Cape Town – Unisa has hailed its College of Accounting Sciences, which it said was the biggest contributor of chartered accountants and accounting professionals.
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) released the Initial Test of Competency (ITC) results for June 2022, in which 1 658 candidates participated.
Unisa accounted for 1 011 candidates.
Out of the 1 658 candidates, only 412 candidates passed the examination and Unisa accounted for 168 of those candidates.
Despite Unisa obtaining a pass rate of 20% and 17% (overall 18%) in January and June respectively, it remained the biggest contributor of chartered accountants and accounting professionals, it said.
“Unisa contributed 11% (189 of 1 732) and 41% (168 of 412) to the total pass rate in January and June, respectively.
“We accounted for a total of 17% of the total pass rate, this means the remaining 83% is shared amongst the other 18 institutions.
“As per Saica’s analysis of the examination population, it reveals that a large percentage of African candidates complete their studies via accredited distance academic providers and these providers have a significant contribution to make in order for the profession to achieve its transformation objectives. As such, it is necessary for these institutions to continuously reflect on the efficacy of their programmes and strengthen them accordingly if they are to improve their throughput pass rates,” the university said.
“Unisa plays a very important role in the increase of the CA profession, as well as driving the transformation agenda in the profession. It still takes the lead in contributing to the transformation of the CA profession in South Africa. Unisa contribute a total of 129 passes to the African (91), coloured (6) and Indian (32) pass rates. This accounts for a total of 42%. This is made up of African (43%), coloured (22%) and Indian (36%). Most importantly, Unisa remains the only institution with the largest number of black candidates whose socio-economic circumstances make contact universities an elusive option.”
Cape Times