Dear Subscriber,

As we commemorate 28 years of democracy in our country, it is quite evident from various commentary that we are still a nation with deep scars and are a people who still question the adequacy of the democratic freedom afforded to us in 1994.

In the fondly remembered words of the first black president of the Republic of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others". We must therefore ask ourselves, what are we doing with our various levels of freedom? As we achieve our desired level of liberation in our careers and our personal lives, do we become comfortable and forget those who are still behind or is our conscience agitated enough to remind us of our historically communal goal of true emancipation of our people? I leave you with these questions to ponder on.

On the 2nd of April 2022, I had the privilege of spending my Saturday with an extraordinary group of ABASA Leaders from across the country, Past Presidents of ABASA and members of our national council representing the inclusive vision of ABASA through our various accounting bodies.

As we inducted our national leaders, it was the words of Past President Sizwe Nxasana that set the tone challenging our leadership to have the courage to "do the difficult things''. This was reinforced by Past Madam President Tantaswa Fubu who reminded us of the sacrifice that comes with being a leader and the importance of driving excellence in all that we do to be truly #ABASAProud. This is a reminder of the critical work that organizations like ABASA play in changing the economic landscape of the unequal society we still live in.

We look forward to seeing the impact that our branches will be making as they roll out the national strategic plan of ABASA.

The month of April has also seen the launch of the ABASA National Theme : Driving Leadership Excellence Through Inclusive Social Accountability.

Over the next several months through my monthly message to you all, I will be focusing on one word of the theme and unpacking it's meaning to ABASA and our core mandate. So stay tuned as we collaborate with some exciting ,new and existing ABASA partners to roll out this theme word by word in a meaningful and impactful way.

After two years of lockdown restrictions, ABASA is excited to announce the return of our provincial Final Qualifying Dinners which will kick off in July on the following preliminary dates:

Further details will be shared soon. For any queries on how to partner with ABASA as we celebrate the success of our newly qualified professionals please email communications@abasa.org.za.

As announced in my March message, ABASA will be relaunching its bi-annual Forum Thought Leadership Magazine on the 30th of June 2022. Invitations to contribute to the June publication have been sent out. For queries please email communications@abasa.org.za. Communication on how to register for the launch event will be circulated soon.

To celebrate and recognize the immense contribution made by Professor Wiseman Nkuhlu to our country, the accounting profession and the development of black accountants, ABASA will be hosting the 5th Annual Professor Wiseman Nkuhlu Lecture. This event will be held in East London, Eastern Cape on the 4th of August 2022. This will be the first time that the lecture is being hosted outside of Gauteng and we look forward to celebrating Prof Nkuhlu in his province of birth. This year's lecture will be delivered by Past President of ABASA and CEO of SNG - GT Victor Sekese. For queries please email communications@abasa.org.za. Communication on how to register for the lecture will be circulated closer to the time.

Join me in congratulating the following members who have been appointed to national roles:

As I conclude this month's message, I want to share my pride in the young leaders of ABASA that I have had the privilege of engaging with on the 25th of April 2022. At times we forget the important role that our student chapters play in being a catalyst of the ABASA cradle to grave development journey. I would therefore like to wish the following nationally recognized ABASA Student Chapter Chairpersons all the very best as they carry the ABASA mandate in their various Universities across the country with the support of their branches and national representatives:

 

Ntandoyenkosi Shamase

Thama Bandela

ABASA UJ Auckland Park - Nonjabulo Khoza

ABASA UJ Soweto - Angel Ngobeni 

ABASA Wits - Nonduduzo Ngema

ABASA North West Vaal - Thabang Mphahlele

ABASA TUT - Destiny Maloka

ABASA Unisa Tshwane - Michelle Phodiso

ABASA Limpopo - Unarine Mulondo

ABASA UNIVEN - Ampfarisaho Makwarela

ABASA UWC - Mmathabelo Shamaine

ABASA CPUT - Xolani Jafta

ABASA Unizulu - Sfiso Sipho Msibi

ABASA UKZN Westville - Thembalethu Mlambo

ABASA UKZN PMB - Olwethu Ndlovu

ABASA Mangosuthu University of Technology - Samukelo Mlambo

ABASA UFH East London Campus - Aviwe Maliza

ABASA Unisa Eastern Cape - Xolile Ntsinda

As we observe World Intergenerational Week may we remember the importance of intergenerational conversations. May we all make time to be part of the holistic development of these young leaders either through direct mentorship, attending some of the events that they will be hosting in the near future and sharing your journeys to success with them as we inspire the next generation to take over the baton and lead with the excellence expected of an ABASA member.

I wish you all the best as you fly the ABASA flag high in all that you do.

Best, 

Linda Maqoma