Hard Work Pays Off for Law Cum Laude Graduates

Ms Adelaide Tendai Gunundu, Mr Sanjeeth Sewlall and Ms Zahrah Ebrahim.

For Law graduates Ms Zahrah Ebrahim, Ms Adelaide Tendai Gunundu and Mr Sanjeeth Sewlall graduating cum laude is proof that hard work and dedication are synonymous with success.

Ebrahim says she was motivated to study Law because she wanted to acquire the necessary knowledge to protect people’s rights.

‘I strongly believe in the rule of the law as it is there to protect our diverse society,’ said Ebrahim. ‘Although pursuing an LLB was difficult at times, it was great opportunity to learn under so many people who are experts in their respective fields.’

‘I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to spend a considerable amount of time with Justice Malcolm Wallis and to meet Justice Maya briefly. Getting to know these two dedicated and passionate individuals was definitely my favourite experience because it gave me a new appreciation for the law,’ she said.

Ebrahim will serve articles in Cape Town and plans to get involved in community upliftment and development projects.

Gunundu has been a high achiever right through her degree receiving the Dean’s Commendation in 2014 and being awarded various merit certificates for excelling in different modules.

‘Studying this degree was hectic and hard because I was always reading - I did not have a social life. However, the hard work has been worth it in the end because with a Law qualification, I know my future is bright,’ said Gunundu.

Gunundu, who is celebrating her achievement with her family, including her twin brother in Zimbabwe, says she plans to practice as an attorney.

Sewlall, who is a Chief Provincial Inspector dealing with policy and research in the Law Enforcement Department at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, says he is looking forward to using his newly acquired knowledge to enhance his career.

 ‘I intend opening up a non-profit organisation to provide legal consulting services to people who need it but can’t afford it.  I am also sincerely grateful to my employer for their support and I will continue serving them diligently,’ he said.

Words by: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph by: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

KZN Department of Transport Employee Graduates with LLB Cum Laude

Mr Sanjeeth Sewlall.

As a Chief Provincial Inspector dealing with policy and research in the Law Enforcement division at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, Bachelor of Laws cum laude graduate Mr Sanjeeth Sewlall aims to use his qualification to make legal advice more accessible for South African citizens.

‘I have always wanted to assist disadvantaged people and felt that pursuing a Law degree will capacitate me with the necessary skills and competencies to achieve this,’ said Sewlall.

The family man who hails from Pietermaritzburg dedicates his achievement to his wife, Ushana, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer during his studies but continued to support and inspire him to not let any challenges stand in the way of his studies.

‘Being a part-time student, I had to manage my commitments to my wonderful wife and my three teenage children as well as my work which was challenging. I believe that the standard maintained by UKZN is high and the lecturers have an excellent understanding of the relevant subjects.’

Using his newly acquired legal knowledge, Sewlall plans to enhance his career and educate people about their rights.

‘I intend to establish a non-profit organisation to provide free legal consulting services to my community.  I am also sincerely grateful to my employer for affording me the opportunity to study and plan to continue to serve the department diligently,’ he said.

Words by: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph by: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

Doctoral Graduate Shares his Love for Education with his Community

Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies, Dr Njabulo Khumalo.

For Graduate School of Business and Leadership academic and doctoral graduate Dr Njabulo Khumalo contributing to a bursary fund at his church is how he shares the gift of education with his community in Umlazi, Durban.

After being appointed Chairperson of the Education Committee of the Parish of Umlazi in 2013, Khumalo started a drive along with five other academics to raise money for the bursary fund which benefits members of the Umlazi Anglican Church who want to study at University but cannot afford the tuition. The money for the fund is raised through collection and pledges at an Annual Education Thanksgiving Gala.

Khumalo, a well-known motivational speaker, says his goal is to inspire the youth to not only dream about their future but unlock their potential through education.

‘I believe that education is the key to success and provides one with an opportunity to open many doors in life. It is a great achievement for a young man from Umlazi township to achieve a PhD at the age of 28 years and I want to inspire more young people to do the same,’ he said.

On the academic front through his doctoral thesis titled: The Role of Human Resource Planning on Service Delivery in Sizakala Customer Care Centres in eThekwini Municipality, Khumalo aims to contribute to the promotion and development of the centres as they play a crucial role in the Municipality. The study was supervised by Dr Emmanuel Mutambara and Dr Bonginkosi Zondi.

‘The study’s findings reveal that in these centres, components of human resources planning investments are not being implemented effectively; there is no clear strategy for the development of employees and promotions in these centres; and there is a need for the working environment to be improved. This is very interesting and I hope that the Municipality will consult me for advice in planning for the enhancement of service delivery in their Sizakala Customer Care Centres,’ said Khumalo.

Looking to the future, Khumalo is s planning to enrol for a Law degree next year and will use his PhD as a stepping stone towards becoming a professor and an expert in the field of leadership especially in human resource planning.

Words by: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

Mission More Than Accomplished for Young Doctoral Graduate

Dr Pfano Mashau.

When Dr Pfano Mashau joined UKZN’s Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L) through its Regional and Local Economic Development Young Researchers programme in 2013 his mission was to get his master’s degree and secure a job in industry.

Fast forward to today and he has just been awarded his PhD and is enjoying being a Management lecturer at the GSB&L – all at the age of just 26!

‘Getting to be part of the Development Lecturer programme at the GSB&L in 2014 was great because not only did I get mentorship in teaching but I also got to learn about publishing research and to finish my PhD,’ said Mashau.

Supervised by Professor Ziska Fields, Mashau’s doctoral thesis was titled: University Innovation Centres as Drivers of Entrepreneurship and Agglomeration Economies.

The study explored how innovation centres support entrepreneurs as well as the benefits of having entrepreneurs housed in the same space. His study involved five of South Africa’s top research universities.

When he is not exploring entrepreneurship and innovation, Mashau is thinking about home in the rural Tshisaulu village near Thohoyandou in Limpopo and how he can get the youth in his community to study further.

‘When I am home I chat with learners from my old high school about opportunities available to them. I also talk to my friends and anyone feeling trapped in their jobs about postgraduate studies,’ said Mashau.

