Johannesburg – A leading black-owned audit and advisory firm celebrated the launch of its new premises last week, using the moment to send a “proud statement about the existence of black excellence in South Africa”.
The new head office in Waverley, Johannesburg brings together all Gauteng-based SekelaXabiso employees under one roof and signals the substantial growth of the organisation, according to Lindani Dhlamini, CEO of SekelaXabiso.
Created through a merger Sekela Consulting and Xabiso Chartered Accountants almost three years ago, the firm has grown quickly. SekelaXabiso also acquired Ubucule Accountants in KwaZulu-Natal and expanded its business service lines and offering across Gauteng and KZN.
The firm now employs over 300 individuals and trains more than 60 previously disadvantaged learners.
“SekelaXabiso is a triumph of South Africa’s empowerment spirit and its emergence as the top specialist internal audit firm speaks to the enabling environment created by black-owned forerunners in the profession,” said Dhlamini.
“This new Johannesburg office signifies another milestone in our journey of excellence and demonstrates how far we have come in an industry dominated by the racial dichotomies of our past,” said Dhlamini.
“We are delighted to have a physical manifestation of the past three years of hard work that is an unequivocal loud and proud statement about the existence of black excellence in our country and in the profession; and also our growth.”
From left: Phindile Baleni (Director-General in the Office of the Premier), David Makhura (Gauteng Premier), Abel Dlamini (Chairman of SekelaXabiso), Lindani Dhlamini (CEO of SekelaXabiso) Photo: Supplied
Attending the celebration, Gauteng Premier David Makhura said the provincial government “supports the transformation, economic emancipation and participation of black South Africans because this is part of the realisation of the Freedom Charter”.
“As we celebrate the growth and evolution of SekelaXabiso, we can see them as the manifestation of our ambitions as a province,” he said. “They are a shining beacon in the old night of obscurity as the firm comes into its own.”
Xolani Qubeka, CEO of The Black Business Council said the council has “long supported the emergence of black-owned companies such SekelaXabiso”.
“This is indeed a proud moment that punctuates the objectives of The Black Business Council. Other upcoming black-owned SMEs should take a leaf from SekelaXabiso’s success.”
Executive chairperson of SekelaXabiso, Abel Dlamini, said “these offices are more than mere bricks, mortar and glass, they are a symbol of black excellence, an expression of pride and confidence that we have earned our seat at the corporate table”.
Joining the celebration were members and executives of the Gauteng provincial government, clients, members of the Swazi royal family, luminaries of black business as well as colleagues and friend of SekelaXabiso.