As South Africa continues to grapple with the slow transformation of leadership within the accounting profession and the need to strengthen the pipeline of Black female Chartered Accountants, the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) will bring together some of the country’s most influential business leaders, executives and industry experts for its flagship Annual Woman of Substance Conference and Fundraising Banquet on Thursday, 6 August 2026, in Johannesburg.
Held under the theme “Pioneering Excellence: Honouring Legacy, Advancing Leadership,” the conference will examine the future of leadership in the profession, the barriers preventing more Black women from becoming Chartered Accountants, and the collective action required to build a more inclusive and representative economy.
The gathering comes at a critical time when developing diverse financial leadership has become increasingly important for South Africa’s economic growth, governance and long-term sustainability.
“At AWCA, our priority is identifying, nurturing and leading through initiatives that pioneer excellence, mutual empowerment and meaningful change,” says AWCA President Pumla Molope.
“Our work is about securing the future of African women in the Chartered Accountancy profession by creating opportunities, strengthening leadership and ensuring that talented young women have access to the support they need to succeed.”
Beyond thought leadership, the conference serves as a catalyst for action. The evening’s annual fundraising banquet will recognise outstanding women and industry leaders while raising funds to expand access to the Chartered Accountancy profession for aspiring Black female Chartered Accountants.
The funds raised will directly support AWCA’s mission of accelerating transformation, removing financial barriers and cultivating the next generation of women leaders who will shape South Africa’s financial and economic future.
“We remain committed to celebrating excellence, resilience and leadership while investing in future generations of women who will continue breaking barriers and redefining leadership across industries,” concludes Molope.