Hard work pays off for KPMG MD
Just a few years ago, Matsobane Tleane lived a modest life as a teacher but he always knew bigger things awaited him.
POLOKWANE – Today, he is the Managing Director of KPMG Polokwane.
Tleane has always put education first and acquired numerous qualifications after completing high school. He holds a B Com (accounting) degree from the University of Limpopo, a postgraduate diploma in accounting from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a qualified chartered accountant.
“Upon graduating, I became a teacher, which is a respected profession however, I knew I would eventually get involved in the commercial industry,” Tleane explains.
Tleane draws inspiration from his father, who has made a great success of himself despite his disadvantaged background. With his drive, determination and the relevant qualifications, Tleane is a fitting choice to lead one of the four top accounting companies in the country. He first joined KPMG for a training contract in 1999 and re-joined the company in 2005. Although he is a very busy man, he still finds time to give back to his community.
“KPMG organises Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects which provide assistance to organisations such as orphanages, old age homes and schools in disadvantaged areas across the province. Some of our CSI projects include buying books for learners in farm schools. We also donate school uniforms and other provisions to disadvantaged learners in the Vhembe and Ga-Chuene areas,” Tleane continues. According to Tleane, KPG has made tangible differences in many people’s lives and he has been a part of their CSI projects since he joined the company in 2005.
He says some of his responsibilities include representing KPMG in the province and tapping into market opportunities. For Tleane, being an example for the youth is very important. He shared some of his proudest moments with Review.
“I must say qualifying as a Chartered Accountant was a special moment, one I will never forget. And now I’m the managing director of a ‘big four’ company, it doesn’t get any better than that,” Tleane continues.
“I hope my journey serves as inspiration to the youth. I hope they realise that with hard work comes great reward.”
According to Tleane, what makes a great leader is not only how they connect with people but the depth of their humility. “Great leaders are connected to people, they listen and develop solutions. Humility is a trait all great leaders have in common,” he concluded.
