Danya von Scheliha CA(SA), 32

Finalist: Impact Champion | SAICA Top-35-Under-35 Awards 2025

Danya von Scheliha is a purpose-driven Chartered Accountant whose career is defined by impact, innovation, and heart. As CFO of JOBJACK, a tech platform transforming entry-level employment in South Africa, Danya is helping rewrite the narrative for thousands of job seekers — one appointment at a time.

Born in Windhoek, Namibia, and educated at Stellenbosch University, Danya qualified as a CA(SA) in 2019. Her early career at PKF Cape Town saw her rise through the ranks as Audit Manager and Quality Control Manager, but it was her desire to do work with deeper meaning that led her to JOBJACK — a startup with a bold vision to make employment accessible, affordable, and dignified for all.

Since joining JOBJACK, Danya has helped scale the platform’s financial systems and strategic operations, enabling exponential growth in both reach and impact. Under her financial leadership, JOBJACK has facilitated over 50,000 job appointments to date, connecting entry-level job seekers with employers across South Africa. In a country where the unemployment rate hovers above 33%, this work is not just operational — it’s transformational.

JOBJACK’s model addresses a critical barrier: the cost of seeking employment. Surveys show that job seekers spend an average of R938 per month on transport, printing, and data — nearly 17% of a household’s income. Danya’s work ensures that JOBJACK remains affordable, accessible platform, helping job seekers avoid the painful choice between looking for work and buying food. Her financial stewardship supports a business model that is both scalable and socially conscious.

But Danya’s impact goes beyond numbers. She brings structure and soul to every space she enters, driven by a personal mission to leave people feeling seen, valued, and inspired. Whether she’s mentoring her team, refining systems, or running half marathons to build mental resilience, Danya leads with authenticity and purpose.

Her journey — from Namibia to the boardroom — is one of grit, growth, and grace. She’s not only helping build a business; she’s helping build a legacy. Through JOBJACK, she’s part of a movement that’s changing how South Africa experiences entry-level employment, breaking down barriers and opening doors for those who need it most.

Danya’s leadership is collaborative and deeply human. She credits the JOBJACK team and co-founders — both fellow CAs — for creating a culture of impact and innovation. Her submission to the Top-35-Under-35 Awards is a reflection of that shared journey, where every appointment made is a life changed.

As an Impact Champion, Danya exemplifies the power of finance to serve a greater good. Her work is a testament to what happens when technical excellence meets compassion, and when a CA(SA) chooses to build not just systems, but futures.