WeeklySA_AdminBREAKTHROUGH: Motlanalo, founded by businesswoman Koko Khumalo, is the first sub-Saharan entity to be part of PA Global serving clients across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Americas…
By Lehlohonolo Lehana
South African audit firm Motlanalo Chartered Accountants & Auditors Inc, has become the first and only full network member in Sub-Saharan Africa to join PA Global.
PA Global is a prominent international network of independent audit and consulting firms, united by shared values of excellence, precision, and reliability.
It brings together firms that adhere to high professional and ethical standards, including the International Standards on Quality Management (ISQM 1 and ISQM 2) and the Forum of Firms standards.
This membership allows Motlanalo to exchange technical insights, methodologies, and best practices with a worldwide network of professionals, enhancing its service quality and global visibility.
Founded in 2017, the firm has grown to over 100 professionals in four provinces, and remains focused on transforming the audit landscape in South Africa – and beyond.
By joining PA Global, Motlanalo joins a global community delivering outstanding professional services while preserving local autonomy and advancing transformation for young Black professionals and women, ” Koko Khumalo, Founder and CEO of Motlanalo Inc tells Fullview.
She goes on to say: “Joining PA Global affirms that a proudly Black women-owned South African firm can meet and exceed the highest international benchmarks of quality and governance, while staying true to our purpose of cultural excellence in business.”
PA Global (Professional Auditors Global) welcomed Motlanalo’s admission into its growing network.
“Koko Khumalo brings her Big Four audit firm experience and executive leadership from PwC and EY, with an exceptional record of quality and integrity, “said Omar Moukammal, Chief Operating Officer of PA Global.
“Her firm’s inclusion strengthens our presence in Africa, a high-potential emerging market aligned with our mission to build a globally consistent yet locally relevant professional network.”
“As an international organisation, PA Global upholds integrity, objectivity, and independence. We contribute toward national economic development, promote standards, and engage in public interest matters.
Using up-to-date technologies and agile methods, PA Global addresses emerging risks in a changing environment,” said Moukammal.
Motlanalo will retain its identity and name as a member firm of PA Global. The firm has been evaluated against PA Global’s rigorous international requirements of governance, independence, and quality systems.
Motlanalo now joins a global community of quality-assured firms serving clients across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
“For Motlanalo, our acceptance into PA Global is both a validation of our journey and an accelerator of our future growth. As a network firm of PA Global, it positions Motlanalo on a global stage,” adds Khumalo. “It opens opportunities for cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and creates opportunities for our professionals to contribute and compete alongside the best in the world.”
This is aligned with Motlanalo’s purpose to create a firm that contributes to the development of African professionals and auditors, through mentorship and a culture of empowerment for future auditors and accountants.
Khumalo credits her cultural heritage and the belief that current circumstances do not predetermine success. “I was born in a rural village in Sekhukhuneland in Limpopo and have always known that through education I can compete and participate as an equal internationally.”
My Chartered Accountancy profession has given me a seat at the global table. This milestone opens the door for our professionals to compete and collaborate internationally,” she said.
Khumalo further credits Motlanalo clients and market advocates, as well as the global professional services firm EY, for her firm’s growth.
In 2018, Motlanalo entered into a strategic alliance with EY, which has provided Motlanalo with exposure to large and complex engagements across multiple industries. The partnership built market confidence and positioned Motlanalo for international collaboration and growth. The firm’s membership in PA Global augments its strategic partnership with EY.
“EY’s lived commitment to transformation is yielding tangible results and redressing deeply systemic challenges in the profession.
By walking this path with Motlanalo, EY is helping to reshape the profession and send a clear message to the market: when established firms and Black-owned firms work together in true partnership, we can build a more inclusive and representative economy.
“I believe that EY’s belief in Motlanalo has made all the difference and will benefit countless Black audit professionals for many years to come,” said Khumalo.
“Achieving this proud milestone as a member firm of PA Global reminds us that excellence is not defined by our origin, geography, or size. Our new journey with PA Global strengthens our resolve to lead with integrity, deliver quality, and empower professionals in South Africa and beyond,” added Khumalo. – Fullview
