Top 35-under-35 awards

We are thrilled to introduce you to the remarkable Wamashudu Mukheli, our Trainee Trailblazers Winner for 2023! Wamashudu Mukheli is not just a name; he's a visionary leader who's making waves in the world of education. As the co-founder and Managing Director of Campus Connect, an Ed-Tech company based in Gauteng, South Africa, he's changing the game! A Wits Graduate and currently in his second year of completing his SAICA articles at BDO South Africa in Johannesburg, specialising in Financial Services Valuations and Credit, Wamashudu's dedication to education led him to establish Campus Connect in 2019. Campus Connect has been a beacon of hope for over 20 000 students from various universities across the country, providing them with top-notch educational learning materials to excel in their Chartered Accountancy journey. 💡 Wamashudu Mukheli's vision and leadership are driving a significant impact in the field of Chartered Accountancy education, inspiring countless others along the way.

Congratulations, Senzo, on this remarkable achievement! As the Head of the Department for Accounting Sciences at Walter Sisulu University and the Managing Director at SnB Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors, Senzo Ndlangamandla is an accomplished education professional. He dedicated 3 years to serving as the JSE Investment Challenge Coordinator in the Mthatha region, introducing students—predominantly from rural communities—to stock exchange dynamics. His impactful work in academia led to his appointment as the head of the department for accounting sciences at Walter Sisulu University in 2022, where he successfully implemented a plan that improved the University’s SAICA rating. In addition, he runs an audit practice with a staff complement of 11, all of whom are youth, showcasing his commitment to fostering opportunities for the next generation.

Andrew, the managing partner at Alpha BPO, is a seasoned business leader who has consistently delivered target-driven bottom-line results and shareholder value. Having co-founded a company in 2019 to provide international job opportunities to highly skilled South African graduates, he has successfully grown it to over 300 staff members. His instrumental role in developing and implementing the only bespoke CRM for debt review in South Africa, along with the launch of his own software development company, showcases his innovative contributions. Notably, in 2020, he co-founded The Sprout Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to youth empowerment and combating unemployment.

Craig, the co-founder & COO at MotherTree, and CFO at Paragon Impact, is an entrepreneur dedicated to addressing climate and biodiversity emergencies. Through MotherTree, he is facilitating the alignment of businesses and consumers' finances with their values, with the aim of moving £1 billion into the green economy by 2025. This effort is driving banks, pension funds, and other capital allocators to prioritise nature-positive investments over fossil fuels and other harmful activities. MotherTree has already supported clients in moving £2 million to greener products. Additionally, as the CFO of Paragon Impact, Craig is instrumental in building a market-leading software platform for the development and implementation of clients' impact strategies.

As a portfolio manager - multi-asset, and investment analyst at 36ONE Asset Management, Boitumelo possesses a unique blend of technical expertise and financial acumen. Her effective co-portfolio management at 36ONE, coupled with the use of technology to enhance investment strategies and improve performance, showcases her exceptional skills in navigating dynamic financial markets. Boitumelo's pivotal role in establishing the Sustainable Responsible Investing Committee and the Transformation and Social Responsibility Committee at 36ONE underlines her commitment to responsible and sustainable investment practices. Furthermore, she serves as the treasurer of the Ruth First Memorial Trust, demonstrating her dedication to meaningful community contributions.

Jodilee, the Head of Education and Implementation at Syft Analytics, brings a wealth of experience from a Big Four audit firm and a local fintech startup. She has successfully spearheaded the development of Syft Campus, an online education platform aimed at helping accountants make better data-driven decisions and grow their businesses. This innovative platform also addresses the gap between university accounting education and industry demands, particularly in digital skills. Within just over a year, Syft Campus has launched more than 30 courses and 12 certifications, attracting over 3,000 users and facilitating the completion of over 100,000 lectures.