UKZN Staff Members Graduate with PhDs in Commerce

BY: .

University of KwaZulu-Natal staff members Dr Kerry-Lee Gurr and Dr Kajal Ramnanun, both graduated with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Accounting.

Their success is not only a milestone for the University, but also a testament to determination and the pursuit of knowledge in the face of adversity.

For Gurr, a senior lecturer in Financial Accounting at UKZN, her doctoral journey was shaped by her persistence through challenges and an enduring passion for education. Originally from Amanzimtoti, Gurr has been part of the University’s academic staff for over a decade, teaching first- to final-year Accounting students. 

Her thesis, titled: ‘The Relevance and Reliability of Intangible Asset Values for JSE-Listed Companies: An Empirical Analysis’, focused on how companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange report intangible assets in their financial statements.

Her findings highlighted that while existing reporting methods are reliable, they do not necessarily reflect true economic value.

“Intangible assets make up a significant portion of total assets, particularly in industries such as pharmaceuticals and tobacco. The study also revealed a strong positive correlation between book equity value and market value, underscoring the importance of intangible assets in company valuations,” she explained.

Recommendations from her research include revisions to IAS 38 (International Accounting Standard), the use of industry-specific guidance, and the involvement of valuation experts in financial reporting. 

Gurr also proposed the establishment of an intangible asset exchange platform to enable consistency in valuation. These insights are expected to benefit investors, regulators, and policymakers, offering a more accurate picture of company value in South Africa’s financial markets.

Beyond her academic work, Gurr regards teaching as her calling, describing the classroom as the space where she makes the most meaningful impact. Her transition from professional practice to academia was guided by a desire to shape future generations of accountants and decision-makers in a changing commercial environment. 

For Ramnanun, a senior lecturer in the Discipline of Accountancy, the road to her doctorate was marked by personal hardship and an unwavering commitment to turn pain into purpose. A mother of two and the primary caregiver to her elderly mother, Ramnanun’s journey has been defined by overcoming challenges ranging from financial struggles and loss to life-threatening health battles, including a near-fatal car accident.

“The accident left me paralysed for six months and I had to work on regaining mobility. In 2018, whilst undertaking my masters, I contracted active tuberculosis, and had to undergo a twelve-month treatment, placing me in ICU for two months. I overcame these by relying on resilience, faith, and relentless determination,” said Ramnanun. 

Her thesis, titled: ‘Re-examining Business Rescue as a Tool for Firms in Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic’, examined South Africa’s business rescue framework - exploring whether current laws genuinely support companies in financial distress or inadvertently hasten their collapse.

The findings suggested that existing legislation often lacks clarity and may fail to protect jobs or provide fair opportunities for recovery. Her recommendations include clearer legal guidance for business rescue practitioners, reforms to financing processes for distressed firms, and a stronger emphasis on saving businesses rather than resorting to liquidation.

By integrating her findings into both academic publications and classroom teaching, Ramnanun aims to ensure that future finance and business professionals are equipped not only with theoretical knowledge, but also with practical tools for navigating real-world challenges.

Together, Gurr and Ramnanun embody the spirit of advancing scholarship, contributing to society, and transforming challenges into opportunities for change. Their doctorates mark not only individual triumphs but also a source of inspiration for students and colleagues alike. 

Words: Ayanda Radebe

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini