From Health Crisis to PGDA/CTA Graduate: Koketso’s Story

Koketso loves learning; she has dreamed of becoming a CA(SA) since high school. Her first attempt at the CTA was when she started working at the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA). The pressure of articles combined with distance learning proved to be too much: “I failed terribly and didn’t pass two of the modules.”

Still determined, she kept going – but her mental health was taking a strain. When AGSA offered the chance to study with Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect), she saw an opportunity to try a different, more supported approach.

Read more about Kidesh Rajcoomar: From Failure to Fourth:

Just as things were getting better academically, Koketso’s health worsened. What she thought was stress turned into sleepless nights, trembling, and intense anxiety. A friend urged her to see a doctor – she was immediately admitted to hospital.

The diagnosis - panic disorder and severe depression - was a shock: “I didn’t think I had a health issue.” She was hospitalised for three weeks, then discharged – just days before her PGDA exams started.

“I hadn’t been able to study in the hospital. I was unwell and uncertain, but I went anyway. I surrendered everything to God and chose to trust Him more than the difficult reality I was facing.”

This could have been the moment that ended her CA(SA) dream - but instead, it became a turning point.

Milpark graduate Mbusi Ndlovu CA(SA) almost died from Covid-19. Learn more about his remarkable journey to CA(SA): From ICU to APC: Mbusi Ndlovu’s Story of Survival & Success.

Now, having completed her PGDA/CTA, Koketso realises she hadn’t been alone at that difficult time. Milpark’s holistic support ecosystem was there, but she was too unwell to access help. “It all happened so quickly. I was so overwhelmed I couldn’t process what was available.”

Now she encourages students to reach out before things become unmanageable. “You don’t have to have a diagnosis to seek help. The Student Success and Wellness Team is there to help, go. Sometimes we just need someone to talk with.”

Koketso’s difficult experience has motivated her to support other students. Along with sharing her story, she has joined Milpark’s mentoring programme, where graduates mentor PGDA/CTA students on their CA(SA) journey.

Read about Milpark’s support for accounting students: Success Beyond Numbers.

If there is one message Koketso wants other accounting students to take from her story, it’s this: Ask for help early. “Milpark has professional support. Use it. You don’t need a diagnosis. Sometimes you don’t even know what you’re feeling. Having someone to talk to can help you understand yourself better.”

Her academic advice is similarly grounded: “Follow the plan. Preparation for exams starts the moment you receive your weekly material. Every test prepares you – not to panic, but to move closer to passing.”

Koketso’s story shows that with the right structure, community, and support, it’s possible to keep moving forward, even when the load feels impossibly heavy.

If you are ready to take the next step toward becoming a professional accountant – and want to do it in an environment that values you as more than just a number – visit Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting and apply today.

Explore our SAICA-accredited pathway to CA(SA). We’ve got you. You’ve got this.