Consistent Academic Excellence Key to Summa Cum Laude Graduates’ Success

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting summa cum laude graduates Mr Kyran Otto, Ms Tayla Pearce and Ms Natasha Robinson attribute their achievement to hard work and their aspirations towards a career in Chartered Accountancy.

For Otto, a two-time UKZN Scholarship Recipient – Malegapuru W. Makgoba Scholarship in 2023 and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship in 2024 – graduating summa cum laude is a true full-circle moment.

‘To call it a proud moment would be nothing short of an understatement! I am going to be the very first Chartered Accountant [CA(SA)] in the family and my extended family. My parents have made countless sacrifices to enrich my academic journey and these achievements truly are the fruits of their labour. Having the opportunity to attend university and obtain a qualification is a privilege that my parents did not experience. I attribute this positive outlook for the future, in part, to the investment that UKZN has made in my life through my degree – an invaluable ingredient for what the future entails,’ he said.

Otto is currently pursuing his Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and will soon commence his articles with Deloitte.

For Pearce, who is also the 2024 Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship recipient, an honour bestowed to the top undergraduate students who have demonstrated excellent performance over two or more years of study, graduating top of her class is the reward for her resilience.

‘My experience has been exciting, but also difficult. Finances were a major concern throughout the pursuit of this degree. I devoted much of my time towards my studies and my hard work is a testament to this achievement. I am extremely grateful to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and UKZN who have contributed greatly towards my fees throughout my years of study. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unconditional support and love from my parents. My ultimate goal is to become a CA(SA) with a possible future in forensic auditing,’ she said.

For Robinson who is also the recipient of UKZN’s 50th Anniversary Award in 2024. This is the first step in her Chartered Accountancy journey.

‘Growing up, my mom was the sole breadwinner in my household of four, so bursaries and scholarships were very important to me. I am extremely grateful to Ernst & Young and UKZN for alleviating me of the financial stress of my degree. My future plans are to become financially stable so that I can give back to my parents, and thank them for the sacrifices that they have made for me throughout my life. This degree provides me with opportunities to make this a reality.’

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini