it is very commendable.
Thank you Divhi
Definitely the hand of God. I cannot attest this to my own strength
Thank you. The dream was so close to me that i couldn’t give up
Wow I am so inspired right now , I also like the fact that you never gave up, you fought until the end. Thank you for sharing this story with us??.
THANK YOU
I’m also honored that this platform was offered to me to be able to share my story
We fight till the end 🙂
Congratulations my darling. You have proved that impossible is nothing ????????????????. Jeremiah 29:11 ❣️
Thank you for much
Truly He who began the work in me brought it to completion 🙂
He is a faithful God Indeed
Definitely don’t limit him.
I couldn’t be more proud of you honey? you’ve done it, for all of us!!! Congratulations
Thank you so much . Did it for us . We can do it .
Thank you 🙂 🙂 🙂
We powered through against all odds
You are such an inspiration. From your story I hv learned that giving up is on an option, you should continue pushing until you reach your goals.
Thank you so much Winnie
Yoh I’ve also learned throughout this pursuit to not give up on what I believe strongly in .
I am definitely in a new pursuit and since I know what Patience and not giving up can bring I will keep at it until I see it come to life
All the best with your pursuits also 🙂
Your journey is so inspiring, I’m very proud of you May God continue to be by your side
My DKA person 🙂
Thank you so much. I truly appreciate it
Congratulations Vhonani Ndwambi!
I’m currently doing my first year in B-compt at a SAICA accredited University. The challenge I have right now is that I’m almost 30 years now, I feel like it’s gonna take long for me.
After I went through your story I felt encouraged. You did it and I can do it too. I doesn’t matter how long it takes to get to the finish line. I’m definitely gonna do it no matter what.
WOWOOWOWOWOW
This is so beautiful . Made me so teary
This is definitely why we share our stories,so that others can find that extra motivation to get back on their dreams.
I am super happy that you are encouraged to do this no matter what. That finish line will only happen when you take the first step
wow i’m so excited for you
Someone said: It will take me 4 years to complete this degree and I will be 34 by the time I finish. The moral of this is that whether you start now or not in 4 years you will be 34 and I’m sure it will be way better to be 34 having STARTED
ALL the very best in this decision .
Congratulations my sis♥️?your journey was not easy but i am inspired.. Your article is teaching us as youth to never give up on our dreams even if it is hard… Congratulations again.?
Thank you LIL SIS
I am happy to hear things
Hopefully you will also continue with your dreams NO MATTER what life throws at you
YOU can do it my LIL sis and you have my full SUPPORT
LOVE you so much 🙂
Inspired. Please continue to tell ur story. Morale of the story is don’t give up. Just keep at it eventually all works out.
Never compare ur journey to other stories u see on social media. Everyone travels a different journey and there is a reason for that!!!
Most definitely
You said it so well. We get so caught up in how others are succeeding and we start comparing
We all have our journeys. Yes we are happy when our friends succeed but we learn to not compare as comparison is definitely going to steal your joy
All the best as you pursue what you are passionate about
I will continue to share so that i can help someone pick up their dreams
Congratulations ?
I am currently doing my first year in bcom Accounting extended program at the University of Johannesburg. I some times feel discouraged cause already I’m struggling while in the extended phase knowing that the CA route is a long journey I sometimes doubt whether I’ll even get to make it… After reading your story I’m inspired to do better spend more time with my books and never give up.
Hi Shazz
Failing/struggling has a way of magnifying other things that can make you question WHY you started
You won’t always have it figured out. You may doubt if the road is for you but if this is what you want wholeheartedly I’m telling you to keep at it
I am glad that i can inspire you to do better
Yes spend time with those books, consult where you need to and most importantly Never Give Up
Congratulations Vhonani
Am so motivated and have faith that my day is coming.
I can relate to your story but on my side I took a long route.
I did National Diploma in cost and Management at DUT 2010. In 2011 started Bcom in Unisa part time as I was already working and graduated in 2014.
I never failed even got a supp during my undergrad.
Joh life became hertic in 2014, I enrolled for CTA via Unisa failed 2 and passed 3 subject that is a fail as I had to passed all of my modules. .
Took a break in May 2015, I was expecting my little one. Then 2016 went back and fail. I almost give up. It was not easy considering that, I have family and I am working sometimes it not easy to study.
