Young Software Engineer Driven by Code and Courage Graduates

At just 23 years old, Durban native Mr Ruveshan Naik has achieved a significant milestone – completing his BCom Honours in Information Systems and Technology summa cum laude – while already building a solid career as a Software Engineer.

To him, this is more than a personal achievement; it marks the culmination of years of determination, late nights, and unwavering support from family and colleagues alike.

‘Technology has always fascinated me, I’ve always been intrigued by how it transforms the way we live and work. This degree offered the perfect balance between understanding how businesses operate and how technology can be used to make them more efficient, innovative, and impactful,’ he said.

A passion for tech, paired with a love of learning and growth, guided Naik through a demanding academic journey – one he pursued while working full-time. Balancing lectures, assignments and deadlines with the responsibilities of a full-time job required not just intelligence, but an extraordinary level of discipline.

‘There were definitely moments when it all felt overwhelming, working full-time while studying forced me to be incredibly intentional with my time. It demanded sacrifice, but I was lucky to have a work environment that encouraged learning and growth. Their flexibility and support made all the difference,’ he reflected.

Behind the scenes, Naik’s family remained a constant source of motivation. Their encouragement, he says, was not only emotional but also instrumental.

‘My family has been my foundation throughout this journey. They were there during every exam season – offering support when I doubted myself and celebrating even the smallest wins. Seeing them so proud and emotional reminded me that this degree isn’t just mine – it’s ours. Their sacrifices and belief in me kept me going,’ he said.

Now, as a young professional in the tech industry, Naik is already setting his sights on the future. With a keen interest in data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, he plans to deepen his expertise in the years to come.

‘I’m focused on growing through practical experience and contributing to impactful projects but long-term, I do hope to pursue a master’s degree and maybe even a doctorate. I want to keep learning and eventually play a more strategic role in the tech industry,’ he said.

Words: Ayanda Radebe

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini