From ICU to APC: Mbusi Ndlovu’s Story of Survival & Success

19 September 2024

Written by Milpark

Having completed PGDA piecemeal (without CTA) in 2020 after a number of attempts at the CTA exams with his previous academic institution, Mbusi could not gain entry to SAICA’s ITC Exam. Following a near-fatal battle with COVID-19, Mbusi Ndlovu's resolve to become a SAICA-accredited Chartered Accountant (CA) was stronger than ever.

Now having triumphantly completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA/CTA) at Milpark, Mbusi shares the strategies that helped him achieve academic success in the ITC exams and affirmed his complete recovery.

Facing Death and Finding Purpose

Mbusi worked for Assurance Services at Deloitte in Johannesburg when COVID-19 struck. “I was healthy, active and a non-smoker, but ended up in ICU for over three months. Even with excellent medical care, there were times the doctors thought they were losing me.”

The time in ICU was followed by weeks of rehabilitation. “I’d not moved for months and couldn’t even get out of bed unassisted. I had to learn how to walk and talk again, all while preparing mentally to pursue my CTA journey.”

After his life-threating experience, Mbusi felt he had been given a second chance. “It was time to achieve the one goal that had eluded me – qualifying as a CA.”

Overcoming Fear of Failure

Determined to give himself the best chance of success, Mbusi looked for a programme suited to his learning style. Milpark’s PGDA, the first and fully online SAICA-accredited CTA, offered guidance, support, flexibility and interaction he felt he needed in his ITC exams.

“Because I struggled to balance CTA with working full time in the past, I knew I needed a very structured programme this time around, with easy access to resources and a strong support system. The programme was everything Milpark promised.”

The continuous engagement and sense of community helped Mbusi stay focused, “The week-by-week approach with live sessions gets you into a groove. You’re alerted almost immediately if you start falling behind. ”

There were times he felt overwhelmed, “When I reached out to student support they always responded quickly and encouraged me to keep going.”

A Bigger Dream Within Reach

After joining Milpark CTA’s programme in July 2023, and having passed CTA in the April 2024 Exam sitting, this gave Mbusi the opportunity to sit for the June 2024 SAICA Initial Test of Competence (ITC) Exam and was successful in his first attempt with ITC.

Mbusi is now preparing for his final APC board exam, the last step before achieving SAICA accreditation: “Passing CTA has validated my technical competency and boosted my confidence.”

His ambitions extend beyond his own professional success. “I’ve always wanted to help people reach their potential and become CAs. To do that, I needed to walk the journey myself, and thanks to Milpark, I am doing just that.” My involvement with the SAICA Thuthuka Alumni Committee alludes to that, I want to make a meaningful difference.

Lessons in Success

Mbusi shared five tactics that have helped him achieve success this time around.

Open communication with your employer is key. “I had a conversation with the Partner and my work coach at Deloitte and that while I embark on this CTA journey, I’m going to give work by best from 8 to 5, but after that, it is study time. Setting clear boundaries allowed me to focus on my studies without compromising my work responsibilities and luckily for me, my team’s commitment to supporting individual development and work-life balance enabled me to enforce this.”
Time management is another critical factor. “Each week, you receive access to material for the following week’s topics, in line with the pre-course developed timetable. It’s up to you to put in the hours and pace yourself. The course is structured to enable you to work consistently on specific topics, week-in, week-out. Make time to study every day. On the weekends, schedule study periods with breaks in between.”
Reach out when things get too much, or you don’t understand. “When I sent a query to a lecturer or student support, I would get a response within 24 to 48 hours. Milpark’s team is there to support you all the way.”
Participate and engage. “Milpark makes it possible to connect with other students and lecturers. Use the live sessions, one-to-one consults, and tools like Viva Engage to ask course-related questions - a fellow student or lecturer will respond.”
Share your dream. Mbusi stresses the importance of staying connected with loved ones and people who will support you in the journey and maintaining a balance in life. “Talk to the people close to you. When they know what you are working towards, they will cheer you on even during times where you feel the journey is too long and lonely.”

Inspiration and Next Steps

Mbusi’s inspiring story is a testament to what can be achieved with determination and a supportive educational environment.

For him, finally passing the CTA after his harrowing life-threatening experience, is proof that he has fully recovered – mentally and emotionally. “It has changed my entire outlook and done wonders for self-confidence.”

I wish to leave you with these final words of encouragement:

“Life has no formula, and we all have our own lived experiences, no matter the curveball that life throws at you, if you have a dream, protect it and fight for it. To CTA students in particular, consistency and application (practice) is key. If you get stuck, ask for help and do not shy away from tackling your weaknesses head on! You’ve got this.”

In Conclusion

Mbusi’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, determination and the right support system. His achievements show that with the right mindset and resources, overcoming even the most daunting challenges, including passing the ITC exams, is possible.

If you’re ready to prove something to yourself, explore Milpark’s PGDA/CTA program. With a structured, supportive approach that’s designed to fit the needs of working professionals, Milpark could be the key to unlocking your dreams.

If you're inspired by Mbusi's story and ready to take the next step towards becoming a Chartered Accountant, now is the time to start your CTA journey with CA Connect.

Milpark Education's comprehensive programs designed to help you achieve success in your journey and reach your full potential. Begin your journey today by visiting our website to learn more about the PGDA/CTA and other programs offered by Milpark Education.