Podcast sparks Shatona’s CA ambitions

For Tuli-meameno Shatona, becoming a chartered accountant began with a podcast she discovered in Grade 9.

Today, as a first-year chartered accountant trainee and audit associate at PwC Namibia, she is among the top five candidates in the January 2026 Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC).

Shatona’s curiosity about how businesses operate and how financial decisions shape organisations and communities influenced her interest in accountancy.

Her parents encouraged her to ask questions, think critically and never stop learning.

A defining moment came when she discovered CA Passport to the World, a podcast featuring Namibian chartered accountants sharing their experiences and career opportunities.

“For the first time, I could clearly see a career that combined my love for finance, my curiosity about different industries, and my desire to make a meaningful impact,” she told Careers.

Inspired, she pursued a bachelor of commerce in accounting sciences, graduating cum laude, followed by a postgraduate diploma in accounting sciences, both from the University of Pretoria.

Discipline under pressure

Preparing for professional examinations required discipline and careful planning. Shatona developed detailed study schedules, divided the workload into manageable tasks and created comprehensive notes to make revision more efficient.

“I learned a great deal about myself during exam preparation, particularly how I work best under pressure,” she explained.

“Every lecture attended, every concept understood, and every set of notes completed contributes to your success long before exam season begins,” she added, encouraging students to trust their preparation, remain curious and continue learning.

Although the pressure of the examinations sometimes triggered self-doubt, she relied on her preparation and the encouragement of family and friends.

She also credits her lecturers, mentors and PwC Namibia for their guidance and support throughout her development, including during her first year at university.

From theory to practiceHer experience as an audit associate has further strengthened her understanding of the profession. Working with clients in asset management, insurance and pension funds has shown her how classroom concepts translate into real business environments.

She has also discovered that auditing requires more than technical knowledge. Communication, teamwork, relationship-building and adaptability are equally important.

Shatona’s immediate goals are to complete her articles and remaining board examinations while developing into a well-rounded professional.