For accounting students who dream of qualifying as Chartered Accountants (CAs), finding the right training programme can shape an entire career. Beyond meeting professional requirements, aspiring CAs need exposure to real business environments where they can apply technical knowledge, strengthen professional judgement, and develop leadership skills.

One opportunity attracting attention in 2026 is the Pepkor CA Training Programme and Bursary Opportunity. Designed for ambitious accounting students and graduates, the programme combines structured training, business rotations, mentorship, and financial support to help future Chartered Accountants prepare for successful careers.

As one of South Africa’s largest retail groups, Pepkor offers exposure to a wide range of businesses, allowing trainees to understand how finance supports retail operations, financial services, supply chains, and corporate decision-making. This practical experience can become a valuable foundation for long-term professional growth.

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Pepkor CA Training Programme 2026 Overview

• Company: Pepkor
• Programme: CA Training Programme and Bursary Opportunity
• Location: Primarily Parow, Cape Town
• Programme Duration: Three years
• Industry: Retail, Financial Services and Business Management
• Opportunity Type: Chartered Accountant (CA) Training Contract and Bursary
• Application Method: Email application

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Why This Programme Stands Out in 2026

Many accounting graduates look for training contracts that provide more than routine financial reporting. Pepkor’s programme is designed to expose trainees to different business units across one of South Africa’s largest retail groups.

Instead of working in a single department for several years, trainees rotate through multiple divisions, allowing them to gain practical knowledge of finance, operations, governance, and business strategy. This broad exposure helps participants understand how accounting influences decision-making across a large organisation.

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About Pepkor

Pepkor is one of South Africa’s leading retail groups with well-known brands operating across clothing, footwear, homeware, cellular products, furniture, financial services, and retail support businesses.

The group’s purpose of “Building a Better Business” focuses not only on serving customers but also on investing in employees, supporting communities, and developing future leaders. Many professionals who began their careers through graduate and training programmes have progressed into specialist and leadership positions within the organisation.

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What the CA Training Programme Offers

The three-year programme is designed to provide balanced technical and workplace learning.

Participants can expect:

• Rotations across different Pepkor business units
• Practical workplace experience
• Exposure to retail finance and corporate operations
• Mentorship from experienced finance professionals
• Study-related support
• Educational simulations
• Business-focused learning
• Opportunities to work with experienced Chartered Accountants
• Professional development
• Structured learning aligned with CA training requirements

This combination of classroom knowledge and practical exposure prepares trainees for increasingly complex financial environments.

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Business Areas You’ll Experience

One of the programme’s greatest strengths is the opportunity to rotate through different divisions.

Possible areas include:

• Pep Head Office
• Ackermans
• Pepkor Speciality
• Pepkor Financial Services
• Corporate Finance
• Internal Audit
• Financial Accounting
• Management Accounting
• Taxation
• Business Operations

Working across multiple departments helps trainees understand how finance supports every aspect of a modern retail business.

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Who Can Apply?

Pepkor welcomes applications from motivated South African students who demonstrate strong academic performance and a commitment to becoming Chartered Accountants.

Depending on the opportunity, applicants may include:

CA Training Programme

Applicants should have:

• BCom Honours Degree or be completing one
• Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy (PGDA) or
• Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA)
• South African citizenship

Earlier Accounting Pipeline Opportunities

Pepkor also considers students studying:

• BCom Accounting
• BAcc (CA Stream)
• Second to fourth academic year

Applicants should generally achieve a minimum average of 65% across their subjects.

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Qualities Pepkor Looks For

Academic performance is important, but employers also value professional attributes.

Successful applicants are typically:

• Motivated to build long-term careers
• Passionate about learning
• Strong communicators
• Team players
• Responsible and reliable
• Adaptable
• Curious about business
• Committed to continuous improvement
• Interested in contributing positively to communities

These qualities often help graduates succeed during workplace training.

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Bursary Opportunities

Pepkor’s commitment to talent development extends beyond workplace learning.

Eligible students may also benefit from bursary opportunities that support academic studies while preparing for future employment.

Where applicable, bursary applicants should include a motivation letter explaining:

• Their career goals
• Why they are pursuing Chartered Accountancy
• Financial circumstances (if relevant)
• Why they wish to join Pepkor

Download bursary PDF Outline

A thoughtful motivation letter can strengthen an application by demonstrating genuine commitment.

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Benefits of Joining the Programme

Successful candidates may receive access to:

• Structured CA training
• Professional mentorship
• Business rotations
• Competitive remuneration
• Study-related assistance
• Relocation support (where applicable)
• Exposure to senior finance professionals
• Career development opportunities
• Practical workplace learning
• Networking opportunities

These benefits help participants build both technical knowledge and professional confidence.

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Documents Required

Before applying, prepare the following documents:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Matric Certificate
• Full academic transcript
• BCom Honours, PGDA or CTA results (where applicable)
• Motivation letter (for bursary applications)

Ensuring your documents are complete and clearly presented demonstrates professionalism.

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How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application by email.

Required documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of your South African Identity Document
• Matric Certificate
• Full academic transcript
• Motivation letter (for bursary applicants)

Submit your application to:

Email: careers@pepkor.co.za

Applicants should ensure all attachments are clear, correctly named, and submitted before any applicable closing date.

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Tips to Improve Your Application

A strong application often reflects preparation and attention to detail.

Consider the following:

• Keep your CV concise and professional.
• Highlight academic achievements and leadership activities.
• Include volunteer work, tutoring, or student society involvement where relevant.
• Check that all documents are readable before sending.
• Use a professional email address.
• Carefully proofread your application.

Recruiters appreciate applicants who present organised and complete submissions.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Sending incomplete documents
• Omitting academic transcripts
• Forgetting a motivation letter for bursary applications
• Submitting low-quality document scans
• Using an outdated CV
• Failing to include contact details
• Sending applications without reviewing attachments

Simple mistakes can reduce the chances of progressing to the next stage.

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Why Chartered Accountancy Remains a Strong Career Choice

Chartered Accountants continue to play a vital role in organisations across South Africa and internationally. Their expertise supports financial reporting, strategic planning, governance, auditing, taxation, risk management, and business growth.

Graduates who complete structured training programmes gain practical experience that strengthens their professional credibility and expands future career opportunities.

Within large organisations like Pepkor, trainees are exposed to complex business operations that provide valuable insight into how finance drives organisational success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

South African citizens studying or completing recognised accounting qualifications, including BCom Honours, PGDA or CTA, may apply if they meet the programme requirements.

Where is the programme based?

Most rotations take place at Pepkor’s offices in Parow, Cape Town, with exposure to various divisions across the group.

Is this only a training contract?

No. Pepkor also offers bursary opportunities for eligible accounting students.

What documents are required?

Applicants should submit a CV, South African ID, Matric Certificate, academic transcript, and a motivation letter if applying for a bursary.

Where should applications be sent?

Applications should be emailed to careers@pepkor.co.za.

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Final Thoughts

The Pepkor CA Training Programme and Bursary Opportunity 2026 offers much more than a traditional accounting training contract. Through structured learning, diverse business rotations, mentorship, and exposure to multiple retail and financial services divisions, participants gain practical experience that supports long-term professional growth.

For accounting students committed to becoming Chartered Accountants, this programme provides an opportunity to develop technical expertise while understanding how finance contributes to the success of one of South Africa’s leading retail groups. Applicants who combine strong academic performance with professionalism, curiosity, and a willingness to learn will be well positioned to make the most of this valuable career opportunity.