[caption id="attachment_38976" align="alignright" width="405"] OUT FOR LUNCH: Director of transformation at SAICA Lwando Bantom had lunch at the Old Austria Restaurant. Picture: DEON VAN DER WALT[/caption]
PROJECT director for transformation at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Lwando Bantom shared a meal with us last week at the Old Austria restaurant, in Westbourne Road, Port Elizabeth.
Bantom, who lives in Despatch, has for many years tried – through partnerships with high schools and universities in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Northern Cape – to transform the face of the CA career, which does not reflect South African demographics.
"We come up with a number of programmes to encourage more coloured and black students to choose chartered accountancy as a career," Bantom said.
After spending six years as a petrol attendant and putting himself through school in his youth, Bantom has been with SAICA for about 17 years. He started out as a career officer, then an equity manager before assuming his current position.
Bantom, 49, who is naturally wired to open doors for young talent, organised a bursary for the musically talented Bala brothers – Zwai and Loyiso – to go to the Drakensberg Boys' Choir School, while still working at the petrol station.
UK-based Achumile Majija, who is now an executive business manager in Poland and Dr Neliswa Gogela, a specialist physician are others Bantom helped. He is the man behind the re-accreditation of the CA programme at the Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha. His restaurant of choice was Westbourne Road's Old Austria – where he had lamb chops with vegetables and chips, with a glass of passion fruit juice.
I picked Old Austria Restaurant because... it has a very calming atmosphere and maybe it's an age thing but I've come to appreciate more, the kinds of restaurants where people have quiet conversations.
I'll know I've made it when... I've managed to get the best out of people and helped them achieve their goals.
I love my career as SAICA project director of transformation because... it enables me to help develop the potential that I see in people.
The person who has taught me the most is... no one person has taught me the most, but because of the interactions and experiences with a number of people, I have been able to learn many things I know today.
I share my life with... my beautiful wife, Siki, who knows how to cook a great meal and my two opinionated but loving daughters, Zoe, 15, and Sinesipho, 14.
I have a soft spot for... talent. When I see someone with potential, in any field – I need to be involved and help them get to where they want to be.
I should have studied... social work – almost everyone I meet always comments that I have a way with people.
I'm listening to... a good mix of gospel, jazz and hip-hop.
When I was 16, I wish I knew... that for the greater part of my life I would have the responsibility of being the breadwinner for two homes – without complaining because I feel good knowing that I am able to also provide for my extended family.
My music weakness is... Usher's newest single, Good Kisser.
Nothing makes me happier than... serving and connecting with each other and creating opportunities.
My favourite item of clothing is... my shoe collection.
I absolutely hate... self-centred people who always have to make any situation or conversation about themselves and the things they have.
I am saving to buy... my daughters the best education there is.
I can't go a day without... my phone. - Balisa Ntloko