Dineo Movundlela joined the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences in June 2023 as lecturer in the Department of Auditing. Dineo completed both her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the University of Pretoria (UP) and now returns to UP to pursue academia after a three-year stint at the Auditor-General. Working in the corporate world is a goal for many chartered accountants (CAs) like Dineo, but her passion for teaching drove her to return to UP to plough back the knowledge gained in the corporate environment.

Dineo grew up in Mokopane, Limpopo, and moved to Pretoria to further her studies. This she did by obtaining the BCom Accounting Science degree, as well as the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and the Certificate in Theory of Accounting. She qualified as a CA(SA) in 2021.

At the office of the Auditor-GeneraI, Dineo served as assistant audit manager, managing trainees and the interaction with the client. She also assisted the manager with completing the audit file and other audit admin-related matters.

However, now her career path has made a turn towards academia. “I chose to pursue a career in academia because I have a passion for teaching, imparting knowledge and assisting people to succeed in the academic space. That for me is the greatest achievement. My passion started way back in high school, where we would offer extra classes and winter classes for learners in lower grades, to assist other learners in their studies,” she explains.

She not only plans to positively contribute to the academic environment, but also to the lives of the people who cross her path at UP. In her research, she aims to focus on education and the advancements in technology in the learning space.

Dineo is excited about her new position in the Department of Auditing. “I must say that had you asked me five years ago if I’ll be here, I would have without hesitation said no. Dreams do come true.” One of her long-term goals is to become a professor who will make a positive contribution to the field of research.

For Dineo, it is important to wake up each morning and work better than yesterday. My only hope is for everyone to live the life they’re dreaming of,” she says.

Quoting Roman philosopher Seneca, she adds that: ‘Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity’. These words underpins her message of motivation she wants to share with the youth of South Africa is: “Always be prepared. There are no shortcuts to the type of life we want to live and all the things we want to achieve in this life, cutting corners only leads to disappointment. Some have to work harder than others and that’s how life is. If you’re in the ‘work harder’ category, give it your all, and in due time you will meet your opportunity.”