UKZN academic Ms Nolufefe Dlamini was awarded a Master’s degree in Accountancy for her research that explored factors that influence the spending habits of university students.
Dlamini, a lecturer in the Tax module at the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, focused her study on students who encounter increasing financial pressure, and struggle to meet the cost of their daily needs.
Said Dlamini: ‘I found that socio-demographic factors such as the age of students and the income of their parents are primary influences on their spending behaviour. Attitudinal factors such as confidence in investment decision-making and shopping based on necessity were found to influence spending habits.’
A life-changing event that occurred during her studies was the birth of her daughter who she nicknamed Masters! She said she almost quit but stayed the course and graduated, saying her plans did not include furthering her studies, but ‘sometimes, destiny has its own way of guiding us’.
‘This was an interesting journey as I had to experience research to this extent for the first time. I have thought about quitting several times but here we are today with a Master in Accountancy under my name.’ she said.
Asked how her family feels about her achievement, Dlamini said her mother was happy. ‘If she had a chance to go to school I believe that she would have been a school principal because she is a great leader and I take after her!’
Dlamini said she might go on to do PhD as the degree is essential for academics.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini