The Department of Financial Accounting recently hosted its prestigious annual student awards ceremony on 11 March 2025. The prestigious event was organised by Nolwando Mgilane, Stephanie Samuel, and Mndeni Mthembu. The event, held at the elegant Capital Zimbali, was a day filled with celebration, recognition, and inspiration. It brought together students, department staff members, and industry professionals to honor outstanding achievements and contributions within the field of financial accounting.
The day commenced with a warm and gracious welcome address by Dr Anchal Ramsarghey, who set the tone for a day dedicated to acknowledging excellence and hard work. Dr Ramsarghey’ s words resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the importance of diligence, passion, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge in the field of financial accounting.
Following the welcome address, the audience was treated to an insightful keynote address delivered by Trevor Mnguni, Managing Director of Bull Services. Mnguni shared invaluable insights gleaned from his extensive experience in the industry, particularly how he and his brother, Nhlanhla Mnguni, identified the intersection between accounting and IT, which led them to merge the two fields. Today, Mnguni is a pioneer in blockchain technology and is currently collaborating on a project with the DUT Department of Financial Accounting, led by Thobelani Thango and Professor Marimuthu. During his speech, Mnguni emphasised the growing significance of technology within the accounting profession and offered valuable advice to aspiring accountants. He concluded by congratulating the students who would be receiving awards.
Prof Marimuthu emphasised the importance of staying current and continuously upskilling, particularly in technology and artificial intelligence, considering the ongoing demands of the profession. She urged the awardees to ensure their qualifications remain relevant by adapting to the fast-changing landscape of the profession. She motivated them to push beyond their limits, seize every opportunity for growth, and take a moment to appreciate the hard-earned success they’ve achieved. “I encourage each of you to recognise your strengths and make the most of every opportunity provided by the department. Strive for more, interact with industry leaders, and congratulations on your achievements! Your dedication has brought you this far-keep pushing forward,” said Prof Marimuthu.
The highlight of the event was the awards ceremony, where exceptional individuals and groups were recognised for their outstanding achievements. Top achievers were honored for their academic excellence, demonstrating exceptional proficiency and dedication to their studies. In addition, awards were presented for exemplary project-based presentations, showcasing innovative solutions and critical thinking skills.
One of the most heartening moments of the ceremony was the presentation of staff awards, which recognized the impactful staff members for their significant contributions to the department. These awards underscored the commitment of the staff to academic excellence and their pivotal role in shaping the future of financial accounting.
As the day ended, attendees left Capital Zimbali with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation, inspired by the achievements celebrated and the wisdom shared throughout the event. The Department of Financial Accounting 2024 Awards Ceremony was not only a celebration of past accomplishments but also a testament to the bright future ahead for all those involved in the dynamic field of financial accounting.
Patrick Khumalo, a first-year awardee, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I feel so happy and honored. I will strive for excellence in my academics to ensure that next year I am celebrated again. I feel so happy.”
Pictured: Attendees at the prestigious annual student awards ceremony.
