Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for Statistics and Computer Whizzes

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Ms Tiara Devanathan, Ms Zukiswa Dlamini and Mr Mahir Syed are the top three students in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science progressing from their second to third year of study, earning them College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships for their achievements in computer science and information technology and statistics.

Devanathan and Syed are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology, and Dlamini a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Statistics.

The strength of UKZN’s Discipline of Computer Science motivated both Syed and Devanathan to enrol at the University and create a friendship along the way.

“The curriculum goes beyond theory; it sharpens our logical thinking and problem-solving abilities, cultivating skills that set us apart in the real world,” said Devanathan.

Syed was born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, making studying at the province’s most prestigious university a natural choice, he said. Witnessing the academic support received by his mother, a UKZN PhD candidate, confirmed his choice to study at the Institution.

He chose Computer Science and Information Technology after being inspired by a cousin who succeeded in the software development industry with the same degree. Seeing how software solutions automate repetitive processes and solve real-world, complex problems, and having enjoyed information technology in high school, Syed was motivated to pursue studies in a field that is changing daily with the advent of new technology.

He plans to do his Honours in Computer Science and later work in the software development industry.

A strong family foundation helped Syed succeed, while working together with friends in the same degree programme had been a source of inspiration and support. He thanked his parents, Ms Shamitha and Mr Inteyaz Syed, and his aunt, Ms Preetha Rajkomar - the individuals whose values and principles inform his life and allowed him to realise his potential. He also thanked other members of his family and friends for their unconditional love and support, and Devanathan for her support throughout their degree.

Receiving this scholarship means not only financial relief for Devanathan but also confirmation that UKZN is an institution that acknowledges and rewards academic excellence. She received an entrant scholarship for each year of study, referring to it as a testament for nurturing student potential. The University’s rich heritage of academic excellence motivated her, and she appreciated the engagement from expert lecturers who invest in students’ growth by providing meaningful, responsive feedback.

“This scholarship validates the countless hours, late nights, and moments of doubt. To have my work acknowledged on this scale is not only reassuring, it’s surreal,” said Devanathan. “I’m deeply honoured and immensely grateful.”

Her love of computer science began with a fascination of coding in high school that showed her how solutions could be brought to life. She found computer science taught her the deep logic, structure, and elegance behind good software that she hopes will serve her in a software development career.

Devanathan finds spiritual direction, clarity, peace and encouragement in church, grounding her in life outside academia.

She also codes personal projects in her spare time, indulging her curiosity and creativity by experimenting with new tools and building her own tech stack.

Her plans are to enrol for honours studies and progress to a part-time master’s degree while working in industry, balancing academic growth and industry experience, and enabling her continual learning.

Devanathan thanked God for the strength to persevere and her parents, Ms Maureen and Mr Manivasan Devanathan, for their unconditional support, love, and understanding and her sister, Tashiyana, for her encouragement and unofficial programme testing. She acknowledged her grandmother for her prayers and support, as well as thanking Syed for his consistency, collaboration and for keeping her accountable. Devanathan and Syed thanked the Computer Science and Mathematics staff at the Westville campus for their outstanding support and teaching.

Dlamini chose to study at UKZN mainly because of encouragement to do so by a teacher, who highlighted the University’s strength in science-related fields. Though she also applied to study Medicine, acceptance into Computer Science and Information Technology led her to her niche. She discovered a love for statistics and data science through interaction with Supplemental Instruction (SI) leaders and now plans to branch into data science to solve real-world problems using data.

She said being at UKZN had been a rewarding journey thanks to the Institution’s recognition of hard work that has motivated her to keep going.

“Receiving this scholarship has boosted my confidence and reminds me that I’m capable of achieving great things. It’s not just a reward - it’s a responsibility and a motivation to continue striving for excellence,” said Dlamini.

She has also found fulfilment in supporting other students academically, serving as a tutor and SI instructor.

Dlamini plans to pursue an Honours degree in Statistics at UKZN, growing her skills to move into the professional field of data science to execute work that has purpose and impact, using her expertise to solve problems that impact people and communities in areas from healthcare to education and business. She hopes to balance this with travelling, time with loved ones, self-discovery and building a peaceful, meaningful life.

Dlamini gave herself credit for persevering, even when her studies were overwhelming, and thanked God for providing strength, direction and grace to keep going. She thanked her family for their unwavering love, support and a solid foundation; her schoolteachers for nurturing her potential; UKZN staff for their guidance, passion and commitment; and tutors and SI leaders for their mentorship.

She also thanked her classmates and friends for their support, encouragement, shared challenges, late-night study sessions… and laughter!

Dlamini acknowledged the MultiChoice Group, her current sponsor, for their belief and investment in her and for supporting her academic journey.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Andile Ndlovu