Joelene Pierce Who Handwrote 144 Letters for a Bursary Now Steps Up As KPMG South Africa's New CEO
- Joelene Pierce from Pietermaritzburg wrote 144 handwritten letters in Grade 11, hoping one company would fund her studies
- Only 5 companies responded, and KPMG was among the 3 that offered her a bursary, changing the course of her life
- Pierce now leads over 3,000 professionals and an R2 billion business as the CEO
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Facebook
A Grade 11 girl from Pietermaritzburg sat down one evening with a pen and paper, and began writing. By the time she was done, she had handwritten 144 letters to 144 companies, each one a request for a bursary.
That girl was Joelene Pierce. She has become the CEO of KPMG South Africa.
Pierce's mother had taken her to a local university to look through a booklet listing available bursaries. That same night, Pierce got to work. Of all 144 letters she sent, only five companies responded. Three offered her a bursary. She chose KPMG, which would cover most of her study costs and give her hands-on work experience through holiday employment.
It was a decision that would define the next three decades of her life.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
27 years in the making
Pierce grew up in Eastwood, Pietermaritzburg, and completed her accounting degree and honours at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She joined KPMG after finishing her articles, steadily moving through the ranks from junior employee to partner. Over the years, she also served as Banking External Audit Partner, Head of Financial Services, and a member of the KPMG Southern Africa Policy Board.
Her academic journey did not stop at university. Pierce went on to complete a Fintech Programme at Oxford, an Executive Development Programme in Accounting and Finance at Harvard, and a further Executive Development Programme in Accounting and Business Management at INSEAD.
Her appointment as CEO was announced in August 2025. She took up the role in early 2026, having spent 27 years at the company. She oversees more than 3,000 professionals and revenues of close to R2 billion.
Mzansi celebrates Pierce's journey
People were moved by her story and shared their thoughts on the Coloured South Africa Facebook page:
@Josette Sheria said:
"So super proud of you and such an awesome and amazing example to my girls coming through the ranks. Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it and work your keester off towards it. What you put in is what you will get out."
@Laurel Young Ellenson wrote:
"Humble beginnings, congratulations are in order!"
@Sundres Govindasamy added:
"Well done, young lady. You make Pietermaritzburg proud."
@Veni Achary said:
"Congratulations, Joelene, in Women's Month as well!!!"
@Sienie Coetzee simply wrote:
"Brilliant!"
@Jason Johns added:
"You've earned it, all the best in your new role."
See the Facebook post below:
More South African women breaking barriers
- Briefly News recently reported on Bonang Matheba being honoured with a prestigious 2026 Trailblazer Award as she continues to build her career and business empire.
- In another inspiring success story, Vodacom CFO Raisibe Morathi revealed an extraordinary academic journey after skipping Grade 9 and going on to become one of South Africa's top business leaders.
- Meanwhile, Rachel Kolisi opened up about reinventing herself after a major life change, sharing a powerful message about resilience and finding a new sense of identity.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
