Accounting Excursion
On the 18th of March 2026, we, the accounting students, had the privilege of visiting Richester sweet factory as part of our academic program. The purpose of the visit was to enhance our understanding of accounting concepts by observing their practical application within a real-world business environment.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Mrs M. Cassim, the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the company. She shared her inspiring journey of building the business over the past 20 years, growing it from a small enterprise into one that is now recognised internationally. Her insights into leadership, perseverance, and entrepreneurship were truly inspirational. Mrs Cassim holds a BCom Accounting CA(SA) qualification and is responsible for overseeing the company’s operations, strategy, sales, and marketing. We also appreciated learning that she is a member of the St Mary’s DSG Alumnae community and how she experienced her time at the school.
During the visit, we gained valuable insight into the manufacturing process, which forms an important part of our accounting curriculum. Observing the transformation of raw materials into finished products allowed us to better understand how theoretical concepts, particularly those related to production and costing, are applied in practice. This experience helped to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
As students who also study Business Studies, we found it especially beneficial to observe how various business functions are integrated within the organisation. We identified key functions such as administration, finance, manufacturing, and marketing, and gained a clearer understanding of how they work together to ensure the success of the business. We were also able to recognise important business strategies, including backward integration through the company’s involvement in its own packaging, as well as diversification through the establishment of a padel club.
Overall, the visit to Richester sweet factory was both informative and inspiring. It not only strengthened our understanding of our academic subjects but also sparked curiosity about the dynamics in the business world. We are truly grateful to Mrs Cassim and her team for making this enriching experience possible and for inspiring young women to pursue careers in business.
