The aspiring Business Law Practitioner, Cohen Chetty (20), from Phoenix graduated Cum Laude and attained the esteemed Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence for his Diploma in Management Sciences: Business Law, this morning (Tuesday, 30 May 203) at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Autumn Graduation held at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC).

Chetty divulged that Business Law was his first choice of study as he believes that every business needs a legal department. In addition, he shared that he chose it because he didn’t want to become a judge or a prosecutor but his primarily focus is to dwell much on the corporate world and he aspires to own a law firm that will specialise in the corporate sector to ensure that employees and their employers have the mutual understanding.

The 20-year old graduate recalled some of the difficulties he faced while studying towards his completed Diploma in Business Law.

“The challenges of being a student was having to adapt to the changes that the pandemic brought on, especially in our academics in the way that we had to learn through online classrooms. It was not an easy road for me because I came to DUT right after matric and I was not prepared for the university life. However, with the support from my lecturers and classmates I was able to adapt although that moment was short lived  because of the COVID-19 outbreak,” he shared.

The euphoric, adaptive graduate shared that he was shocked when he realised that he obtained Cum Laude and attained the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award for his academic excellence.

“It’s feel awesome to know that the late nights and sacrifices paid off, this moment it’s so surreal for me. All I did was focus on my studies as I wanted to reach my dream and making my dreams come true, I guess this is my gratitude gift from the universe. I kept checking on my student portal because I wanted to be sure that it’s really me. This is all God’s  grace at the tender age of 20 I am not only a graduate but I graduated Cum Laude, he said euphorically.

Cohen urges first year students to work hard and be determined to always give off their best and to be consistent. In addition, he shared that he wants to grow in his field and there are no limitations in life and he won’t rest until he obtains his Master’s Degree.

Pictured: DUT Adaptive Graduate, Cohen Chetty

Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile

Lethukuthula Ngubane