As part of its Women’s Month celebrations, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is recognising women whose work is making a difference within the University and beyond. One of them is Dr Akira Singh, a lecturer in the Department of Auditing and Taxation, whose passion for research, teaching and student development continues to shape future accounting professionals and researchers.
At the age of 30, Dr Singh became the first person to complete a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Accounting within DUT’s Department of Auditing and Taxation, a milestone she describes as one of the proudest moments of her career.
“Completing my PhD represented years of perseverance, dedication and sacrifice,” she said.
“I am especially proud to be the first person to complete a PhD in Accounting within the Department. Achieving this milestone has been both humbling and rewarding. Equally fulfilling is seeing my postgraduate students grow into confident researchers and celebrating their own achievements.”
Based at the Ritson Campus, Dr Singh lectures in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics. She also serves as the Department’s Postgraduate and Research Coordinator, where she works closely with Master’s and PhD students, supports supervisors and helps coordinate research activities.
“My role extends beyond lecturing,” she said. “I enjoy mentoring students, supporting research and creating opportunities that help students reach their full potential.”
Her interest in academia developed through a desire to solve real-world problems.
“I have always believed that education has the power to transform lives,” she explained. “That belief inspired me to pursue academia, where I could combine research, mentorship and service while contributing knowledge that can make a difference.”
Her research focuses on accounting, taxation, governance and emerging technologies. As part of her doctoral study, she explored how artificial intelligence could be used to improve tax administration in South Africa.
The research produced a practical framework that could assist the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and other stakeholders in using artificial intelligence responsibly to improve tax compliance, transparency, efficiency and decision-making.
While research forms an important part of her work, Dr Singh says student success remains one of her greatest motivations.
“Watching students grow into confident professionals and researchers reminds me why I chose this career. It is incredibly rewarding to see them develop academically and realise their potential.”
Balancing teaching, research, administration and doctoral studies was not without its challenges.
“There were times when the demands of each responsibility felt overwhelming,” she admitted. “I learned that discipline, resilience and effective time management are essential. I also realised that consistency is often more important than perfection.”
For Dr Singh, Women’s Month is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements while recognising the responsibility to create more opportunities for future generations.
“It celebrates resilience, courage and the remarkable contribution women make every day. It also reminds us that we must continue creating spaces where women are encouraged to lead, innovate and succeed.”
She says the two women who have influenced her life the most are her mother and grandmother.
“They taught me the importance of integrity, humility, compassion and perseverance. They showed me that success is not only about professional achievements but also about how you serve others and the values you live by.”
Those lessons continue to guide both her personal life and her career.
Looking to the future, Dr Singh hopes to be remembered for the people she has helped along the way.
“I hope to leave a legacy of mentorship, academic excellence and integrity. If I can inspire students to believe in themselves, pursue research and use their knowledge to make a positive contribution, then I will consider my work meaningful.”
She encourages young women to believe in their abilities and not allow setbacks to define them.
“Remain curious, keep learning and do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Success takes time, but perseverance, resilience and hard work will always open new opportunities.”
Through her work as a lecturer, researcher and mentor, Dr Akira Singh continues to contribute to the growth of postgraduate research at DUT while helping to develop graduates who will make an impact in academia, industry and society.
Pictured: Dr Akira Singh, Lecturer in the Department of Auditing and Taxation at the Durban University of Technology.
Waheeda Peters
