Peer Support for Accounting Students: Milpark’s ATL Programme

Milpark’s structured support offers academic, professional and personal guidance to students throughout their studies. The ATL Programme plays a vital role in this support system. It’s one part of Milpark’s multi-layered student success framework.

• One-on-one and group consultations.
• Timely academic support via Viva Engage and the Helpdesk.
• Practical guidance from graduates who understand the journey.

Beyond ATLs, Milpark students also benefit from:

• Structured schedules with weekly material and practice questions.
• Live weekly sessions with lecturers and ATLs.
• A mentoring programme.
• The Student Success and Wellness Team that offers support on time management, stress and mental well-being.

The integrated support available in the School of Professional Accounting not only enhances student success rates, it also helps to foster a strong sense of community and academic confidence.

“Operationally and relationally, the ATLs bring immense value. They are an integral part of our team.” – Louise Maritz.

For more on Milpark’s exceptional support for accounting students, read: Success Beyond Numbers.

Milpark appoints ATLs for the four key accounting disciplines – Financial Reporting, Management Accounting & Finance, Taxation and Corporate Governance & Auditing. All are recent Milpark PGDA graduates who are passionate about helping other students succeed.

We asked the 2025 ATL team members to share an inspiring quote:

Inga Mqhavule – Assistant Lecturer in Management Accounting & Finance: “Balancing numbers, building trust, driving success.”

Hannah Thompson – Academic Trainee in Management Accounting & Finance: “Strength does not come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.”

Lucas Pule – Assistant Lecturer in Financial Reporting: “Resilience through adversity.”

Bongani Sikakane – Academic Trainee in Financial Reporting, with three years in the insurance sector: ’Put the work in – effort drives success.”

Phophi Makoko – Assistant Lecturer in Corporate Governance & Auditing, with 10 years of audit experience: “Take a clear-eyed look at your weaknesses - not to feel less confident, but to know exactly what to work on.”

Kgothatso Rametsi – Academic Trainee in Corporate Governance and Auditing: “Ubuntu - I am because we are.”

Onalenna Mogapi – Academic Trainee in Taxation, with a research background in cryptocurrencies and finance: “Education thrives through relatability.”

Yolanda Sapho – Academic Trainee in Taxation: “You must not look at your circumstances and think they determine your future – you determine your future.”

Read More: From Failing to Passing at Milpark.

The Assistant Lecturer and Academic Trainee roles offer PGDA graduates a valuable opportunity to gain real-world academic experience while developing essential professional skills. As part of Milpark’s educational team, ATLs:

• Develop leadership and teaching skills through hands-on experience.
• Gain confidence in engaging with students and faculty.
• Build professional mentoring and coaching experience.

• A two-week onboarding programme with Academic Coordinator Louise Maritz.
• Ongoing training from their subject team
• Ongoing mentorship and peer collaboration for professional growth.
• Support networks, where ATLs share insights, develop their teaching approach and even form study groups for the APC exam.

For many, this is their first professional role - an opportunity to work in a high-performance academic team at one of South Africa’s leading accounting schools.

It can also be a stepping stone to full-time lecturing. Former ATLs Tariq, Zoe and Leandra are now junior lecturers in the postgraduate team.

Read what Tariq has to say about Milpark’s bridging course: SAICA Recognition Opens Doors for Advanced Accounting Students.

If you're a high-achieving PGDA/CTA student passionate about mentoring and teaching, the ATL Programme is a career-boosting opportunity to develop leadership and academic skills. Applications for 2026 open later in the year – keep an eye out for announcements.

“Just do it! Don’t overthink it. If you have even the smallest spark for teaching, the ATL experience will be amazing.” - Louise Maritz.

Milpark’s ATL Programme is more than just a teaching opportunity - it’s a way for accounting alumni to give back while growing professionally. ATLs provide invaluable academic support for students, ensuring a structured, interactive learning experience.

Louise Maritz, Academic Coordinator in Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect) and the ATL Programme Coordinator, is a qualified chartered accountant (CA(SA)), a highly experienced educator and a passionate advocate for student success. Read more about Louise’s journey here or connect with her on LinkedIn here.

Milpark’s BCom in Accounting and Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA/CTA) provide the first fully online, SAICA-accredited pathway to becoming a CA(SA) in South Africa. 

If you’re ready to take your career in accounting forward, explore Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect).