In May 2022, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) made history by becoming the first university in South Africa to launch the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Finance Leadership Program (FLP).
This initiative was established in partnership with the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the unified body of AICPA & CIMA. Designed as a guided, digital-first learning and assessment experience, the program complements formal CIMA-accredited tertiary qualifications. It provides a structured and cost-effective online platform that enables students to earn the prestigious, globally recognized ACMA, CGMA designation while serving as a powerful bridge for professionals transitioning into senior strategic leadership roles.
The University’s commitment to this digital transformation has been formally recognized with the CIMA FLP University Excellence Award for 2025. This accolade honours UJ for its outstanding partnership and for being the Best CIMA FLP reseller. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the UJ team, including Amanda Mhlongo, Samukelisiwe Sithole, and Darmisha Dhana, alongside CIMA’s Blessing Mayeza and Kabelo Nkadimeng. Since its inception in 2022, the program has enrolled 597 students across the Operational, Management, and Strategic levels, consistently fostering an environment where excellence can thrive.
“The Department of Accountancy extends its sincere appreciation for the recognition received through this prestigious award. The Department offers an excellent CIMA programme, and this achievement is a testament to the quality and impact of the CIMA FLP programme. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to Ms Amanda Mhlongo and the entire team on receiving the 2025 CIMA University Excellence Award,” said Professor Ahmed Haji, Head of the Department of Accountancy at UJ.
Prof Haji added that this achievement reflects the dedication of the team: “This outstanding achievement reflects the dedication and commitment of our passionate staff, who consistently go the extra mile to support and develop our students and create an environment where excellence can thrive. We are extremely proud of this recognition and grateful to everyone who contributes to the continued success and growth of the programme,” he said.
This 2025 award marks the second major accolade for the program, following the 2023 CGMA Leadership Distinguished University Partner Award in Africa. UJ was previously recognized for having the highest number of students passing the Strategic Case Study exam and the largest number of scheduled CGMA exams in Africa during 2023. Furthermore, the University secured the best pass rate in the CGMA Strategic Case Study exam in Africa between 2021 and 2023, while achieving the third-highest number of CIMA exams completed by members across the continent. These milestones underscore UJ’s mission to manage internal and external stakeholder relationships effectively to ensure the continued growth of the program.
Lead Advisor from CIMA, Kabelo Nkadimeng congratulated the University; “Congratulations on being the Best FLP University Reseller! We look forward to achieving even more wins together. This is a huge achievement and a true reflection of the amazing work your team is doing,” he said.
The impact of the FLP is most evident in the professional journeys of its alumni. For many, the program represented a shift from traditional academic learning to a more practical, managerial mindset.
Jeremie Mabilo Kakesse, a Finance Manager at Mercedes-Benz South Africa, noted that the program helped him grow beyond a graduate mindset to begin operating at a managerial level, strengthening his technical foundation while developing a strategic perspective on finance and organizational performance.
“I joined the FLP at the University of Johannesburg to complete my Management Level case study exam as a UJ Academic Trainee, after graduating with an Advanced Diploma in Financial Management, which was a defining part of my development. It helped me grow beyond a graduate mindset and begin thinking and operating at a managerial level,” Mabilo said.
He added that through the programe he strengthened his technical foundation in management accounting: I strengthened my technical foundation in management accounting while developing sharper business judgement, decision-making ability, and a more strategic perspective on how finance supports organisational performance. Being involved academically also pushed me to engage more deeply with the material and support others in their learning, which strengthened my communication and leadership skills. Overall, the experience has played an important role in shaping my confidence, business acumen, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to more strategic and managerial environments,” he said.
Similarly, Lonwabo Chirwa, an M&A Analyst, highlighted that moving away from the traditional exam route provided a more practical experience that allowed for the direct application of concepts in the workplace.
A core strength of the CGMA FLP is its ability to minimize barriers to entry, such as time constraints and costs. Sylvester Musedemba emphasized that the program reflects CIMA’s status as a flexible professional body that promotes modern finance professionals by offering self-study options with ample digital support. Thapelo Padi, a Financial Analyst, shared that the self-paced structure allowed for a balance between full-time work and consistent academic progress. This flexibility ensures that aspiring CGMAs can continue developing professionally without compromising their existing work commitments.
As UJ looks toward the future, the program continues to serve as a beacon for academic excellence and student success. For administrators and graduates alike, the FLP is not just about a qualification, but about the ability to mentor and uplift the next generation of finance leaders. By providing a supportive pathway for aspiring professionals, UJ is ensuring that its students are ready to contribute meaningfully to the global financial landscape.