A desire to make a meaningful impact on society through knowledge and skills transfer prompted Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) alumnus, Tshegofatso Makgoba to pursue a career in the accounting field. Following his keen interest in financial management and the role of accounting in strategic decision making, Tshegofatso completed a Bachelor of Honours in Accounting Sciences at the University of Pretoria (UP). The EMS alumnus is living his dream today as a registered Chartered Accountant (CA), leveraging his expertise in the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) to drive change in the public sector.

His pivot from a CA-related role to a project management role marked a significant milestone enabling him to expand the knowledge he acquired during his traineeship. Since then, he has successfully managed major projects in the public sector which focused on audit readiness and turnaround initiatives. His advice to current students is: “Don’t be afraid to take risks or explore new fields – sometimes the greatest opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Also, remember that failure is often just a stepping stone to success, so embrace learning from every experience.”

Read more about his journey, interests, and what inspires him below:

1. Briefly summarise your studies (including the qualifications you obtained) and your professional career, with special mention of specific highlights/milestones.

I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Pretoria (UP), where I earned a BCom in Accounting Sciences degree, Certificate in the Theory of Accountancy, and BComHons Accounting Sciences degree. These qualifications prepared me for the two board exams at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, which qualified me as a CA(SA) designation. After graduation, I started my career as a trainee accountant/auditor in the public sector, where I have worked in various roles, including being a manager on the COVID-19 special audit team in Mpumalanga and manager for the irregular expenditure audit of Eskom, providing guidance and technical support to subsidiary audit teams.

A milestone moment in my career was when I transitioned from a CA-related career to leading a bulk water infrastructure project for a local mall in the City of Tshwane. This ignited a keen interest in project management as a career. I have since managed road remedial and road construction projects, as well as projects in the public sector, with specific focus on audit readiness and turnaround projects, which was a direct result of the foundational knowledge and skills I developed during my studies and articles.

More recently, I have focused on a career in the public sector in an executive support role, where I am continuing to leverage my PFMA expertise, to grow and challenge myself.

The rigorous curriculum at UP and the opportunity to engage with brilliant lecturers and fellow students only deepened my enthusiasm for a career in public finance.

2. To what extent did your studies at UP benefit you in your career and contribute to your success?

My studies at UP provided me with a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical application. The lecturers and academic resources at UP encouraged critical thinking, which allowed me to approach complex problems with confidence in my professional career. Additionally, the diverse student body and the university’s emphasis on experiential learning exposed me to different perspectives and networks, which have been invaluable in my career. In short, my time at UP laid the groundwork for my professional success, giving me the skills to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

3. Why did you choose your particular degree course/major(s) and did it meet your expectations…or, in hindsight, should you have opted for something else?

I chose Accounting Sciences because of my deep interest in financial management, taxation, and the strategic role of accounting in business decisions. I was always fascinated by how financial data can influence organisational success and decision making, the challenge of problem-solving through numbers and the importance of accuracy in financial reporting.

I believed that this would be a pathway for me to make a meaningful impact. In hindsight, I am glad I chose this course, as it aligned well with my interests and strengths. The curriculum at UP was both challenging and stimulating and it offered a balanced mix of theory and practice, which exceeded my expectations. I can confidently say that the path I chose was the right one and I have no regrets.

4. As a UP and EMS alumni, what makes you proud to be associated with UP?

Being part of the University of Pretoria alumni community is something I am extremely proud of. The University’s commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and innovation has made a lasting impact on my life.

UP's Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences stands out for its forward-thinking approach and the opportunity it gave me to explore a variety of hands-on learning experiences, including vacation work with leading international audit firms. The network of alumni, staff and students from UP continues to inspire me and I am always excited to contribute to the University’s programme to ensure that it continues achieving 100% at the SAICA first board exam.

5. Given your academic experience at UP, what advice can you pass on to current students?

My advice to current students would be to take full advantage of the resources available to them, not only in the classroom, but also outside of it. Networking, involvement on campus or in residence is key to personal and professional growth.

Don’t be afraid to take risks or explore new fields – sometimes the greatest opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Also, remember that failure is often just a stepping stone to success, so embrace learning from every experience.

6. AI (ChatGPT-4/Generative AI/LLM) is expected to have a significant impact on both tertiary education and the workplace. What is your take on the advantages/disadvantages of AI for students and employees/employers?

AI, particularly generative AI like ChatGPT, is transforming both education and the workplace. The advantages for students are immense – AI tools can provide personalised learning, enhance research capabilities and offer new ways to collaborate.

