Graduation ceremonies have joined the lockdown trend of taking previously social activities and ceremonies to the virtual arena. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) will host a virtual graduation ceremony for its graduands on Friday, in a truly unique experience for the class of 2020.
Graduands will join the event via the university’s link: https://virtualgraduation.ukzn.ac.za. The prestigious ceremony will also be livestreamed on IOL at 1.30pm as well as on SABC 3 (DSTV Channel 193) and Ukhozi FM.
Here the University of KwaZulu-Natal highlights some of its graduates who will be celebrating their achievements.
Summa cum laude pass for Durban medico
UKZN’s top medical student who graduated with a medical degree summa cum laude, Dr Ahmed Sameer Ikram, said this achievement meant a great deal to him and was a testament to his hard work over the years.
Dr Ahmed Sameer Ikram
In addition to this accolade, Ikram was also bestowed the prestigious YK Seedat prize, awarded to top students.
He never doubted his choice of taking up medicine as a career – all he had to do was push, remain motivated and to constantly remind himself of the opportunity he had been granted.
“My advice to other students would be to savour the opportunity that you have and always strive for perfection. Actualise the Hippocratic Oath and help others whenever possible.”
He also credited his family and friends for their pivotal role in all that he had achieved.
When not on call and when he is away from academics, he enjoys cricket and soccer. The young Durban medico is currently serving his internship at King Edward VIII Hospital.
Officer Ganesan now armed with a law degree
Senior Constable at the Durban Metro Police Lendl Ganesan is delighted at graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
Having worked in law enforcement for the past nine years, Ganesan realised the need to enhance his experience with a sound understanding of the fundamentals of South African law.
“Being attached to a crime unit in the Durban Metro Police, I found myself attending court on a regular basis and being grilled by seasoned attorneys. As a representative of the State, I realised I needed to increase my knowledge of the law to become more sensitive and responsive to the distinctive needs of the community which I serve.”
Armed with an LLB degree, Ganesan is confident that he will be able to boost citizens’ trust in law enforcement as he is now more conscious of human rights and the many branches of the law.
His passion for law and the career benefits of the qualification motivated him to persevere. He is currently seconded to the Metro Police Drug Team and plans to complete the Professional Legal Training programme, followed by articles of clerkship.
Ganesan expressed his gratitude to his family and his employer.
High performance teacher is on a roll
UKZN’s Top 40 “most inspiring student” and high performance teacher Ms Phakamile Mazibuko received her Honours Degree in Education summa cum laude.
Phakamile Mazibuko
“This achievement is testimony to the fact that hard work pays off,” said Mazibuko.
“Being a black woman from the small town of Ulundi, I hope young girls see that no matter where you come from, if you can dream it, you can achieve it.”
She thanked her family, lecturers and supervisor saying: “Their support and guidance helped me realise my potential and achieve what I thought was beyond my capability.”
Mazibuko’s leadership roles included UKZN Golden Key President (Edgewood Chapter) and a tutor and Head in the English department (Languages) of the Edgewood Extra Tuition Programme, which assists Grade 10-12 learners.
She also holds a UKZN School of Education Excellence Award for her academic, leadership and community successes and input.
Mazibuko, who is studying for her Master’s degree in Education, hopes to be able to dedicate more time towards the growth of her foundation - the Phakamile Mazibuko Foundation - by working in different developmental initiatives to uplift the lives of others and inspire greatness.