Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) and exploring the intersection of financial performance and sustainability led to University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Auditing lecturer, Mr Lungani Gcwensa CA(SA), graduating with a Master of Accountancy degree.
‘I wanted to deepen my expertise and contribute to knowledge that can shape business practices and policy and areas that are becoming increasingly critical in today’s business environment,” said Gcwensa. “This qualification enhances my career by positioning me at the intersection of professional practice and academia.”
Through his study titled: ‘South African Firms’ Attitude to Carbon Emissions and Corporate Financial Performance’, Gcwensa aims to contribute to the growing body of sustainability accounting research in South Africa.
Supervised by Professor Mabutho Sibanda, Gcwensa focuses on the carbon-intensive industrial, metal and mining sector. His work encourages companies to take environmental responsibility seriously, directly benefiting communities affected by mining and supporting long-term environmental sustainability.
“My research examined the relationship between the performance of firms and carbon emissions among JSE-listed (Johannesburg Stock Exchange) industrial, metal, and mining companies in South Africa from 2018 to 2022. The aim was to determine whether stronger environmental performance aligns with, or detracts from, financial performance,” explained Gcwensa.
He added that the study offered a more complete picture of how environmental performance connects to both accounting results and market valuations.
“On a societal level, the research encourages companies to take environmental responsibility seriously, directly benefiting communities affected by mining and supporting long-term environmental sustainability”, he said. “I am very passionate about the topic because it sits at the heart of global and local conversations on sustainability and corporate accountability.”
With his research skills, analytical, and critical-thinking talent sharpened through this qualification, Gcwensa looks forward to tackling complex financial and sustainability issues with greater confidence.
Said Gcwensa: “This qualification enhances my career by positioning me at the intersection of professional practice and academia. It opens doors in academia, advisory roles, and leadership positions. Places I can contribute to research, teaching, and informed decision-making in accounting, auditing, and finance.”
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini