Three aspiring Chartered Accountants currently studying towards their Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (BCom Accounting) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Mr Muhammad Ali, Mr Vishay Hamlall and Ms Faathima Solwa, have been awarded the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s (DVC) Scholarship in recognition of their outstanding academic performances.
The DVC Scholarship is a prestigious academic award given to the top three highest-ranked undergraduate students in each of the UKZN’s four Colleges who are progressing from their second year of study.
For former Orient Islamic School pupil, Ali, this achievement holds particular significance because of how far he has come since being a UKZN student. Prior to this scholarship he received a Dean’s Commendation every semester, five Certificates of Merit, the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship after finishing top of the class in his first year in the College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS), and the First-Place Undergraduate Finance Award.
However, his academic journey did not begin very successfully! Ali recalls being an average school learner who once failed to meet the requirements to progress to the next grade which is an experience that became a turning point for him.
“I made a promise to myself that one day I would be at the top and that no setback would define my abilities. From that day I completely changed the way I approached my studies. University brought a whole new set of challenges, but even when I failed tests or questioned myself, I never lost sight of the goal I had set,” he said.
“This scholarship means far more to me than just receiving an award. I am incredibly grateful to UKZN for recognising my efforts and for investing in students who are committed to academic excellence,” said Ali.
Chatsworth-born Hamlall, a former Kharwastan Secondary School pupil who matriculated with seven distinctions in 2023, also received several Dean’s Commendations and Certificates of Merit. He is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.
His interest in accounting began at school and developed further at university through his exposure to financial reporting and accounting standards.
“I found that I had a flair for accounting and enjoyed the subject when first introduced to it at school. At university, my interest grew further, particularly after being introduced to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the various accounting standards. I enjoyed seeing how these principles are applied to real-world financial reporting,” he said.
Hamlall says the scholarship represents both recognition and meaningful financial support.
“The award has significantly alleviated the financial burden on my parents, allowing me to pursue my studies with greater peace of mind. I am very grateful to the University and the CLMS for believing in my potential and recognising my efforts,” he said.
Solwa grew up in Durban and attended Durban Girls’ College, building a strong record of academic achievement as she received Dean’s Commendations for her 2024 and 2025 results, SAICA Certificates of Excellence in 2025 and 2026, as well as previous UKZN scholarships.
Her journey into accounting followed an unexpected change in direction. After initially studying Medicine at UKZN, Solwa realised that it was not the career for her and made the difficult decision to transfer to Accounting.
“I had to be honest with myself about what I wanted, and I made the decision to move into Accounting. What helped me overcome the challenge was learning to view the change as a new opportunity rather than as a setback. It has made me more resilient and more confident in the decisions I make about my future,” said Solwa.
The scholarship is both an honour and a responsibility for Solwa.
“Knowing that my University has recognised my efforts is incredibly encouraging and motivates me to continue striving for excellence,” she said.
Ali, Hamlall and Solwa share the same sentiment that the DVC scholarship is more than a recognition of their hard work and discipline, but another step that places them closer to their goal of one day becoming chartered accountants.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photographs: Sethu Dlamini