Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Finance Students Graduate Cum Laude

Top achievers, Ms Kiara Rajcoomar (left) and Ms Nompilo Simelane.

Graduating cum laude for Ms Kiara Rajcoomar and Ms Nompilo Simelane is proof that hard work and dedication are synonymous with success.

Graduating with her undergraduate degree at the young age of 20, Rajcoomar is continuing with her studies by pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance, Banking and Investment Management.

‘I was motivated to study finance because I am passionate about the economy and how businesses are valued. I have always been interested in foreign exchange, as well as valuations, mergers and acquisitions of companies; wondering how it worked. I then asked for advice in my matric year to understand what would be the best degree to study to obtain a deeper understanding of the business world, and was recommended finance,’ she said.

Looking to the future, Rajcoomar has ambitions of working in the banking sector.

‘I plan to work for the next two years in South Africa at one of the major banking institutions. Once I have gained practical experience, I would like to live overseas and experience living and working in a different country and get the opportunity to travel to as many countries as possible.

Simelane, who is a product of the BCom Foundation programme, says the four-year journey to obtaining her degree has not been easy but graduating cum laude has made it worth it.

‘I battled with mental health which made things hard but there was never a time when I felt like I was on the wrong career path. My final year was hard because I worked two jobs (tutor and student library assistant) but I persevered and made my family proud. The foundation programme taught me discipline. I carry values instilled in me by Dr Joseph Jere, the Foundation Co-ordinator, to this day,’ she said. 

The top achiever is currently pursuing an honours in Finance and planning on pursuing a masters next year. ‘My research topic is: Fund Flow and Performance under Different Market Market Conditions in South Africa, which is an interesting topic because my end goal is to have an investment company and my degree will be of great help.’

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photographs: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

Civil Engineer Sharpens Business Acumen with a Master of Commerce

Mr Ndumiso Ngubane - seen with his mother, Nokwethemba (left) and sister, Thandeka (right) - celebrated graduating with a Master of Commerce in Management.

The quest to become a well-rounded professional saw professional Civil Engineer, Mr Ndumiso Ngubane, pursuing studies which earned him a Master of Commerce in Management at UKZN in May.

Causes and Effects of Delays in the Implementation Phase of Infrastructure Construction Projects: Umgeni Water Case Study was the title of Ngubane’s dissertation under the supervision of UKZN Management experts, Professor Maxwell Phiri and Dr Malindi Kunene.

Ngubane unpacked his research and explained that his study examined the causes and effects of delays in the implementation phase of infrastructure construction projects for a South African state-owned entity. He said: ‘The study found that the “excessive changes to the scope of work” factor is the most frequently occurring and important delay cause for the entity. The factor often emanates from the additional scope of the client during construction. The most important effects of the delays were found to be time overruns, cost overruns, and a lost opportunity to make a profit by the entity.’

His study concluded that the reduction of important construction delays is within the control of the entity and associated contractual parties and recommended that the entity is advised to ensure effective engineering change management to prevent the incurrence of “excessive changes to the scope of work” and subsequent delays to the project.

The selection of the research topic was crucial to Ngubane as he firmly believes that one’s academic research study should contribute meaningfully to their current or future work responsibilities and goals.

Ngubane graduated with a BSc in Civil Engineering from UKZN. He is currently working for Lethabo Power Station as a Senior Civil Engineer where he is responsible for producing and integrating engineering solutions and designs for asset creation at various stages of the project lifecycle; developing discipline-specific technical standards, procedures, and specifications; and providing professional technical leadership to engineers. Before joining Lethabo Power Station, he was a civil engineer at Umgeni Water.

He is a professionally registered engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa and a certified Project Management Professional.

On obtaining the new qualification, he said: ‘The future of engineering work is changing rapidly and calls for dynamic engineering professionals. This degree has helped me to improve my managerial and commercial acumen. Most importantly, it equipped me with the skill to quickly learn new knowledge and unlearn existing concepts, which is important for adaptability in this ever-changing world.’

Challenging other engineers to embark on postgraduate studies, Ngubane said: ‘Civil engineers play an enormous role in improving the socioeconomic status of any society. Therefore, it’s imperative that as engineers, we constantly develop ourselves in order to make sound decisions that will put our lovely nation on the world map.’

Ngubane has already shared the findings of his study at IMBALI International Conference and co-published research with his supervisors.

