The University of Zululand (UNIZULU), in partnership with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the King Cetshwayo District (KCD), successfully hosted the recent 2026 Mathematics, Accounting and Physical Sciences Educators (MAPS) Seminar at BON Hotel Empangeni.
The seminar is an annual event organised by UNIZULU’s Communications and Marketing Division (CMD). It provides a vital platform for educators to share best practices, strengthen collaboration, and inspire one another through sessions expertly guided by seasoned facilitators in the three subjects. This year’s seminar amassed a total of 143 educators – 50 in the mathematics group, 46 in accounting and 47 in physical sciences.
According to Siphelele Khomo, Head of the Department of Accounting and Auditing, the UNIZULU-SAICA-KCD partnership is vital. “We are very grateful for this partnership; this is a nation building partnership. And, I always say to myself, when you empower teachers, you empower the nation,” she stated.
Khomo praised the Department of Basic Education for its excellent curriculum and highlighted the importance of empowering teachers through such platforms. She applauded educators for their dedication, noting their role in increasing the pass rate and positioning KwaZulu-Natal as number one in the national matric results.
Mandisa Poswa, Programme Director and Manager of Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS), echoed this sentiment, sharing a powerful message: “A light that is shared, is multiplied.” She explained that the knowledge gained at the seminar would multiply in classrooms across the district. Poswa also commended the King Cetshwayo Department of Basic Education for its strong curriculum, revealing that many of UNIZULU’s students were products of schools in the district.
SAICA Project Director Lwando Bantom underscored the organisation’s role in governing the chartered accountancy profession and addressed the shortage of chartered accountants in South Africa, particularly within coloured communities. He also shared his sentiments in terms of the three-way partnership for the seminar.
“We are honoured as SAICA to be part of this partnership. The Department of Education is our key stakeholder. We cannot function without the Department of Education. They are the custodians of those schools that we need to tap into so we can encourage [learners] to take Maths so they can qualify as chartered accountants.”
The seminar concluded with breakaway sessions for each of the groups of teachers. designed for educators in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Accounting. Each subject area was led by a dedicated facilitator who guided participants through targeted activities relevant to their discipline. Mathematics teachers explored creative approaches to enhance classroom instruction, Physical Sciences educators engaged in practical experiments to strengthen their hands-on application of concepts, while accounting educators examined advanced methods to refine their teaching practices.
While giving the vote of thanks, CMD Director Siyanda Mntambo extended heartfelt appreciation to all facilitators and educators for their contribution to the success of this impactful seminar. He also recognised Nompilo Dlamini, CMD’s Public Relations Officer, for her dedication and leadership in the planning of the event.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to our key stakeholders, particularly the Department of Basic Education and SAICA, for their continued support, collaboration and commitment to advancing quality education in mathematics, physical sciences, and accounting. Your partnership plays a vital role in empowering educators and shaping the future of our learners.”
– Sbahle Dumakude
Picture: Xolani Ncube
