At just 22 years old, Tiaksha Kowlesar from Durban has transformed disappointment into success, graduating Cum Laude and earning a Dean’s Merit Award for her Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation Ceremony, held at the Olive Convention Centre on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.
Last year, 2025 she came very close to graduating Cum Laude for her Diploma in ICT by a small margin. For her that graduation became more than a disappointment, it was her turning point. She made a promise to herself to come back stronger, more focused, and more determined in her next qualification. She knew she was capable of more, and she refused to settle for anything less than her full potential.
“When I began my Advanced Diploma in ICT, I carried that promise with me every single day. There were long nights, moments of doubt, and times when I had to push myself harder than ever before. Through discipline, consistency, and belief in myself, I stayed committed to that goal. My academic achievement was not just about marks. It was about proving to myself that growth was possible, that setbacks can become motivation, and that determination can turn a near-miss into something meaningful,” shared Tiaksha.
For Tiaksha, graduating Cum Laude and receiving the Dean’s Merit Award represent far more than academic recognition. She describes the achievement as a symbol of resilience, discipline, consistency, and personal growth.
“Suddenly all those reckless nights and early mornings spent studying came full circle and now I forever have the highest academic achievements attached to my name. The Dean’s Merit Award represents something even greater. It acknowledges the sacrifices, the long hours, and the determination to keep going even when it was difficult,” she added.
Tiaksha said one of the greatest challenges she faced throughout her studies was the constant battle with herself.
“Every day required discipline, focus, and the willingness to keep going even when it felt difficult. Balancing academics with personal life was not always easy,” she explained.
Despite the challenges, she credits her support system for helping her remain motivated.
“The support from my family, friends, and my partner gave me strength and reminded me why I started. Even during the longest nights, my animals would stay by my side while I studied, offering a quiet kind of comfort that kept me grounded and going,” added Tiaksha.
Currently pursuing her Honours degree in ICT at DUT, Tiaksha also plans to further her studies by completing a Master’s degree. Her ambitions lie within the fields of data analytics, data science, and machine learning.
Offering advice to first-year students, she encouraged them to trust themselves and remain committed to their goals.
Pictured: Tiaksha Kowlesar who is proud of herself for obtaining a Dean’s Merit Award for her Advanced Diploma in ICT.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Simangele Zuma
