The Durban University of Technology (DUT) ACFE SA Student Chapter has been named Student Chapter of the Year at the 19th Annual ACFE Africa Conference and Exhibition, recently held at the Sandton Convention Centre.
The award marks a significant achievement for the chapter, which was officially launched in November 2025 during International Fraud Awareness Week. Established following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between DUT and ACFE South Africa in November 2024, the chapter earned the recognition less than a year after its launch, competing against chapters from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Stellenbosch University.
Introduced for the first time by ACFE, the Student Chapter of the Year Award recognises student chapters for their initiatives, workshops, awareness campaigns, membership recruitment and participation in conferences and industry events. Assessment criteria included chapter activity, engagement and commitment, with self-funded initiatives serving as an added advantage.
For the DUT chapter, the recognition reflects a year of student-led activities aimed at raising awareness about fraud, strengthening professional networks and connecting academic learning with industry practice.
Chapter President Asanda Chonco, a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting student, said the achievement was the result of sustained engagement and a programme of activities designed to make a difference.
“Our contribution was anchored on impactful programming and active presence,” he said.
One of the chapter’s key initiatives was its two-in-one launch programme, which marked its official establishment and introduced its flagship event, Beyond the Ledger. The programme sought to raise awareness about fraud while bridging the gap between academic theory and professional practice by connecting students with industry experts.
The chapter also participated in the 19th Annual ACFE Africa Conference and Exhibition, where members showcased their activities and engaged with fraud examination and governance professionals from across the globe.
Chonco said the announcement of the award came as a surprise, particularly given that it was the first time the accolade had been presented and that DUT had the newest student chapter among the participating institutions.
“To be honest, it was never expected. This was the first-ever Student Chapter of the Year Award and we are the newest student chapter amongst all others, so we did not go with any expectations of winning. Being recognised by a global professional body in front of such a distinguished audience is out of this world. The feeling cannot be expressed in words. It was a huge highlight of the conference and a truly rewarding recognition of all the sweat we have put in,” he explained.
Professor Ferina Marimuthu, Head of the Department of Financial Accounting and project leader of the MoU, described the achievement as a reflection of the students’ commitment and the partnership between DUT and ACFE South Africa.
“This award represents an extraordinary milestone in a very short period of time and reflects the dedication of our students, staff and the strong partnership between DUT and ACFE South Africa. Our journey began in November 2024 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DUT and ACFE SA. One year later, during International Fraud Awareness Week in November 2025, we officially launched the DUT ACFE SA Student Chapter. To be recognised as Student Chapter of the Year in less than a year since its launch is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the commitment, leadership and enthusiasm of our student members,” said Marimuthu.
She congratulated the Executive Committee and chapter members on their dedication and contributions, noting that their activities have helped establish a strong foundation for the chapter.
Since its launch, the chapter has created opportunities for students to engage with professional bodies and organisations, including the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), PwC, ACFE and the South African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA). These engagements have enabled members to build professional networks and gain insights into the industry beyond the classroom.
The chapter’s Executive Committee comprises President Asanda Chonco, a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting student; Vice-President Qiniso Mthethwa, a Master of ICT student; Secretary Snenhlanhla Gumbi, a Master of Accounting student; Treasurer Busisiwe Mzila, a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting student; Project Officer Zanele Zuma, a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting student; and Social Media Officer Thobani Gabuza, an Honours in ICT student. The team has led the chapter’s activities, organised events, promoted fraud awareness and encouraged student participation.
Looking ahead, the chapter aims to register formally as a DUT Club and Society, strengthen collaboration with student chapters at other universities, grow its membership and secure sponsorship to expand its programmes.
Its upcoming activities include participation in Regional Fraud Awareness Week on 18 November 2026, when DUT students will take part in a debate alongside members of the UKZN Student Chapter.
The award marks an important milestone for the student leaders and the wider DUT community. Through its continued work in fraud awareness, ethical leadership and professional development, the chapter is helping prepare students to enter the workplace with a stronger understanding of professional integrity and the role they can play in addressing fraud and corruption.
Pictured: Attendees at the 19th Annual ACFE Africa Conference and Exhibition.
Sinamile Sithole
