Number cruncher, Busisiwe Nomvelo Mzila (25) from Durban has made her mark in the field of Accounting.
Mzila’s journey at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), studying towards her Diploma in Accounting was challenging but also amazing. She learned a lot about being accurate in financial accounting, management accounting, auditing and taxation.
“The lecturers were experienced and knowledgeable, and the course prepared me well for a career in accounting, especially the Project-Based Learning (PBL) assignment we did in our final year. I gained a solid foundation in accounting principles and practices, and I’m grateful for the experience,” she expressed.
“Graduating with Cum Laude and receiving the Dean’s Merit Award is truly an honour. It’s a testament to my hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I think it’s amazing to achieve such recognitions, and it’s a great way to validate all the late-night study sessions and early morning coffee,” she said.
Mzila shared that receiving such an award can be a huge confidence booster, and it was wonderful way to make his family proud.
“At the end of the day, it’s not just about the award, it’s about the journey, the growth, and the knowledge gained along the way,” she expressed.
Mzila is a great believe in DUT’s values of accountability and respect. “Being responsible for my actions and treating others with kindness feels like a great way to live and work,” she relayed.
As a student, I faced challenges like stress ,self-doubt, managing time effectively because I procrastinate a lot, and balancing academics with other responsibilities was sometimes really challenging because I started tutoring at DUT in my final year. But overcoming those struggles made me stronger and more resilient.
For Mzwili, she literally fell in love with Accounting in Grade 10. “There’s something about working with numbers and making sense of financial puzzles that just clicked with me. From that moment on, I knew I was hooked,” she chuckled.
The young lass is currently pursuing her Advanced Diploma in Accounting, and is excited to dive deeper into the field and see where it takes her.
“My dream is to start out in the corporate world, gain some solid experience, and then transition into lecturing. I love Accounting, and I think sharing that passion with others would be amazing. I would love to inspire students just like I was inspired by my own lecturers,” she shared.
To a first-year student looking to pursue a career in Accounting, Mzila says to them to stay curious, stay focused, and not to be afraid to ask questions. “It’s important to build a strong foundation in accounting principles early. And most importantly, find a mentor or friends that you can work with, because you can’t be a lone walker. Also, get ready for some late-night study sessions, but it’s worth it!”
Pictured: Busisiwe Nomvelo Mzila
Waheeda Peters