Beginning of 2017 oh Lord I was expecting my 2nd child and it was not possible for me to pass CTA while pregnant. My Hubby forced me to go back and supported me through out as usual. By Grace of God I made it 2017 and I was so happy.
Remember I was already working since 2011 and was on higher positions now. I find it hard now to reign from my work to go an do articles considering the salary. It was a tough decision to make that I have to downgrade for the period of 3years but at the same time I remembered why I had push so hard to pass the CTA if I wnt continue with my dream.
I took the decision to resign and join AGSA in 2018 as a first year trainee. I wrote ITC Jan 202i and failed wrote again in June then passed on my second attempt.
2019 I passed the APT programme but failed the final APC exam. I won’t lie I am so tired now CA journey its long and exhausting.
I total agree with you when you say some cruise and some sail.
I always says God trusted me in this journey, greater is the one in me than in the world.
You know after reading your story, I got more power to do this.
I was also raised by a single mom who sells coffe and sandwiches and the rank but she supported me through out.
To those who are doing Diplomas, iam a living testimony toy can still be a CA it just that it a log route. After your Diploma go to Unisa do one year advance diploma CTA stream them once you done will it you can do CTA.
Keep your dream alive, don’t allow anything to turn off that burning light.
From Nompilo Mnguni Sithole
Hi Nompilo Mnguni Sithole
I am so glad that I can be some source of motivation and definitely continue to believe that indeed your day is coming
Cant imagine how it must have been to work and study at the same time.
WOW the power of Gods amazing hand over your life is truly remarkable. You truly showed what the power of determination can do for a person
You chose your dreams above everything and this is admirable
I also passed APT program and that was definitely my demotivating point as I could pass the program and fail the exam
But as you have seen your life is definitely a testimony and when you look back you can see that the Hand of God carried you through and will continue carry you till you see that SAICA sms with Congratulations
Keep in touch when this dream finally becomes a reality
YOUR ALMOST THERE
Cheering you through this last hurdle 🙂
Congratulations Vhoni
You deserve it, I’m so proud of you.
Indeed giving up is not an option.
❤️❤️
Hey Maki
You know this journey very well
Your journey on its own is a testimony and you have inspired some of us to continue
Thank you 🙂
Congratulations Vhonani
This is indeed an inspirational life journey. You’ve conquered. Well done!!
Congratulations Vhonani . I am truly inspired by your journey.
I am doing my 3rd year in Bcom CA . My studying techniques are failing me . Can you please help me out ?
Hi Lebogang
Thank you so much. I am happy that you are inspired and continue in your journey until your dreams are fulfilled
Send me your email address and we can take it from there
Congratulations Vhonani✨??
Such an inspiring story,thank you so much for sharing.
What I have taken from this article is that my dreams may be delayed but they are still valid.
God truly does not forget his promises.
I hope you reach greater heights of success than you have ever imagined.
All the best❤️
Thank you so much :).
I am glad to have shared also
Indeed your dreams are valid and God is faithful
I am still reaching for greater heights
All the best as well as you reach for your dreams
Congratulations Vhonani. I am sure your journey will be inspirational to many more students to become CA. Wishing you all the best for your career. One career path you may look is in the IT Field. With your background and qualification you can become a very good consultant in SAP Financials area. The ERP skills will help either you chose it as Career in IT or even if you continue in your Finance Career. All the best.
Satya
thank you so much
I am truly hoping the same and that other people will continue in their dreams
Can I have your contact information as I would like to hear more about this different fields available
thank you again
Congratulations sister???
Your story insipers me a lot you did well… I need some clarification when it’s comes to CA journey, I am second year student in Durban university of technology currently doing Diploma in Accounting… Other people are telling me that I can’t persue CA journey because I did mathematical literacy in high school is it true..? ?
Hey Fumani. I hope your doing good. Im glad i could share my journey and im also happy that it inspired you. Leave me your email address and i will be in touch so we can talk about your journey forward. ?
Hi Vhonani, my name is Grace so inspired by your fighting spirit, perseverance, boldness, determination, persistant and aiming towards your goal. I think you are the help I have been looking for, may you kindly inbox me so I can share my experiences with you privately my email address is ntsakogracemdaka@gmail.com. Thank you, may God continue to grace, bless throughout your journey.