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Top achieving students in the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance were recognised for their academic excellence at the annual UKZN – South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Students’ Awards Ceremony.
The virtual prize giving ceremony saw 34 awards being bestowed on first, second, third-year and postgraduate students in various categories.
In his welcome address, Dean and Head of School Professor Mabutho Sibanda expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the recipients for their excellent results.
‘It is that time of year when we once again celebrate academic excellence as a School. Congratulations to the recipients of the awards for the excellent results you achieved in 2020 amidst the pandemic.
‘Please remember that the end goal is the attainment of the CA(SA) designation; remember to work hard, represent the University wherever you go and inspire greatness at all times,’ he said.
SAICA Regional Executive Mr Naeem Asvat acknowledged students’ perseverance throughout a difficult academic year.
‘Despite a very difficult year and all the challenges you have faced, we at SAICA are extremely proud of how you managed to stay on course. We would like to acknowledge UKZN lecturers who have been instrumental and put in the work in order for you to achieve these excellent results. There will be challenges in the future but I am confident that you will be able to handle all that life throws at you,’ he said.
Top achievers in their year of study, Mr Thabiso Ndlovu (first-year), Mr Thabiso Nzuza (second-year), Ms Senamile Dlamini (third-year) and Ms Pauline Bidli (fourth-year) are proof of the successful drive to produce more African Chartered Accountants. Top honours went to Ms Humairaa Moosa (overall top first-year student), Ms Mikailen Naidoo (overall top second-year student), Ms Pamisha Govender (overall top third-year student) and Mr Sriram Maharaj (overall top fourth-year/PGDA student).
Senior Manager/Training Officer at the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) office, Ms Lungile Mnqayi congratulated the students and advised them to be aware of and use all the resources available to them.
‘At AGSA we believe in cultivating talent and our goal of producing new Chartered Accountants in the country. We look forward to seeing you next year as trainee auditors within the Auditor-General’s office.’
In closing, lecturer Mr Rudolf Mbanjwa said the event is a testament to SAICA and UKZN’s commitment to nurturing aspiring Chartered Accountants.
‘We are living in extremely testing times, where we constantly have to renew our strength and seek motivation and inspiration. Occasions like today really provide us with that strength and courage to keep aiming for the stars. We pride ourselves on our students’ diligence and dedication – a stunning performance considering the circumstances under which they produced these results,’ he said.
The event was sponsored by the Auditor-General of South Africa, LexisNexis, Sherwood Books, PwC, Ernst & Young, BDO, Nexia SAB&T, and Deloitte.
Watch the awards here on YouTube.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photographs: Supplied
