The College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) recently visited over 300 Grade 12 learners at the South Africa Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) Development camp, which aims to enhance learner capabilities and grow the pipeline in the chartered accountancy profession.
Held at the Anton Lembede Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Academy, the CLMS’s visit to the camp was part of a recruitment drive to attract academically gifted students. To be invited to the camp, all learners across 12 provincial districts had to have a minimum of 60% in Mathematics and English.
The seven-day camp was organised by SAICA, FASSET and supported by other key stakeholders such as the Department of Education, SAICA-accredited universities, firms, and members of the accounting profession.
SAICA’s Project Manager: Transformation and Growth in KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Sister Ntsele, said the camp adopts a holistic approach in preparing learners for tertiary education.
‘Apart from academic activities that take place in the camp, we also have life skills which prepare our learners as they will be starting their journey to tertiary institutions in the following year,’ said Ntsele.
During the career guidance session, Accounting students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) shared their insights and practical skills that can be applied during the first year of university studies.
Meanwhile, Ms Hazel Langa, CLMS Public Relations Manager, provided an overview of the College and its student support services. She informed camp participants that the UKZN Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting programme is accredited by SAICA. She also highlighted various careers that learners can pursue in finance, economics, marketing, supply chain management and information systems and technology.
Ms Sphindile Simelane, Academic Administrative Officer, guided learners through the application process and registration as first-year students at UKZN. She attended to various application queries onsite which was found to be useful by participants.
Grade 12 learner, Mr Vusumuzi Mntambo of Nkosibomvu High School, oThongathi was delighted when he was given a conditional offer immediately after engaging with Simelane. ‘I’m glad that UKZN visited us today and I’m now relieved that my space is secured for 2024,’ said Mntambo.
The visit proved fruitful as many of the learners had already applied and sought assistance in understanding the next steps after their applications. The CLMS team was able to address these inquiries and provided valuable guidance.
The visit exemplified the College’s commitment to ongoing transformation and its goal of attracting learners from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
