Bennie Hancke Achieves His CA Goal with Milpark’s PGDA

Twenty years earlier, after earning his B.Compt (Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting), Bennie registered at another university to become a CA. However, he found himself dealing with its cumbersome systems rather than studying and eventually gave up.

Bennie then focused on his career in financial management, his marriage, and raising his three young boys. Later, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA). When he celebrated his 40th birthday with family, colleagues, and friends, Bennie felt comfortable and satisfied with his life.

But was he really – or was there still unfinished business?

Soon after, a health scare landed Bennie in hospital. “I lay there with myself and my Creator,” he says. “I wanted to do better. I had always respected chartered accountants but had never become one.”

That night, he reached for his phone and searched: ‘How to become a CA online?’

Bennie discovered Milpark’s PGDA/CTA, incorporating CA Connect, and watched an online discussion featuring Milpark CEO Andrew Horsfall and Gareth discussing Milpark’s online accounting programmes. “Their relaxed, friendly style resonated with me,” he shares.

Bennie explains, “The second time around, becoming a CA was less about the designation and more about achieving a lifelong goal I had set aside for too long. It was an investment in myself, my family, and our future.”

Learn more: Milpark’s Online PGDA: From Setback to Accounting Success

Bennie emphasises how Milpark’s structured yet flexible online PGDA/CTA (including CA Connect) allowed him to balance professional responsibilities, family life, and his studies. He became intentional with his time.

The programme is delivered by experienced accounting lecturers. Bennie highlights, “Lecturers were accessible and committed. With Milpark’s CA Connect, I never felt like ‘just another student’.”

Milpark’s comprehensive PGDA/CTA learning materials, videos, and collaborative online discussions made his learning real and connected. Bennie believes that, “The personalised feedback from lecturers combined with Milpark’s efficient online learning platform is the golden thread that sets Milpark apart.”

The programme includes four compulsory modules:

• Financial Reporting
• Taxation
• Management Accounting and Finance
• Corporate Governance and Auditing

For test 1 he scored 33% in Financial Reporting, yet it became his strongest subject.

“There is no such thing as perfection,” he says. “What matters is getting back up.”

Milpark’s PGDA/CTA builds accounting theory, ethical leadership, resilience, and real-world problem-solving skills – something Bennie can attest to. “Today, I am confident in the boardroom, collaborating with colleagues at all levels, and mentoring less experienced team members,” he adds.

Read more: PGDA Mentorship Programme for Future CAs

“If you choose to complete Milpark’s PGDA/CTA and become a CA, you’re choosing to do something great – and that’s never easy,” he says. “Know that you won’t enjoy it all the time, but that joy doesn’t determine the value of what you want to achieve.”

He encourages students to appreciate where they are – and focus on where they want to go. “Over time, ambition and hard work will see you reach your CA goal,” he adds.

With Milpark’s Immersive Online Learning platform, Bennie could balance his studies, his CFO role, and time with his family.

Bennie says, “One of the wonders of my world is my amazing wife – and our three handsome sons. I love being sociable, but I truly recharge by spending time with my family.” He emphasises the importance of staying active and stepping away from work to rest.

Are you a BCom in Accounting graduate or a financial professional seeking growth? Are you keen to launch or reinvigorate your career in accounting and become a CA? Do you want to distinguish yourself in the financial industry?

Why not consider Milpark’s PGDA/CTA? It’s an engaging, connected learning experience. You’ll study at your own pace and in your own time, but you’ll never study alone.

Milpark’s Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting/Certificate in the Theory of Accounting will take you wherever you want to go in your accounting career – including becoming a CA(SA).

“Focus on the bigger picture – what you really want. Don’t wait for the perfect time because it rarely comes,” concludes Bennie. Start your PGDA/CTA journey today and apply.