The recipient of the Frene Ginwala scholarship, BCom candidate Ms Sisanda Vilakazi, aims to be a beacon of inspiration for other students after overcoming the challenges that comes with transitioning from high school to university.
‘My first year has been challenging. The transition from high school environment to tertiary environment was not easy with the different teaching styles quite difficult to adapt to. However, I have learned to adapt to the new environment and establish relations with others,’ she said.
Born and bred in the village of Elandskop near Pietermaritzburg, Vilakazi excelled in matric obtaining six distinctions which earned her the Frene Ginwala Scholarship in her first year- an entrant equity award that supports top Black African female entrants at UKZN.
She says her goal now is to achieve highly in her studies at the University and receive Dean’s Recommendations to inspire other students coming from a similar background.
‘By being consistent, putting in the hard work and sacrificing my free time to study throughout the year, I want to reach for the stars. I also aim to be a Golden Key student and graduate cum laude.’
Vilakazi, in the second year of a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) course, says her career choice to become a Chartered Accountant is influenced by her passion for numbers.
‘I believe they tell a story on their own and one that can only be interpreted by few – I aspire to be among those.’
She says she chose to study at UKZN because of its reputation for academic excellence. ‘It’s also SA Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) accredited and the best place to equip me with necessary resources for the workplace.’
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Picture: Supplied