Association of Certified Fraud Examiners CPUT Student Chapter launched

The Department of Applied Legal Studies recently celebrated a major milestone — the official launch of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) CPUT Student Chapter.

The launch marks the beginning of an exciting new era for students, offering them the opportunity to connect directly with industry professionals and bridging the gap between academia and practice.

In his welcoming address Servious Hungwe, Acting Head of the Department and student advisor to the new chapter, said the Department of Applied Legal Studies and ACFE had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that marked the beginning of the journey.

“With that MOU, we undertook to achieve quite a number of things. And the launching of this student chapter is one of the deliverables,” he said.

 “We are indeed proud to partner with the world's largest anti-fraud organisation and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education, and we remain truly grateful for their continued support.”

He said the main objective was to introduce fraud-related topics to members and students and to get the younger generation interested and excited about fraud-related careers.

“The ACFE CPUT Student Chapter provides students with opportunities to network with industry experts, attend regional conferences, and gain insight into the realities of fraud prevention and investigation,”

He thanked the ACFE national delegation, including President Jonathan Le Roux and Membership Officer Katleho Seqapotsa, the ACFE Western Cape Committee delegation, advisory board representative Sanlam’s adv Sankie Morata, and the students for their attendance and support.

Le Roux, a CPUT alumnus, said an important aspect of the student chapter was networking “amongst yourselves and secondary to that, you also have access to conferences”.

He said ACFE South Africa was formed in 1998, adding that by joining the chapter, the students had access to people, not just on the continent, but globally.

Seqapotsa said the students would be tasked with organising anti-fraud events and AFCE would provide support in terms of expert speakers.

Senior Lecturer Prof Noleen Leach said the event was a milestone in the lifespan of the Bachelor of Paralegal Studies.

“It's confirmation that our curriculum bears value – that it’s unique, that it's increasingly being recognised everywhere, not only in the public sector, but also in the private sector.”

Aluve Mnqika, president of the student chapter, encouraged the students to attend their events and to ask questions.

“Our mission as the student chapter here is that we want to connect students with industry experts, who will be able to inspire you and also mentor you.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za