Dreams built through dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance came to life during the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation Ceremony held on Wednesday morning, 20 May 2026 at the Olive Convention Centre; as graduates from the DUT Autumn Graduation Ceremony walked across the stage to receive their qualifications. Among the outstanding graduates was Shreeya Jainath, who graduated Cum Laude with a Diploma in Management Accounting.
Born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, the 22-year-old describes herself as someone who always gives her best in everything, she does. Coming from a close-knit and family-oriented home, Shreeya said her upbringing taught her the importance of hard work, humility, and perseverance.
“I believe in working hard, staying grounded and constantly pushing myself to grow,” she said.
Reflecting on her academic journey at DUT, Shreeya described the experience as one of the greatest blessings of her life. While the road was not always easy, she said every challenge helped shape her into the person she is today.
“I completed my Diploma in Management Accounting at DUT, and my journey came with challenges, sacrifices and a lot of hard work. Along the way, I met supportive lecturers, built meaningful friendships and learned the true value of discipline, consistency, and determination,” she explained.
Graduating Cum Laude is an achievement she still finds difficult to believe. “This achievement represents every moment of self-doubt I had to overcome, every late night spent studying and every sacrifice made along the way. There were times when it felt exhausting, but this reminds me that hard work really does pay off,” she said.
Shreeya said one of the DUT values she connects with most is integrity, especially within the accounting and finance profession.
“In accounting and finance, transparency and trust are very important. Integrity builds character and trustworthiness. It also means being honest with yourself and being proud of the decisions you make despite the obstacles you face,” she said.
Like many students, balancing academic responsibilities with personal life is challenging. She shared that missing family gatherings and special moments during demanding academic periods was one of the hardest sacrifices she had to make.
“There were times I felt guilty choosing my books over spending time with loved ones, but looking back now, those challenges taught me discipline, sacrifice, and gratitude,” she reflected.
Her family’s reaction to her achievement made the moment even more special.
“My family was extremely happy and proud of me. My parents had tears in their eyes, and my siblings would not stop smiling. Seeing their joy means more to me than the award itself,” she said.
Accounting has always been her passion, even during her high school years. She said her love for numbers and problem-solving motivated her to pursue Management Accounting as her first-choice qualification.
Currently, Shreeya is completing her Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting at DUT while also gaining industry experience through a full-time internship at Black Resources Consultants Pty Ltd. Working within the administration and finance department, she assists with financial record-keeping, invoicing, month-end statements, and office administration.
Looking ahead, Shreeya hopes to pursue her Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualification and eventually grow into a senior management role within the financial sector.
Encouraging first-year students who wish to follow a similar career path, she advised them to remain focused and trust their own journey.
“Do not let anyone decide your path for you. Stay consistent, ask for help when you need it, and remember that hard work always pays off, even when it feels like no one is watching,” she advised.
Shreeya ended by expressing gratitude to God, her family, friends, and lecturers for supporting her throughout her academic journey.
Pictured: Jainath Shreeya
Photographer: Khulasande Sithole
Sinamile Sithole
