James Stuart Morris isn’t your typical finance leader. As an Accountant, he’s rebuilt entire accounting systems, led SARS engagements, and earned his Professional Accountant (SA) designation through grit and growth. His story is one of quiet resilience, relentless improvement, and redefining what success in finance really looks like.

Yolanda Putter’s story isn’t about titles, it’s about tenacity. After enduring a toxic work culture that nearly broke her, she found strength in leadership, therapy, and the quiet power of data. Now a finance lead in a global firm, she proves that kindness and precision aren’t soft skills, they’re survival tools.

Peter Serite helped over 500 SMEs survive lockdowns, now he’s scaling Azania into a global firm and launching an AI-powered tool to shake up the accounting space. From township roots to tech innovation, his story is proof that real impact doesn’t come from playing it safe.

Basimane Likhi isn’t your average finance assistant. Between reconciling multi-country books and mastering Xero, he’s quietly becoming a powerhouse in his field. What started with ACCA articles has grown into strategic impact, tackling inventory chaos, mentoring through collaboration, and making time for hiking and coding.

Paul Cruywagen started CRUX Konsult not for profit, but for purpose. He’s built a business where trust drives every client relationship, and growth starts with growing his team. From 5am gym sessions to mentoring staff and dreaming beyond the balance sheet, Paul’s story proves that leadership in this profession starts with living your values.

Trisha Rajkumar isn’t your typical accountant. She’s a second-generation business owner, a martial artist with a black belt, and a fierce advocate for SMEs. From opening a new office in Johannesburg with her dad to mentoring future accountants, she’s building more than a firm, she’s building a legacy. Here’s how discipline, family, and client trust shaped her path.

Neo Hlatshwayo didn’t just climb the ladder, he built the next level. From his early days in Thuthuka programme to leading continental strategy at the African Professionalisation Initiative, Neo is proof that real leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about impact. This is what it looks like when accountants build nations, not just balance sheets.

Dennis Ben Mashego isn’t just running an accounting firm, he’s building a national legacy. With a focus on systems, compliance, and mentorship, he’s redefining what success looks like for SME accountants. From late nights to big dreams, his story is a wake-up call for every firm owner stuck in survival mode.

Johan Massyn didn’t plan on becoming an accountant, he almost didn’t. But a UK gap year, a father’s offer, and a passion for people changed everything. Two decades later, he’s the calm voice in his clients’ chaos, proving you don’t need a CA title to make real impact. Oh, and he’s also a die-hard metalhead. This is not your average accountant story.

Wilbert Sibanda isn’t your typical number-cruncher. He’s a CIMA-qualified accountant on a mission to uplift overlooked SMEs through real-time insights, system implementation, and client-first service. From 5am workouts to firm growth plans, Wilbert is building more than a practice, he’s building impact.

Adél Visser rose to senior audit manager by 23 and now champions SMEs with a blend of technical skill and real-world insight. From mentoring young accountants to setting firm boundaries, she proves that growth comes from focus, grit, and knowing your worth. Join CIBA and learn how to scale your practice with the same impact.

Chantal Misplon transforms struggling SMEs into sustainable success stories. As founder of Digital Bookkeeping and Support Services, she blends sharp financial strategy with hands-on coaching to turn cash flow problems into profits. Her mission? Empower business owners with the clarity, tools, and confidence to grow, and keep growing.

Kwanele Dlomo, founder of Numbers Now Consulting, is proof that impact isn’t measured in years, but in results. Less than a year into practice, he’s securing funding for SMEs, guiding startups through tax compliance, and planning mentorship programmes to grow the next generation of accountants, all while balancing business, family, and a drive for excellence.

Genéveve Storm Krüger never set out to be an accountant, but once she stepped into the world of finance, she never looked back. From passing board exams to working for a US firm and running with the ASICS FrontRunner team, her story is a bold reminder that the best careers aren’t planned, they’re pursued.

Cameron Naidoo didn’t take the easy road, he took the real one. From growing up with nothing to restarting his career at 32, his journey into finance is packed with grit, purpose, and powerful lessons. Now a CGMA and financial leader at JCDecaux, Cameron shares what it really takes to succeed in a world that doesn’t hand out second chances.

Ndzalama Arise Hlungwane didn’t wait for experience to earn him a seat at the table, he earned it with action. In just 12 months, he rose to Accounts Payable Supervisor, led his team through a major system migration, and built a culture of ownership. His secret? Structure, speed, and a mindset wired for growth.

When cash flow dried up and monotony crept in, Thapelo Kalekale didn’t fold, he adapted. From launching his own accounting business to mastering internal audits, he’s built a career on faith, discipline, and strategy. An early riser with a love for opera and spreadsheets, Thapelo proves that resilience is the real ROI.

Babalwa Dlabati is one of South Africa’s boldest new voices in SME accounting. A former tech trainer turned compliance crusader, she’s helping small businesses ditch the chaos, embrace cloud tools, and build the kind of structure that scales. Her mission? To make financial literacy simple, compliance valuable, and accounting a catalyst for impact.

Riekie Wolmarans never needed a title to make an impact. From intern to trusted SME advisor in just five years, she’s built a career on quiet grit, mentorship, and a deep love for the profession. At VDM Chartered Accountants, she’s proving that dedication beats credentials, and that young voices in accounting matter more than ever.

William Kannapathi isn’t your typical accountant. From studying part-time to fund his BCom to guiding startups into thriving businesses, he’s built a career on service, strategy, and soul. With a firm that’s fully online and future-facing, William is mentoring peers, serving communities, and showing what it means to lead with faith and purpose in practice.