At just 22-years-old, Amahle Malinga from Secunda in Mpumalanga, stands proudly as a graduate of the Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting from the Durban University of Technology (DUT). Malinga’s journey had been marked by resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence qualities that recently earned her the honour of graduating Cum Laude.
DUT’s 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony was held at Olive Convention Centre on Friday, on 23 May 2025.
Reflecting on Malinga’s academic path, she described it as a challenging yet a rewarding experience. “Balancing rigorous coursework with practical experience was demanding but ultimately fulfilling, despite the pressure of deadlines and exams, I developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve me well in my future career,” she explained. Her Cum Laude is a powerful testament to her dedication and a springboard to new professional opportunities.
Malinga’s journey at DUT has been deeply influenced by the institution’s Living Values. For Malinga, integrity, honesty, respect, and accountability are the values that have been the bedrock of her academic and personal growth. “Honesty has been instrumental in my approach to academic work, ensuring I maintain the highest standards in Management Accounting,” she emphasised. Furthermore, respect and accountability have enabled her to foster collaborative relationships and uphold a strong commitment to responsibility and results-driven outcomes.
Like many students, Malinga encountered her share of obstacles. Mastering complex financial concepts and managing an intense workload tested her resilience. “Balancing time between coursework, projects, and exams was a real challenge,” it was also difficult to maintain social connections under such pressure,” she explained. However, these experiences only strengthened her adaptability and commitment to her goals.
The news of her graduating Cum Laude brought immense joy to her family. “They were thrilled and incredibly proud, their support and encouragement have been invaluable throughout this journey, making this accomplishment even more meaningful.”
Malinga’s choice to study Management Accounting was no coincidence. Drawn to the field by her passion for strategic financial planning and analysis, she believes in the power of financial data to drive sound business decisions. Currently, she is gaining practical experience through an internship at the Durban office of the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEFDA), further sharpening her skills.
Malinga plans to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Accounting, contingent on securing financial support. Her long-term vision is ambitious: “I strive to become a key decision-maker in a financial leadership role, contributing to an organisation’s growth and sustainability. I want to help solve complex business challenges and promote innovation within the industry,” she explained.
To first-year students considering a career in Management Accounting, Malinga offered thoughtful advice: “Focus on building a strong foundation in accounting principles and analytical skills. Participate actively in class, manage your time wisely, and most importantly, believe in yourself. No goal is too ambitious,” she concluded.
Pictured: Amahle Malinga
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Sinamile Sithole
