Record Number of Summa Cum Laude Graduates for School of Health Sciences

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Twenty-seven students in the School of Health Sciences were awarded their Bachelor’s degrees summa cum laude.

They are Ms Casey Lee Van Den Berg, Ms Micaela Ashley Brown, Ms Gcwalisile Mabaso, Ms Susanna Margit Desmet, Ms Nomonde Ngidi, Ms Husna Mahomed, Mr Travis Lee Ajodha, Ms Maseehah Bayat, Mr Mishen Brijlal, Desmaine Chetty, Asma Chohan, Ms Alisha Dasruth, Ms Aalia Dawood, Ms Kaneez Fatima Fakey, Ms Humraaz Kaja, Ms Nikitta Maharaj, Ms Pooja Maharaj, Ms Maseeha Muslim, Ms Keshmika Narain, Ms Salma Patel, Mr Adrian Pather, Tenielle Pillay, Ms Yashna Sukdeo, Mr Mohamed Hoosen Suleman, Mr Darian Velayadum, Ms Sinethemba Thobeka Hazel Zondi and Mr Aziza Mulla. 

‘I am truly honoured and proud to have qualified as a top student in Audiology whilst being among highly intellectual colleagues,’ said Mahomed. ‘It is a really proud moment for my family. They’ve always believed in me and pushed me to become the person I am today.’

She plans to complete a Master’s degree in Audiology, and thereafter further her academic career.

Pillay, who was one of the top Pharmacy students, said her parents were overjoyed at her achievement.

‘It means everything. As a student, your main aim is to graduate no matter what the result, so to be able to graduate with such results truly felt like an accomplishment,’ she said.

Pillay is currently doing her internship at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Hospital, Durban. Following community service, she plans to gain experience in industry or register for a masters.

‘One of the great things about studying Pharmacy is the diversity that the degree offers you and I’m hoping to make the most of it,’ she said.

Velayadum was also one of the top achievers in Pharmacy. He said that he was truly humbled that God had blessed him with the wisdom, knowledge and understanding required. He added that his family is extremely proud of his accomplishments, especially his grandmother who has always been his biggest supporter. His future plans include completing his community service in Cape Town and opening a chain of pharmacies. His advice to final-year students is, ‘Be consistent, work diligently and do not worry about the pace at which others achieve their results - concentrate on yourself. Be the best version of you and always regard yourself as your own competition!’

Fellow Pharmacy student, Kaja said, ‘This degree was quite a demanding emotional rollercoaster but dedication, perseverance and hard work finally paid off.’ She is currently an academic intern and hopes to complete her Master’s in Pharmacy this year. ‘After community service, I see myself working to gain experience in all sectors in Pharmacy and striving to put the knowledge I’ve gained to the best possible use,’ she said. ‘Who I am today and what I’ve achieved is only because of my family. I am forever grateful to my parents.’

‘I am truly honoured and privileged to have completed my degree as one of the top student in the Discipline,’ said another Pharmacy top student, Suleman. ‘My hard work and dedication has indeed paid off,’ he added. He advised those who are still studying to prioritise their time by putting their studies first. ‘Never give up! Remain steadfast in your prayer and seek guidance from God.’

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Rajesh Jantilal