Nonkululeko Gobodo, who made history in 1987 as South Africa’s first black woman to qualify as a chartered accountant, has been awarded the prestigious Chancellor’s Medal by the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS).
This recognition highlights her groundbreaking achievements and ongoing contributions to the field of accountancy and leadership in South Africa.
Breaking Barriers in Accountancy
Gobodo’s journey to becoming a chartered accountant began in her hometown of Mthatha, Eastern Cape. As a young girl, she helped her father with bookkeeping for his panel-beating shop. This early exposure to finances sparked her interest in the field.
Inspired by Professor Wiseman Nkuhlu, the first black male chartered accountant in South Africa, Gobodo set her sights on achieving the same qualification. Her determination led her to enroll at the University of Transkei (now Walter Sisulu University) for a BCom degree in the late 1970s.
Pioneering Leadership in Accounting
After qualifying as a chartered accountant, Gobodo continued to break new ground. In 1992, she established her own accountancy firm, Gobodo Incorporated. This decision came after turning down a partnership offer from KPMG, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Gobodo’s leadership skills shone through in 2011 when she played a key role in merging Gobodo Incorporated with SizweNtsaluba VSP. This merger created SizweNtsalubaGobodo (SNG, now SNG Grant Thornton), South Africa’s largest black-owned accountancy firm.
Empowering Women in the Workplace
In recent years, Gobodo has turned her attention to addressing ongoing challenges faced by women in the workplace. In 2021, she established Awakened Global, a company focused on tackling prejudice and racism experienced by women professionally.
“There’s a whole new world waiting for us once we awaken to who we truly are,” Gobodo says. She encourages everyone, regardless of their field, to believe in their ability to achieve their goals.
Balancing Ambition and Family Life
Throughout her career, Gobodo has grappled with the challenges of balancing professional ambitions and family responsibilities. She advises young women not to hold themselves back from pursuing their careers.
“Women need to seize this time to get where we should be in all forms of leadership,” Gobodo emphasizes. However, she also cautions young professionals against rushing into leadership roles without adequate experience.
A Call to Action for All South Africans
Gobodo’s message extends beyond the world of finance and business. She calls on all South Africans to contribute positively to their country’s development. “Wherever you are and whichever job or profession you are in, do your part!” she urges.
This call to action reflects Gobodo’s belief in the power of individual contributions to create collective change. As she continues to inspire and lead through her work at Awakened Global and various board positions, Nonkululeko Gobodo remains a trailblazer and role model for aspiring professionals across South Africa.
