Chartering Life with Yunus Essop

Karabo Molokomme • July 21, 2023

Chartering Life with Yunus Essop

Alumnus Student Name: Yunus Essop

Graduating year: 2010

Crawford International School: Crawford College Pretoria

Meet Yunus Essop - a remarkable individual who embarked on a journey of academic and professional excellence in the field of chartered accountancy. With a passion for numbers, analytical thinking, and a drive for success, Yunus pursued his studies in chartered accountancy with unwavering dedication. His journey serves as an inspiration to those who aspire to excel in the world of finance and accounting, emphasising the importance of knowledge, perseverance and strong work ethic in achieving professional success.

1. Where did you study Yunus?

I studied Accounting Sciences at the University of Pretoria, where I completed a three-year BCom Accounting degree, followed by a one-year BCom Accounting Honours degree and Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA).

2.What did you do after University?

Eager to put my knowledge and expertise into practise, after University I joined a renowned accounting firm in South Africa to complete my three years of articles and became eligible to register as a CA(SA).

3. Today?

I am a Senior Manager in assurance at a ‘Big Four’ firm in South Africa. In this role, I have the privilege of mentoring and coaching aspiring Chartered Accountants (CA(SA)) and other young professionals during their studies or articles to become qualified.

4.Inspiring others! That’s fantastic. What’s in your career are you most proud of.

I’m proud that I am also an accredited SAICA Assessor and a Trusted Business Advisor, continuously upskilling in the areas of digitization in the business world and changes to the assurance landscape. Additionally, I had the opportunity to do a three-and-a-half-month secondment with the same Big Four firm in their Brussels, Belgium office in 2019, which was a transformative experience both professionally and personally.

5.Why did you choose the field of accounting and auditing as your career path?

I chose to pursue a career in accounting and auditing because I wanted to be a leader in the business world and have the opportunity to travel and explore various industries. The CA(SA) program provided me with career flexibility, global mobility and the chance to fulfil my career aspirations. I’m driven by success and hard work, and I thrive in a rapidly growing and innovative environment. Being a CA(SA) allows me to develop myself professionally and personally while making a meaningful impact in the business world.

6.What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing a career in accounting and auditing?

If you are looking for a field that is innovative, challenging, rapidly growing and highly sought after globally, becoming a CA(SA) is an excellent choice. It opens numerous doors within the business and global landscape.

7. How did Crawford International Pretoria prepare you to achieve your goals after school?

Crawford International played a significant role in shaping who I am today. The school empowered me to be a unique individual, and instilled confidence in me. I learned valuable skills such as effective learning strategies, time management, goal setting and stress management which have been instrumental in my success. Crawford taught me the importance of hard work and prepared me to face challenges with resilience.

8. If you could give advice to your 17-year-old self, what would it be?

I would advise my 17-year-old self not to worry too much about the small things and to enjoy life in the present moment. Believing in oneself and recognising personal potential to achieve great things is essential. Working hard, pursuing passions and finding joy in life’s journey while progressing and succeeding should be the balanced focus.

9. Speaking about balance, what are your hobbies outside of work?

Outside of work, I have a passion for extreme sports such as skydiving and bungee jumping. I also prioritise keeping fit and exercising regularly but sometime I indulge in watching movies and series. I have a love for travel and enjoy exploring new places during my holidays. Spending quality time with family and friends is also important to me and part of my work life balance. I have been happily married for five years to my wife Kulsum, whom I actually met at my firm where she was my senior on one of my first projects. We have a beautiful three-year-old son named Ayaan, who has brought immense joy into our lives. We are also excitedly expanding our family with a baby girl.

10. What does the future hold for Yunus?

In the future, I envision traveling the world with my family and embracing all the opportunities life has to offer. I aspire to continue progressing in my career, climbing the corporate ladder and becoming a partner at my firm. Additionally, I want to be a leader in my industry, mentoring and developing aspiring CA(SA)s and other professionals. Furthermore, I hope to contribute to providing educational opportunities for less fortunate individuals, as I believe that helping our youth succeed is vital for South Africa’s brighter future.

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Teacher Spotlight: Mr Chris Herbst Afrikaans Teacher at Crawford International Sandton

April 25, 2025

A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK

March 28, 2025

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.

Chartering Life with Yunus Essop