Ayanda Senamile Mkhize was born in Zwelibomvu, a rural area outside Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). In 2014, she matriculated from Margot Fonteyn Secondary in Klaarwater and in 2015, she enrolled for the degree in BCom Accounting Science in the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU). This was possible through the Thuthuka Bursary scheme which she received to pursue her studies in accounting. She graduated with a degree in BCom Accounting Science in 2019.

Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Mkhize pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Cape Town in 2019 and acquired a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA). She was subsequently offered an opportunity to do articles at the KZN Provincial Treasury. This was made possible through the initiative of the South African Institute of Charted Accounting (SAICA) Trainee Accounting Programme.

On qualifying as a chartered accountant, Mkhize has been employed as Deputy Director Financial Management in the Provincial Treasury. Her role includes, among other things, providing support to public sector institutions. She attributes her career advancement to the support she received from her lecturers at UNIZULU, who encouraged her to persevere in her chosen discipline. She says she is passionate about the accounting field and wishes to impart whatever knowledge she has to young aspiring accountants.