Three graduates have demonstrated academic excellence, each graduating with distinction in the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), an achievement that reflects resilience, discipline and a shared commitment to growth.
From diverse professional backgrounds in healthcare, financial services and chemical manufacturing, Ms Larisa Govender, Ms Melisha Dhunraj and Ms Tia Sookhoo each brought unique perspectives to the programme with a shared goal of expanding their expertise and strengthening their leadership potential.
For Govender, a 25-year-old registered nurse, the qualification marked a pivotal step in broadening her understanding of healthcare beyond patient care. Having worked across both private and public healthcare sectors, she developed a growing interest in the operational side of the industry.
“While I remain passionate about patient care, I want to understand the broader operational side of healthcare and expand my ability beyond bedside nursing. I am naturally driven, fast-paced and growth-oriented, and I recognised that this qualification would strengthen these qualities in a meaningful way,” she said.
Balancing the demands of a high-pressure clinical environment with her studies required sacrifice and discipline. “There were many late nights and early mornings, but I remained focused on my goals. Achieving a distinction is a proud moment for me and my family,” she added.
Dhunraj, an admitted attorney working in the financial services and fiduciary sector, described her return to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) as a full-circle moment, having completed her Bachelor of Laws degree at the Institution more than two decades ago.
“As my career progressed, I recognised the importance of formal business knowledge to complement my practical experience,” she said. “Completing this qualification at UKZN 22 years later feels incredibly meaningful.”
Juggling work, studies and family responsibilities was no small feat but she credits her support system for her success. “My husband and children were my greatest sources of strength. Their encouragement carried me through even the most demanding times,” she said.
For Sookhoo, who holds undergraduate and honours degrees in Chemistry from UKZN and works in the chemical manufacturing sector, the qualification provided an opportunity to integrate scientific expertise with business strategy.
“I wanted to complement my scientific training with strong business acumen,” she said. “This qualification allowed me to bridge that gap and position myself as a professional who can operate confidently at the intersection of science, operations and business strategy.”
Working in a shift-based environment while studying presented its own challenges, compounded by personal commitments, including planning her wedding. Despite all these, she remained focused. “It required discipline and resilience, but it was ultimately a rewarding experience that pushed me to grow,” said Sookoo.
All three graduates emphasised the value of the programme in developing critical thinking, leadership and strategic decision-making skills applicable across industries. They also highlighted the importance of stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing new ways of thinking.
“The programme challenged me to think differently and approach problems with greater confidence,” said Dhunraj.
Govender said the qualification had already enhanced her ability to navigate workplace challenges with a broader perspective, while Sookhoo emphasised the diploma’s role in shaping well-rounded professionals capable of contributing meaningfully in complex environments.
Beyond academics, each graduate credited their families as key sources of motivation and support throughout their journeys. Whether balancing demanding careers, navigating personal responsibilities or overcoming challenges, their achievements reflect not only individual effort but also the strength of the support systems behind them.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini