The South African representative was selected based on a two-stage process. The first stage consisted of an online assessment of tax skills, where all the students studying taxation up to master’s level at a South African university competed against each other. From the students that entered, eight finalists were chosen. In the second stage of the competition, these eight finalists competed against each other in front of a panel of judges consisting of E&Y partners, tax academics and tax executives.

To have been selected as a finalist is an outstanding achievement. Apart from Johan being the winner, two other students of the Department of Taxation, namely Jacob Shipalane and Maqsood Mohideen, were under the eight finalists. Jacob Shipalane received a third place. These three finalists are exemplary ambassadors for the Department of Taxation by living the vision of the Department to be inspired thought leaders in taxation generating quality knowledge that is recognised internationally for its impact.

Johan Small completed a BCom (Accounting Sciences) degree in 2010 and a BComHons (Accounting Sciences) degree during 2011 and is currently enrolled as second-year student in his master’s degree in taxation, all at the University of Pretoria. He was successful in the SAICA Initial Test of Competence during 2012. He also completed a year of academic traineeship at the Department of Taxation during 2012 and is currently a trainee accountant at Deloitte.

Johan will now represent South Africa at the international final of the competition in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 26 to 29 August 2013. In total, 22 countries will be represented at this final. The international YTPY wins a 30-day around the world trip, built around 10 working day visits to E&Y tax centres in London, Washington DC and Hong Kong. The Department of Taxation would like to wish Johan much success for the international final.

Two other finalists, Jacob Shipalane (left) and Maqsood Mohideen (right).