Yoliswa Mkhize (23) from a little village called Bulwer has taken another step closer to her PhD dream. She graduated Cum Laude for her Advanced Diploma in Accounting at THE Durban University of Technology (DUT) Graduation ceremony. The ceremony was held on Saturday, 24 May 2025 at the Olive Convention Centre Convention Centre in Durban.
From a National Diploma to an Advanced Diploma and now currently she has enrolled forher Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, Mkhize has one thing in her mind, to obtain a PhD one day.
“Graduating Cum Laude and obtaining the Dean’s Merit award is a great achievement for me. This is just the beginning as there is more to come. I would not rest until I wear the PhD red gown,” she vowed.
Mkhize chose the accounting field because it perfectly blends with her analytical mindset and her desire to make a meaningful impact. She has always been fascinated by how numbers tell a story about a business performance, and she loves the challenge of analysing financial data to uncover insights that drive smart decisions.
Additionally, she is also drawn to the stability and versatility of accounting whether is auditing, tax planning, or forensic accounting. On top of that, she values the ethical responsibility of accountants. Furthermore, pursuing a career in accounting feels like the ideal way to combine her skills, values, and ambition while building a foundation for lifelong learning and leadership.
Amongst the DUT living values and principles she resonates with are accountability, commitment, and excellence. She said they align perfectly with the effort and mindset it takes to achieve such a high academic honour. Moreover, they enabled her to take full responsibility for her academic journey, owning her successes and learning from her mistakes.
She faced significant challenges that tested her resilience. Financially, she often struggled to afford necessities, like meals, which made it hard for her to focus on her academics. Also, the lack of consistent support left her feeling overwhelmed at times, and she faced moments of intense stress and isolation.
Despite these hardships, she leaned on her faith, peer support, and determination to stay focused in her studies. These experiences taught her resourcefulness, discipline, and the importance of perseverance.
Mkhize, who is currently employed as a Finance Intern at Durpro, shared profound advice to first years. “Take full advantage of campus resources like tutors and libraries to deepen your understanding. Set ambitious yet achievable goals, such as aiming for at least 80% on every test and exam,” she said.
Pictured: Yoliswa Mkhize
Photographer: Sibonelo Dlamini
Vukani Langa
