“University studies are such a privilege, don’t take them for granted. Work hard, but remember to use every opportunity to shape yourself as a human being. Get involved in activities where you can serve fellow students and our country. Also, the friendships and people that you meet at university remain life-long friends and even sometimes colleagues and business associates. Be responsible and remember to always behave ethically and professionally.” This is the sound advice from esteemed alumna, Zahn Hulme, who has done just that. Read more about her sterling career and achievements, her hopes and dreams, and her plans ahead. 

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

A: I enrolled for BCom Accounting in 1984, and completed my degree in 1986. Obtained a BCom Hons CTA at UP in 1988.

I was in Huis Erika's residence, where I served on the House Committee for two years – Vice Primaria and Ienkvoog.

I joined Deloitte in 1987, where I completed my articles at the end of 1989, and was appointed audit manager in 1990. I joined Unisa thereafter, where I was an audit lecturer for postgraduate students. I completed my MCom (Auditing) degree at Unisa in 1998. I joined the Technical department of the Office of the Auditor General in 2002.

In 2007, I joined Atterbury, heading the Atterbury Trust where I currently still serve. Under my leadership, the Atterbury Trust has grown into one of the most reputable charitable trusts in South Africa. I was also the Head of Marketing and brand management at Atterbury Property from 2007-2019.

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

A: I was given a quality, well-rounded education, recognised world-wide. My involvement in campus life, especially in Erica's residence, shaped me as a person, and a valuable network of connections stemmed from it. I also served on Student Council sub-committees, participated in residence sport teams, and made life-long friends.

Q: 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?

A: To be honest, I did not really know what BCom Accounting would entail, but I am so grateful for the excellent degree and the well-rounded experience I could gain through my articles. The network that I built through my years of study and articles also proved invaluable in years to come.

Q: As a UP and EMS alumna, what makes you proud to be associated with the UP?

A: I’m really proud to be part of such a progressive institution that provides quality education recognised world-wide. Progressive developments and collaborations such as the Javett Art Centre inspire me.

Q: Given your academic experience at UP, what advice can you pass on to current students?s

A: University studies are such a privilege, don’t take them for granted. Work hard, but remember to use every opportunity to shape yourself as a human being. Get involved in activities where you can serve fellow students and our country. Also, the friendships and people that you meet at university remain life-long friends and even sometimes colleagues and business associates. Be responsible and remember to always behave ethically and professionally. An impeccable reputation is of inestimable value should you want to pursue a professional career.

Q: 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?

A: I’m concerned that it will have a detrimental effect on original creative thinking and individuality and make students lazy. There are also limitations regarding the proper evaluation of the validity and accuracy of information.

Q: Going forward, what are your professional/business/personal goals? What is your ultimate ‘dream job’?

A: I’m turning 60 this year, and I’m proud that I have been working in my dream job for the past 18 years. I was given the freedom to pursue my passion, and I really believe that I had a positive impact on our country.

The Atterbury Trust has awarded close to 1,000 bursaries to financially disadvantaged students; many of them studied at the University of Pretoria, and today, they contribute positively to the South African and world economy. It gives me great satisfaction to follow our alumni’s professional and personal life paths.

We also manage the distribution of agricultural products regularly to over a hundred charitable organisations and also manage the Triomf Kliniek providing free healthcare through volunteer medical personnel. We also manage a feeding initiative where more than 2 200 toddlers receive nutrient-rich food to combat stunting.

We are a 10-woman strong team with offices in Pretoria and Stellenbosch with a wide reach across our beautiful country.

I love travelling and exploring new places, and with our two sons currently living in Amsterdam and London, my husband and I plan to spend extended periods of time in Europe and the United Kingdom from next year onward. As I am turning 60 this year, I will retire from formal employment at the end of it, but I plan to use the time to focus on building relationships with potential foreign donors utilising tax incentives awarded by their countries of origin should they support charitable organisations in South Africa.

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

A: I regularly read Vrye Weekblad and keep up to date with current news events. I also receive the Accountancy SA magazine and read through it to stay up to date.

Q: What really inspires and motivates you personally?

A: The success of our bursary students and that they make the most of the opportunities offered to them. Through my job, I have lived an impactful life with a purpose. I have a very supportive husband and family, and special time with them is not negotiable. Work-life balance is very important to me, and I make time for my family to stay fit and healthy and to relax.

Q: What is your ‘compass’ in life that keeps you ‘on track’?

A: I believe I have been placed on this earth with a divine purpose and the mystery of my identity is created in the love and grace of God.

Q: 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?

A: It will definitely be Nelson Mandela. I would like to talk about the ability to forgive, to have a great vision for South Africa, and the importance of education to transform lives and give hope to a nation.

Q: Tell more about yourself, including your likes/dislikes; strengths/weaknesses, and business/life philosophy.

A: I’m an active person, and I love swimming – I am currently training for my second Robben Island crossing to raise money for Startwell in an effort to combat infant stunting in South Africa. I enjoy spending time in nature, and I take daily long walks either at the seaside in Wilderness, where we live or in Stellenbosch, where my office is.

When I was younger, my philosophy echoed Nike’s “Just do it”. As I grew older, I developed more patience and focused on the bigger picture. I believe I have developed a more inclusive understanding that it takes all kinds of people to make the world go round. I realised that I needed times of silence and solitude. In those moments, I feel connected to God and my creativity awakens. I get great ideas and make new plans.

Q: What are your hopes and aspirations for South Africa and its people?

A: I recently came across this quote about hope that really inspires me:

“Hope is not a matter of waiting for things to get better. Hope is about working to make things better while trusting in a larger grace.”

My wish is that the majority of people in South Africa would work together in creating a tolerant, inclusive society. We have a diverse, beautiful country with so much potential. Civil society and business leaders should take the ethical leadership in building an efficient environment where mediocracy, discrimination and corruption are not tolerated.