Sky is the Limit for Teenage Graduate

BY: .

At the age of 19 most people are at the beginning of their academic journey, but this is not so for Ms Noluthando Cibane who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

‘The last three years I’ve spent in Pietermaritzburg have been the most amazing years of my life. UKZN hasn’t just taught me theory and academic stuff only, but it has also taught me about life and made me a better person than I was three years ago,’ she said.

Cibane enrolled into grade 1 at the age of 5 after her mom, who was taking care of her during the day, got employment as a domestic worker.

‘My mom wanted me to start Grade 1 right away but at that time you had to be 7 years old to be admitted into that grade. The teachers suggested that I come back the following year but my mom convinced them to give me a chance.  After I was enrolled I showed them why my mother had so much faith in me - I used to get the highest marks in class,’ she said.

Cibane excelled throughout her school days, matriculating from Umlazi Comtech and choosing UKZN to pursue a career in commerce. While her career aspirations were firmly on becoming a chartered accountant she is now doing an honours degree in finance.

‘Students who complete an honours in finance go on to be CEO’s, investment bankers and other key financial positions in business. I am leaning towards investment careers such as a merchant banker or a portfolio manager and this qualification will better enable and equip me to perform above average in the working environment. Even though I currently don’t have any funding to finance my postgrad studies, I know God will make a plan for me,’ she said.

Thandiwe Jumo