‘I come from a family that prioritises education - my mom and I both have postgraduate qualifications, and my sister is pursuing hers. My uncles and mentors who are entrepreneurs are always pushing me to study further and I made a deal with one of them that when I get my PhD he should start his. I have delivered so it’s now time for him to do the same!’

To clear his mind, Mashau enjoys long distance cycling. He participated in the challenging 105km aQuelle Tour Durban earlier this year and is looking forward to the Amashova 2017 later this month.

Words by: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Supplied

author : .
author email : .

Improving Lives in Rural Areas at Heart of PhD Research

Dr Ntokozo Makoba celebrating the moment with her family.

School of Management, IT and Governance academic Dr Ntokozo Makoba says immersing herself in indigenous values and engaging with the traditional leadership of Umgungundlovu’s rural community for her PhD research was a personally enriching experience.

As part of her study titled: Values Underlying Traditional Leadership and Governance and South African Constitutional Imperatives: A Case of Umgungundlovu District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, Makoba investigated the relationship between indigenous knowledge systems, indigenous value systems, traditional leadership, constitutional imperatives and sustainable livelihoods.

In her research work Makoba interacted with the Chiefs in the Umgungundlovu District Municipality - an experience she had dreaded as her perceptions about amakhosi were informed by literature which portrays them as cruel, tyrannical rulers who do not respect women.

‘My fears were unfounded.  For example, there was an incident when I was standing with a Chief in a parking lot in a police station where we were meeting,’ said Makoba.

‘The area was not tarred and a police car drove in at speed causing dust to rise.  The inkosi got angry and approached the driver asking him whether that was a way to drive in the presence of a lady and whether he had seen the dust settling on me. The policeman was very apologetic.  That was just one example of amakhosi being extremely welcoming and perfect gentlemen,’ said Makoba.

The study, supervised by Dr Fayth Ruffin, started when Ruffin enlisted Makoba’s help on research she was conducting on values inherent in indigenous knowledge systems of governance. It grew into exploratory multi-mode qualitative research driven by grounded theory strategies in five case studies in sub-areas of Umgungundlovu - eMathulini, eMhlangandlovu, eMpumuza, eNhlazuka and kwaManyavu - and created a strong bond between the two women.

‘I first met Ntokozo then a high-ranking government employee, in 2013 when she sat in one day on a master’s research methodology module that I teach,’ said Ruffin. ‘Ntokozo expressed an interest in leaving public service for a career in academia including earning a doctoral degree so I encouraged her to secure part-time lecturing positions in preparation for possible future lecturing opportunities at UKZN. She did that in 2014 and that same year she applied for a Developmental Lecturer position at the University and took up the post in January 2015.

‘She was credentialed shortly after submission of her thesis and promoted to lecturer with effect from April this year. I am so proud of all that she has achieved and I am grateful to be part of her inspirational journey,’ said Ruffin.

Makoba’s research has not only benefitted her but also created an opportunity for her to give back to the community of Umgungundlovu as she - along with fellow academics in the Discipline of Public Governance - facilitated a Conflict Resolution Workshop for Traditional Councils (TCs) last year.

The goal of the training workshop was to share conflict resolution strategies with the TCs and to inform them about what is expected of them in Traditional Leadership as well as the requirements of the Governance Framework Amendment Act of 2003 and ultimately the KwaZulu-Natal Traditional Leadership and Governance Bill of 2013.

‘I think that the research has interesting findings which are important not only for South Africa but for any country which is a constitutional democracy recognising traditional leadership,’ said Makoba.

‘The study has resulted in relationships being created with amakhosi and the people in these areas. Twenty-three years into democracy some of the rural areas are no better off than they were in the apartheid era. They are still grappling with the same problems, and that is a great injustice.  As a way of giving back to the community, I have been able to arrange business training as well as conduct training on conflict resolution for traditional councils.’

Words by: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph by: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

Doctoral Graduate hopes for Regeneration of “Islamic Economics”

PhD research examines Islamic economics.

PhD graduate Abdulkader Cassim Mahomedy - a lecturer in the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance - conducted his research, thought to be the first of its kind in South Africa, on Islamic economics to discover why the discipline has floundered.

Mahomedy says Islamic economics is a relatively new sub-discipline within the broader field of economics with a distinct focus on integrating the ethical value system of Islam within economic theory.

‘The widening wealth-gap between the rich and poor, rising unemployment and inflation, and the resulting conflict among members of society, are among manifestations of the failure of mainstream economics. Attempts by the profession to provide solutions to these vexing problems have only exacerbated the situation. Muslim economists had endeavoured to overcome these limitations by carving out a new sub-specialty within economics, which they called “Islamic economics”. Notwithstanding their concerted efforts, this exercise has yielded little by way of offering any fresh insights on economic issues,’ said Mahomedy.

He details how the Islamic economists, by adopting the analytical framework of modern economics, also became paralysed by its underlying assumptions.

The thesis suggests an alternative paradigm, not only for economics, but for other areas of scientific enquiry based fundamentally on the precept of the Oneness of God.

Mahomedy says that given the multidisciplinary nature of his thesis, his first challenge was to identify a suitable mentor to guide him through his studies. He was eventually supervised by Professor Masudul Alam Choudhury, a world-renowned expert in the field.

‘With the guidance of God, and the deep insights provided to me by my supervisors, Prof Choudhury and Prof Harris, I was able to sift through all of the vast literature and distil from it the necessary information and develop my thesis accordingly’.

He said his study took much longer than usual to complete because he was not prepared to compromise his work, study and family commitments. ‘Ultimately though, without personal commitment, focus, and hard work, no PhD study is possible’.

‘It is my view that UKZN is uniquely positioned in the country to establish a centre for integrative studies in Islamic Economics, Finance, and Management. This would be a first for southern Africa and has enormous potential to impact positively on both academia and society. I hope to become part of this venture and contribute towards it,’ said Mahomedy.

Words by: Reatlehile Moeti

author : .
author email : .

Child Sex Tourism Focus of Attorney’s Masters Research

Ms Alvina Moodley.

Against the background of the alarming increase in the rate of human trafficking - especially involving children - in most parts of the world, Masters in Child Care and Protection graduate Ms Alvina Moodley compared child protection legislation in two countries in her thesis.

Moodley’s research investigated “child sex tourism” - where tourists kidnap and use children for sex - with the focus on effectiveness of laws in South Africa and Australia in combatting the scourge.

Part of the motivation for the research was the increase in the rate of  “child sex tourism” since the 2010 Soccer World Cup in Durban.

‘I was studying towards my Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree when I heard the voice of justice in me saying that something needs to be done about our laws in South Africa to afford better protection for our children,’ said Moodley.

She believes that a constitutional democracy is of little benefit if children are not protected and that it is pointless for South Africa to boast about having the best constitution in the world if laws are not being policed.

Moodley said because Australia had a better legal framework in regard to “child sex tourism”, she decided to compare it with South Africa’s to find ways that this country’s  laws can be improved and better implemented to protect future generations.

Moodley says her biggest challenge was the research itself as South Africa has no reported case law on successful prosecutions in the area of ‘child sex tourism’.

‘I plan on opening my own firm focusing primarily on child law and family law. I would love to form an NGO to focus on combatting child sex abuse.’

Words by: Reatlehile Moeti

 

Photograph by: Abhi Indrarajan

 

author : .
author email : .

BCom Graduate Dreams of Being a Successful Entrepreneur

Mr Christian Ishimwe.

UKZN Enactus alumnus Mr Christian Ishimwe has graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Management degree taking him a step closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

Ishimwe, a communication and marketing intern in UKZN’s Corporate Relations Division, says he is grateful for all the opportunities the University has given him.

‘Choosing to come to UKZN was life changing for me and I have had the opportunity to grow in a diverse environment,’ said Ishimwe.

‘One of the opportunities was being part of an Africa Design Challenge (ADC) 2017 team. ADC is a youth innovation competition designed by Innovate Durban, in which participants are challenged to find solutions to social problems affecting cities in Africa,’ he added.

Currently placed among the top five teams in the competition, Ishimwe and his team that consists of UKZN third-year students Mr Zeka Miso, Mr Mpilo Mshengu, Mr Ayanda Gumede and UKZN alumnus Mr Blessing Mzaca - developed a transport and payment system for developing cities.

ADC winners will be announced in October

‘We have developed a system using a cell phone app or online on the computer which gives people in a developing city, where transport technology is not advanced, the opportunity to efficiently plan and use all possible transport available to them.  The system also allows people in a city to pay and access hotels, restaurants, conference centres and events tickets.  Making payments through our system eliminates the need to carry cash or cards thus making a city more efficient and safe,’ said Ishimwe.

Ishimwe dedicated his BCom degree to his parents who encouraged him to study further after completing high school.

‘I had my own ideas of travelling the continent after my matric, but my parents pointed out the importance of education and I will forever be grateful to them for that,’ said Ishimwe.

Words by: Sibonelo Shinga

Photograph by: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

Injustices and Abuse Suffered by Pregnant School Pupils Examined in Doctoral Research

Doctor of Philosophy, Dr Franaaz Khan.

The alarmingly high number of pregnant learners in South African schools and the discrimination they suffer motivated UKZN Law academic Dr Franaaz Khan to research the situation for her PhD.

Through her study titled: Legal and Policy Implications of Learner Pregnancies in South Africa - A Case Study in KwaZulu-Natal, Khan  critically analyses the laws and policies regulating the management of learner pregnancies using the experiences of various stakeholders at selected public secondary schools in KwaZulu-Natal and the Hospital School Pretoria.

Her research work was supervised by Professor David McQuoid-Mason.

‘The study revealed that pregnant learners were being discriminated against on the basis of their pregnancy status. What was important was that I found a school for pregnant girls in Pretoria who shared their pleasant experiences, as the school provided the moral and educational support that these learners required,’ said Khan.

‘Given the current status of learner pregnancies in SA, I hope that the findings of this study will benefit pregnant pupils who have been unable to achieve their full educational potential due to their pregnancies,’ she added.

As an advocate for human rights and constitutional issues of teen pregnancy in high schools in South Africa, Khan also wrote a paper titled: The Stomach Issue: Developing a human rights education approach to the problem of learner pregnancies in South African schools: A response to Welkom High School case where she argued that the guidelines/policy in question will not on their own be sufficient to address the violations and mismanagement of the issue of learner pregnancy at basic education level.

‘Education and women are areas that I am passionate about, especially constitutionally protected legal rights that are afforded to women. I strongly believe that when you educate a female you educate the nation,’ said Khan.

For Khan, graduating with her PhD was not the only celebration as she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl a week before the Graduation ceremony.

‘As a wife and a first-time mom, life is all about balancing different aspects of your life successfully. PhD is a lonely journey and it is physically, emotionally and mentally challenging. I am grateful for my parents’ support as they were my pillars of strength during these difficult times and they encouraged me never to give up,’ said Khan.

Words by: Thandiwe Jumo and Sibonelo Shinga

Photograph by: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

PhD Thesis Focuses on Importance of SMEs

Doctor of Philosophy, Dr Ayansola Ayandibu.

Management and Entrepreneurship lecturer Dr Ayansola Ayandibu was awarded his doctorate for his thesis titled: Strategic Innovation as a Tool for Improved Performance amongst Small and Micro Businesses.

Ayandibu, who has always been keen on becoming an entrepreneur, is passionate about passing on his entrepreneurial knowledge to his students. This inspired him to pursue his PhD in Leadership Studies.

His research highlights the importance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and how they drive economic growth and development in South Africa and around the world. His study was supervised by Graduate School of Business and Leadership academic Dr Jennifer Alice Houghton.

‘I pursued a PhD on the improvement of the functioning of SMEs operations because I noticed most of the complaints of small business owners were basically about lack of funds. That prompted me to dig deeper to see if that is actually the main reason why small businesses often fail within five years of start-up, resulting in finding out its the embezzlement of funds by these small business owners that causes them to decline,’ said Ayandibu.

While pursuing his PhD, Ayandibu says his research capabilities grew as he was able to publish a paper in the Journal of Business and Retail Management Research. The journal publishes experiential research that tests, extends or builds business management theories and contributes to retail management practices.

Ayandibu’s paper was titled: External Forces Affecting Small businesses in South Africa. It focused on challenges that harm small businesses, such as government funding and inadequate skilled labour. 

He also published another paper in the Journal of Sociology and Social Anthropology titled: Impact of Remittances on Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects, which compares the transfer of funds on development in evolving countries of the world with those in Nigeria.

Ayandibu wants to be a consultant to small business owners and also run his own management consultancy firm.

He aims to continue lecturing and specialise in the fields of Accounting, Economics and Management.

Words by: Sibonelo Shinga

Photograph by: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

Passion for Community Upliftment drives Masters Graduate

Mr Mthokozisi Mkhize.

Having a profound passion for community-oriented entrepreneurship drove Master of Commerce in Entrepreneurship graduate Mr Mthokozisi Mkhize to pursue research on The Role of Community-Based Entrepreneurship in Rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: An Exploratory Study of Agricultural Cooperatives.

Hailing from rural Dlolwane in the Nkandla district of KwaZulu-Natal, Mkhize says he wanted to develop a sense of community index in the context of rural communities to assist local government in implementing community-based entrepreneurship programmes. ‘I wanted to highlight psychological community aspects that enhance social capital in rural communities.’

Mkhize found that there was a connection between the level of sense of belonging and the success of agricultural cooperatives which was measured with various variables such as trust, fitting in within the cooperative, reputation, sense of membership, sharing of important needs, shared values, caring and sharing important events.

He acknowledged his supervisor Dr Evelyn Derera, who he says helped him greatly during the struggles of his studies. ‘I was not comfortable with talking about my personal life but I sat down with my supervisor and told her everything that I was going through… and she was shocked. Our relationship shifted from her being just my supervisor to a mother figure, mentor and support structure,’ said Mkhize.

Mkhize’s passion for community upliftment led to him starting an initiative called Equalisers Rural Youth Community Development which seeks to address structural unemployment in South Africa by handing out relevant career guidance to rural youth at an early age up to Grade 12.

Words by: Reatlehile Moeti

Photograph by: Abhi Indrarajan

 

author : .
author email : .

Postgraduate Students Achieve Goals with Distinction

From left: Ms Premalia Naidoo and Ms Christinah Mulaudzi.

Ms Premalia Naidoo and UKZN staff member, Ms Christinah Mulaudzi received their Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualifications which they graduated with distinction at the recent Spring Graduation ceremony.

Naidoo says she is using knowledge gained from her studies to further her family business.

‘This qualification has taught me so much as it has moulded me into a better person and I am using all that I have learned to upgrade our family corporate travel company,’ said Naidoo.

She describes how studying part-time was a challenge for her as she had to juggle between her studies and working in her family business but says developing good friendships during her studies made it easier to overcome challenges and stressed that having a good support system was vital.

‘My support system comprised my amazing parents and husband - with their support and encouragement, I was able to persevere and overcome my challenges and meet deadlines,’ she said.

Mulaudzi says when she enrolled for the qualification, all she wanted was to advance and empower herself with knowledge and is ecstatic to have completed it with distinction.

‘When I realised that I had obtained the qualification with distinction, it was a bonus and it goes to show that hard work really does pay off and all my sleepless nights were not in vain,’ said Mulaudzi.

She also stressed that trying to juggle work, studies and family is indeed a very challenging task but her husband and colleagues support had a meaningful impact in helping her cope.

‘The little things that my husband did which he thought did not matter made such a difference. I also received different kinds of support from my amazing colleagues, be it academic, emotional or informational and I cannot thank them enough,’ said Mulaudzi.

Both students plan to start a Master of Business Administration degree next year and Naidoo hopes to continue harnessing her undying passion to acquire academic and business success.

 Words by: Reatlehile Moeti

Photographs: By Abhi Indrarajan and supplied

author : .
author email : .

PhD Graduate Dedicates Achievement to his Late Father

Dr Bongani Qwabe with his supervisor Dr Fayth Ruffin.

Graduating with his PhD was a bittersweet moment for School of Management, IT and Governance academic Dr Bongani Qwabe, whose father passed away near the end of his doctoral journey.

While one thesis examiner required no revisions or corrections, two of them required minor corrections. Qwabe describes working on those corrections, which is the final stage before degree completion, as the worst experience of his life because of the stark realisation that he wouldn’t be able to share his success with his dad in the flesh.

‘This has been a daunting and challenging journey as my father’s health started deteriorating drastically towards the end of my doctoral journey, affecting my concentration levels and schedule times as I had to constantly visit him in the hospital,’ said Qwabe.

‘My father was not an educated man but his love and passion for education was amazing - he would constantly ask when I was finishing my studies so he could see his last born finally become a “doctor”. I submitted my thesis while he was still alive. Sadly, he did not live long enough to realise that dream of seeing me graduate. However, he joins in this success from the realm of ancestors, while my ever-supportive mother, wife, sons and siblings are here,’Qwabe pointed out.

Qwabe’s doctoral thesis is titled: Human Capital for Rural Infrastructure Development in South Africa: A Project-Based Pedagogical Analysis.

His South African investigations, completed in two provinces, two government departments and four universities, found that there is a disconnection between project management human capital development and rural infrastructure project delivery.

‘The study identifies the need for Higher Education Institutions to introduce novel rural project management teaching, grounded in indigeneity and driven by African philosophies and inclusive of community-centred concerns to guide South African rural infrastructure development,’ explained Qwabe.

His supervisor, Dr Fayth Ruffin, said when she introduced problem-based learning in the Discipline and learned Qwabe was developing a niche in public sector project management, she encouraged him to look into project-based learning.

‘Not only did he incorporate project-based learning into the modules he was teaching, he changed thesis supervisors and took on project-based learning as his thesis topic in the context of rural infrastructure development and the way in which project-based learning could lead to human capital formation to meet the needs of rural development in South Africa,’ said Ruffin. ‘Qwabe’s articulation to me of the character development that he experienced during and after his doctoral journey is a true mark of having acquired an essential attribute of doctoral graduateness,’ Ruffin added.

Qwabe hopes his research will have a lasting impact as he plans to not only use the thesis outcomes to decolonise project management education but will also publish widely and be actively engaged in local and international conferences.

