The UKZN School of Commerce in partnership with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and international accounting firm BDO South Africa hosted 400 Grade 10 and 11 learners for the Annual Accounting Business Games on the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses on 7 and 8 August 2025, respectively.
In an effort to transform the Accounting profession, SAICA and UKZN have introduced several initiatives to promote learner interest in business, commerce, and management subjects. One such initiative is the Accounting Business Games, designed to make learning and applying accounting principles more engaging and relatable by simulating real-world business scenarios.
Learners used the board game Risk and Reward, created by UKZN alumnus Mr Thabani Zulu CA(SA), to deepen their understanding of accounting concepts, practice analytical skills, and enhance their preparedness for future employment. The game encouraged active learning, reinforced textbook knowledge, and offered a practical perspective on accounting’s role in business.
Welcoming the learners to the Pietermaritzburg campus, Founding Dean of the School of Commerce, Professor Stephen Mutula, commended them for their interest in Commerce subjects and encouraged them to focus on their studies, reminding them of their vital role in South Africa’s economic future.
On the Westville campus, Professor Msizi Mkhize, UKZN Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Services introduced the concept of ethics in the accounting profession and encouraged learners to live by its principles daily.
Mr Naeem Asvat, SAICA’s Eastern Region Executive, attended the Durban session and said that interventions such as the Accounting Business Games are vital for fostering passion for careers in accounting. He noted the country’s urgent need for Chartered Accountants, as outlined in the National Development Plan.
Mr Sanele Nkosi, Partner and Head of Audit at BDO South Africa, attended the Durban session and shared his journey to success. He delivered an inspirational talk, reminiscing about his years as a student at UKZN, serving articles, and building a fruitful career at BDO that has also allowed him to explore international business.
Future Chartered Accountants received a financial literacy talk delivered by Ms Elizabeth Alcock, Senior Audit Manager at BDO South Africa. “As future CAs (SA), it is vital that you develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to make informed financial decisions,” said Alcock.
Both sessions were attended by educators in the Umgungundlovu, Pinetown, Umlazi and Ilembe districts. Not wanting to miss out on the fun, educators from Umgungundlovu districts formed teams and also played the game. Speaking on behalf of the educators, Mrs Jayshree Kisten from Raisethorpe Secondary said: “We were impressed with the Risk and Reward board game and saw its potential to promote accounting at General and Further Education and Training levels, and eventually at tertiary level.”
She added that both learners and teachers found the game engaging, practical, and easy to understand. “We faced challenging decisions and observed the impact of our teamwork on financial results. We also saw how vital it is to record financial information accurately and systematically. It made accounting fun! More importantly, it demonstrated the value of accounting in a real business context.”
Educators appealed to UKZN, SAICA and Zulu to make the board game available to schools as they view it as a helpful co-curricular activity in the commerce department.
The games were facilitated by Zulu, with support from UKZN Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting students – beneficiaries of the SAICA Thuthuka Bursary – and Accounting Trainees from BDO South Africa. Introducing the game, Zulu explained that the winning team was required to make the most profit and present a correctly balanced balance sheet.
The Pietermaritzburg campus winners of the Business Games were Ms Bongeka Ngcobo from Masijabule High School, Ms Andile Zulu from Linpark High School and Ms Lindelwa Harbor from Carter High School. The Westville campus winning team included Ms Boikokobetso Makgatha from Lamontville High School, Mr Siyabonga Sibisi from Velabahleke High School, and Ms Thobeka Luthuli from Esizibeni High School.
Words: Hazel Langa
Photographs: Amkelani Mseleku