From Failure to Fourth: Kidesh’s CTA Comeback

Alumni Impact

14 Apr 2025

How would you feel if you gave it everything - and still failed?

That’s what happened to Durban-based Kidesh Rajcoomar, an aspiring accounting graduate, who was “shattered” when he unexpectedly failed his CTA. His dream of becoming a chartered accountant CA(SA) seemed out of reach.

Then, he discovered Milpark Education’s Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA/CTA) – and the half-workload option that changed everything. Two years later, Kidesh not only passed – he graduated fourth out of more than 1,000 students.

His encouraging story - from failure to fourth - is fuelled by resilience, faith and the right support at the right time. Want to know more about Milpark’s PGDA/CTA for working professionals? Visit the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting course page.

From Top Student to PGDA Failure

Although Kidesh had been a high-flyer at school and university, he encountered more than one challenge in qualifying as a chartered accountant. The first was in 2021, when NSFAS withdrew postgraduate funding, forcing him to drop out.

He then worked as an articles clerk before boldly pursuing a full-time PGDA. “I invested every rand I’d saved and gave it absolutely everything, studying for 12 hours a day. I knew what was on the line and what I was fighting for.”

Things unravelled during his final exams when “the rails fell off”. He was crushed to learn he had failed. “It broke me. It felt like the end.”

While his peers progressed in their accounting careers, Kidesh was stuck. “I felt worthless. I contemplated a career change, thinking I wasn’t cut out to be a CA.” He turned inward, prayed and asked for guidance.

A Second Chance with Milpark’s CTA

Although he doubted whether he had what it took, Kidesh accepted an opportunity at BDO Durban - an accounting firm that encouraged trainees to complete the PGDA and offered financial support.

Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect) came highly recommended and stood out for several reasons: SAICA accreditation, consistently high ITC pass rates, strong academic support, and a flexible online learning model designed for working professionals.

What began as a reluctant commitment soon became a turning point. “To be honest, I didn’t believe I would pass. I did it because it was expected of me - and I didn’t want to let my employer down.”

Half the Workload, Twice the Support

One of the toughest aspects of the PGDA is passing all four modules within a single academic year - a significant challenge for anyone, especially those juggling work, family, or other responsibilities.

After failing the PGDA the first time, Kidesh’s confidence took a serious knock. Milpark’s half-workload option made it feel more manageable. “Spreading my PGDA over two years allowed time to manage articles and focus on each subject properly.”

The week-by-week course structure helped him stay on track. “Milpark gives you a weekly plan. You know exactly what to do and when.” And when he needed help, it was there – from Milpark’s Student Success and Wellness Team to the Viva Engage platform where students can post questions anytime. “It felt like I wasn’t alone. I always got responses within 24 to 48 hours.”

At Milpark, support doesn’t only come from lecturers. Recent PGDA graduates are hired as academic trainees and assistant lecturers, offering one-on-one consults, relatable advice and academic guidance from people who have recently walked the same road.

Learn more about how peer support is built into Milpark’s PGDA: Peer Support for Accounting Students.

What a Comeback: Top 4 at Milpark

Kidesh’s goal was to pass. He was in disbelief when he was told he’d placed fourth out of more than 1,000 students.

“I never thought I would finish in the Top 10. I was over the moon. I will be forever grateful to Milpark for giving me a platform to achieve this.”

For practical PGDA study advice: Tariq Khan’s PGDA Success Strategy

Key Takeaways – Lessons from the Low Point

Kidesh’s story offers valuable insights for any accounting student navigating self-doubt or setbacks. Here are three lessons he learned the hard way:

1. Failure isn’t final

A setback can shake your confidence. Take time to regroup emotionally before trying again – and make sure your next step includes the support you need.

2. Be open to new paths

Milpark’s structure, flexibility, and half-workload option made all the difference. Taking a different approach doesn’t mean giving up - it means setting yourself up to win.

3. Don’t go it alone

Faith, family and the right community can carry you when you’re not sure you can go further on your own.

Kidesh believes he is stronger because of the struggles he faced: “You write your own story. Challenges are gifts—they help shape you.”

Connect with Kidesh Rajcoomar on LinkedIn.

Ready to Rewrite Your Story?

Whether you're restarting after a setback or looking for a flexible online path to becoming a CA(SA), Milpark’s SAICA-accredited PGDA offers the structure, support and real-world relevance you need to succeed. Take the next step to CA(SA) with Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect) and the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA/CTA)

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