Wiseman Lumkile Nkuhlu

Professor Wiseman Nkuhlu GCOB
Nkuhlu in 2003
Born	(1944-02-05) February 5, 1944 Cala, Cape Province, Union of South Africa
Nationality	South African
Education	University of Fort Hare (BCom) University of Cape Town (CTA) New York University (MBA)
Occupations	Chartered Accountant CA(SA) Business Executive
Known for	First black Chartered Accountant in South Africa Economic Advisor to the President Founding CEO of NEPAD Secretariat
Title	Chairman of KPMG South Africa

Wiseman Lumkile Nkuhlu GCOB (born 5 February 1944 in Cala, Eastern Cape) is a South African chartered accountant, academic, and business leader. He became the first Black South African to qualify as a chartered accountant (CA(SA)) in 1976. Nkuhlu served as Economic Advisor to President Thabo Mbeki from 2000 to 2004 and chaired the Development Bank of Southern Africa’s Transition Team in 1995. He held the position of Chancellor of the University of Pretoria from 2006 until June 2022. Currently, he serves as Chairman of KPMG South Africa.

Career and Contributions

After qualifying as South Africa's first Black Chartered Accountant in 1976, Nkuhlu embarked on a career that seamlessly blended academia, public service, and corporate leadership. He began lecturing at the University of Fort Hare and later served as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Transkei from 1987 to 1991. In 1998, he was appointed the inaugural Chairperson of the Council on Higher Education, playing a pivotal role in restructuring South Africa's higher education landscape.

In the public sector, Nkuhlu was appointed Economic Advisor to President Thabo Mbeki from 2000 to 2004. During this period, he also served as Chief Executive of the Secretariat of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), contributing significantly to the development and promotion of the NEPAD policy framework across the continent.

Nkuhlu's corporate engagements include chairing the Development Bank of Southern Africa and holding directorships at companies such as AngloGold Ashanti, Datatec, and Metropolitan Limited. He also served as Chairman of KPMG South Africa, where he was instrumental in steering the firm through reputational challenges following its involvement in state capture controversies.

In recognition of his contributions, Nkuhlu has received numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates from several South African universities and the Grand Counselor of the Order of the Baobab in Silver, awarded by former president Thabo Mbeki, for his exceptional service to the nation.