After qualifying as a chartered account­ant and becoming the first black African woman to be appointed as a partner by one of the big five accounting firms in South Africa, her accounting career culminated in her becoming Chairperson of Deloitte in 2005. She later broadened her strategic and leadership acumen by completing the Advanced Leadership Initiative Fellowship at Harvard University. She is also a Fellow of the Aspen Institute’s - Aspen Global Leadership Network, and a member of the International Women’s Forum.

Throughout her illustrious career, Ms Mtoba has been a dedicated advocate for trans­formation and empowerment within the accounting profession. She has played a pivotal role in mentoring young profession­als, particularly women, supporting their growth and leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her commit­ment to fostering inclusivity and diversity has contributed significantly to reshaping the professional landscape in South Africa. Among others, she was the first female presi­dent of both Business Unity South Africa — to date she remains the only woman to lead this apex business organisation — and the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ms Mtoba has been deeply involved in advanc­ing education and financial literacy. She has championed initiatives aimed at equipping under­privileged commu­nities with essential financial skills, recog­nising education as a powerful tool for social mobility and economic empowerment. She is the recipient of many awards, including the Nedbank Business­woman of the Year, the International Achievement Award (National Association of Black Accountants), in the USA and the African Women Chartered Accountants Woman of Substance Award.

Ms Mtoba’s contributions extend to various organisations focused on skills development, where she has worked tirelessly to improve access to quality education. She is the found­ering member of TEACH South Africa — a national programme that seeks to improve the quality of education and learner outcomes through effective teaching in the classroom.

Ms Mtoba’s leadership extends beyond the corporate sphere. She has served on numerous boards, including the Public Investment Corpo­ration, where she played a key role in shaping investment strategies that drive sustainable economic growth. Her extensive involvement in the non-profit sector reflects her passion for social change, particularly in education, gender equality and community development. Her influence in policymaking and governance continues to shape South Africa’s economic and educational sectors, ensuring that they become more inclusive and equitable.

Globally, she has served on the International Monetary Fund’s Advisory Group for Sub-Sa­haran Africa, the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Anti-corruption and Transparency, the United Nations Global Compact and the African Union Foundation, among others.

Her unwavering dedication to ethical leader­ship, excellence, and social responsibility has earned her numerous accolades, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the accounting profession. Her legacy is not only defined by her corporate achievements but also by her commitment to nurturing future gener­ations through mentorship, education, and advocacy.

Nelson Mandela University proudly recog­nises Ms Mtoba’s transformative impact on education and social equity. Her dedication to improving educational opportunities for underprivileged children, particularly through innovative teaching methods in Mathemat­ics, Science, Technology, and English, has positioned her as a highly esteemed leader in society. It is a privilege for the University to honour her with this Honorary Doctorate in Accounting.