South Africa risks losing a generation of CAs as funding crisis deepens

AWCA warns that financial barriers threatening Black women in the CA profession could have far-reaching consequences for South Africa’s economy and governance.

Johannesburg, South Africa – South Africa could face a future shortage of ethical financial leaders as mounting financial barriers continue to exclude talented young Black women from pursuing careers as Chartered Accountants (CAs), the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) has warned.

Ahead of its Annual Woman of Substance Conference, set to take place in Johannesburg on 6 August 2026, AWCA is sounding the alarm over what it describes as a growing “pipeline crisis” within one of the country’s most critical professions.

Financial Barriers Threaten the CA Profession

Despite significant progress in transformation over the years, many academically capable students continue to abandon their studies or fail to enter the profession due to inadequate funding, limited access to opportunities, and systemic socio-economic barriers.

According to AWCA, this is not merely an education challenge, but a national economic and governance concern.

“South Africa cannot afford to lose an entire generation of potential Chartered Accountants simply because they cannot afford to complete their studies or access professional training opportunities,” says AWCA President, Pumla Molope.

“The CA profession plays a critical role in strengthening governance, driving economic growth, and ensuring accountability across both the public and private sectors. When talented young women are excluded from this profession, the country loses future leaders, innovators, and custodians of ethical financial management.”

Strengthening the Pipeline

AWCA notes that while demand for skilled financial professionals continues to grow, the pipeline into the profession remains under severe strain, particularly for Black women from disadvantaged communities.

The organisation is calling on government, corporates, higher education institutions, and the broader private sector to work collaboratively to expand funding mechanisms, strengthen mentorship initiatives, and create sustainable pathways that support aspiring Chartered Accountants from school level through to leadership positions.

As part of its ongoing interventions, AWCA has established structured programmes aimed at nurturing future CAs, providing mentorship, leadership development, and professional support to women across various stages of their academic and professional journeys.

Annual Woman of Substance Conference

The upcoming Annual Woman of Substance Conference will bring together leaders from business, government, academia, and the finance sector to explore solutions aimed at accelerating transformation and strengthening the future of the profession.

“Transformation cannot be achieved if access remains unequal. Investing in young women pursuing Chartered Accountancy is an investment in South Africa’s economic future,” concludes Molope.