You are now armed with tools to get you ahead, Graduating DUT students told.

It is not about having that diploma, but it is about what you have learned and what you do with that knowledge.

This was the word from Kantha Naicker, a board member of the Executive Committee for the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) who delivered the keynote address during today’s (18 April) Faculty of Accounting and Informatics graduation ceremony at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre where certificates will be conferred to students throughout the day.

Naicker commended the granduands for reaching this milestone, saying that this stage represents a coming of age. She said it is gratifying to see the faces of these granduands as she knows that these prospective workers will be the shapers of the field of Accounting.

“You are now armed with the tools to get you ahead. Remember it is not about having that diploma but it is about what you have learned and what you do with that knowledge. You have taken a big step to your future; to the betterment of your family and community. Walk humbly as you have not travelled this journey alone. It is the people who make a positive impact on their communities who leave an everlasting impression in life”, she said.

Accounting is forever changing, said Naicker. To stay on par in the profession, she reiterated DUT Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Gawe’s words where she advised the graduates to return to the University to acquire higher qualifications.

Naicker reminded them of the essence of assertiveness and humanity and concluded with Ralph Waldo Emerson’s inspirational words: “Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”.

–Naledi Hlefane