University of Johannesburg: UJ’s accountancy lecturer scoops Woman Academic of the Year at ABASA Awards

A senior lecturer from the Department of Accountancy, within the College of Business and Economics (CBE) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), has been awarded a prominent award for her work in raising the profile of women in accountancy.

Ms Akona Babana picked up this year’s Woman Academic of the Year prize at the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa (ABASA) Recognition Awards, for her exceptional effort and dedication in accountancy careers for women. This work has informed teaching innovations which have been incorporated into UJ’s theory of accounting programme.

ABASA in partnership with SAGE, Old Mutual and the South African Institute of Government Auditors (“SAIGA”) hosted their 1st Annual ABASA Women Leading Conference from 30 August to 3 September 2021.

Babana lectures Accounting to third-year CA-stream students. “To receive this award of honour from an organisation with such a remarkable impact on the accounting profession fills my heart with so much gratitude. I often say, I do what I do because I would like to change South Africa.”

ABASA was established in 1985 to promote the professional interests of Black persons engaged in the accounting profession. ABASA is committed and dedicated in this pursuit and is driven by the need to ensure that every black accountant and aspiring accountant can realize their full potential and aspirations.

UJ’s Head of Department of Accountancy, Prof Ben Marx commended Babana’s efforts to raise awareness of the opportunities open to individuals within the industry. “Akona fully deserves this great accolade for her passion, commitment and innovation towards our students. She is true testimony to the mission of the Department to educate critical thinking and ethical accountants of the future.”