The Durban University of Technology student, Sbongelo Duma (23) from KwaDumisa, KwaZulu-Natal graduated with Cum Laude and obtained the Dean’s Merit Award for his National Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, on Thursday evening, 25 May 2023, at the Olive Convention Centre.
Duma obtained his matric at Siphapheme High School, he then enrolled for his National Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) in 2019 at DUT.
Cost and Management Accounting was always his first choice of study. In matric there is a section called manufacturing which he always got 100% for and that encouraged him to get enrolled in something that has manufacturing. He conducted research on which courses are more based on manufacturing, the feedback was Cost and Management Accounting.
Duma’s journey at DUT had lots of challenges, but the biggest challenge that he came across was adapting to online learning during the COVID-19 era. Online learning really affected his academics as he encountered network challenges due to load-shedding.
Having dedicated lecturers, tutors and libraries assisted him to get the ball rolling again. Residing at the DUT resident also taught him to be independent as there were no parents around.
“Adjust to spending time with people from different backgrounds with different beliefs,” he added. Moreover, he mentioned that being at DUT, residents taught him the importance of humanity and discipline.
Duma is currently enrolled for his Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting as a full-time student. His goal is to become a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountant (CIMA).
His parents are very proud of his achievement as they know that he has been doing his best in his studies. He believes that God has answered their prayers and he thanked his parents for their unfaltering support throughout his journey.
Speaking about his dreams, Duma said: “I aspire to become the best and highly recommended management accountant in the continent and to be a role model to people around my village,” he said.
He encouraged first year students who are doing Cost and Management Accounting to take their studies seriously in order to obtain good grades.
Pictured: Sbongelo Duma
Nomvelo Zulu.
