Boniswa Siwundla Madikizela made a bold leap from senior corporate banking to academia, trading financial security for a “step into purpose.” Today, she is a senior lecturer and PhD candidate in accounting education at the University of Johannesburg, exploring how family financial socialisation shapes young people’s money mindsets. In the classroom, she thrives — preparing lectures, guiding bursary and placement applications, and mentoring first-generation graduates. Affectionately known as “Sis B,” she inspires students navigating higher education without familial guidance, combining expertise with empathy. Her academic journey spans a BCom in Accounting from Wits, a Master’s in International Accounting from UJ, and leadership fellowships at Harvard and INSEAD. Boniswa’s impact extends beyond teaching. She founded FLIC_SA, a platform promoting financial literacy — a crucial skill in today’s world — and has been recognised with the AWCA Trailblazer in Academia Award. Balancing motherhood and a demanding career, she embodies leadership grounded in integrity: “You can’t lead without serving first, and you can’t serve without living in truth.” Her story reflects a dedication to shaping not just minds but futures, empowering the next generation of financially conscious leaders. Through mentorship, advocacy, and scholarship, Boniswa continues to transform lives— turning knowledge into opportunity and purpose into lasting impact.
QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD Candidate in Accounting Education, University of Johannesburg (*in progress)
- Chartered Accountant CA(SA), South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
- Master of Commerce in International Accounting, University of Johannesburg
- Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting (CTA), University of Johannesburg
- Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, University of the Witwatersrand
- Executive Leadership Training: Women Leading Global Change, INSEAD Business School (France), via IWF Fellows Program
- Executive Leadership Training: Leadership Fellows Program, Harvard Business School (USA), via IWF Fellows Program
- Thought Leadership for Africa’s Renewal, Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Transition to Academia (2011) – leaving a successful corporate career as financial manager (head of finance) for the Investor Services Division at Standard Bank to join the University of Johannesburg as a lecturer — choosing meaning over prestige and stepping into education with courage
- Motherhood – raising my two daughters, while navigating the demands of academia, governance, and leadership. They remain my greatest teachers and one of my proudest achievements.
- Trailblazer in Academia Award (2021) – recognised by the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) for innovation, passion, and influence in shaping the next generation of accountants.
- International Women’s Forum Fellowship (2020–2021) – selected as one of 28 women globally, completing executive leadership training at Harvard Business School and INSEAD, and joining a global network of transformative women leaders.
- Founding FLIC_SA (Financial Literacy & Inclusion Centre of Southern Africa) – establishing a non-profit dedicated to cultivating financial literacy through innovative, community-based programmes that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and everyday financial realities.
