Nine Physiotherapy Students Graduate Cum Laude

BY: .

UKZN celebrated an academic milestone when nine Bachelor of Physiotherapy students graduated cum laude.

The graduates are Mr Ahmed Ameen, Mr Umar Chhayi, Ms Naseema Dawood, Ms Kerry Govender, Ms Kershen Govender, Ms Sayuri Harridev, Ms Samukelisiwe Mazibuko, Ms Abigail Pillay, and Mr Kwandiswa Vezi.

Harridev (21) said her achievement was a dream fulfilled. ‘I will be forever grateful for the opportunity given to me by UKZN. I expected to excel academically and that expectation has turned into reality,’ she said.

Harridev’s passion for physiotherapy was ignited by personal experience - she assisted in the rehabilitation of her grandfather after he suffered a stroke.

Despite facing financial challenges after her father was retrenched, Harridev persevered with the help of scholarships and bursaries. ‘I drew my strength from God and my family. Prayer made me feel seen and heard,’ she said.

Currently, she is serving her community at the Lusikisiki Village Clinic in the Eastern Cape, and hopes to pursue a Medical degree in the future.

Kerry Anne Govender (22) suffered the loss of her father while still in first year and separation from loved ones in her final year. ‘The losses made things very difficult,’ she said. Drawing strength from her faith and family, she now looks forward to a Masters in Sports Physiotherapy and is currently completing her community service at Cato Manor Community Health Clinic.

Kershen Govender described his achievement as ‘very special’, sharing how he overcame the demands of transitioning from high school to university with dedication and daily revision. ‘Physiotherapy is one of the most fulfilling aspects of health sciences,’ he said. Govender is now serving in his community while hoping to further specialise in treatment quality and condition-specific care.

Pillay (22) found her calling in physiotherapy seeing the profound beneficial impact it had on a relative. Despite being surprised by her academic success after a difficult final year and being away from home during Decentralised Clinical placements, she overcame her challenges with prayer and support. She is currently a Community Service officer Physiotherapist at Osindisweni District Hospital and hopes to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini