Sisters, Desiree Naidu (24) and Andrea Naidu (22) have made their mother proud after graduating Cum Laude at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) 2022 Virtual Autumn Graduation.
Andrea graduated for her Advanced Diploma in Management Sciences-Business Law under the Faculty of Management Sciences today, 16 May 2022. Meanwhile her sister, Desiree graduated on Friday, 13 May 2022 for her BTech in Quantity Surveying under the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
The sisters from Merebank have both expressed that this great achievement is dedicated to their mother who remained their pillar of strength after their father passed away in 2017. They believe their father is an angel watching over them. They are excited to be graduating together and are looking forward to attending the DUT physical graduation to be held in July 2022.
“We are elated by both our achievements. The sense of pride and happiness my mother feels is worth all the late nights, stressed days and all the missing sleep had finally paid off. There is no better feeling than knowing those who have walked this journey with you and supported you are still with you to celebrate this achievement together,” said Andrea, who also obtained the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award.
She further stated that being able to call herself a Dean’s Merit awardee fills her up with so much of gratification.
Speaking about some of the challenges she faced, Andrea said she is glad she managed to secure a bursary from Invigor8 Innovative Social Transformation which helped tremendously in easing the financial pressure.
“My father passed away in 2017 which was my matric year and my sisters first year at campus. There was stress involving how we would manage with paying fees knowing there will soon be two students in university,” she said.
Sharing the same sentiments, Desiree said: “It has been a rollercoaster of emotions. My dad passed away in 2017 putting a lot of financial strain on my mum especially with two girls in tertiary institutions in 2018. One of my proudest accomplishments to date is that I financed my way through university with a bursary from the Master Builders Association of KZN that was renewed because of my hard work and efforts every year until I completed my studies last year. I will forever be grateful for that opportunity.”
She added that she made a promise to her dad at his funeral five years ago that she will forever make him proud and she is certain that he is smiling down on them.
Pictured: Sisters, Desiree and Andrea Naidu.
Simangele Zuma