Proud of Ngubane’s achievement, Kunene said: ‘It is truly a great pleasure to witness Ndumiso's exceptional performance. He has always been dedicated to his work and eager to learn. Working with a student who is passionate about creating knowledge and understanding through research was truly refreshing.’ 

When not solving complex engineering problems, he dabbles as a roadrunner and serves as a volunteer on the Information Technology Committee for the South African Institution of Civil Engineering.

Words: Hazel Langa

Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

Master’s Study Investigates Hindrances in the Granting of Taxi Operating Permits

Master of Commerce in Management graduate, Ms Nontobeko Dambuza (left) celebrating with her mother, Ms Phumzile Mfeka.

Hindrances in the granting of operating permits have resulted in many clashes between the South African taxi industry and law enforcement.

This is what motivated Ms Nontobeko Dambuza, KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department’s former employee, to embark on a research journey which culminated in the awarding of a Master of Commerce in Management at UKZN in May.

Through a dissertation titled: Hindrances in granting of operating permits and associated management processes: A case study of KwaZulu-Natal Taxi Associations, the study seeks to shed light on the processes followed by taxi operators when applying for operating licenses and the role played by both the Department of Transport and the Taxi Association. The findings revealed that the application process lacked a tracking system from both parties, there was no document mapping from the start of the application to completion, the lack of stakeholder commitment to process completeness, and many inefficient processes when submitting application forms.

The study recommends that both entities should adopt an electronic-based system that will link both offices to enable document sharing, linking, and reporting to accelerate the process and eliminate the waiting period. The electronic-based system will streamline the process, thus benefiting all stakeholders.

Dambuza acknowledged her late father for sparking an interest in the taxi industry while she was young. She said: ‘He had a passion for his job as a deputy secretary in his region. Engagements with him assisted with a clear picture of the industry in terms of operations, management, and community outreach programmes within their respective communities.’

The mother of two is indebted to her family for their undying love and support. ‘They assisted with proofreading my documents and sometimes stayed with me during late nights for moral support,’ she said.

Next on Dambuza’s agenda is the sharing of her research findings with the Department of Transport and the South African National Taxi Council provincial office for dissemination to regional offices.

Commenting on Dambuza’s academic achievement, her supervisor, Professor Maxwell Phiri, said: ‘A congratulatory message is in order for interesting and empirical research done by Nontobeko on a very interesting and informative subject on the Minibus Taxis Industry in uMgungundlovu District, South Africa. Her study was enlightening on the industry and its role in the community as a people mover.’

Words: Hazel Langa

Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

UKZN Graduations: Women Take the Lead!

The UKZN PMB campus echoed with sounds of celebrations as the University’s annual Graduation ceremonies kicked off yesterday.

Excitement is in the air! It’s that time of the year again when the University of KwaZulu-Natal confers degrees on thousands of students who will take to the stage to receive their hard-earned qualifications during the 2023 Autumn Graduation ceremonies.

The ceremonies, which take place in Pietermaritzburg from 3 to 4 May and in Durban from 8 to 12 May, will award 9 363 graduands from the Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering and Science; Health Sciences; Humanities; and Law and Management Studies with their respective qualifications. Of this total, 65% are women, 6 564 undergraduates, 2 799 postgraduates, 626 masters and 276 are doctoral graduands. The University will also celebrate the achievements of 101 graduands with disabilities.

Top academic achievements include 158 summa cum laude and 444 cum laude graduands who have completed their studies with distinction, a proud achievement for the University as more than 71% of the top achievers are women.

The University will also award seven honorary doctorates to notable individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Social Sciences, the Arts, as well as Management. The honorary doctorates include:

•    Ms Bavelile Gloria Hlongwa (Doctor of Administration), who will be awarded the degree posthumously, is remembered as a champion of youth development, women empowerment and transformation;

•    Dr Michael Oliver Sutcliffe (Doctor of Administration), a distinguished local government specialist whose contributions have shaped the South African municipal landscape;

•    Professor Kwame Anthony Appiah (Doctor of Literature), who will receive the degree in absentia, is a leading contemporary African intellectual;

•    Mr Muziwakhe “Madala” Kunene (Doctor of Music), a world-renowned guitarist who has earned a reputation as one of the leading guitarists in South Africa;

•    Mr Paul Mikula (Doctor of Architecture), a respected architect who has made a significant contribution to the preservation and promotion of KwaZulu-Natal’s arts and cultural heritage;

•    Prince Bhekizizwe Zeblon Zulu (Doctor of Literature), a member of the Zulu Royal House and former member of the democratic National Assembly who has made a significant contribution to recording the rich history of the Zulu nation; and

•    Professor Obioma Nnaemeka (Doctor of Social Science), a distinguished scholar and expert in the fields of gender/women’s studies and development.

