Ms Mpilwenhle Tenza’s journey to graduating with a cum laude Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Accounting result was not just about academic excellence; it was about overcoming herself.
Having battled anxiety for much of her life, the transition from a small town to Durban brought new pressures that threatened to derail her studies.
“I was quick to seek help early in my academic journey,” she reflects. With the support of Student Support Services at UKZN’s Westville campus, she gradually found her footing. Today, she is not only a top-performing graduate but a confident young woman, passionate about helping others overcome their own fears.
It is this quiet resilience that defines the Class of BCom Accounting graduates who achieved distinction this year. A cohort marked not just by sharp intellect, but by discipline, sacrifice and deeply personal journeys.
For Tenza, graduating with distinction felt like a realisation of a long-held dream and a testament to years of sacrifice. Her academic record speaks volumes about consistently ranking in the top three across multiple modules and securing first place in two of them in her final year. Yet, beyond the accolades, she credits consistency as her greatest strength. “We are capable of more than we think we are,” she says.
Meanwhile, Mr Tanay Somaru’s path echoes a similar rhythm of steady discipline. Also graduating cum laude, Somaru describes the achievement as “incredibly rewarding” and a continuation of a mindset he has cultivated since high school. “Consistency really does pay off,” he says, referring to years of sustained effort rather than last-minute sprints.
His journey, however, was not without its challenges. Periods of stress and burnout tested his limits, but he found stability in routine, focusing on manageable daily goals and showing up even on difficult days. Beyond his own academic success, Somaru made his mark as a tutor, helping fellow students navigate the demands of accounting. “It felt like a meaningful way to give back,” he says.
Ms Bhavna Ramdhin’s story adds another layer to this narrative of balance and determination. A three-time recipient of SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered Accountants) awards at UKZN, she managed to excel academically while representing the University in competitive squash. For her, sport became more than an extracurricular; it was a crucial outlet that helped maintain balance and prevent burnout.
“Graduating with distinction shows the strength it took to keep going,” she reflects. “The late nights, the tough moments, the sacrifices, all of it was worth it.”
Ramdhin’s academic journey also extended beyond the classroom, with practical experiences that bridged theory and real-world application, reinforcing her understanding of accounting as not just numbers, but the story behind them.
Across all three graduates, there is a common thread of consistency, discipline and a strong support system.
Now, as they start postgraduate studies and working towards the CA(SA) designation, they carry with them more than academic success. They carry resilience, purpose, and a commitment to ethical leadership in a profession that demands trust and accountability.
Words: Oliver Meth
Photographs: Sethu Dlamini