Lumkile Wiseman Nkuhlu is a remarkable man. He was the first black South African to qualify as a Chartered Accountant. He is a Professor of Accounting and a recipient of prestigious honorary degrees from leading universities in South Africa. He has also received numerous awards for his unparalleled track record in leadership. Wiseman has been recognized for his role in development and transforming the lives of the disadvantaged, particularly the black community. He has made significant contributions to the development and transformation of the accounting and auditing profession. The Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants in Southern Africa (Abasa) and the University of Fort Hare have honored him with special awards, and the latter established the Nkulu Centre of Accounting in his honor.
In his private life, Wiseman is a man of strong family values. He is married to Hazel Nondima, and the couple has four children: one daughter and three sons, who are now adults. Wiseman and Hazel have raised their children to be responsible individuals with strong values and to serve as role models for future generations.
Luvuyo Wotshela, the author of this biography, is a Professor of History. He presents Wiseman’s life as a journey filled with challenges and hurdles that he has steadfastly overcome to progress and remain focused.
ROOTS
Lumkile Wiseman Nkuhlu was born in Cala, Western Cape, South Africa, on February 5, 1944. His father, Tiyo Nkulu, was an agricultural extension officer, and his mother, Jane, was a teacher. He was named Lumkile (the Wise One) to connect him to the historical legacy of the Nkulu family, known for wisdom and knowledge. His parents aimed to affiliate him with his great-grandfather Bikani, respected for pioneering vocations and wise endeavors. They chose the symbolic name ‘Wiseman’ at his baptism to denote his quest for wisdom and knowledge.
When Lumkile was five and his brother Mandla was three, the family acquired a six-hectare piece of land at the foot of Rhaleni Hills, where they built their home. As the household grew, with two more brothers joining the family, Lumkile had greater responsibilities, watching over his younger siblings and helping nurture the family crops and livestock. Starting school at age five, he had to develop strict work ethics to balance his tasks.
Lumkile’s early schooling was driven by his mother’s enthusiasm and recognition of his potential. Jane’s qualifications and teaching experience made her realize the importance of education in opening doors for her son. His grandmother, a retired teacher, and his aunt, who was still teaching, also encouraged him. Despite long distances to school, Lumkile worked hard and developed a competitive spirit, always aiming to be among the top performers. He recognized his potential in mathematics early on and maintained high grades in the subject.
After completing his Junior Certificate at Arthur Tsengwane School, Lumkile was sent to Mbulukweza Primary School, where his grandfather had studied. This move allowed him to gain a sense of identity and belonging, nurtured by his grandmother and teacher aunt. His Christian faith played a significant role in his identity development, instilling political awareness and the belief that only God could determine one’s destiny.
FROM LOVEDALE TO ROBBEN ISLAND
By the time Lumkile completed his Junior Certificate, his leadership qualities had been honed as a hostel and school head prefect. His political convictions, influenced by biblical scriptures and his understanding of apartheid’s injustices, were well-formed. In 1962, he enrolled at Lovedale College, where he began digesting the foundations of South African black politics. The philosophies of the Non-European Unity Movement (NEUM) resonated with him, and he understood the dissatisfaction of black people treated as second-class citizens in their own country.
Lovedale College was not spared from political unrest. In April 1963, the college tried to quell students’ political unrest through a ‘divide and rule’ tactic. Wiseman, guided by his conscience, chose to leave the college rather than betray the liberation cause. His decision demonstrated his qualification as a wise man, having recently been initiated into manhood.
After leaving Lovedale College, Wiseman went home to Cala, where he helped his parents but was aware of police surveillance. He and his fellow students were taken to court on trumped-up charges and were cruelly indicted under the apartheid regime. In September 1963, they were sent to Fort Glamorgan Prison, where they faced horrific conditions and dehumanizing treatment. Despite these challenges, Wiseman and his fellow students engaged in political discussions and sang liberation songs, maintaining their hope for liberation.
In early 1964, Wiseman and his fellow prisoners were transferred to Robben Island, where they faced hard labor in the lime quarries. However, the political education they received during their incarceration was invaluable. They discussed African political affairs, inspired by leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, and envisioned contributing to a united African continent.
Wiseman had resigned himself to serving his full three-year sentence but remained hopeful that decolonization in Africa would influence their early release. In July 1964, Wiseman and his fellow Lovedale students were moved to Victor Verster Prison, a low-security farm prison, making room for Rivonia Trial freedom fighters at Robben Island.
THE ROUGH ROAD FROM ROBBEN ISLAND TO FORT HARE UNIVERSITY
Leaving Robben Island, Wiseman was angry at apartheid for wasting his time and persecuting him unjustly. This anger fueled his determination to pursue his dream of becoming Chief Economist of the OAU. He knew he needed to return to formal education, but the mark of a political convict made it difficult to find opportunities. He became a migrant worker in the mines, saving money to sponsor his education. Despite the challenges, he enrolled at Damelin College for economic sciences by correspondence and remained focused on his goals.