The University has announced that the School of Education academic and Department of Science and Innovation/National Research Foundation South African Research Chair in Gender and Childhood Sexuality, Professor Deevia Bhana, has been made a Fellow of the University. In a distinguished academic career spanning 25 years, Bhana has pioneered high-quality research and also maintained a sustained focus on gender and sexuality as it is experienced in the course of young adolescent lives.

The recipient of the Distinguished Teachers’ Award - conferred to outstanding teachers who demonstrate innovation and excellence in the areas of curriculum development, teaching methodology and assessment methods - is Dr Dalene Vosloo, a senior lecturer in Ecotoxicology and Academic Leader of Cellular Biology in the School of Life Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini  

author : .
author email : .

UKZN Bestows Highest Honour on the Late Bavelile Gloria Hlongwa

The late Ms Bavelile Gloria Hlongwa (left) was awarded a Doctor of Administration posthumously. On the right is her mother, Ms Bukani Hlongwa, and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma at the Graduation ceremony in PMB.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal honoured the former Deputy Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, the late Ms Bavelile Gloria Hlongwa, by awarding her a Doctor of Administration posthumously.

This significant gesture by the University was in recognition of Hlongwa’s outstanding contribution to the betterment of South African youth and women.

Hlongwa was an active alumnus of UKZN where she graduated with a BSc in Chemical Engineering. When she met her demise in 2019, she was reading for a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in the School of Management, Information Technology and Governance at UKZN.

From a young age, Hlongwa demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities; serving as the secretary of the Congress of South African Students while in high school and branch secretary of Ward 3 in Alexandra informal settlement where she lived. While pursuing her Engineering studies at UKZN, she was elected to the Student Representative Council (SRC) in 2004 and elected as the first female SRC President in 2009. She later served as Deputy President of the UKZN Convocation where she advocated for policies to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In May 2017, she was appointed Executive Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency Board; and in May 2019 was elected to South Africa’s National Assembly as Mineral Resources and Energy Deputy Minister.

Ms Lungisile Hlongwa, sister of the late Hlongwa, delivered the acceptance speech on behalf of the Hlongwa family, saying: ‘As a family, we are honoured to be receiving this remarkable recognition of BV’s commitment to academic excellence and service to humanity.’ She added that her late sister was a trailblazer who inspired many with her unwavering commitment to social justice and equality, she dedicated her life to serving her community and country.

Recalling her unshakable tenacity and forthrightness, Lungisile said: ‘Those who knew Comrade BV might argue that she was cut from the same cloth as the great and fearless forebears of the African National Congress such as Dr Charlotte Manye Maxeke, Gertrude Shope and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.’ She added that Hlongwa believed in the power of diversity and inclusivity, and was a role model to many, especially young women who she constantly encouraged to strive for excellence, be bold, and take up space.

Professor Fayth Ruffin, Honorary Professor of Public Governance at UKZN, who came to know Hlongwa well as a student in the MPA programme said: ‘The more we came to know her and the more that she constructively challenged us and our modes of operation, the more evident it became that BV was a strong force of love and light.’

Guests who witnessed the ceremony included members of the Hlongwa family; Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; Ms Fikile Masiko, Member of the National Assembly of South Africa and Mr Fanle Sibisi, former UKZN Convocation President.

The late Hlongwa will be remembered as a champion of youth development, women empowerment and transformation.

Words: Hazel Langa

Photographs: UKZN Media and Independent Media 

author : .
author email : .

University Sports South Africa Karate Champion Graduates Summa Cum Laude

Karateka, Mr Hemal Heeralal, graduated summa cum laude.

Bachelor of Commerce Law summa cum laude graduate, Mr Hemal Heeralal, is excelling in karate and academics.

The karateka, who is the reigning USSA Champion, recently represented UKZN at the FISU World University Combat Games in Turkey.

