Q3. Who inspires you the most?
My grandparents on both sides. Their individual and collective life stories inspire me to live my best life, and make it count for those who come after me.
Nthabiseng Mkhize
Junior Company Secretarial and Trust Administrator
Shonda Rhimes. Her company Shondaland and its success deserve a documentary.
Kagisho Masekwameng
Quality administrator
My husband - for loving the profession he chose and working hard to keep it interesting
my kids - for attempting everything at least once
my dad- for his love of helping anyone who needed help
Nadia Chothia
HR Administrator
My children!
Bisoye Akinwumi
Marketing Admin
My husband - Who is going through the most right now, but still gets up happily each morning, gets our daughter to school and does his day with a smile, despite the pain and discomfort.
Kim Chapman
Audit Administrator - Team Galloway
My Daughter
Thato Kapeloa
B-BBEE Consultant
My daughters
Dipuo Mbhele
HR Administrator
My mother
Fortunate
Senior trainee accountant
My Mom and Dad. To always be selfless and helpful and never to look down on others. To know that life will throw curve balls and always get up and strive to do your best!
Majdah Jattiem
PA & HR Assistant
My father
Husnaa Rasool
Second year Audit Trainee
My Mother. Her Resilience against all odds.
Mpho Ledwaba
CFO
My Father. He is a very strong-willed man, who understands the verb commitment.
Ngelekanyo Tshivhase
Trainee Accountant
1. My grandmother = An allrounder of note, (I am slowly becoming her, and I love it 😊). Girl could cook, raise kids, look after livestock, run a business and still be in multiple committees (once heard her say she can drive too, never seen that though😂). Might I add she played doctor as well, I was once burnt by boiling water but you can never tell, she saved me and applied her homemade meds on me. Deeply inspired by her strength!
2. My Mother, for fighting till the last day. She gave birth to me in her late 30s, I get to hear stories that she was fighting sickness way before I was born a lot of people thought she would never make it to 50, she passed just before she turned 70. Her endurance is inspirational. My fighter that one 😍.
3. The likes of Lebo Gungubele (this guy does not give up on business and on love), Zoleka Mandela (a true fighter and liver of live, she made sure she lived through her sickness) and Caster Semenya (for her ability to block negativity and focus on WINNING)
Aphiwe Ntintelo
Consultant: Investigations
My sister she is soft, dedicated and honest lady.
Mandi Bouwer
Relationship manager
My parents
Trust Chikwiri
Director- GRC
My grandmother!
Nwabisa Mdladlamba
Senior Trainee Accountant
My dad, he rose from extreme poverty under the apartheid regime and worked his way through odd jobs - cleaning gardens, cleaning houses, nursing etc and he studied and became a teacher and principal.
Silindile Thabethe
Senior Manager: Audit
My Mom
Nontlantla Bodlingwe
Trainee Accountant
My Mother Definitely!
Sinenhlanhla Sibiya
Intermediate Trainee
My mother
Shalati Masungwini
Senior Trainee: Internal Audit
My sister inspires me the most.
Angeline Taderera
Assistant Manager
My Mother
Sydney Seshoka
Senior Trainee Accountant
This a difficult question but I think that every young boy needs a hero in their life. To me, this was my Grandfather who was a bona fide war hero (he fought in WWII and even managed to escape from a prisoner of war camp after being captured at Tobruk). After the war, he turned his hand to farming and running a trading store in the Eastern Cape. He taught me many valuable life lessons. Interestingly, his first language was isiXhosa and he only learned to speak English when he was forced to go to boarding school.
Marc Humphries
Director: Legal
My father. He has always been the pillar of the family
Sajan Saulick
Audit Supervisor
Most definitely my parents.
Leseli Rakhale
Senior Trainee Accountant
This is not an exhaustive list but the big ones would be: My mother, kindest hearted woman despite all the hardship she has endured; Each and every audit trainee who tries their hardest every single day, in spite of what challenges they are dealing with personally or any mental health battles pushing them down, or disagreements had with members of their team (Your efforts are seen and appreciated!); Kim Venter, my work bestie and mentor (#MerrytomyPippin), there isn't enough space in the world to document all of the reasons why; Mary-Anne Greisdorfer who is not only a kick-ass director and compassionate leader, but who has unparallelled strength of character in the challenges she faces and does not complain or allow them to hinder her; My original work dad (Rob) who I learned the most from in my articles and who taught me the importance of linkage; My adoptive work dad (Ben) who has shown a new perspective to me in so many work areas and has endless patience on the days when I'm being a doofus; Eckard Bergh who did a phenomenal job transitioning into his role and is always considering what is best for the RSM and the people, even with new things that have not been tried before; Henk Heymans who demonstrates immense humility despite all his years of experience and depthless wisdom, but is always willing to learn new things and encourage the same of others; the list goes on.
Jordan van der Merwe
Supervisor: Audit Technical Training
I am inspired by Samantha Muzambi because how does she even do all that?
Samantha Muzambi
Trainee Account
My mother. Amazing women.
Nozipho Mdluli
Senior Trainee Accountant
My partner - he is my biggest supporter.
Kayla Johnson
Trainee accountant
Siya Kolisi - He has the hunger to succeed.
Phillip Februarie
Individual Tax Compliance officer
My Daughter inspires me the most because she is very eager to learn.
Every time I assist her with her schoolwork, I also learn a few things.
Aaron Xolo Sonai
Information Relocation Specialist
Faith- talking about an ability to have faith when times are hard, and faith that i will win; faith life will move on, and things will be fine in some way. that is inspiring and inspires me a lot.
Happiness- beautiful moments, happy smiles inspire me a lot.
Lihle Njikija
Intermediate trainee
My Mom
Gontse Kekana
Assistant Audit Supervisor
My father #TheGOAT
Ndumiso Ndlovu
Intermediate Trainee Accountant
My Family :)
Dineo Motlhatlhedi
Consultant : Accounting and Payroll
Tshiamo
Puleng Mpete
Manager - Strategic Projects
My mother
Funanani Magidi
Trainee Accountant
My God is my ultimate inspiration ... also anyone who can rise above their circumstances.
Leona Philander
Debtors & Front Office Administrator
My mom is my biggest inspiration
Megan Milburn
Legal Office Administrator
Siya Kolisi
His life journey gives hope to people from rural areas that no matter where you come from, your dreams are valid and it is okay to hope and follow your dreams. It is also okay to be an inspiration to others.
Masetshaba Malatji
Junior Trainee Accountant
I am inspired by my parents and family members.
Taheer Docrat
Trainee Accountant
Marius, my husband and best friend x
Telana Snyman
Corporate Statutory Officer
My mother is greatest inspiration. I have seen her go through some of the most difficult things in life that can easily make someone bitter and angry in life. But in the midst of that, I have seen her show so much love and kindness to people. She inspires me to be selfless, kind and to love other people. And that there is no excuse to live bitter in life. She truly is my Wonder-woman.
Nomonde Nyantsumba
Audit Trainee
My mom and my dad. They started a business together and have continued for many years working together and making a success.
Kayla Moseley
Intermediate Audit Trainee
Roger Federer
John Jones
Director
My Mother
Cynthia Baloyi
Manager: Payroll & Outsourced Accounting
My family and those who overcome adversity and lack of opportunity yet succeed in business and their life.
Rodney Smith
IT Software and Audit Consultant
My Mother
Thulisile Msiza
Junior Trainee Accountant
My mother. She has taught me more than I could have learnt from any book.
Nelisiwe Mnguni
Junior Trainee: Internal Audit
My mom! She is nearly 70 but is still so active. She volunteers, is on various committees, has an incredibly big heart, leads a fitness class and is such a force of nature!
Ivete Turi
Africa Regional Coordinator
Brian May, guitarist of the incredible rock bank Queen. Not only is he a brilliant and ridiculously talented musician, but he is also an astrophysicist, holding a doctorate degree, he has an asteroid named after him, and has been knighted by the queen (the actual queen, not his fellow band members).
Phillip Kruger
Director: Legal
Rolihlahla "Nelly M" Nelson Mandela
Esethu Gwada
Senior Trainee Accountant
I am inspired by the generation of woman who came before me in my family lineage. My grandmother dropped out of school due to the struggle she went through but she taught herself how to read and has built a success which has led to my mother's succuss who has also managed to build for herself something greater than what my grandmother had achieved. I am inspired to do better and be better because of their teachings and guidance.
Lebogang Malala
Junior trainee accountant
My Dad and Siblings. Their will to support and stand through anything that comes as a challenge and still be able to conquer has been and still is beyond inspiring.
Karabo Morobe
Finance Assistant
My amazing Mother
Alex Gomes
Tax Manager
Khaya Sithole
Tshepang Molefe
Junior Trainee Accountant
My Husband - his always calm and never gives up
Telisha Naidoo
Manager: Audit
My husband, Ian.
Marita Cloete
Manager: Audit Staff & Resourcing
Jesus Christ
Jenny Carolissen
Fromt Office Administrator
Frank Kasambara
Esther Kasambara
My mother
Damaris Manabile
Trainee accountant
Kim Venter
Pertunia Mulovhedzi
Junior trainee accountant
I gain inpiration from various people at various levels. One of these would be my dad.
Zaheer Ahmed
Bookkeeper
My parents, who grew up in rural conditions which included walking miles to school, both graduated from Oklahoma University in the 80s while raising 4 kids at the time, both dedicated their professional careers to teaching, still hard working in their 70s while giving back to their community, and still happily married for 50 years.
Cynthia Gatsi
Consultant: Tax & Advisory
People who live to encourage others wherever they find themselves and do it with purpose and passion.
Kim Venter
Senior Manager: Audit Technical Training
My wonderful wife, Viv.
Dieter Schulze
Regional CEO and Head of Tax
God inspires me, through the amount of He has been going through because of mankind, he has never given up in trying to find a way to save us all.
Nthabiseng Innocent Matsoso
Junior Audit trainee
My wonderful mother.
Mpho Maema
Trainee Accountant
Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa
Paradzayi Marufu
Senior Trainee Accountant
My father
Eccentia Shilubana
Trainee Accountant
My mom. She is my role model.
JACOMI SWART
Supervisor Deceased Estates
I have a couple - my parents: teaching me to never give up, my matric maths teacher and Neil Hughes!
When there is a deadline on hand & working late and I see Neil's little green Zoom light still on, I know I can do it!
Engela Crocker
Divisional Director
My mom!
Kelly Rippenaar
Senior Manager: AFO
My sister inspires me the most. She is my role model and I have so much respect for her!
Eileen Goosen
Manager: Trust Department
People who push themselves to achieve their goals despite the hardships and struggles that they might need to go through to get there.
Michelle van Coppenhagen
Associate - Accounting and Payroll
Everyone who's trying their best to keep improving and be exceptional in whatever they do.
Mdudusi Shabangu
Intermediate trainee accountant
Denzel Washington
Trust Chikwiri
Director
Robert Kiyosaki
Isaac Lepota
Assistant manager
My little sister - her outlook on life in general and her love for fairytale movies
Mahlodi Ramollo
S
My mother
Lulama Xhongo
Front office
My father. He sacrificed a lot for my sisters and I to have a better future.
Portia Singo
Divisional Director: Audit
Family
Jason Brown
Supervisor
So many people inspire me! My grandmother and mother - for showing me the power of a matriarch and how important it is to be there for your kids! My husband - for his resilience to every obstacle, and his constant encouragement. My boys - for inspiring my change in career and for teaching me more about patience and love than I thought humanly possible. Every single child and person with a disability (especially those with hidden disabilities) - never underestimate the power of "yet" and a kind, encouraging word!
Alessia Maxwell
Legal advisor
My high school principal inspired me by how devoted she was towards ensuring that we get the best education regardless of our circumstances and how value driven she was. That taught me to be an individual that upholds strong values.
Neo Buhle Manyehlisa
Audit Trainee
My mom, most resilient woman I've ever known.
Asanda Dume
Junior Trainee Accountant
Both my grandfathers, my father and my mother (their sheer guts and determination /stubbornness, as well as their work ethic)
- Both my grandfathers were illegitimate, grew up in poor circumstances, didn't have schooling past grade 10 and yet they worked their way into good jobs that kept their families comfortable.
- My dad also didn't have schooling past grade 10, left home (Austria) at the age of 19 and came to South Africa, worked his way up to management, changed jobs at 45 years old (he had been with the same company from the age of 19), and started his own successful company at the age of 52.
- My mom helping my dad start his business, always wanting to learn more (even at the age of 50 she was learning how to do things on a textile machine), how she still runs my dad's business with the help of my sister, how she handled her cancer diagnosis and treatment 2 years ago and her will to enjoy her life.