Wiseman was later accepted to join Fort Hare University for a Diploma in Commerce. Before attending, he spent Christmas with his family, providing them with gifts and financial support. At Fort Hare, he found motivation in the fact that younger students, including those who testified against him, were about to graduate. His hard work paid off, and he was advised to register for a Bachelor of Commerce degree due to his excellent performance.
Wiseman maintained close ties with his family and community while pursuing his education. He met and fell in love with Hazel Nondima Mahlulo during his first vacation job at Xhosa Development Corporation (XDC). The political landscape in South Africa was still active, and Wiseman believed in nurturing the younger generation to recognize their crucial role in the struggle.
THE ROAD TOWARDS BECOMING THE FIRST BLACK CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT IN SOUTH AFRICA
Working for XDC exposed Wiseman to the accounting profession, and he was further inspired by Professor Van Eeden. In 1971, he passed four majors and was offered a Junior Lecturer position in Business Management at Fort Hare University. He decided to pursue a career as a Chartered Accountant, aligning with the needs of African people in South Africa.
In 1972, Wiseman began his journey to become a Chartered Accountant. He enrolled in part-time commercial courses at Unisa and served his articles at Hoek, Wiehahn, and Cross Accountants while studying. Despite the challenges of apartheid, including difficulties registering for the Certificate in Theory of Accountancy (CTA), Wiseman persevered. In 1976, he passed the Public Accountants and Auditors Board (PAAB) examinations, becoming the first black Chartered Accountant in South Africa.
CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME: WISEMAN’S ACCOUNTING AND LEADERSHIP IN TROUBLED TRANSKEI
Upon becoming the first black Chartered Accountant, Wiseman joined colleagues to establish the University of Transkei (Unitra) in Umtata. He aimed to empower the oppressed majority through education and development. Living with his wife Hazel and their children provided him with the social support needed to confront challenges.
Wiseman also established his own accounting and auditing firm, WL Nkulu & Co., mentoring young aspiring accountants. He maintained a strong relationship with Hoek, Wiehahn, and Cross Accountants while representing them in Transkei. His firm provided services to many small and medium-sized businesses, contributing to the region’s economic development.
At Unitra, Wiseman’s commitment grew, and he facilitated academic relationships with the University of Cape Town, allowing Unitra graduates to pursue further studies. In 1979, he was promoted to Professor of Accounting and Dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences. His leadership dispelled the notion that black people were incapable of running institutions.
In 1980, Wiseman recognized the need for international exposure and pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at New York University, receiving a full scholarship. The birth of their middle son, Njongonkulu, brought great joy to Wiseman and Hazel. Upon returning from the US, Wiseman was appointed the first Deputy Vice Chancellor of Unitra and later the Vice Chancellor.
WISEMAN’S ENGAGEMENT DURING THE EVE AND DAWN OF DEMOCRATIC SOUTH AFRICA
As Vice Chancellor, Wiseman focused on neutralizing political interference in education. He appointed RL Peteni as Chancellor of Unitra and prioritized contributing to post-apartheid South Africa. His economic advisor role at Nafcoc allowed him to coordinate policy documents for a post-apartheid government, presented at the ANC conference in Lusaka in 1990.
Wiseman’s involvement in political activities prepared him for his role in building a democratic South Africa. He joined the Independent Development Trust (IDT) as a trustee, focusing on addressing poverty and basic needs. In 1992, he became Deputy Executive Chairman of IDT and later its Chairman, initiating projects nationwide to address poverty and conflict.
Wiseman also served as President of the Black Management Forum (BMF) from 1992 to 1996, advocating for black participation in key positions. He chaired the first major black economic empowerment deal under the National Empowerment Consortium (NEC) and was involved in conflict resolution initiatives with the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (Accord).
HIGHEST HONOURS
Wiseman’s contributions to the IDT, BMF, and other institutions led to high-level appointments, including at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), and the Council for Higher Education (CHE). He received four honorary doctorates and numerous awards, including the Legacy Award from SAICA.
In 2000, President Thabo Mbeki appointed Wiseman as his economic advisor, where he played a key role in the Millennium African Renaissance Programme (MAP). He organized meetings with African Presidents, contributing to the drafting of the MAP concept document, which emphasized good governance, peace, security, and human rights.
RETURN TO THE ROOTS: LEGACY
In July 2005, after serving the South African Presidency and contributing significantly to NEPAD, Wiseman left the government to focus on his family and other areas of his life. He resumed his dual profession as a chartered accountant and educator and was appointed Chancellor of the University of Pretoria. He also joined the board of Kagiso Trust Investments (KTI) and served on various advisory committees, contributing to international accounting standards.
Wiseman’s extensive experience made him the perfect candidate for the Presidency of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) in Geneva, where he initiated governance reforms. He served on the Ethics Institute of South Africa’s board, promoting ethical conduct in organizations.
Wiseman established The Wiseman Nkuhlu Trust, using proceeds from his biography to support young accountants and advance the profession. His enthusiasm inspired many black South Africans, including Nonkululeko Gobodo, the first black South African woman Chartered Accountant.
In 2022, SAICA awarded Wiseman the Legacy Award, honoring his lasting impact on the profession. As SAICA’s first black President, he worked to increase the number of black accountants in South Africa and persuaded the SAICA Council to appoint the first black CEO.