Finalist: SAICA Trainee Trailblazer Awards 2025

Sizanokuhle Ndlovu is a third-year CA(SA) trainee whose journey reflects unwavering resilience, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to mental well-being and community upliftment. Her story is one of perseverance through personal loss, academic setbacks, and financial hardship — and her ability to rise stronger each time has inspired many.

In 2020, while completing her BCom Accounting degree at the University of Johannesburg, Sizanokuhle experienced the devastating loss of her father. Despite the grief, she graduated cum laude, a testament to her discipline and determination. Her first attempt at CTA was unsuccessful, and she faced the additional challenge of funding her second attempt without financial support. She chose to persevere, enrolling again while simultaneously beginning her articles at KPMG through the non-CTA programme — balancing full-time work and full-time study.

Her resilience paid off. She successfully completed CTA and, shortly after, wrote the ITC exam in January 2024. Though she did not pass on her first attempt, she regrouped, joined the APT catch-up programme, and passed the June sitting. Without waiting for those results, she enrolled in the APC programme, and later that year, passed APC on her first attempt — a remarkable achievement that reflects her courage and commitment.

Beyond her personal journey, Sizanokuhle actively supports others in theirs. She mentors junior trainees at KPMG, encouraging them to prioritise mental health and reminding them that failure does not define their future. She has shared her story through the firm’s APC Boost series, inspiring candidates to persevere and seek support when needed.

Her advocacy extends into her community. In 2020, she co-founded an initiative to assist high school learners in her township with university applications and tutoring in Accounting and Maths. Recognising that many learners lack access to information and guidance, she stepped in to provide hope, direction, and opportunity — helping students make informed decisions about their futures.

Sizanokuhle’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience and wellness are interconnected. She has shown that adversity can be transformed into growth, and that mental health must be prioritised alongside academic and professional goals. Her journey demonstrates that setbacks are not the end — they are stepping stones to impact.

She continues to champion mental well-being, share resources, and create safe spaces for others to heal, learn, and thrive. Her leadership is grounded in empathy, and her impact is felt in both the workplace and the community.