UKZN Top Speech Therapy Graduate Driven by Purpose and Human Connection
Mr Liam Naidoo says it was “a great honour” to obtain a Bachelor of Speech-Language Therapy degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) as one of the top students in the class of 2025.
Naidoo was showered with recognition during UKZN’s School of Health Sciences 2025 Final Year Awards and Oath-taking Ceremony on the Westville campus. He was named Best Clinical Practice Student in Adult Speech-Language Therapy sponsored by the Discipline of Speech-Language, and Best Clinical Practice Student in Paediatric Speech-Language Therapy, also sponsored by the Discipline of Speech-Language.
Naidoo also received an award for being the Best Overall Clinical Student in Speech-Language Therapy sponsored by South African Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SASLHA) and the Discipline of Speech-Language, and for the best Academic Achievement in Speech-Language Therapy, sponsored by the South African Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SASLHA) and the School of Health Sciences!
Originally from Durban and a former learner at Sastri College, where he achieved five distinctions, Naidoo’s academic journey has been shaped by a deep belief in the transformative power of education. “Education is something that can never be taken away from you. It creates opportunities for a better future,” he noted.
Now serving as a Community Service Speech Therapist at Pholela Community Health Centre, Naidoo is passionate about helping individuals find their voice and express themselves. “Speech and Language Therapy is rooted in human connection. Knowing that I can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life gives my work true purpose,” he said.
Among his highlights at UKZN were working with diverse patient populations and receiving an award for his research on traumatic brain injuries, aimed at informing prevention strategies in at-risk communities.
His clinical rotation in fluency disorders, particularly working with patients who stutter, further shaped his perspective. “Supporting patients through their emotional journeys and helping restore their confidence made the work incredibly rewarding,” he reflected.
Naidoo also overcame personal challenges, including imposter syndrome, by building confidence and trusting in his abilities. He credits his mother, family and academic mentors as his greatest support system.
Guided by his belief that ‘people can do hard things’, Naidoo looks forward to pursuing postgraduate studies while continuing to grow as a clinician, committed to making a lasting impact in the field of speech-language therapy.
Naidoo thanked those who supported his journey. “This achievement reflects not only my hard work, but also the guidance and encouragement of my family, lecturers and colleagues,” he added.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
