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They are making a difference
Author: SAICA
Published: 30/05/2022

​The winners of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Chairman's Difference Makers Awards were announced at a celebratory evening at the Radison Hotel and Convention Centre in Johannesburg on the 26th of May.

One of SU's lecturers, Prof Riaan Rudman of the School of Accountancy, had been nominated in two categories and was a finalist in the Excellence in Education category. He was not only one of the youngest finalists but also the only finalist in this category from the Western Cape.

The awards seek to recognise SAICA members and associates who are difference makers in various areas of business and society – those who have breached the gap between being good and being excellent; individuals who make a valuable contribution in shaping communities, economies and society while applying the highest standards of ethics, integrity and accountability.  The awards have 10 overarching themes, from innovators and future thinkers to leaders in business, public accountability and national interest.

The category winners included Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu (Legacy category), the late Auditor General Kimi Makwetu (Leader in Public Accountability), Mrs Chantyl Mulder (National Interest), and the academic veteran Prof Benjamin Marx (Excellence in Education).

“If one considers the calibre of finalists, simply being a finalist and seeing your name amongst some of the legends in the Accountancy profession is an achievement," commented Prof Rudman. He said the fact that he was nominated in two categories is an acknowledgment of the impact that the School of Accountancy has on the Accountancy profession and society as a whole.

According to SAICA Chairman Vincent Motholo, “This year's winners represent the tip of the iceberg of distinction. On behalf of the profession, I thank every single person who entered as well as those who nominated someone for this year's awards, for reminding us of just how much of an impact one person can make in society when you make purpose, impact and difference making one of the cornerstones of your life and your career. To our winners and finalists, you are all exceptional and SAICA acknowledges and thanks you for the work you are doing".

  • Information about the winners is available here.