Na-ella Vajat CA(SA), 32

Finalist: Transformative Leader | SAICA Top-35-Under-35 Awards 2025

Na-ella Vajat is a Chartered Accountant, educator, and trailblazer whose journey is defined by resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to transformation. At 32, she is the first Muslim Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University’s School of Accountancy — a milestone achieved within just three years of joining the institution.

Her journey began at the University of the Western Cape, where she earned her BCom and PGDA degrees, defying early discouragement from teachers who told her she could never become a CA(SA). She went on to complete her articles at PwC and qualified as a Chartered Accountant, proving that determination and purpose can overcome any barrier.

Na-ella’s passion for student development was ignited by her own experiences and now fuels her work as a lecturer, mentor, and researcher. She teaches Audit 378 and Audit 778, supervises BAcc Honours and MCom (Computer Auditing) students — including young CAs working abroad — and serves as a module head and internal moderator. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in empowerment, engagement, and empathy, guiding students to reach their full potential beyond the classroom.

She has pioneered transformative teaching initiatives aligned with CA2025, including audit simulations, integration projects, and the Thuthuka Winter Bootcamp, which supports students struggling with auditing concepts. Her classrooms are spaces of active learning, critical thinking, and collaboration — where students are encouraged to challenge assumptions, engage with real-world scenarios, and develop professional skills.

Na-ella’s impact extends into curriculum development and pedagogical leadership. She has restructured content to focus on core principles, introduced visual learning tools, and facilitated integration across second and third-year modules. Her work fosters lifelong learning and prepares students for the complexities of the profession.

She is also a member of the Transformation Committee, where she advocates for inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Her initiatives include faculty-wide communications for religious holidays, prayer accommodations during Ramadan, and mentorship of young Muslim women entering the corporate space. Her leadership has created a more inclusive and supportive environment for students and staff alike.

Na-ella’s research spans teaching and learning, emerging technologies, and sustainability. She has published articles on IoT risks and data security, presented at the African Accounting and Finance Association Conference, and supervised groundbreaking research on blockchain and sustainability reporting — integrating digital acumen with governance and ethics.

Her mentorship is deeply personal. She supports students through academic, career, and personal challenges, offering tough love, encouragement, and practical guidance. Her students describe her as “kwaai,” inspiring, and transformative — someone who believes in them even when they struggle to believe in themselves.

Na-ella Vajat leads with heart, intellect, and purpose. Her story is one of breaking barriers, building bridges, and lighting the way for others. She is not just shaping the future of accounting education — she is shaping a generation of resilient, ethical, and empowered leaders.