Siphesihle Ntaba was so close to dropping out from her studies, thanks to her mother who changed her mind and motived her to not give up. She graduated Cum Laude with the Dean’s Merit award for her Diploma in Internal Auditing at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony on Monday, 26 May 2025 at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban.
“There were moments when I genuinely considered giving up and returning home. However, my mother, who has always been my pillar of strength, encouraged me to stay and continue pursuing my dreams. Her unwavering support, along with my faith, kept me going,’’ she added.
For her academic success, Ntaba (22), raised between the two small towns of Tsolo and Whittlesea from the Eastern Cape, said she is immensely proud of herself and feels honoured.
“Graduating with Cum Laude was completely unexpected for me. I am still overwhelmed with joy and disbelief, but above all, I am extremely proud of myself. It is a testament to the hard work, late nights, and resilience that have carried me through this journey. This achievement affirms that determination and consistency do not go unnoticed, and it is deeply fulfilling to see that my efforts have been recognised in this way,’’ she described.
She began her academic journey at the DUT in 2021, her journey was not without hardships. During her first year, she did not have any financial support or funding, which brought emotional and academic pressure.
Interestingly, Internal Auditing was not her first choice of study. However, as she progressed through the course, she developed a genuine passion for the subjects. She discovered the critical role internal auditors play in organisational integrity and decision-making. Looking back, she is grateful that she pursued this path as it became a choice that ultimately aligned with both her interests and values.
Her ultimate career goal is to specialise in forensic auditing. She is passionate about uncovering fraud, promoting financial integrity, and contributing to ethical governance in both the public and private sectors.
“I aim to work in environments where I can make a real impact by upholding standards of transparency and accountability,’’ she added.
The most significant challenge she had faced was the lack of financial support during her first year. It caused a great deal of uncertainty and mental strain, and at one point, she contemplated dropping out. These experiences taught her perseverance and the importance of faith, patience, and seeking help when needed. Luckly she later secured National Scheme Fund (NSF) funding, which significantly eased her burden and allowed her to fully focus on her studies.
Ntaba’s family was overjoyed and immensely proud seeing their daughter gracing the stage with pride. Having witnessed her struggles firsthand, they understood the significance of this achievement and what it took for their daughter to reach this point. Their reaction was filled with pride, gratitude, and celebration a beautiful moment.
She strongly identifies with the DUT values of accountability and transparency. Having attended a value-driven high school, she was fortunate to continue this path at DUT, an institution equally committed to these principles. She said that accountability is critical because it cultivates responsibility and ownership of one’s actions, whether in academics, professional, or personal.
She is currently furthering her studies for her Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing. She believes that education is a continuous journey, and she is committed to grow both academically and professionally in this field. She also, aspires to pursue additional qualifications in forensic auditing soon.
To first-year students who are considering a career in internal auditing, Ntaba’s advice is simple “Manage your time wisely and never procrastinate. Study consistently, not just the night before assessments. Attend your lectures and tutorials religiously and make use of consultations with your lecturer,’’ she advised.
Pictured: Siphesihle Ntaba
Photographer: Sibonelo Dlamini
Vukani Langa
