Unisa online - CEMS and CIMA empower learners from Unisa's surrounding communit

From back, left: Mr Kova, Prof van Heerden, Prof Sadler and Mr Nobatyi with learners from Lehlabile and Reitumetse secondary schools

Learners from Mamelodi, Soshanguve and Hammanskraal could not contain their excitement when they were given an opportunity to meet with academic staff from CEMS’ Department of Management Accounting as well as representatives from the Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (CIMA). The aim of the event, which was held on 30 May 2012, was to introduce the learners to professions within the accounting streams, with particular emphasis on programmes offered by Unisa in collaboration with CIMA.

Andile Nobatyi, Senior lecturer in the Department of Management Accounting and the event organiser said, “It is important to introduce and provide information to learners while they are still in high school. This will enable them to make informed career choices. While growing up, we had limited exposure to the different careers available and the best way to ensure that the youngsters are better equipped is to provide platforms such as this so they can enquire and interact with experts.”

Prof Barry van Heerden, the Chair of the Management Accounting Department also emphasised the importance of establishing and maintaining relationships with schools in the neighbouring communities. “Unisa has a wealth of expertise and it is our responsibility to engage with our communities and share and impart knowledge.”

CIMA's EDucation Manager, Mr Amos Kova

CIMA’s Education Manager, Mr Amos Kova gave the key presentation. “CIMA is the world’s largest and leading professional body of management accountants. Most accounting qualifications train people for private practice, working on external audit and tax issues. CIMA prepares people for a career in business. It teaches skills for strategic advice, managing risk and making key decisions. Our institution has a system of accreditation for existing university qualifications and how it works is universities apply, and based on their standards, exemptions are given from CIMA exams. Unisa obtained full accreditation during 2010 after updating their management accounting qualifications and therefore, completing qualifications in management accounting at Unisa will enable you to receive exemption from some of our papers,” said Mr Kova. He also encouraged the learners and students to apply themselves in their studies.

Ms Msiza from Lehlabile Secondary School in Mamelodi said she appreciated the invitation and that bringing the learners would encourage them to research more about the profession and share with their peers in their local schools.

 Prof Elmarie Sadler, Deputy Executive Dean at CEMS thanked Mr Kova for his presentation and commended the Department for the initiative.

Management Accounting staff with learners and educators from Reitumetse, Ribane-Laka, Lehlabile and Makgetse Secondary Schools