For employees and employers, AI can automate repetitive tasks, streamline operations and create opportunities for more innovation-focused roles. However, the potential downside is the risk of over-reliance on AI, which may erode critical thinking skills or lead to job displacement in certain sectors.

I believe that integrating AI into education and the workplace should be done thoughtfully, with a focus on developing both technical and soft skills to ensure people can work alongside AI, rather than be replaced by it.

7. Going forward, what are your professional/business/personal goals? What is your ultimate “dream job”?

Professionally, my goal is to continue growing in the field that I am currently in and take on leadership roles where I can make a significant impact, whether through innovation, strategy or mentorship. But ultimately to make a significant impact in the public sector and make meaningful contributions to the SA government that will target the high unemployment rate facing the South African people in general, the youth in particular.

My dream job would be one where I can leverage both my expertise and passion for growing the economy through job creation initiatives, drive change and empower others. On a personal level, I aim to maintain a balanced life where I can continue learning, contribute to causes I care about and nurture meaningful relationships both professionally and personally.

8. Which business/trade-related publications (magazines/newspapers/blogs, etc.) do you enjoy reading?

Recently I have found myself with tight schedules week in and week out, and so I have honestly not been doing much reading. I enjoy reading some publications in Accountancy SA (ASA) Digi-Mag that keeps me informed about developments in the accounting field in South Africa.

Further publications include PWC Global emerging markets publications that provide an insight into emerging markets, which can be used to create employment in South Africa. The articles in the digital magazine provide valuable insights into emerging trends, business strategies and leadership principles, all of which help me stay ahead of the curve in my career.

9. What/who really inspires and motivates you personally?

I am deeply inspired by the late Mr Tito Mboweni who communicated complex economic issues in relatable terms, sometimes using humor and anecdotes to simplify these issues. Personally, I am motivated by the desire to constantly grow, both as a professional and as an individual, and by the opportunity to positively influence those around me, whether through work or personal interactions.

10. If you could have a face-to-face meeting with an inspiring person – in any domain – who sets an example in transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same, who would it be and what would you like to discuss?

I would love to meet Warren Buffet, as he has made an incredible impact on investment strategy and financial literacy. I would be interested in discussing his journey and what drives him to continue pushing boundaries in the finance world. Specifically, I would like to learn more about his strategies for navigating market volatility, how he maintains resilience through economic downturns and how he balances his ambitious financial goals with his dedication to philanthropy and responsible investing. 

11. Tell us more about yourself, including your likes/dislikes; strengths/weaknesses, business/life philosophy.

I am someone who thrives on continuous learning and collaboration. My strengths include problem-solving, strategic thinking and being able to take a moment to think under pressure. I tend to focus on finding practical solutions and being adaptable to new circumstances. As for weaknesses, I sometimes take on too much because I’m passionate about multiple projects, though I’m working on learning to say no to new tasks that impede my ability to deliver quality outputs.

My life philosophy revolves around the idea that growth comes from challenges and learning from both successes and failures. In business, I believe in the power of ethical leadership and creating value through sustainable work opportunities.

12. How do you handle stress/failure?

I approach stress and failure as opportunities for growth. When I encounter a stressful situation, I focus on staying organised and prioritising tasks to manage my time effectively. I also ensure I take breaks to recharge, as this helps me maintain a clear perspective.

As for failure, I see it as an important learning experience – each setback teaches valuable lessons and helps me refine my approach. I reflect on what went wrong, make adjustments and move forward with greater clarity and determination. By embracing both stress and failure as catalysts for development, I’ve been able to grow stronger and more adaptable in my work and personal life.

13. If you could contribute to solving one/some of our societal problems, what would you like to tackle and why?

Something I am particularly passionate about is social exclusion. I believe that social exclusion matters because it affects people's sense of belonging, self-worth, and access to opportunities. Having witnessed how isolation impacts lives, I know that everyone deserves a chance to feel valued and included in their community. Addressing social exclusion requires fostering inclusive environments, creating opportunities for engagement, and challenging stereotypes.

If given the chance, I would contribute my skills and expertise to creating awareness through community education programmes, developing initiatives that promote inclusivity, and advocating for policy change to ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for all.

14. What are your hopes and aspirations for South Africa and its people?

My hopes for South Africa are rooted in a vision of greater inclusivity, economic empowerment, and educational opportunity for all. I believe in the potential of the country’s people to drive change and I hope that future generations will have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. I also aspire to see South Africa continue to lead on the global stage, particularly in areas of innovation, sustainability and social justice.

15. Any other comments?

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped me both personally and professionally. I believe in the power of education, collaboration and perseverance and I’m excited to continue contributing to the greater good. I hope my story can inspire current and future students to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.