Tshepang Lesufi describes the moment as an “amazing rush of emotions”. The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) identifies and nurtures promising accounting talent from around the world through its talent programme, allowing qualified participants to compete in Singapore.

The programme exposes them to different business environments and allows them to exchange ideas with peers from around the world. “We will get to share perspectives on case competitions and business scenarios, while building valuable networks and taking those insights back to their home countries.”

For many participants, being selected is a moment worth celebrating. It is the kind of news you immediately want to share with your loved ones and friends. However, he had to keep the news a secret.

“At the time, I couldn't share the news. I just had to keep it to myself. It was a bit of a challenge feeling this excited and not being able to tell anyone, but it was awesome nonetheless,” he said.

People are motivated to attend universities and choose courses based on who they look up to. Lesufi’s father, who owns a small spaza shop back at home in Mpumalanga, served as his inspiration and role model.

Multiple levels

“Seeing this as a child, it made me fall in love with it; it sort of gets you to wonder what it is all really about, what are the mechanics of everything, the art of selling something to someone, then you get to university level where you learn that now there’s multiple levels to it at a business level.”

Pursuing your passion often comes with obstacles, but those challenges can become growth opportunities. For Lesufi, the journey to this achievement was anything but straightforward. 

“My academic journey hasn’t been linear. My first-year funding was delayed, and I only received funding in the second semester.”

“In my third year, I also struggled with funding and registering for my final year. It was a very difficult journey for me and my family. But by God's grace, everything worked out, and we’re here today, so I’m very grateful.”

Despite setbacks, Lesufi remains focused on his goals and is now preparing to compete on the international stage. His preparation has centred on drawing from the knowledge and guidance of his lecturers, many of whom are chartered accountants themselves. 

Biggest supporter

The UFS student is also conducting additional research into Singapore’s business environment to understand the context in which the competition will take place.

“There’s one person who’s been my biggest supporter and a total pillar of strength, one of my lecturers, Charles Mothelesi, because there were days where after the interview, I’d felt like I didn’t make it and I totally messed it up. I’d give him a call, and we’d have this conversation over and over.” 

‘Exciting and humbling’

Competing on an international stage is a proud moment not only for the individual, but also for the university and the country they represent. For Lesufi, the opportunity is both exciting and humbling as he prepares to showcase his skills on a global platform.

“I feel proud. The feeling is just unreal and amazing because it’s completely uncharted territory for me. At UFS we always say only a Kovsie knows the feeling,” he said.

Oprah Winfrey

He draws inspiration from a quote by Oprah Winfrey: “Be so skilled, so competent, and so flat-out fantastic at what you do that your talent simply can’t be dismissed.” 

The quote serves as a reminder that he should strive for excellence in everything he does.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm/dg

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