A cancer diagnosis, professional setbacks and a long road to recovery could not extinguish Refilwe Mogoto's ambition to become a chartered accountant (CA). Today, the trainee accountant in the City of Johannesburg's Academy for Chartered Accountants (ACA) is closer to achieving her dream, having overcome significant personal and professional challenges along the way.
Originally from Mokopane, Limpopo, Mogoto developed a passion for numbers while growing up. She was fascinated not only by calculations but also by the bigger stories that numbers tell. Her father, who works in the finance sector, further inspired her.
She obtained an accounting science degree and initial postgraduate qualification from the University of Limpopo before beginning her articles at a previous employer. However, her first attempt at the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) was unsuccessful.
The experience prompted her to seek an environment that would offer greater professional exposure and development. “I realised that I needed a different environment, one that would challenge me, expose me to greater complexity and provide the professional development I needed to grow," she says.
That search led her to Johannesburg, where she joined the City's accounting training programme in 2023. But what should have been an exciting new chapter took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with cancer shortly after securing her place in the programme.
“It was one of the most difficult periods of my life. I will always be grateful for the support I received through my training office and the City. Access to medical aid assisted with treatment costs, while sick leave and incapacity leave gave me the opportunity to focus on my recovery," she says.
After recovering, Mogoto returned to her professional journey, only to face another setback when she unfortunately could not write her next IAC attempt, due to her health. Determined to strengthen her knowledge, she enrolled for a postgraduate diploma in accounting science through Milpark in 2025, completing it in early 2026. Her persistence paid off in June 2026 when she passed the IAC on her next attempt.
“This achievement was particularly meaningful because of everything I had overcome along the way. I am now preparing for my final Assessment of Professional Competence, with the goal of qualifying as a chartered accountant," she says.
She credits the City's training environment with providing valuable exposure to the financial complexities of metropolitan government, while also supporting her through a difficult period. Her experience has reinforced the importance of resilience, perseverance and remaining committed to one's goals, even when the journey takes unexpected turns. Mogoto's faith has also been a constant source of strength. She draws inspiration from Matthew 19:26: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
With the final professional assessment ahead, Mogoto is determined to complete her journey and add the CA designation to her name.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
13/11/2026
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