Graduates, Mr Drè Dhanilal, Ms Nikhat Hoosen, Ms Raeesah Jhavary, Ms Zahra Kajee, Mr Kiash Sewpersad and Ms Humairaa Moosa are excited about exploring the avenues that their qualifications will open for them.
Dhanilal, who is on his path to becoming a Chartered Accountant says achieving this qualification involved a lot of sacrifices, blood, sweat and tears so graduating summa cum laude made it worth it.
‘I was looking forward to the university experience. I had attended University for three weeks before the national lockdown. Hailing from a government school in the Umlazi district, it was a challenge for me to adapt to the online classes. We were not exposed to any form of technology. Due to perseverance, I was able to overcome this obstacle,’ he said.
The ambitious and goal-orientated go-getter says while the road to becoming a successful CA(SA) is challenging, he is committed to working hard and staying determined to achieve this goal. ‘I enjoy the finer things in life, so I made the sacrifices to put in the hard work to reap the rewards later. As they say, “you have to live a few years like no one else so that you can live the rest of your life like no one else” and I believe that the path to becoming a CA(SA) embodies that quote,’ he said.
For Hoosen, this qualification has taught her diligence, commitment, critical and analytical thinking which she intends to use on a daily basis as an audit trainee. ‘I believe there is a scarcity of qualified professionals within the accounting field and by applying myself diligently and climbing up the corporate ladder, I envision myself breaking through the glass ceiling. I am passionate not only about the result, but about the process. The picture behind the numbers is what has always intrigued me and pursuing this degree has allowed me to delve behind the curtains,’ she said.
Jhavary, who is set to complete her Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting this year as part of her journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant, also has aspirations of working internationally and starting a business, hence her plan is to use this degree as a stepping stone. ‘So much of what we’ve learnt has visible application to everyday situations and I’ve developed more of an awareness for current events and the deeper effect of these. I think a BCom Accounting degree is a worthwhile degree to have as it opens a lot of doors. There are many different avenues to go with regard to further studies and work. For me, I am pursuing my Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting this year. As the degree is SAICA accredited, it is also possible to work overseas,’ she said.
Kajee is also currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and is firmly on her path to becoming a Chartered Accountant. ‘My experience of studying for a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting has been difficult but ultimately very rewarding. The life lessons and skills that I have developed through studying for this degree have been invaluable. With the intention of becoming a Chartered Accountant, these qualifications are both important in achieving my goal. I am proud to have followed in the footsteps of my two older sisters who have obtained post-graduate degrees at UKZN. Our parents have played a vital role in all of our accomplishments by providing us with both financial and emotional support for which we are very grateful.’
Also pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting on the path of qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, Sewpersad says that he had his mind set on this qualification from the time he started high school.
‘Accounting ended up being the subject I enjoyed the most in high school and the only subject where I would actually enjoy studying instead of viewing it as a chore. I got diagnosed with a lifelong illness during my first year. It was a tremendous struggle to deal with in the beginning, both emotionally and physically so online learning from the comfort of my own home helped me immensely with the adjustment. However, it did get to the point where I thought about quitting university until I could recover but I’m glad to say that I didn’t go through with that and preserved with my studies. One of my favourite quotes that motivated me in my third year is “Your opportunities are only limited by the limits you place on yourself”. The question you need to ask yourself is whether in the future, you will ever regret not putting in the effort now. If the answer is yes, then you know what you need to do!’
The road to graduating cum laude has been paved with a 94% average for this qualification, 25 distinctions and many other achievements for Moosa who is currently pursuing an honours degree as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar at Stellenbosch University. These include a Brenda Gourley Scholarship, which is awarded to a student with the second highest results at UKZN during their third year of study; as well as winning funding for her start-up business from E Squared Investments and the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation; as well as serving as UKZN’s ambassador on a tour of London, Oxford Cambridge and Scotland as an Abe Bailey Fellow.
‘My experience of studying was gruelling. There were many days when I was almost paralysed with anxiety and the fear of failing, especially as I found some subjects incredibly daunting. However, certain lecturers went above and beyond to provide advice, especially Ms Aarthi Algu, Ms Cheryl Kuperman, Ms Leo Deodutt, Mr Alastair Marais, Ms Ayesha Omarjee and Ms Shazia Essa. I will be taking up a role as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company after my studies and also plan to pursue my masters. I am passionate about education, and plan to teach for a short period in future,’ she said.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photographs: Abhi Indrarajan