Five trainee accountants from the City of Johannesburg have achieved professional success by passing the rigorous South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) examination, the final hurdle to becoming chartered accountants.

The achievers were lauded at a celebration at Braampark on 28 March 2025. In his absence, Group Head of Governance Mlandu Kona had a message delivered congratulating the candidates:

“I extend my warmest congratulations to each of you who has successfully passed SAICA Assessment of Professional Competence. Your achievement is a testament to countless hours of hard work, late nights, and moments of self-doubt that you have overcome.

“By passing this rigorous assessment, you have demonstrated your ability to apply technical knowledge, exercise professional judgement, and showcase ethical leadership in real-world scenarios. You have proven that you’re not just accountants, but trusted professionals who are ready to contribute to the City’s financial excellence, governance, and positive change.”

Siya Kubeka, Learning and Development Specialist for the City’s SAICA trainees, emphasised the APC’s significance: “The APC is the final crucial step towards becoming a qualified chartered accountant.”Trainee Xolela Msweli expressed gratitude: “The City’s programme provided exceptional preparation for this challenging qualification. I am proud to contribute to Johannesburg’s financial governance as a newly-qualified professional.”

The City’s SAICA-accredited programme, led by Group Finance, combines traditional accounting with Fourth Industrial Revolution competencies including advanced business information systems; innovation management and leadership development. This achievement strengthens the City’s financial leadership pipeline, ensuring world-class governance capabilities for Johannesburg’s future.

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi