​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Thuthuka programme

Purpose of the Thuthuka programme (Equity programme)

The UJ Equity programme assists students from disadvantaged communities in their accounting studies to obtain the CA (SA) qualification and contribute to the economic and social upliftment of South Africa.

There is a shortage of African and Coloured Chartered Accountants in South Africa. Although the number of African and Coloured students that study B Com (Accounting) at UJ has increased over the past years, an insufficient number of candidates successfully complete their studies to meet the market demand.

The students on the Equity programme are funded by SAICA’s Thuthuka Bursary Fund. Students enrolled on the Thuthuka Bursary are funded by a NSFAS loan for half of the costs, and the other half is funded by the firms and companies that contribute to the Thuthuka Bursary Fund. After completing their studies, Thuthuka allocates students to one of the firms for a training contract. Applications for the Thuthuka Bursary are open to matriculants.

SAICA’s Thuthuka Education Upliftment Fund combines 50% NSFAS bursary and 50% contribution from the firms and companies associated with the Thuthuka Fund. After completing their studies, Thuthuka allocates students to one of the firms for a training contract. Applications for the Thuthuka Education Upliftment Fund are open to matriculants.

Methodology

The Thuthuka at UJ is founded on the following principles and pillars:

• To use group dynamics in accelerating the learning process and providing the students with a support structure. The students are for instance all staying together in a UJ residence where a culture of support and care for each other is encouraged.
• To provide the students with additional academic support (offered by senior students and the academic trainee) that helps them to attain a thorough knowledge of the subject content and to stimulate discussions in class.
• To encourage the students to study continuously and monitor their progress. The students write regular tests, whereafter the memorandums and exam methodology are discussed with them in detail.
• To impart the life skills that are necessary to help the students develop those skills that are needed in the workplace.
• To provide each first year student with a mentor, but to also request students to mentor other students on the programme.
• To include creative logic exercises with the students aiming to provide them with relevant problem-solving skills and techniques
• To impart a sense of social responsibility. ​

The team that runs the programme

The Thuthuka team at UJ consists of three full time staff members of the Department of Accountancy: a Chartered Accountant acting a project manager, an educational psychologist and an Academic article trainee.

Induction programme for 1st year students

Thuthuka Bursary Fund Application 2023

Click here to apply.