For Ms Nontethelelo Mdluli, choosing the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for her Bachelor of Commerce Extended Curriculum (General) was influenced by a strong academic reputation, focus on innovation, and hands-on learning opportunities.
‘I believe UKZN will provide the resources, mentorship, and network I need to succeed and make a meaningful impact,’ said Mdluli, who aspires to graduate by 2027 with distinctions, setting her sights on cum laude.
Her decision to pursue Bachelor of Commerce Extended Curriculum (General) was inspired by her fascination with business news and commerce subjects.
‘This passion for the commerce stream motivated me to further explore this area of study and eventually pursue a career that will allow me to do what I love’ she said.
To keep up the good academic score, Mdluli developed effective study strategies to ensure she stays on track. She rewrites key points in her own words, creating summaries and bullet points to reinforce her understanding.
‘Additionally, I find study groups beneficial. Discussing difficult concepts with classmates allows me to understand them from different angles and improve my critical thinking,’ said Mdluli.
Active recall is central to her approach. Rather than passively reading or highlighting, she quizzes herself, ensuring the material sticks in her long-term memory.
‘I know that understanding the exam format is crucial, so I make sure to familiarise myself with the type of questions I’ll be facing—whether they’re multiple-choice, essays, or problem-solving,’ she said.
With her commitment to both academic excellence and her broader goals, Mdluli’s first year at UKZN marks the start of a promising journey in Commerce, one that she hopes will contribute meaningfully to her community and beyond.
‘By the time I graduate in 2027, I hope to complete my bachelor’s degree and earn distinctions like cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude,’ she added.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photographs: Supplied