Finalist: SAICA Trainee Trailblazer Awards 2025

Mpho Deborah Makungo is a Chartered Accountant trainee whose work reflects a rare blend of academic excellence, emotional intelligence, and community impact. Her journey is defined by a commitment to shaping future leaders through education, mentorship, and wellness — building an inclusive and resilient society.

In 2024, Mpho was honoured with the Supreme Award for Academic Excellence (Young Professional Category) by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), recognising her nationwide impact. As subject lead for AGSA’s inaugural CTA initiative in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, she supports 50 aspiring Chartered Accountants, from various backgrounds. With no existing framework, Mpho designed the support programme from scratch — introducing structured exam technique classes, guidance videos, and data-driven feedback systems. The results were remarkable: over 80% pass rate in Accounting, with two candidates placing in UJ’s Accounting top 10.

Her efforts extend beyond CTA. She developed targeted support programmes for IAC and APC candidates, combining technical preparation with mental resilience, research guidance, and exam strategy. These initiatives directly advance SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Mpho’s advocacy for mental health is deeply personal. She launched the “Breathe In, Breathe Out” campaign for 416 CTA students based on her personal experience — offering motivational videos, affirmations, playlists, and psychologist-led sessions. The campaign helped students manage stress and build emotional resilience, reinforcing her belief that wellness is inseparable from excellence.

She mentors CTA candidates annually and guides 10 APC candidates through the APC Inner Circle, focusing on exam technique, professional writing, and ethical reasoning. At AGSA, she spearheaded the CA2025 Competency Sessions, bridging the gap between theory and workplace application. These sessions instil ethical leadership, professional scepticism, and integrated thinking — strengthening the foundation of future professionals and the institutions they serve.

Mpho’s impact reaches beyond AGSA. She contributes to the Gauteng Board Course and APT APC programme, supporting thousands of candidates with technical and mental health resources. Through the AGSA Academic Trainees Navigators programme, she has helped 26 trainees transition successfully into audit roles.

Her passion for empowerment extends into community development. In 2025, she supported The Echoes of Kindness Charity Drive, donating clothing and non-perishable items to a home in Pretoria, and has been actively involved in Mandela Day initiatives through the Auditor-General’s office — advancing SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Mpho Deborah Makungo is a culture shifter, mentor, and advocate. Her work is guided by one vision: to build an inclusive, educated, and resilient society where young professionals thrive. Whether helping a student pass a critical exam, mentoring a trainee through APC, or empowering girls through sport, she leads with purpose, compassion, and impact.