Academic Excellence Rewarded at School of Economics and Finance Awards Evening

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The Finance Discipline within the School of Economics and Finance recently celebrated some of its successes during an awards ceremony.

Among the successes was the launch of UKZN’s Finance Society which is a student organisation that aims to link what students learn in class to industry with a particular emphasis on innovation. Under the guidance of the Finance Discipline’s Academic Leader, Dr Mabutho Sibanda, the Society organised seminars at which finance experts delivered presentations on topics that had been covered during lectures with recognition being given to outstanding students who participated in the CFA Challenge and the JSE Challenge.

The School’s Dean and Head, Professor Anesh Singh, said he was proud of the Discipline’s achievements in research and teaching and learning, especially considering that it was run by seven academics.

‘Finance is a very important unit and our School is run by very skilled staff members. Most of them have their PhD’s while those without their doctoral degrees are still in the process of studying for their doctorates - this shows that they are dedicated to research. Tonight we are honouring the students’ success which is a result of hard work and dedication in shaping young minds,’ he said.

Keynote address speaker, UKZN Alumnus and Investec Wealth Manager, Mr Michael Chadbourn, spoke on the professional and personal benefits of pursuing a career in finance.

‘As a student, I enjoyed finance because I understood the importance of investing and how it changes people’s lives. I want to encourage you young graduates to do the same. It is a rewarding career as you are helping the community secure their financial future because that one investment can change a person’s life,’ he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Finance Society, President Mr Hamza Goolam, said the experience had empowered him with valuable skills which would help him as he entered the work place next year.

Sibanda said they were committed to grooming graduates who knew what was expected of them when they entered the industry.

‘As academics, we need to ask ourselves what we can do to produce graduates who are ready for the working world ready to change the world through innovative ideas. That is why we align our curriculum with industry requirements - success depends on willing staff and students,’ he said.

The awards ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the launch of the KwaZulu-Natal Finance Society.

Thandiwe Jumo