Meet The Management Team

Jono Hotz

Managing Partner
JonoH@nlk.co.za
Jono Hotz completed his Bachelors of Business Science Degree at UCT in 2006 and Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) the following year. His articles were served under PwC in Durban. After relocating to Johannesburg, he started working as a financial accountant. In June 2015, he returned to Durban to join Nexia Levitt Kirson. Jono qualified as a Charted accountant in 2011 and became a Registered Auditor in 2016. Jono recently took over as managing partner from his father David Hotz.

David Hotz

Partner
David@nlk.co.za
David Hotz completed his articles at Alex Aitken and Carter (now KPMG) and then moved to the Small Business Development Corporation eventually becoming the Regional General Manager for KwaZulu Natal. He started his own accounting practice in 1989. The practice has changed it’s name over the years, eventually becoming Nexia Levitt Kirson. He is a Chartered Accountant and a Registered Auditor.

Samantha Cheesman

Partner
SamanthaC@nlk.co.za
Samantha Cheesman obtained her Bachelor of Accounting Science degree and thereafter her Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting whilst serving articles at PKF Durban. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2008 and went to work in London at PKF UK LLP as their Training Manager in the Technical department. In 2012, she returned to Durban and worked as the financial manager for a listed electrical wholesaler. In 2015 she joined an audit firm based in Hillcrest as the practice manager. She joined Nexia Levitt Kirson in March 2018. She is currently actively involved in the Nexia International network and is a member of the People Development Committee.

Kurt Bezuidenhout

Senior Audit Manager
KurtB@nlk.co.za

Kurt Bezuidenhout earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. After completing his articles at Nexia Levitt Kirson in 2017, he stayed on as an audit supervisor. In 2024 he qualified as a Chartered Accountant and was promoted to Head of the Audit Department. He is currently pursuing his qualification as a Registered Auditor. Known for his politeness and helpfulness, Kurt is dedicated to prioritising his clients’ needs, providing reliable and timely advice to ensure their success.

Aradhna Budhram

Senior Audit Manager
AradhnaD@nlk.co.za
A born and bred Durban girl, Aradhna Budhram joined Nexia Levitt Kirson in 2012 as an article clerk after graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting. She completed her articles within the company and currently holds the position of an Audit Supervisor. She has worked in different facets of the organisation including bookkeeping, auditing, and general admin. She says the amazing team approach is what led her to choose Nexia Levitt Kirson as her home. Her interest in the commerce field was sparked after her exposure in running her own events business. She has a passion for travel and nature, and one of her greatest loves are her pets.

Arantxa Naidoo

Audit Manager
ArantxaNaidoo@nlk.co.za
Arantxa Naidoo joined Nexia Levitt Kirson in November 2015 as an article clerk and by November of 2019 on completion of her articles, she was honoured to be provided an opportunity to continue on as audit supervisor and now audit manager. During her article period she completed her Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal as well as obtained her Diploma in Advanced and Applied Accounting Sciences from the University of South Africa. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2021 and as a Registered Auditor in 2022. Arantxa’s motto is ‘no question is a silly question’ and would like to continue to utilise her knowledge and experience obtained through her journey to assist and develop current and future trainees

Shannice Nandhoo

Audit Manager
Shannice@nlk.co.za
Shannice obtained her Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Post Graduate Diploma in Taxation from Rhodes University. She completed her articles at Nexia Levitt Kirson in 2021 and enthusiastically accepted the offer to continue her career as Audit and Drafting Supervisor. Shannice is a warm-hearted, friendly individual who is meticulous about her work, enjoys meeting new clients and ensures to leave a smile on your face. She believes, “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work” (Aristotle).

Mohammed Pharos

Company Secretarial Manager
Mohammed@nlk.co.za
Mohammed was one of the very first employees, starting with the firm in April 1990. He heads up our secretarial department which includes the formation of companies and trusts, conversions of close corporations, maintain of statutory records, filing of annual returns and voluntary liquidations.

Samantha van der Merwe

Tax Manager
SamV@nlk.co.za
Samantha van der Merwe is a registered Tax Practitioner with SARS and a registered member of the South African Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT). She has successfully completed her NQF Level 6 qualification in Taxation and is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Accounting Science in Taxation. Sam has been a manager in the Taxation industry since 2010 and expanded her knowledge and confidence in dealing with SARS over the years, she has exceptional experience in handling top level queries as well as ensuring tax compliance and client satisfaction.

Sharissa Pillay

Accounting Manager
Sharissa@nlk.co.za
Sharissa joined Nexia Levitt Kirson in May 2021 as a senior payroll consultant. She quickly demonstrated her abilities within our Accounting Department and was offered the opportunity to lead our outsourced bookkeeping and payroll team. She has worked in the finance industry for many years and gained valuable experience along the way. She is a practical, meticulous, and driven person with a flair for problem solving and therefore well suited to the NLK family.

Hannah Munnery

Audit Supervisor
Hannah@nlk.co.za
Hannah earned her Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management and Accounting through Varsity College in 2020. In 2021, she commenced her articles at Nexia Levitt Kirson, concurrently pursuing and attaining her honours. Embracing the opportunity to further her professional growth, she enthusiastically accepted the position of Audit Supervisor in 2024. Hannah successfully wrote her last board exam in December 2023 and is currently a registered Chartered Accountant (SA). She strives to deliver high-quality results through effective collaboration, strong analytical skills, and a meticulous attention to detail, all while maintaining a proactive and solution-oriented approach to challenges. Hannah believes that each day presents an opportunity for learning something new.