He has been in academia for almost 15 years but feels that getting his PhD is the “real” start of his career. ‘I want to become a well-grounded and innovative academic with better understanding and appreciation that will enable me to help shape the ongoing and changing pedagogical trends in the Higher Education sector across the globe,’ Qwabe concluded.

Words by: Reatlehile Moeti

Photograph by: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

Graduation a Family Celebration for UKZN Staff Member

Ms Ruvania Govender with her proud family .

School of Management, IT and Governance Academic Development Officer Ms Ruvania Govender who graduated with her Master of Commerce in Marketing celebrated her day with family. Govender’s research was titled: Fast Foods: UKZN Westville Students’ Awareness of the Health Risks and their Consumption Patterns and was supervised by Mr AR Bozas.

Photograph by Sibonelo Shinga

author : .
author email : .

Improving KZN’s Health Care Service Delivery a Priority for PhD Graduate

Dr Sagaren Govender celebrating with his supervisor Dr Cecile Gerwel Proches.

With more than 30 years of experience in KwaZulu-Natal’s public health care sector, PhD graduate Dr Sagaren Govender has first-hand experience of the negative effect an exodus of skilled and professional staff has on health care service delivery and is hoping his research will help provide solutions.

Govender, who is employed as an office manager in the Health Technology Services at Wentworth Hospital in Durban, first did research in 2014 for his master’s degree into why service delivery was failing at Addington Hospital in Durban.

For his PhD, Govender took his research a step further by aiming to provide guidelines for improved health care service delivery within the existing legislation in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.

‘Currently, the public health care sector is facing a myriad challenges impacting negatively on health care service delivery,’ said Govender. ‘Critical posts can take up to six months to fill when they become vacant, which results in increased workloads for existing staff when such posts are not filled timeously. For example, the KZN Department of Health is currently facing a drastic shortage of oncologists who are critically needed to treat patients in the region.

‘The lack of skilled and competent staff at management levels is another problem faced by the public health care sector. Managers do not have leadership capabilities crucial for dealing with complex issues that dominate the sector,’ he said.

His PhD study titled: Developing a Leadership Model to Enhance Health Care Service Delivery in Regional Hospitals, was supervised by Dr Cecile Gerwel Proches and Dr Abdulla Kader. It explores leadership in relation to health care service delivery at RK Khan Hospital, King Edward VIII Hospital, Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital and Grey's Hospital in Pietermaritzburg.

‘The study identified leadership as being fundamentally important for improving service delivery in regional hospitals,’ said Govender. ‘An integrated leadership approach was recommended for optimising health care service delivery. Due to a continuously evolving health care environment with diverse cultures, the study suggested that different leadership styles should be used in different situations.’

Govender presented a paper titled: Developing a Leadership Model to Enhance Health Care Service Delivery in Regional Hospitals at the IRES International Conference on Economics and Social Sciences in Cape Town in May.

A keen road runner, Govender has participated in nine Comrades Marathons, five Two Oceans marathons and various other marathons.

Words and photograph by: Thandiwe Jumo

author : .
author email : .

Saluting College of Law and Management Doctoral Graduates

It was joy and jubilation at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s very first spring Graduation. Twenty-three doctorates were conferred in the College of Law and Management Studies in a ceremony held at the Westville campus.

The Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Law and Management Studies, Professor Managay Reddi, congratulates the College’s 23 graduates - seven of whom are staff members - who received their doctoral degrees in this year’s Spring Graduation.

This brings the total number of doctoral degrees awarded by the College in 2017 to 60 which is a first in the College’s history.

‘As a College we have been working tirelessly to transform ourselves in terms of our research productivity and are pleased with the results. The increase in the number of our doctoral graduates shows that the many interventions adopted by the College, including the monitoring of the PhD project on a regular basis, are bearing fruit.’

‘While we considered the award of 43 doctoral degrees in 2016 to be a big success, the fact that we have exceeded this number this year is a wonderful accomplishment. All credit for this must go to the staff in our four Schools who are the drivers of our success. Most exciting is that 12 of our own staff members obtained their PhDs this year. I therefore have much pleasure, on behalf of our entire College,  to again congratulate our staff and students on their noteworthy achievement and I look forward to us reaching even greater heights in the future in our research outputs and productivity,’ said Professor Reddi.

MEET OUR DOCTORAL GRADUATES:

Thesis Title: Trading in Chaos: Analysis of Active Management in a Fractal Market

Supervisor: Professor Mabutho Sibanda

The research studied the anomaly in financial markets. The study found that contrary to traditional finance theory, the Small Cap Index is less risky and outperforms the Top 40 index; thus making it imperative for fund managers to reconsider their investment strategies. ‘The lack of funding to support my studies was one of the major challenges that I faced, therefore I had to work full-time and studied from 2am to 6am before getting ready for work.’ Prince’s future plans include serving his two-year term on the Investment Competency Committee of the Financial Planning Institute where he is a member, and continuing with his post-doctoral studies at UKZN with the aim of practicing as a wealth manager.

Thesis Title: The ‘MINT’ Economies and Non-performing Loans

Supervisor: Professor Mabutho Sibanda and Dr Colette Muller

The study examines non-performing loans (NPLs) in the economies of Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey (MINT) and identifies NPLs as the main cause of banking system crises, which limit economic growth. The study recommends a higher level of proactive policies for the countries where they learn from one another as their economies are similar. Morakinyo had to travel between Nigeria and South Africa for the first seven months of his studies and eventually relocated his wife and children to South Africa. He has been in the banking industry in Nigeria for over 25 years and plans to return to his home country and help in growing the economy in different capacities.

 

 

Thesis Title: Harmful Cultural and Traditional Practices: A Roadblock in the Implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Maputo Protocol on Women’s Rights in Tanzania

Supervisor: Professor Nomthandazo Ntlama

The thesis examined aspects of the existing culture and traditions that trample women’s rights. The study discovered that several discriminatory laws that negatively impact women’s rights are still enforced and that plans to amend these laws have been hampered by strong traditional resistance. Msuya had to relocate to Durban from Tanzania, leaving her husband and children behind but later took on single parenting duties when she decided to also relocate the children. She is an assistant lecturer at the Faculty of Law in Mzumbe University and a practising Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania. She is also the Coordinator and Founder Member of Tanzania Legal Aid Organisation for Women and Children which is a non-governmental organisation that provides legal assistance and education to women and children in Tanzania.

