Breaking down barriers with Thuthuka Bursary
Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant CA(SA) is a demanding journey; financial constraints remain the biggest hurdle for many. In 2021, just 17% of South Africa’s CAs were Black Africans, underscoring the barriers faced by disadvantaged groups.
The Thuthuka Bursary Fund, established in 2005, addresses these challenges by providing financial aid, mentorship and support. It has enabled over 1,400 students to qualify, transforming lives and diversifying the profession.
For the eight Milpark MBA team members, partnering with Thuthuka was a clear choice. “As someone who has benefited immensely from this profession, supporting Thuthuka felt like the perfect way to give back,” said Naeela Mosajee CA(SA). “Hearing the stories of resilience from Thuthuka alumni was inspiring – they reinforced how access to education transforms lives.”
Their decision also aligned with Milpark’s focus on equity and empowerment. “Through Thuthuka, we’re investing in an effective solution to diversify South Africa’s accounting profession,” she added.
A winning approach to social impact
The SREM module, a cornerstone of Milpark’s MBA - the only fully online AMBA-accredited MBA in Africa - immerses students in real-world challenges. Teams partner with organisations to identify critical needs, find solutions and secure impact funding.
“This year’s winners stood out for their quality of work and collaborative approach, demonstrating the power of purpose-driven action,” said Segran Nair, Director of Milpark Business School.
Teamwork was central to their success. They also collaborated closely with Thuthuka to develop a realistic budget and a compelling pitch. “Seeing our hard work translate into something so impactful was incredible,” said Shivesh Madanlall.
For Lulama Hlophe, the experience was both challenging and rewarding. “It taught me the importance of aligning different perspectives toward a common goal.”
“We leveraged each other’s strengths to open doors for others and had fun along the way,” added Mosajee.
Making a difference through Milpark’s MBA
The R320,000 award will enable more students to access Thuthuka’s bursary programme. “This generous contribution will create a lasting impact, helping several aspiring CAs complete their studies,” said Gugu Makhanya, SAICA’s Senior Executive for Transformational Projects.
It has been a meaningful experience for the MBA students. “As professionals, we understand the critical importance of education - not just for individuals, but for their communities,” said Mosajee. “This project pushed us to grow as leaders while enabling others to benefit from similar opportunities to the ones we’ve had.”
Nair agrees wholeheartedly: “Our MBA graduates leave with more than a degree - they gain practical tools and experience to drive sustainable change. Through projects like SREM, we are helping to cultivate future leaders, people who excel professionally and understand their role in helping to address societal challenges.”
Final thoughts
The success of Milpark MBA students in securing funding for SAICA’s Thuthuka Bursary Fund highlights the transformative power of education and collaboration. This achievement underscores the strength of Milpark’s MBA programme in equipping students with the skills, mindset, and purpose to make a meaningful difference.
To explore the Milpark MBA programme, visit Milpark MBA. To support or apply to the Thuthuka Bursary Fund, visit Thuthuka Fund.