Empowering South Africa’s Youth: Over 3350 learners to attend the SAICA FASSET Development Camps this month

More than 3350 high school learners will attend the FASSET SAICA Development Camps across South Africa’s nine provinces this youth month to harness their academic potential and achieve the results needed to pursue careers in high-demand professions.

A collaborative effort between the Provincial Departments of Basic Education, SAICA and the Finance and Accounting Sector Education and Training (FASSET), the camps take place annually during the winter holidays for a minimum of seven days. They offer academically talented grade 12 learners from quintile 1 to quintile 3 schools, additional academic support in subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Science, and Accounting.

Established to grow the pipeline of disadvantaged learners who wish to study towards a career in Chartered Accountancy, the camps also aim to increase the percentage of African or Coloured learners passing Mathematics who wish to join other scarce-skill professions.

During the camps, educators are supported by SAICA’s Project Managers for Transformation and Growth and camp leaders who are tertiary students pursuing accounting programmes at SAICA-accredited universities. Each day is unique and allows learners to gain and entrench knowledge. In addition to academic support, the camps offer life/soft skills training, university application process and career guidance – equipping learners with the tools they need to make informed and wise career choices.

“Our development camps provide immense value to learners by fostering educational excellence and professional growth among South Africa’s youth. We make it our priority to ensure that learners who attend these camps are empowered with the necessary study skills and examination techniques to excel in their studies”, says Ms Gugu Makhanya, SAICA’s Executive for Transformational Projects. “We also pride ourselves with the educators identified by the provincial departments of education, based on their excellent track record in teaching and learning to teach at the camps”, continues Makhanya.

The success of the SAICA FASSET Development Camps is best illustrated through the achievements of its past attendees. For the past 22 years, the camps have empowered thousands of disadvantaged learners, with many going on to excel in their studies and thrive in their professional careers while serving as role models to current learners.

Earlier this year, four learners who attended the camps in 2023, were announced amongst the country’s top achievers by the then Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga for the National Senior Certificate (NSC).

To assess the learners’ performance and improvement throughout the camp, the learners write a pre-test on arrival and a post-test towards the end of each camp. On the last day of the camp, special recognition is given to the top performers in Mathematics, Science, and Accountancy – highlighting their hard work and dedication.

“Our partnership with SAICA carries instrumental value and is vital in enhancing the capabilities of our matriculants. It also ensures that they better their chances of entering higher education institutions and eventually the employment pool within the finance and accounting services sector”, says Ms Ayanda Mafuleka CA(SA), FASSET CEO.

2024 SAICA FASSET Development Camps schedule:

For more information about the SAICA FASSET Development Camps and opportunities to support or participate in this transformative initiative, please visit the SAICA website.

About SAICA

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), South Africa’s pre-eminent accountancy body, is recognised as the world’s leading accounting institute and is home to the leading CA designation in the world. The Institute provides a wide range of support services to more than 50 000 members and associates who are chartered accountants (CAs[SA]), as well as associate general accountants (AGAs[SA]) and accounting technicians (ATs[SA]), who hold positions as CEOs, MDs, board directors, business owners, chief financial officers, auditors and leaders in every sphere of commerce and industry, and who play a significant role in the nation’s highly dynamic business sector and economic development.

Chartered Accountants are highly valued for their versatile skill set and creative lateral thinking, that's why all of the top 100 Global Brands employ Chartered Accountants.

SAICA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1,8 million fellow Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop, and promote the role of Chartered Accountants as trusted business leaders, difference-makers, and advisers.

SAICA Media Contacts

Kgauhelo Dioka,
***@saica.co.za
Project Manager: Communications
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Renette Human,
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Project Director: Communications
SAICA Brand Division