There are others but when times are rough and I am in a bad head space, I just remember they never quit.
Mary-Anne Greisdorfer
Audit director
My family inspires me.
It takes a certain skill, dedication and discipline to make something good out of nothing. #Boss#DjKhaled#AnotherOne#GodDid#NikhilToldMeSo#WeTheBestAuditors. 😎🙌🙏
Nipho Ndlovu
Audit Supervisor
My beloved mother. Even though she never experienced a mother's love herself, she managed to give my sister and I a beautiful childhood filled with lots of love and so much joy. Her strength and resilience are truly inspiring.
Doreen Kunaka
Senior Audit Quality Controller
My mom
mogau seribishane
Intermediate Trainee Accountant
My husband - Watching him become a father has been such an inspiration. My son - Watching him grow; his fascination with the world around him; the true amazement in his eyes when he "sees" something for the first time - you truly appreciate the small things in life when seeing it through a little humans eyes.
Zahn-Michelle Abreu
Business Development Manager
My parents have inspired me. Although they both have passed away, their perseverance and humbleness, and their sense of humor have inspired me since a very young age. Now, at my age, I only understand what they did for us, and I still miss them a lot.
Lourette Thiele
Tax Administrator
My husband, Jo, inspires me the most. He is such a motivated person, works extremely hard, is "book smart" clever and a good handyman and is never afraid to try anything in life.
Sarah von Holdt
Tax Compliance Officer
My kids, they always motivate me to always do better and be better. And I always get motivated to never disappoint them.
Nwabisa Mphako
Debtors Clerk
My mother. She is a super star
Nicoleen Moela
Senior Trainee accountant
My future self inspires me the most.
Nonduduzo Nokhanga
Audit Senior
Siyamthanda Kolisi, followed by anyone who is brave enough to scrum against the springboks.
Richard Nesbit
Chief Siya Supporter and Trainee Accountant
My little brother inspires me the most. He's been through so much in life and each time his approach is," If i have no control over it, i won't stress over it". His approach through life has helped him remain fixated on bettering himself as an individual and academically rather than focusing on the past and things he can't control. He's at UJ currently and is doing his second year in accounting. I know he'll be the best CA this world has ever seen.
Nipho Magubane
Junior Trainee Accountant
My Dad :)
Gundo Ratshibvumo
Junior Trainee: Internal audit
My grandparents
Martha Hamming
Senior Manager: Audit
My late grandfather inspired me. The way he lived life full of laughter, kindness and love was truly inspirational. The way he loved my grandmother unconditionally for over 63 years is want I aspire to have in a relationship.
Claudio Teixeira
Senior Trainee Accountant
My uncle who has passed on, he was like a dad to me. I am because of who he was.......
Shaaista Kamroodien
Trust Accountant
My Best Friend - Dr Irena Nowak. Wonderful sportswoman, Dr of biokinetics specializing in treating Parkinsons , single Mom.
Gail Mcloughlin
bookkeeper
I'm always inspired by watching the athletes at the para-athletics events. The amazing things that those athletes have been able to achieve, despite their disabilities, is just incredible and shows phenomenal mental strength.
Denise Davies
Associate: Marketing
My background and family.
Mmabogosi Moya
Marketing Assistant
Elon Musk
James Gondo
Director: Audit
Four (not necessarily in the order presented):
• My parents – for the wonderful opportunities which they gave me
• The Partner under whom I served my articles – for business acumen
• My ex-father-in-law (i.e. the father of my first wife) – for balanced lifestyle
• My second wife – for being what dreams are made of
Chris Maytham
Director: Tax
This is a loaded question.
Lots of people inspire me for different things.
My parents inspired me by showing me what it is to be a team as a couple.
My wife inspires me every day by just the sheer amount she is able to do without complaining or showing strain.
My kids inspire me by showing me what is like to wonder and be amazed by the small things that we adults take for granted.
I’ve had numerous other people inspire me on a daily basis, usually just by being themselves, and giving me a different perspective to learn off.
Alistair Maxwell
Chief Operating Officer
My dad
Watching him as a youngster – his work ethic, his entrepreneurial spirit and knack for business was very inspiring and has molded me into who I am today.
Mauricio De Faria
Director: Audit
Thabisa Gqolana
Junior Trainee Accountant