AWCA honours Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe as 2026 Woman of Substance at Annual Banquet

Johannesburg, South Africa – The African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) hosted its Annual Banquet, an evening dedicated to celebrating exceptional women leaders, recognising excellence across the profession and raising funds for the AWCA Bursary Fund, which provides financial support to female tertiary students aspiring to qualify as Chartered Accountants.

The event, hosted on on 6 August 2026, drew a strong turnout of guests, many of whom represented corporate sponsors that purchased tables in support of AWCA’s fundraising efforts. Their contribution forms a critical part of the organisation’s ability to sustain and grow the AWCA Bursary Programme, which helps remove financial barriers for young women pursuing the CA(SA) designation.

President’s Awards and Recognition Awards

The evening opened with the President’s Awards, which honoured subcommittee members whose voluntary service, time and expertise continue to make AWCA’s impact possible. The recipients were Maletjema Mathiba, Magdeline Matlou, Zama Nkabinde, Tumelo Kekana, Moshala Mphahlele-Dutuma, Nonsindiso Khuzwayo, Olga Nogana and Itumeleng Barnard. A special President’s Award was presented to Judith Mnisi, in recognition of her dedication, outstanding service and commitment to the AWCA. This was followed by the Recognition Awards, which celebrated individuals who demonstrated excellence in their respective fields, whilst driving positive change in their organisations and sectors.

The following phenomenal women were recognised:

Public Sector CEO - Boitumelo Mosako - Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

Public Sector CFO – Nontuthuko Mbhele – University of KwaZulu-Natal

Private Sector CEO – Ncumisa Mkunqwana – Chapu Chartered Accountants

Private Sector CFO – Thabile Ngidi – Bidvest Prestige

Tax Partner – Mbai Rashamuse – PwC

Audit Partner – Brenda Jajuta – KPMG

Academic Trailblazer – Dr Lulama Boyce – University of Johannesburg

Leading Entrepreneur – Pamella Marlowe – DNM Consulting, Pamag Incorporated and Urithi Services

“The AWCA Recognition Awards honour influential, groundbreaking women who have not only driven change in their respective fields, but have also created pathways for women across the continent. This is one of the many ways we recognise accomplished female leaders and inspire young women to believe that it is possible,” said AWCA President, Pumla Molope.

Woman of Substance honour

The centerpiece of the evening was the recognition of Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe as the 2026 AWCA Woman of Substance. A medical doctor, businesswoman, philanthropist and Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, Dr Moloi-Motsepe was honoured for her transformative contribution to empowering women and youth, expanding access to education and championing inclusive economic development across sectors.

Introducing the award, Ms Molope described Dr Moloi-Motsepe as “a woman whose work reminds us exactly why AWCA exists”, adding that the 2026 recipient represents “leadership founded on service and the ability to open doors for others”.

During her acceptance speech, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe said, “Thank you to AWCA for this recognition. A Woman of Substance doesn’t just break glass ceilings – she builds tables for others to sit at. I accept this award on behalf of every woman doing work every day, and I acknowledge those who have helped me along the journey.”

“My call to action is simple, mentor one women, support one opportunity, change one life. When we invest in women, we invest in our communities, and our nation. South Africa needs its women to be successful,” adds Dr Moloi-Motsepe.

Impact of the bursary programme

The awards play a significant role in building solidarity among women and amplifying the importance of developing a sustainable pipeline of African women chartered accountants. This year, AWCA recorded its highest number of bursary students, with 31 students currently receiving financial support. “This is an important milestone for us. It means 31 young women can continue their studies without carrying the constant worry of how they will fund them. It also means we are making a direct contribution to the pipeline of future African women CAs(SA),” added Molope.

Through the Annual Banquet, AWCA continues to bring together members, partners, sponsors and friends of the organisation, in support of its vision to accelerate the advancement of Black female chartered accountants. The funds raised through the event will contribute towards bursary support, and the broader development initiatives that enable aspiring accountants to access education, mentorship and professional networks.

Keynote address

A highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by Professor Bonang Mohale, a respected business leader and advocate for ethical leadership, transformation and inclusive growth. His captivating address challenged and inspired the audience, leaving guests wanting to hear more.