 

Thesis Title: A Conceptual Model to Enhance Leadership Styles in Life Insurance Policies Sales with a View to Enhance Performance and Emotional States of Employees

Supervisor: Professor Ziska Fields

Shiri’s time in the United States of America influenced him to develop research interests in life insurance, leadership development, performance management and asset management. He observed that life insurance sales people in Zimbabwe face numerous challenges in selling policies therefore his study focused on the impact of various leadership models on the performance and emotional commitment of insurance policy sales staff. ‘The major challenge was that the employer could only grant a one year paid study leave and in the second year, I had to commit to numerous trips between South Africa and Zimbabwe and travelling became more difficult due to the new Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe transfers restrictions.’ Shiri’s goal is to become a renowned researcher and set up a consultancy.

 

Thesis Title: Financial Literacy Amongst Informal Enterprise Owners in Zambia  

Supervisor: Professor Mabutho Sibanda

The study sought to determine the effect of financial literacy on the usage of financial services among informal enterprise owners in Zambia. ‘A growing number of Zambians are shifting towards entrepreneurship as they seek fresh business opportunities away from the formal sector which has shrunk quite significantly in recent years. However, there are some challenges associated with the informal sector, chiefly lack of skills in managing money, which is also known as financial illiteracy’. Mpembele is a full-time staff member at the Copperbelt University in Zambia and his plans include focusing on his academic career as he believes that Africa’s economic salvation lies in education, especially at higher levels.

 

Thesis Title: Social Entrepreneurship Management: Pedagogical Initiatives Orientation for the Creation of Social Ventures at Designated Nigerian Universities

Supervisor: Dr Mervywin Williamson

‘The motivation behind the study was the gap identified in the literature that required the extension of the borders of knowledge by providing clarification on the relationship between social pedagogy and students’ behavioural outcomes in Nigerian universities.’ Adejeji hopes this study will offer practical solutions to problems identified by the literature thus benefiting the Management of Nigerian Universities. Adejeji faced a setback when his first proposal on Environmental Scanning was rejected by the Higher Degrees Committee. He was so discouraged and had every intention of giving up and going back home to Nigeria. Through prayer and his wife’s encouragement, he got the strength to go back to the Committee the following month and doing his presentation and completing his PhD within two years.

 

Thesis Title: Factors Influencing Consumer Behaviour in the Procurement/Free Downloading of Mobile Applications: A Case Study of Students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

Supervisor: Professor Sadhasivan Perumal and Professor Brian McArthur

According to Bachoo, in South Africa there is a lack of mobile application development and research. The research problem is that the factors driving consumers to download mobile applications is unknown.  The study assesses the relationship between consumer behaviour and the purchasing/free downloading of mobile applications among students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Bachoo believes that like major companies such as Apple, South Africa can become the shining light in Africa for a progressive strategy for mobile application development and marketing adding a positive impact on the country’s economy. Bachoo thanks his parents, and Professor Perumal and Professor McArthur for being there for him motivating him to pursue his PhD as he found it hard to balance it with his job as a Jnr Director at an electrical consulting and contracting company.

 

Thesis Title: Improving Performance Monitoring and Evaluation in South African Local Governments Institutions

Supervisor: Professor Stephen Migiro

With her experience in employee relations after working for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, the Office of the Premier, the Department of Transport and currently working at the University of South Africa in Pretoria, Dlamini felt that she needed to contribute to the body of knowledge she had acquired about issues of performance monitoring and evaluation in the society we are living in, especially in government. Dlamini says municipalities are the sphere of the government close to the community and have the responsibility to account as to where our money goes and what remedial action is in place in the event of deviation by municipal officials. The study aims to benefit every administrator either in the private or public sector that resources are always accounted for as people always want to see results. Dlamini aspires to become an academic so that she can impart her knowledge to other students and motivate them never to give up in life. She also wants to assist municipalities who have agreed to help during her studies to share best practices in terms of instilling good governance in their area of responsibility.

 

Thesis Title: Developing a Human Resource Framework for Monitoring and Evaluation of Personnel in Selected Municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal

Supervisor: Professor Purshottama Reddy

Ever since he relocated from Kenya to South Africa in 2001, Kariuki has been curious about local government and its work, especially its ability to deliver basic services to citizens efficiently and professionally.

‘It is my passion about the sector coupled with the curiosity to seek answers that drove me to pursue an extensive study about monitoring and evaluating human resource capacity in the sector, focusing on selected municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal,’ said Kariuki.

His study aims to benefit the monitoring and evaluation community in general, specifically, human resource practitioners, local government practitioners, researchers and policy makers in the public sector. He intends on pursuing a post-doctoral fellowship and to improve his research skills by publishing as many articles as he can from his PhD.

 

Thesis Title: Values Underlying Traditional Leadership and Governance and South African Constitutional Imperatives: A Case of Umgungundlovu District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal

Supervisor: Dr Fayth Ruffin

The choice of leaving a high ranking position in the public sector to join UKZN as development lecturer to hone her academic skills continues to yield results for Makoba who was promoted to lecturer in April this year. Her study is exploratory multi-mode qualitative research driven by grounded theory strategies in five case studies in sub-areas of Umgungundlovu - eMathulini, eMhlangandlovu, eMpumuza, eNhlazuka and kwaManyavu.

‘I think that the research has interesting findings which are important not only for South Africa but for any country which is a constitutional democracy recognising traditional leadership. The study has resulted in relations being created with amakhosi and the people in these areas. As a way of giving back to the community, I have been able to arrange business training as well as conduct training on conflict resolution for traditional councils,’ said Makoba.

 

Thesis Title: University Innovation Centres as Drivers of Entrepreneurship and Agglomeration Economies

Supervisor: Professor Ziska Fields

The study explored how innovation centres support entrepreneurs as well as the benefits of having entrepreneurs housed in the same space. His study involved five of South Africa’s top research universities. When he is not exploring entrepreneurship and innovation, Mashau is thinking about home in the rural Tshisaulu village near Thohoyandou in Limpopo and how he can get the youth in his community to study further. ‘When I am home I chat with learners from my old high school about opportunities available to them. I also talk to my friends and anyone feeling trapped in their jobs about postgraduate studies,’ said Mashau.

