An aspiring Internal Auditor, Nonhle Londeka Gumede, (24) from Umlazi graduated Cum Laude for her Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation held at Olive Convention Centre (OCC) on Thursday, 26 May 2023.

She discovered her passion for Accounting in high school after seeing the independency that she had in Accounting. Her Accounting teacher also saw the potential in her and recommended that she pursue a career in Internal Auditing. From that day she fell more in love with the course and never looked back.

Gumede’s journey at DUT began in 2019 when she enrolled for her National Diploma in Internal Auditing and graduated Cum Laude for her Diploma qualification last year, 2022. As an aspiring certified Internal Auditor, she aimed to excel in her studies, getting good grades was her goal. Then last year she decided to further her studies and enrol for her Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing of which she also graduated Cum Laude.

During her first year of study at DUT, she encountered lots of financial difficulties as she was approved by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in the middle of the year. Another challenge that she came across was that when the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, online learning was introduced at DUT, she had to adapt to a new style of learning.

“It was hard, I won’t lie but I pulled through, I eventually got used to online learning, as usual I put more effort in my studies,” she commented.

From the ‘word go’ her aim was to excel in her studies, and to get good grades. There were so many challenges in her journey but she pulled through. When she told her family about her achievement, they were proud of her, especially because she was graduating Cum Laude for the second time. Moreover, her family are now hopeful of living a better life because of her achievements.

Currently, Gumede is enrolled in her Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Auditing and she is planning to further her studies until she reaches the PhD level. Her wish is to find employment so that she can gain practical experience which she believes will open many doors for her.

“To first year students in Internal Auditing, I would advise you to work hard and always keep your eyes on the ball. Challenges will always be there trust me but always remember that perseverance is the mother of success,” she added.

Pictured: Nonhle Londeka Gumede

Nomvelo Zulu