The annual SAICA-UKZN Accounting Business Games provide high school learners with a practical and engaging introduction to accounting, business and entrepreneurship, while encouraging them to consider careers in the Accounting profession.
Hosted by the School of Commerce at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in partnership with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and sponsored by BDO South Africa, the 2026 Accounting Business Games brought together approximately 400 Grade 10 and 11 learners at the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses sessions.
The programme targets learners taking Pure Mathematics and Accounting and aims to promote interest in commerce and management disciplines while contributing to the transformation of the Accounting profession.
BDO South Africa sponsored the initiative for the second consecutive year, supporting efforts to expose young people to the Accounting profession and develop financial and business skills among school learners.
At the heart of the initiative ‘Risk and Reward’ – a board game developed by BCom Accounting alumnus Mr Thabani Zulu CA(SA) that allows learners to apply accounting principles in simulated real-world business scenarios. Through the game, learners develop analytical and decision-making skills while gaining a practical understanding of how accounting contributes to business success.
The games were facilitated by Zulu, with support from UKZN BCom Accounting students who are SAICA Thuthuka Bursary beneficiaries, as well as Accounting trainees from BDO South Africa.
Team Angel (Pty) Ltd won the Pietermaritzburg challenge with a profit of R284 700. The team comprised Ms Londeka Cele of Banqobile High School, Ms Anesipho Mntungwa of Heather Secondary School and Ms Minenhle Khumalo of Asande Senior Secondary School.
At Westville, Team Yustik claimed victory with a profit of R339 300. The team comprised Ms Wendy Ndlovu of Kwesethu High School, Mr Syadumisa Ndlovu of Zizamele Junior Secondary School and Ms Chante Kruth of Durban North College.
The programme also provided learners with career guidance and life-skills insights. UKZN BCom Accounting alumna Ms Caryn Maitland, representing the SAICA Board, encouraged learners to persevere with Mathematics and remain committed to pursuing careers as chartered accountants.
Ms Elizabeth Alcock, Senior Audit Manager at BDO, highlighted the importance of financial literacy, as both a professional competency and a life skill that enables young people to make informed financial decisions.
UKZN Head of Accounting Programmes Professor Suresh Pillay welcomed participants and commended them for choosing to combine Pure Mathematics with Accounting. He encouraged learners to remain committed to their studies and said he looked forward to welcoming many of them to UKZN in the future.
For participating schools, the value of the initiative extended beyond the competition itself. Umgungundlovu District Accounting Subject Advisor Mr Thokozani Mathonsi expressed gratitude to UKZN, SAICA and BDO, noting that the district has participated in the programme since 2025.
“We have observed improvements in learner performance and participation in Mathematics and Accounting,” Mathonsi said, adding that the practical exposure generated considerable excitement among learners because of this progamme.
Mathonsi further expressed hope that the initiative would continue, describing it as an important response to declining learner participation in Accounting.
Mr Siboniso Ndlovu of Emachobeni Secondary School similarly described the event as the learners’ “first and amazing experience”. He said, “Our learners returned to school with a positive spirit and determination. I’m confident that initiatives such as the Business Games would help learners make informed decisions about their futures while building their confidence in Mathematics and Accounting.”
The Accounting Business Games demonstrate the role that collaboration between Higher Education, professional bodies, schools and industry can play in introducing learners to accounting. With support from partners such as BDO, the initiative provides learners with practical exposure to accounting and insight into careers in business and the accounting profession.