‘I made it through to the quarter-finals, ranking UKZN amongst the best sporting universities in the world. While studying, I also had the privilege of being a member of the Golden Key Society and receiving many scholarships from the University for all my efforts which kept me motivated to give my best for my degree,’ said Heeralal.

The top achiever is a Protea decorated athlete in the art of karate as well as multiple National Protea, sub-Saharan and Shotokan World Champion. His many sporting achievements include representing South Africa in countries such as Italy, Poland, India, Croatia, Rwanda and many more countries for global events such as the Commonwealth Championships, Youth Cups, and various world championships.

Balancing his sporting ambitions with the demands of his studies was no easy feat for Heeralal, hence, graduating at the top of his class is a great achievement.

‘The journey to completing my degree was not an easy one, but I gained a completely new perspective on life and the real world. I also had the privilege of setting up for events on campus, such as World Environment Day and founding the UKZN PMB Hindu Students Association. Although my life can be busy, I find beauty and joy in waking up every day to do something amazing. Outside of my karate and academic life, I also enjoy playing golf and travelling the world,’ said Heeralal.

Personally, Heeralal loves making a positive difference within the Pietermaritzburg community, hence founding the Wild Tigers Karate Dojo at the age of 13.

‘I am the Dojo Head and Instructor. Our vision is to guide our future leaders of tomorrow onto the right path, promoting the karate-do values of character, sincerity, effort, etiquette and self-control. COVID-19 had an extremely negative impact on many families within my dojo, hence my team and I run hamper drives and feeding schemes to assist the families hard hit by the consequences of the pandemic. I also assist with free self-defence workshops in my local community initiatives.’

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

PhD in Management for Young Academic

Dr Mbalenhle Nxumalo who is passionate about education and knowledge transfer.

A thesis titled: The Perceived Impact of Management Styles on Employee Job Satisfaction and Organisational Commitment: A Case Study of Hulamin, Pietermaritzburg earned Dr Mbalenhle Nxumalo a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Nxumalo recalls how she once left a job she loved because of her boss’s management style. Hence, as a management expert, her quantitative study investigated the impact of management styles on employee job satisfaction and organisational commitment. The findings revealed that not all management styles have a significant relationship with job satisfaction and organisational commitment.

Nxumalo’s study will contribute to contemporary research on the determinants of employee job satisfaction and organisational commitment and will act as a guide for policy re-adjustments in organisations.

The graduate is preparing to share the findings of her study with the leadership of Hulamin as she believes that the recommendations will assist managers in choosing the best management styles that could result in staff retention, increase productivity, and profits.

Born and bred in the small town of Nkandla, north of KwaZulu-Natal, Nxumalo said pursuing doctoral studies was a no-brainer as she has been passionate about education and transferring knowledge from a young age. ‘I am inspired by young Black women who are in leadership positions despite all the barriers that prevent them from getting into management positions and young people who are hungry for success.’

In her quest to share knowledge, Nxumalo works as a part-time lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, an external academic at MANCOSA, and as an online tutor at Rosebank College. She is currently working with her supervisor, Dr Vangeli Gamede, on converting parts of the thesis into articles for publication in reputable academic journals.

Proud of her achievement, she said: ‘It still feels surreal. I still wake up at midnight and confirm if I was not dreaming. I am grateful to God.’

Words: Hazel Langa

Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

Cum Laude Graduate Determined to Become Chartered Accountant

Ms Omeshni Doorasamy who has great career aspirations.

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting cum laude graduate, Ms Omeshni Doorasamy, is on the path to qualifying as a chartered accountant.

‘This qualification has enabled me to pursue my Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting this year (2023) and to go on to serve my articles with PricewaterhouseCoopers to help achieve my goal of becoming a chartered accountant. There is still a long way to go towards achieving my goal, but with hard work and dedication and with the Lord Jesus Christ by my side, all things are possible,’ she said.

Being passionate about maths and accounting in high school, Doorasamy knew that she wanted to study accounting at university, hence graduating cum laude is validation that she made the right choice.

‘The sheer amount of time, effort, determination, and other related aspects necessary simply to pass this qualification are daunting. Difficulties aside, it is very gratifying to receive a satisfactory set of results and to see the culmination of one’s efforts result in graduating cum laude. This makes all the hard work and sacrifices worthwhile as this degree will enable me to pursue any type of career in the field of business. It will also open opportunities in many different countries.’