To clear his mind, Mashau enjoys long distance cycling. He participated in the challenging 105km aQuelle Tour Durban earlier this year and is looking forward to the Amashova 2017 later this month.

 

Thesis: Developing a Leadership Model to Enhance Health Care Service Delivery in Regional Hospitals

Supervisor:  Dr Cecile Gerwel Proches and Dr Abdulla Kader

With more than 30 years of experience in KwaZulu-Natal’s public health care sector, PhD graduate Dr Sagaren Govender has first-hand experience of the negative effect an exodus of skilled and professional staff has on health care service delivery and is hoping his research will help provide solutions.

‘Currently, the public health care sector is facing a myriad challenges impacting negatively on health care service delivery,’ said Govender. ‘Critical posts can take up to six months to fill when they become vacant, which results in increased workloads for existing staff when such posts are not filled timeously. For example, the KZN Department of Health is currently facing a drastic shortage of oncologists who are critically needed to treat patients in the region,’ said Govender.The study explores leadership in relation to health care service delivery at RK Khan Hospital, King Edward VIII Hospital, Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital and Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. It identified leadership as being fundamentally important for improving service delivery in regional hospitals.

 

Thesis: The Role of Human Resource Planning on Service Delivery in Sizakala Customer Care Centres in eThekwini Municipality

Supervisor:  Dr Emmanuel Mutambara and Dr Bonginkosi Zondi

‘The study’s findings reveal that in these centres, components of human resources planning investments are not being implemented effectively; there is no clear strategy for the development of employees and promotions in these centres; and there is a need for the working environment to be improved. This is very interesting and I hope that the Municipality will consult me for advice in planning for the enhancement of service delivery in their Sizakala Customer Care Centres,’ said Khumalo.

Looking to the future, Khumalo is planning to enrol for a Law degree next year and will use his PhD as a stepping stone towards becoming a professor and an expert in the field of leadership especially in human resource planning.

 

Thesis: Developing a Model of Organisational Success: A case of Link Healthcare Pty Ltd Business Implementations

Supervisor:  Dr Muhammad Hoque

Citation: A significant number of liquidations and insolvencies have been reported by Statistics South Africa. The estimated number of insolvencies has increased by 12.6% year-on-year. This study resulted in the development of a Five Wheel Model for Organisational Success comprising key areas, namely, Global Expansion; Leadership Dimensions; Organisational Strategies; Organisational Structure; and Culture and Expertise/Efficient Key Departments, all of which collectively, were shown to deliver organisational growth and success.

 

Thesis Title: Why the Rationalist Foundations of Modern Science are Unsuitable for Ismail Economics

Supervisor: Professor Masudul Alam Choudhury and Professor GT Harris

Mahomedy conducted his research, thought to be the first of its kind in South Africa, on Islamic economics to discover why the discipline has floundered. He says Islamic economics is a relatively new sub-discipline within the broader field of economics with a distinct focus on integrating the ethical value system of Islam within economic theory. The thesis suggests an alternative paradigm, not only for economics, but for other areas of scientific enquiry based fundamentally on the precept of the Oneness of God. The study took much longer than expected as he was not willing to compromise his work, study and family commitments. ‘Ultimately though, without personal commitment, focus, and hard work, no PhD study is possible’.

 

Thesis Title: Human Capital for Rural Infrastructure Development in South Africa: A Project-based Pedagogical Analysis

Supervisor: Dr Fayth Ruffin

The research identified the lack of project management human capital across two provinces, two government departments and four universities, and found there was a disconnection between project management human capital development and rural infrastructure project delivery. ‘The study identifies the need for Higher Education Institutions to introduce novel rural project management teaching, grounded in indigeneity and driven by African philosophies and inclusive of community-centred concerns to guide South African rural infrastructure development.’ Qwabe described his doctoral journey as challenging and daunting as he lost his father during his studies, and therefore dedicates this achievement to his late father.

 

Thesis Title: Developing a Stakeholder Management Model Based on an African Traditional Community- Bafokeng Case Study

Supervisor: Professor Thokozani Nzimakwe

‘My motivation for doing this study came when I worked for one of the most progressive communities in Africa - the royal Bafokeng. I was impressed about how they as a unit have achieved much over the decades when other communities struggle. As I engaged with the community I realised that part of their secret to success lies in how they engage with each other.’ The study recommends broadening the knowledge of stakeholder management patterns within traditionally governed African communities. Majola described her doctoral journey as ‘full of challenges’ as each phase of the research process presented its own challenges but she overcame them by setting her mind on the right path. She has recently joined a JSE-listed private education company and hopes to either lecture or supervise research studies for UKZN. ‘I have always been passionate about education and it feels surreal that I can finally add my bit in improving the South African academic sector’.

 

Thesis Title: Analysing Challenges Impeding the Implementation of Municipal Strategies in Mpumalanga Province: A Study of Msukaligwa Local Municipality

Supervisor: Dr C Sanangura

The principal objective of the study was to analyse the challenges i.e. communication, organisational culture, finances, human resources, structure or control, objectives and leadership, whether or not they impede strategy implementation at Msukaligwa Local Municipality. The results revealed that structure and finances have the greatest impacts while culture and objectives were in the middle whereas communication, leadership and human resources have minimum impacts on strategy implementation at the Municipality.

 

Thesis Title: A Tourism Stakeholder Management Supply Chain Framework for Economic Contribution for Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Supervisor: Dr Muhammed  Hoque

The study investigated the importance of stakeholder engagement in the tourism sector. The case of Northern Cape is used to illustrate the point regarding the importance of stakeholder engagement for optimum use of the tourism sector to achieve economic growth. The study findings showed significant levels of inconsistency of perceived engagements among the key stakeholders in the public and private tourism entities.

 

Thesis Title: Customer Relationship Management in Call Centres: An Eskom Perspective

Supervisor: Professor IW Ferreira and Professor Brian Mcarthur

Wicomb examined the role of call centres in the implementation process of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategic software packages at ESKOM. Findings include an underestimation by the company’s management of the significance of the role of call centres in its strategy initiatives. Challenges encountered during the upgrade of the CRM system were identified and can be addressed by applying the conceptual model proposed in this study.

 

Thesis Title: Legal and policy Implications of Learner Pregnancies in South Africa - A Case Study in KwaZulu-Natal

Supervisor: Professor David McQuiod-Mason and Professor Ann Strode

‘Given the current status of learner pregnancies in SA, I hope that the findings of this study will benefit pregnant pupils who have been unable to achieve their full educational potential due to their pregnancies,’ she said. For Khan, graduating with her PhD was not the only thing to celebrate as she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl a week before the Graduation ceremony. ‘As a wife and a first time mom, life is all about balancing different aspects of your life successfully. PhD is a lonely journey and it is physically, emotionally and mentally challenging. I am grateful for my parents’ support as they were my pillars of strength during these difficult times and they encouraged me never to give up,’ said Khan.

 

Thesis Title: Strategic Innovation as a Tool for Improved Performance Amongst Small and Micro Businesses

Supervisor: Dr Jennifer Houghton

In his research, Ayandibu focuses on the importance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and how they drive economic growth and development in South Africa and around the world. ‘I pursued a PhD on the improvement of the functioning of SMEs operations because I noticed most of the complaints of small business owners were basically about lack of funds. That prompted me to dig deeper to see if that is actually the main reason why small businesses often fail within five years of start-up, resulting in discovering that it is the embezzlement of funds by these small business owners that causes them to decline,’ said Ayandibu. Ayandibu is passionate about passing on his entrepreneurial knowledge to his students. This inspired him to pursue his PhD in Leadership Studies. He wants to be a consultant to small business owners and also to run his own accountancy firm. He aims to continue lecturing and specialise in the fields of Accounting, Economics and Management.

 

Thesis Title: Financial Sector Development and Economic Growth in Rwanda

Supervisor: Dr Harold Ngalawa

The study set out to investigate the relationship between financial sector development and economic growth in Rwanda. It established that unexpected changes in the domestic private sector credit account for the largest proportion of fluctuations in real output growth, supporting the supply-leading hypothesis in the intermediation link between financial sector development and economic growth in Rwanda. It also found that the repayment period has a negative effect on non-performing loans.

Words by: Thandiwe Jumo, Sibonelo Shinga and Reatlehile Moeti

Photographs by: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

Public Relations Manager Defies Obstacles to Achieve Success

Ms Thandiwe Jumo with her daughter Atinzwa and her mother Siphiwe Ncube.

College of Law and Management Studies Acting Public Relations Manager Ms Thandiwe Jumo received her Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and Supply Chain Management at UKZN’s Spring Graduation ceremony.

Jumo, who holds a Diploma and BTech in Journalism from the Durban University of Technology, said pursuing a qualification in a different field had been a challenging but rewarding experience.

‘Undertaking this postgrad qualification has been an eye opener in so many ways,’ said Jumo. ‘While I enjoyed the different components of the programme such as studying entrepreneurship, business law and business strategy, I really struggled with finance and accounting which led to me failing the module and not graduating in April.’

Although disappointed by the minor setback, tenacity and having a great support system ensured Jumo triumphed in the end.

‘Watching and congratulating my classmates on Graduation day in April was hard and emotional but it also gave me a great idea for the way forward - after grad I approached Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting summa cum laude graduate Steffen Wies and asked him to be my tutor and he agreed,’ she said.

She met with Wies on a weekly basis and he became a rich source of motivation with his calming presence helping her learn that panic is nothing more than a signpost for success that is just over the horizon.  ‘He really was my rock,’ said Jumo.

Jumo paid tribute to her family, Wies and her colleagues, especially the College’s Director of Professional Services, Dr Kathy Cleland, who she says was one of her greatest supporters, cheering her on even when she was hesitant about checking her final results. ‘UKZN needs more leaders like Dr Cleland who values and fosters our academic development,’ said Jumo.

Jumo says juggling work, home responsibilities and part-time studies was quite a challenge in which her mother played a major role by inspiring her to persevere.

‘My mom, who is a trauma nurse at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in uMthatha, came to live with me while studying for a Bachelor of Nursing Advanced Practice qualification with the College of Health Sciences,’ said Jumo.

‘In the two years she was studying she encouraged me to do my BTech which I completed last year. While I was busy she took care of my four-year-old daughter and my household duties. My mom, a bastion of self-empowerment, showed me that persevering women can accomplish anything they put their minds to and although our plan was to graduate together in April, I am glad that we graduated together in 2017,’ said Jumo.

Words by: Reatlehile Moeti and Dr Fayth Ruffin

Photographer: Abhi Indrarajen

author : .
author email : .

Bachelor of Business Administration cum laude Graduate Proves it’s Never Too Late to Study Further

Ms Sagree Pillay.

‘You need to get a degree if you accept this post.’ These words motivated Ms Sagree Pillay to do just that!

Pillay graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration cum laude degree from UKZN during the Spring Graduation ceremonies.

Pillay, a Senior Administrative Officer of Clinical Medicine at the College of Health Sciences, says getting feedback from an interviewer regarding the need for her to upgrade her qualifications is what spurred her on.

‘Three years ago, the University underwent a restructuring process. After 30 years of service my colleagues and I were placed in a pool and had to apply for posts. It was then I decided to pursue the degree,’ said Pillay.

‘I cannot say that filled me with joy. On my first day in class my thoughts were, God how am I going to cope? My fellow students are fresh out of high school and I am probably the oldest student in class and will be grasping things more slowly than the younger vibrant group. Working and studying was challenging but as a class we shared challenges and helped each other, creating a supportive environment free of judgement. Credit also needs to be given to our patient lecturers who were willing to go over concepts that we had difficulty understanding and being available after lectures to assist.’

Pillay dedicates this achievement to her husband, Ravi, her sons Maheshan and Megan; her extended family for their support and her classmate Jabulani Sibiya (JB) who passed away tragically last year. She is grateful to her night study buddies Merusha and Dhirou who didn’t think that passing cum laude was out of her reach.

Words by: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph by: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .