A tenacious Nikho Siga (24) hailing from the rural area of Idutywa in the Eastern Cape graduated for his second qualification, an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting at the 2023 Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation held at the Olive Convention Centre on Thursday evening, 25 May 2023.
Siga, the former DUT Student Representative Council (SRC) Treasurer detailed that the reason for pursuing the Management Accounting course lies in its global recognition and the prospect of becoming a Chartered Management Accountant, a distinguished qualification. Management accountants are needed in the world to ensure that businesses and organisations make informed financial decisions and achieve their financial objectives. He sought to attain an equivalent qualification to a degree, hence enrolling in the Advanced Diploma course.
Siga is currently serving as an intern at the Office of the Dean of Students as part of the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme. He plans to seek further experience.
“Studying hard is essential, but experience is equally crucial to career growth. As for my future goals, I plan on pursuing a master’s degree next year,” said Siga.
He further shared that his journey at DUT was challenging, but he overcame the obstacles through determination and perseverance. As a former member of the SRC, the tenacious Siga gained invaluable leadership skills, and his involvement in student politics offered him an opportunity to widen his horizons and make valuable connections. He added that DUT’s Registrar Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, remained a staunch supporter and mentor throughout his tenure as an SRC member.
Furthermore, the ambitious Siga detailed the motive behind exceling in his academics.
“My motivation for excelling academically stems from being the breadwinner for my family. Any negative decisions I make would affect them, so I aspire to make them proud by putting our village on the map as the first student to acquire multiple certificates. I have already completed my Diploma and Advanced Diploma, and I am currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma,” he explained.
The former SRC Treasurer General expressed his excitement upon graduating. “Graduating is a proud moment for me. Universities ought to instil leadership qualities in their students, and I hope to make a difference in my community and family by becoming a trailblazer for progress. Being a DUT graduate is an honour, and I am proud to have studied at a top-five ranked institution in South Africa,” he elatedly said.
He further advised the first-year students embarking on the same career path to dedicate all their time and energy to the course as it is not for the faint-hearted, it requires hard work, focus, and dedication.
Pictured: Nikho Siga
Lethukuthula Ngubane