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

Doctoral Study Shines Spotlight on the National Health Insurance Scheme

Dr Hilary Muguto, PhD in Finance graduate, shares his proud moment with his wife, Dr Lorraine Muguto (left), and parents, Ms Melia Muguto and Mr Herbert Muguto.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) Scheme in South Africa: A Pre-implementation Evaluation of Systemic Threats, Financial Affordability and Stakeholders’ sentiments, was the title of a thesis which saw Dr Hilary Muguto graduate with a Doctor of Philosophy in Finance during the UKZN Autumn Graduation ceremonies in May.

While the NHI Bill was passed by Parliament in 2019, it has received mixed reactions from various stakeholders in South Africa. Hence, Muguto saw this as an opportunity to impact the lives of others through education and the impartation of knowledge. His study assessed the impending NHI scheme and found that it may face significant challenges due to systemic inadequacies and may be unaffordable due to a failure to raise sufficient revenues and keep expenditures in line with the fiscal purse. The study confirms that stakeholder sentiments towards the scheme are mixed - some supporting the proposal and others being concerned about its operational and technical aspects.

The study recommends reforming the healthcare system to avoid introducing the scheme on a weak foundation. It also revealed that government may need to scale down the scheme and focus on primary healthcare and less on comprehensive benefits packages to improve affordability. Improved stakeholder engagement may improve sentiments towards the scheme.

Muguto is living his passion as an academic in the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance at UKZN. ‘I find immense fulfilment in the opportunity to impact the lives of others through education and the impartation of knowledge. For me, education is not just a profession; it is a passion, and I am committed to using my knowledge and expertise to make a difference in the world. I firmly believe that education can transform lives, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in that transformation,’ he explained.

He finds inspiration from his wife, Dr Lorraine Muguto (also an academic at UKZN), and his father, who is a high school educator in Zimbabwe.

Muguto appreciates the support and guidance from his supervisors and UKZN finance experts, Professors Paul-Francois Muzindutsi and Josue Mbonigaba. He said: ‘From the very beginning, they demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my research, always providing insightful feedback and pushing me to explore innovative ideas and achieve excellence. Beyond their expertise, what sets these remarkable individuals apart is their unparalleled compassion and genuine kindness. They went beyond their supervisory duties to ensure I had all the support I needed to succeed.’

His quest to impart knowledge has seen him submitting two papers for publication; one, on the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Systemic Inadequacies in the Healthcare System in South Africa, and the other on Healthcare Stakeholders and their Sentiments towards the NHI Scheme in South Africa. He is working on a third paper from the same PhD, which focuses on comparing projected costs and revenues of the NHI Scheme.

He said: ‘It is through these publications that I intend to share the findings from my research. I also hope to be a postdoctoral research fellow and continue to work on the particularly important aspect of healthcare financing in collaboration with academics from my School and the Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD).’

Reflecting on his academic journey, he said: ‘I am overwhelmed with a deep sense of gratitude to God for having had the opportunity to conduct such a study, more so given that my background had nothing to do with healthcare. This degree represents years of tireless effort, unwavering dedication, and rigorous intellectual engagement with some of the most pressing issues facing our healthcare system from my supervisors and everyone who supported or contributed in any way.’

Muguto is an exceptional scholar, having graduated summa cum laude with his undergraduate degree in Economics and Finance, and cum laude for his Master of Commerce in Finance. His academic excellence has been recognised with multiple scholarships, including a Presidential Merit Scholarship, HEARD Scholarship, and various UKZN academic excellence scholarships.

Words: Hazel Langa

Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

Postgraduate Studies Hailed as Key to Solving Local Government Challenges

Mr Thabiso Molefe celebrates with his wife, Khangelani, and brother, Mlungisi.

Growing up in Willowfontein, Pietermaritzburg surrounded by poverty piqued an interest in politics for former Ward Councillor Mr Thabiso Molefe who then dedicated his life to ensuring that the basic human rights of South African citizens are upheld. 

‘I opted to use education to economically empower myself, my family and community,’ said the former Ward Councillor who graduated with a Master of Commerce in Management during the UKZN Autumn Graduation Ceremonies.

Hindrances to quality service delivery: A case study of Msunduzi Municipality was the title of his dissertation supervised by Dr Vangeli Gamede from the School of Management, IT and Governance.

As a former Ward Councillor, Molefe understands how local government should function. However, challenges such as poor planning by municipal leadership and management, political interference on administrative matters, high vacancy rate, management working in silos, inadequate revenue collection, corruption, and poor consequence management which lead to unaccountability by officials prevent local government from delivering quality services to communities.

These challenges, which have led to service delivery protests in Msunduzi Municipality, motivated Molefe to investigate this challenge through scholarly research. ‘Transparency and accountability were the other driving motives for me to conduct this study. I thought the public in general, and Msunduzi residents in particular, have a right to have an in-depth understanding of the dome sources of service delivery challenges facing Msunduzi.’

Molefe believes that the knowledge acquired from conducting his study will enhance his ability to objectively carry out thorough, formal, and informed research with an intention to provide solutions to challenges in his work environment and for the benefit of society at large.

The father of two children is pleased with his academic achievement and grateful to his wife and extended family for their support. He encouraged other public officials to embark on postgraduate studies in order to make a meaningful contribution to the communities they lead.

Words: Hazel Langa

Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

Online Learning Yields Positive Results for BCom Double Major Graduate

Ms Therusha Tamia Pillay with her mother, Melisa, and father, Daven.

Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management and Supply Chain Management graduate, Ms Therusha Tamia Pillay says online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic is what motivated her study.

‘The outbreak of COVID-19 was a life-changing event as we had to change to online studying which placed a lot of pressure on us as students. We had to adopt new methods and strategies of studying from remote locations such as our homes,’ said Pillay.

Because she had more time to study, make notes, and research more as a result of not having to commute to and from campus, she turned the pandemic into a positive by exploiting the extra time saved.

‘For me, online learning did not feel like a big adjustment because I handled the change quite well. If issues arose or I needed to get in touch with lecturers, I found it easier to email them and get a response or even set up a Zoom meeting where the issues can be addressed… for me, that worked best. Being at home made me more motivated to study harder and more efficiently, so I have really made the most of the difficulties brought on by COVID-19. I turned the pandemic into something positive to better my studying schedule,’ she said.

The hard work and dedication helped Pillay to achieve 18 distinctions and five Deans’ Commendations during the four-year degree. ‘I’m proud to say I never failed a module throughout my degree. Not to sugar-coat anything, but there were many challenges and obstacles that I encountered while pursuing this qualification, but that’s the commonality when it comes to studying for a degree. I have always been a dedicated and hardworking student. When my focus is on my studies, there is nothing that can distract me or make me lose my focus. I am very disciplined, and I knew what goals I wanted to achieve in my educational career and that kept me motivated,’ she said.

As she recently secured a Human Resources internship at Safire Insurance Limited at Redlands Estate, Govender is excited about her future. ‘Since my degree has two majors, I have a broad scope of fields that I can get into, and my knowledge and abilities do not limit me in any way. My qualification can take me to high positions and I plan to work hard to get to the top of any chain. I want to utilise my qualifications to the fullest and with that, learn more as I grow. As I learn new skills and gain experience in the working world, I plan to make the most of it and apply my knowledge as best as I can. This internship is one step closer for me to achieve my goals.’

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan

author : .
author email : .

BCom Honours Student Graduates Cum Laude

All set to further her studies in the United States is Ms Yarissa Govender, who graduated cum laude from UKZN.

Supply Chain Management’s Ms Yarissa Govender graduated with her Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree cum laude.

‘After completing my Bachelor’s degree, I was keen on learning more about the supply chain role and the way it works. It is a fast-changing and constantly evolving field and therefore, one must constantly keep learning and improving their knowledge and skills to keep abreast of changes and current trends,’ said Govender.

Taking into consideration that the supply chain function plays a critical role in almost every organisation around the world, Govender is already furthering her studies in the United States.

‘I am about to begin my master’s in Supply Chain Management in Miami. My honours qualification specialising in supply chain management played a critical role in my acceptance into a masters programme specialising in supply chain and international logistics management,’ she said.

Looking to the future, Govender is excited about the possibilities. ‘This qualification can open many career doors as it offers numerous job opportunities and prospects for career growth both locally and internationally. My parents are my biggest supporters and have instilled in me the importance of hard work and being proactive. They will always be the main reason for my successes or achievements in life.’

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Supplied 

author : .
author email : .