I have come to know, love and respect you, Prof Lumkile Wiseman Nkuhlu as, among others, my president at the Black Management Forum, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, and having worked closely with you at the vortex of state capture and KPMG’s turbulence and as a result, I share a vantage point that breeds fondness.
You have always used your voice both judiciously and strongly to serve both the work and the cause and have expertly navigated the subtext of anything that is asked of you – showed up as an eminent scholar, eloquent, persuasive, forward thinking, legacy shaping – an inspiring thought leader. A bold, conscientious, and principled leader.
As we reflect on your rich legacy today, it is crucial to pause and acknowledge that we, collectively have not succeeded in eradicating the legacy of apartheid, and that the fight against social injustice and inequality continues to this day.
You are a highly sought after, influential leader whose impactful work is conducted away from the public gaze. To me and many others, you embody human kindness, connection, and empathy. Your personal journey and story are guided by modesty though globally celebrated.
By watching, listening to, being inspired by and being close to you, we have been gifted with strength and imagination. I and many others have, individually, collectively, and severally, learned a lot.
You stormed and broke through the gates of this industry as the first black accountant much earlier and therefore introduced most of us to a world that we had no knowledge of.
Freedom has always been your North Star. I know for sure that your embodiment as an African, has made many other Africans feel represented in an industry that did not see us and largely, still does not. I know that, because I am surrounded by colleagues and I see many more in business that you have personally touched and helped.
Thank you for imbuing us with the courage to follow our dreams, the persistence to try again, the passion for doing what one loves, the ambition to aim higher, the resilience in overcoming obstacles, and the humility to learn from others.
You are among a generation of chartered accountants who, not only witnessed but challenged and therefore ushered in a new identity amid radical political transformation. There has always been a big racial disparity in South Africa’s chartered accountancy realm with only 8 610 (17%) of the 51152 registered chartered accountants being black.
For most of apartheid’s white-minority rule from 1948 to 1994, black citizens were not allowed to become chartered accountants.
It took 11 years for Nonkululeko Gobodo, the first black woman to qualify in 1987. Though the profession is now open to all, it is crystal clear that historical disparities persist.
The greatest gift we can bequeath and honour you and your truly immense, valued and treasured contribution, is to build, nurture and grow just one of the “Big Five” accounting firms as black-owned, black run and black managed.
Surely 30 years into democracy, this is not only possible but needed if we are going to give meaningful expression to our economic emancipation.
When we deliver that, we will complete your unfinished project and ensure that you continue for generations to come.
From being a political prisoner on Robben Island at the age of 19, to being the economic adviser of former president Thabo Mbeki, you have been, and continue to be a leading light in inculcating a corporate culture of accountability, ethical business leadership and the advancement and development of South Africa.
As a pioneer of 48 years in the profession, you continue to play key roles in academia, philanthropy, development, business and politics. It was in 1976 when you were admitted by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1977 that you became the first African chartered accountant.
During this illustrious career, you would go on to become the chancellor of the University of Pretoria for 15 years, up until June 2022; serve as chairman of Pan-African Capital Holdings (Pty) Ltd – co-founded with Dr Iraj Abedian, among others.
- Prof Mohale is the chancellor of the University of the Free State and author of Lift As You Rise.
