The 25-year-old Brandon Naidoo from Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, once again graduated Cum Laude and with a Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence for his Advanced Diploma in Taxation at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation. The ceremony was held at the Olive Convention Centre on Thursday, 23 May 2024.

Motivated by enthusiasm and determination, he opted to pursue his Advanced Diploma in Taxation after graduating Cum Laude and with a Dean’s Merit Award for his Diploma in 2023. One of the challenges he faced was the lack of knowledge in his chosen field of study.

However, with the aid of lectures and mentorship, he surmounted these challenges through diligent self-studying using textbooks and online resources during weekends and whenever clarification was needed.

“Did I mention that hard work truly pays off? From my inaugural year to the culmination of my diploma, I consistently achieved distinctions in all my tax and accounting modules. Traveling +40km almost every day to campus, it was costly and tiring,” shared Naidoo.

Naidoo geared his gratitude towards his mentor, lecturers and family for the unwavering support. “My family takes immense pride in my achievements, as I am the first among them to attend and graduate from university,” he said.

He is currently employed as a Trainee Accountant, undertaking his professional accounting articles and aspires to become a registered Tax Practitioner. His overarching goal is to bring about change and advocate for fairness in all his endeavours, irrespective of the industry or role he finds himself in.

“Place God at the forefront of your endeavours. Uphold self-belief even amidst adversity and endeavour tirelessly,” shared Naidoo to the students wishing to embark on the same academic journey.

Pictured: Brandon Naidoo.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.

Patience Makhaye