Where it was, where it is, where it needs to be
As the first black African chartered accountant, PROF LUMKILE WISEMAN NKUHLU was a pioneer in the profession, and during his over 40 years in the profession he has played key roles in academia, philanthropy, development, business and politics.
From being involved in the liberation struggle to being the economic adviser to President Thabo Mbeki and chairing the Development Bank of Southern Africa from 1995 to 2000. He has been a leading light in inculcating a corporate culture of accountability, ethical business leadership and the advancement and development of South Africa.
Prof Nkuhlu is the Chairman of KPMG, and a member of the Advisory board of SAICA. He served as president of SAICA for two terms (from April 1998 to April 2000) and is passionately involved with the development of black accountants. He was Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Transkei (1987 to 1991) and the Chancellor of the University of Pretoria from 2007 to 2022. He is currently the Patron of the Nkuhlu School of Accounting at the University ofFort Hare.
In recognition of his contribution to education, business and development, Professor Nkuhlu has received several awards, including honorary doctorates from the Universities of the Free State, Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Pretoria, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Witwatersrand and University of Fort Hare; and merit awards from the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce, Association for Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa and the Black Management Forum. He was also awarded the President of Convocation Medal by the University of Cape Town in June 2004. The medal is awarded to graduates of UCT for outstanding community service.
