Durban University of Technology (DUT) lecturer Adele Robinson recently moderated a panel discussion at the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) eThekwini Young Professional Connect, held at The Edward Hotel in Durban.
The panel discussion, themed “Resilient Young Professionals: Leading with Purpose, Influence and Impact”, featured technology entrepreneur Praneetha Aniruth, alongside Standard Bank representatives Imraan Adams and Nikhailyn Rambali. The discussion explored the changing world of work, the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), financial wellbeing and the qualities needed to build sustainable professional careers.
During the discussion, Robinson encouraged young professionals to embrace technology, uphold ethical standards and lead with purpose as they navigate an increasingly complex and competitive workplace.
The event brought together students, graduates and young professionals with leaders from government, business and the finance sector. The programme also included a keynote address by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance, the Honourable Francois Rodgers, who spoke about the role of professionalism in the economy.
Reflecting on the discussion, Robinson highlighted three key messages: embracing technology and AI while remaining accountable for one’s work; establishing strong financial foundations through early saving and wise investment; and leading through purpose and character rather than titles.
“Technology does not carry our responsibility for us. We must embrace innovation while retaining our professional judgement, accountability and integrity,” she emphasised.
For Robinson, the opportunity to moderate the discussion was particularly meaningful given her own academic and professional journey at DUT. She completed her National Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting (Cum Laude), followed by a BTech in Cost and Management Accounting and a Master of Accounting. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Accounting.
She is also a Professional Accountant (SA) and Professional Tax Practitioner (SA), registered with SAIPA. Having progressed through the same academic environment as many of the students attending the event, she understands the challenges and opportunities facing aspiring accounting professionals.
Since 2024, Robinson has been on full-time study leave to pursue her doctoral studies, supported by the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP), in partnership with the FirstRand Foundation.
She believes resilience is particularly important for young professionals as AI transforms routine tasks, economic pressures intensify and competition for employment increases. In the accounting profession, this also means maintaining ethical standards and making sound decisions, even under pressure.
“Resilience allows young professionals to adapt, recover from setbacks and continue growing. In accounting, it also means holding on to your ethics under pressure,” she said.
Robinson also highlighted the responsibility of universities to ensure that graduates are prepared for the realities of the workplace. She advocates for integrating technology, data analytics and AI into academic programmes while equipping students to critically evaluate the information and outputs generated by these tools.
She further emphasised the importance of work-integrated learning, industry partnerships and developing professional competencies such as communication, ethical decision-making and adaptability.
“Universities should prepare graduates not only with technical knowledge but also with the ability to communicate effectively, exercise professional judgement and demonstrate resilience. Encouraging students to join professional bodies early also helps them develop their professional identity and remain relevant in the market,” she explained.
Offering advice to DUT students and graduates, Robinson encouraged them to take responsibility for their professional development by seeking mentorship, building meaningful networks and committing to lifelong learning.
“Be patient with yourself but never stop learning. Your early setbacks do not define your career. Build relationships with mentors and professional bodies, and keep your ethics non-negotiable. Accounting is about building trust. Lead with purpose and integrity, and the impact will follow,” she concluded.
Through her academic journey, professional involvement and engagement with industry, Robinson continues to demonstrate the importance of connecting higher education with professional practice, while encouraging the next generation of graduates to become responsible, resilient and influential professionals.
Pictured: DUT lecturer in the Department of Financial Accounting, Adele Robinson, after moderating a panel discussion at SAIPA’s eThekwini Young Professional Connect.
Picture: Supplied
Simangele Zuma
