At Southern Africa 360, being women-owned isn’t just a title—it’s a philosophy that lives in the everyday. It’s reflected in the way growth is nurtured, potential is recognised, and women are encouraged to step into their own strength. Because when one woman rises, she creates space for others to do the same.
This is the journey of a Junior Bookkeeper who began with a simple but powerful intention: to build independence and create a future grounded in skill and self-belief.
“I just wanted to be able to stand on my own two feet, wanting to learn and acquire a skill,” she shared when reflecting on what inspired her to start as a trainee intern at Southern Africa 360. That mindset became the foundation of everything that followed.
Her path naturally led her into bookkeeping—a space where her love for numbers could thrive across industries, particularly within travel. “I love working with numbers… accounting/bookkeeping in general is something I enjoy no matter the industry. I was given the opportunity to do it in this industry, which I am very grateful for,” she explained.
Balancing work while studying through the Junior Bookkeeping programme with ICB, supported by the SA College of Business, required structure, discipline, and trust in the process. The flexibility of self-study allowed her to manage both responsibilities effectively, while support remained accessible whenever needed.
Motivation came from a clear vision of the future. “It was mostly in keeping my mind on where I want to be in terms of my qualifications and also setting a deadline for myself,” she said. Encouragement from colleagues also played a meaningful role, with regular check-ins helping to keep her accountable and focused on results rather than intention alone.
Like many growth journeys, hers came with challenges. Delays at the start of her course tested her patience, but she remained grounded in her long-term goals. “What helped me push through… was thinking of the end goal rather than the current situation.”
Moments of self-doubt were also part of the process. “Yes, many times,” she admitted. “Because it was self-study I doubted myself after each and every paper.” In those moments, the support of family, friends, and colleagues became a source of strength, offering reassurance when confidence wavered.
Today, as she progresses toward a senior level role, her perspective has evolved. “Personally, it means more responsibility and accountability. A lot more will be expected of me… I just really want to live up to those expectations.” It’s a mindset rooted not in perfection, but in effort, consistency, and the willingness to grow into new levels of responsibility.
Her long-term ambition is to reach technical financial accounting—a space that reflects both depth and mastery. “Wanting to be competent in what I do, and living up to the expectations that people expect of an accountant,” she shared.
Working within the travel industry has further shaped her understanding of finance and business. It has strengthened her grasp of cash flow, sharpened her ability to focus on facts over assumptions, and highlighted the importance of being assertive—skills that are essential in any strong business environment.
For those just starting out, her advice is both practical and empowering: “The first step is to do a self-examination and figure out what your strengths are or what you love doing… The best thing is to make the most of the opportunity you get and find a way to incorporate your strength into it.”
At Southern Africa 360, stories like this are a reminder that growth is not always loud or immediate—it is steady, intentional, and built over time.
0 Comments