IN CONVERSATION WITH GCINA MADLALA (Member of African Women Chartered Accountants)
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One of the most powerful and impactful career pathways in the country today is that of the Chartered Accountant (CA) — a profession that not only ensures financial integrity but also plays a vital role in driving ethical leadership and strategic decision-making across both the private and public sectors.
As South Africa faces the twin challenges of economic inequality and youth unemployment, the role of the Chartered Accountant has become even more significant. Yet, despite the demand, access to the profession remains limited — especially for young Black women.
According to Pumla Molope, President of the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) Forum, “Funding remains one of the most pressing barriers to transformation in the accounting profession. Many capable young people are excluded from becoming CAs — not because they lack potential, but because they lack resources. By removing these obstacles and strengthening the CA pipeline, we unlock opportunities for economic participation, ethical leadership, and nation-building.”
Woman of Substance Conference Returns – A Celebration of Power, Purpose, and Progress
In line with its mission to identify, nurture, and lead the next generation of African women Chartered Accountants, AWCA is proud to announce the return of its flagship event — the Annual Woman of Substance Conference and Fundraising Banquet, which will take place in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 6 August 2025.
Held under the theme “Pioneering Excellence: Passion, Power and Mastery in Motion,” the conference will bring together leading voices in accounting, finance, and business to discuss key issues facing the profession, while also celebrating women who have broken barriers in their respective industries.
Delivering the keynote address will be Sindi Zwila, co-founder and retired CEO of Nkonki, author, and independent non-executive director. The event will also feature panel discussions with influential figures including:
• Irene Charnley – Business and social entrepreneur, former President of IWFSA
• Cheryl-Jane Kujenga – CFO at BCX
• Tinyiko Sihlangu – CFO at Royal Bafokeng Holdings
• Ncumisa Mkunqwana – CEO at Chapu CA Inc
• Nonkululeko Gobodo – CEO of Awakened Global and founder of SNG Grant Thornton
“This conference is about more than conversation — it’s about action,” says Molope. “We are committed to creating sustainable, inclusive change by building a profession where African women thrive.”
Following the conference, the Fundraising Banquet will honour some of the nation’s most exceptional women through the Woman of Substance Award, while raising funds to expand access to the profession. Previous honourees include:
• Ms Funeka Montjane (2024)
• Ms Irene Charnley (2023)
• The late Dr Vuyo Mahlati (2019)
• Dr Judy Dlamini (2018)
• The late Dr Thandi Ndlovu (2017)
From Dreams to Designation: Gcina Madlala’s Journey
One such story of transformation is that of Gcina Madlala, a rising star in the accounting profession. Currently a first-year associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Gcina is on the path to becoming a Chartered Accountant (SA).
A graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand, she holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy (CTA). Her connection to AWCA began in her final undergraduate year, when she joined the organisation and became an active participant in its events.
“AWCA became more than a network — it became a source of support and empowerment,” says Gcina. “When I was accepted into my CTA programme, AWCA funded my year of study. That changed everything. It gave me the chance to succeed and finish in record time.”
Gcina’s journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of AWCA’s work — and a reflection of what is possible when investment meets opportunity.
About AWCA
Founded in 2002, the African Women Chartered Accountants Forum (AWCA) was created to provide support and advocacy for African women in the accounting profession. While the first femal
As South Africa faces the twin challenges of economic inequality and youth unemployment, the role of the Chartered Accountant has become even more significant. Yet, despite the demand, access to the profession remains limited — especially for young Black women.
According to Pumla Molope, President of the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) Forum, “Funding remains one of the most pressing barriers to transformation in the accounting profession. Many capable young people are excluded from becoming CAs — not because they lack potential, but because they lack resources. By removing these obstacles and strengthening the CA pipeline, we unlock opportunities for economic participation, ethical leadership, and nation-building.”
Woman of Substance Conference Returns – A Celebration of Power, Purpose, and Progress
In line with its mission to identify, nurture, and lead the next generation of African women Chartered Accountants, AWCA is proud to announce the return of its flagship event — the Annual Woman of Substance Conference and Fundraising Banquet, which will take place in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 6 August 2025.
Held under the theme “Pioneering Excellence: Passion, Power and Mastery in Motion,” the conference will bring together leading voices in accounting, finance, and business to discuss key issues facing the profession, while also celebrating women who have broken barriers in their respective industries.
Delivering the keynote address will be Sindi Zwila, co-founder and retired CEO of Nkonki, author, and independent non-executive director. The event will also feature panel discussions with influential figures including:
• Irene Charnley – Business and social entrepreneur, former President of IWFSA
• Cheryl-Jane Kujenga – CFO at BCX
• Tinyiko Sihlangu – CFO at Royal Bafokeng Holdings
• Ncumisa Mkunqwana – CEO at Chapu CA Inc
• Nonkululeko Gobodo – CEO of Awakened Global and founder of SNG Grant Thornton
“This conference is about more than conversation — it’s about action,” says Molope. “We are committed to creating sustainable, inclusive change by building a profession where African women thrive.”
Following the conference, the Fundraising Banquet will honour some of the nation’s most exceptional women through the Woman of Substance Award, while raising funds to expand access to the profession. Previous honourees include:
• Ms Funeka Montjane (2024)
• Ms Irene Charnley (2023)
• The late Dr Vuyo Mahlati (2019)
• Dr Judy Dlamini (2018)
• The late Dr Thandi Ndlovu (2017)
From Dreams to Designation: Gcina Madlala’s Journey
One such story of transformation is that of Gcina Madlala, a rising star in the accounting profession. Currently a first-year associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Gcina is on the path to becoming a Chartered Accountant (SA).
A graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand, she holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy (CTA). Her connection to AWCA began in her final undergraduate year, when she joined the organisation and became an active participant in its events.
“AWCA became more than a network — it became a source of support and empowerment,” says Gcina. “When I was accepted into my CTA programme, AWCA funded my year of study. That changed everything. It gave me the chance to succeed and finish in record time.”
Gcina’s journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of AWCA’s work — and a reflection of what is possible when investment meets opportunity.
About AWCA
Founded in 2002, the African Women Chartered Accountants Forum (AWCA) was created to provide support and advocacy for African women in the accounting profession. While the first femal