KPMG South Africa Partner Brenda Jajula has been named AWCA Audit Partner of the Year 2026, recognising her contribution to the audit profession, leadership and the development of future talent.
For Jajula, the recognition comes at a time when the conversation around women in leadership needs to evolve beyond representation.
“We have spent years talking about getting more women into the profession and into leadership. The next question is what happens when they get there. Representation matters, but influence is what changes organisations and industries,” says Jajula. She believes the next leadership challenge is creating environments where women can build sustainable careers, access meaningful opportunities and have a voice in decisions that shape organisations.
“Leadership isn’t simply about reaching a senior position. It is about what you do with the opportunity once you have it – who you develop, whose voice you create space for and whether you are making the path easier for the person coming behind you.”
Beyond the numbers
While progress has been made in bringing more women into professional services, Jajula says the focus now needs to shift towards retention, progression and influence. “Women are educated, ambitious and increasingly represented across professional environments. The conversation now needs to be about what enables women to exercise influence, build sustainable careers and shape the institutions they lead.”
For KPMG South Africa CEO & Southern Africa Senior Partner, Joelene Pierce, Jajula’s recognition reflects the kind of leadership that will be critical to the future of the profession.
“Brenda represents the combination of technical excellence, leadership and commitment to people that is essential to our profession. Her recognition is well deserved,” says Pierce.
“Leadership is not simply about individual achievement. It is about creating opportunities for others to grow, challenge themselves and see themselves at the highest levels of the profession.“
Jajula says this responsibility extends to those already in senior positions.
“You cannot build a leadership pipeline by simply telling young professionals to work hard and wait for their opportunity. Leaders need to open doors, create exposure, give people room to grow and help them recognise their own potential.”
Building what comes next
As professional services evolve through technology, changing client expectations and a new generation entering the workforce, Jajula believes leadership itself must evolve.
“The profession is changing, and the skills that made someone successful yesterday will not necessarily be enough tomorrow. We need leaders who are curious, adaptable and committed to developing people. Your legacy isn’t only what you achieved – it’s what you enabled others to achieve.“
For Jajula, the AWCA recognition is therefore both a career milestone and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with leadership. “An award may have your name on it, but no career is built alone. My responsibility now is to create opportunities for others to succeed.“