Latest news with #Dean'sCommendations
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Jaedon Naidu graduates summa cum laude as UKZN's top performing graduate of 2025
Jaedon Naidu graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, earning the highest credit-weighted average across the entire University Image: Sethu Dlamini Jaedon Naidu has etched his name in history as the top-performing graduate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), having graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. His stellar achievement is underscored by an impressive credit-weighted average (CWA) of 96.2 percent—an accolade that places him at the forefront of academic excellence for the class of 2025. What sets Naidu apart is the remarkable breadth of his studies encompassed by a rare triple major in Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science. His commitment to learning saw him achieve 100% in nine modules, alongside earning five Dean's Commendations and a phenomenal 25 Certificates of Merit throughout his academic career. Naidu's journey into the world of academia began at an early age when he and his brother were approached by Professor Delia North, the then Dean and Head of the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science at UKZN. She encouraged the duo to explore data science as a viable career path—an opportunity that would ultimately shape Naidu's future. Initially enrolled in UKZN's Medical programme, Naidu quickly discovered that his true passion lay within the blend of subjects that defined the Data Science programme. 'I changed to the Data Science programme which combines mathematics, statistics and computer science, and realised it was exactly what I was looking for,' he stated, reflecting on the pivotal choice that changed the course of his career. Throughout his undergraduate studies, Naidu exhibited a natural affinity for modules that demanded logical reasoning and creative problem-solving, preferring them over rote memorisation. 'I don't really enjoy memorising large amounts of theory; problem-solving is more enjoyable for me—like a puzzle,' he said, pointing to the aspects of learning that fuelled his thirst for knowledge. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Jaedon Naidu at his graduation Image: Sethu Dlamini Naidu's passion for data science has deep roots, having begun during childhood with participation in national and international Olympiads in mathematics, computer programming, and physics. These formative experiences cultivated his analytical thinking and solidified his belief that data science could have a transformative effect in various industries. 'As the world evolves, data science is going to become even more high profile, no matter the industry,' he explained, acknowledging the job security the field offers. Currently enrolled in an honours programme in Statistics at UKZN, Naidu aims to further his studies, pondering whether to pursue his master's degree locally or overseas. He attributes his academic success to a robust support system consisting of family and mentors who played critical roles in his development. 'First and foremost, I credit God for the combination of my talents and an environment in which to nurture them,' he confessed. 'My family, notably my father, mother, and brother Aaron, have always been there for me, as well as my gran, who was my first teacher.' Naidu expressed gratitude to the educators who influenced his journey, including high school teachers at Eden College and UKZN Emeritus Professors, conveying his appreciation for their unwavering support and guidance. 'A huge thank you to UKZN and the phenomenal Data Science teaching team who have played a massive role in shaping my future. Hard work and consistency produce good results, and I extend my congratulations to all the graduates!' Beyond academics, Naidu embraces a balanced lifestyle through his hobbies, which include playing the piano, staying fit with weighted calisthenics, and sharing his knowledge through a YouTube channel dedicated to study skills and productivity. IOL
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
UKZN medical students graduate summa cum laude: a journey of dedication
Cheers to the MBChB Summa Cum Laude Graduates Image: Sethu Dlamini Cheers and ululations filled the hall when UKZN announced its 20 medical students, who graduated summa cum laude. They are all no strangers to receiving Dean's Commendations from their first year onwards, but in the end it was a three-way tie for top spot in the class of 2025 between Dr Ahmed Bassa, Dr Aneesah Haffejee and Dr Nishen Naidoo, who all scored an average of 85%, followed by Dr Priyanka Govender (83%). Naidoo, of Amanzimtoti, said: "It is a truly humbling experience to graduate with this accolade from one of the most prestigious medical schools in our country. I am grateful and appreciative to everyone who has played a role in my journey. My family and friends were ecstatic and eagerly awaiting my graduation day." The former Kingsway High School head boy, is serving his medical internship at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He said he enjoyed working with people and therefore always aimed to make a difference in the lives of everyone he interacted with. "Practising medicine allows me to truly impact the lives of people on a community level by striving to improve the health of each patient I treat. The will to serve mankind is my greatest motivation. My late grandfather sustained several myocardial infarctions during my childhood and witnessing how his medical team improved his quality of life inspired me to pursue a career in medicine." Another of the top achiever, Dr Jaydon Govender, said: "It is honestly surreal and deeply gratifying. I never expected to graduate summa cum laude, so it came as a shock. It was all overwhelming, seeing the result of years of hard work and perseverance. This journey has been incredibly challenging, and achieving this milestone makes every single sacrifice and every late-night worth it." Govender, of Phoenix, is now a medical intern at Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial in KwaMashu, and the first in his family to become a doctor. Dr Timira Dayanand, currently a medical intern at Harry Gwala Regional Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, always wanted to emulate her father. "My dad is a medical doctor, who, from humble beginnings, grew to open a private hospital in our local community. Watching him dedicate his life to serving others motivated me and also gave me a huge platform to work with and navigate my own career. For that, I will forever be grateful to him," Dayanand said. "I am overwhelmed with a mix of emotions - pride, gratitude and excitement. Graduating as a top medical student is a dream come true and I feel honoured to have worked tirelessly towards this goal. I am proud of my dedication, perseverance and passion for healing, which have driven me to excel in my studies." Dr Tayuri Naicker, who is doing her internship at Victoria Mxenge Hospital, added: "I think what really solidified my decision was seeing how deeply medicine can impact lives. I knew I wanted to be in a field where I could make a real difference. "Medical school was so challenging. Sometimes I felt like I was drowning. However, keeping my faith in God and being disciplined in my studies helped," she said. "I pushed myself even on the days I didn't feel like doing the work. Another important thing that helped was surrounding myself with like-minded peers. My friends played a huge role in helping me with honours." THE POST
IOL News
14-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Raaiqhah Akoo: a trailblazer in law with Summa Cum Laude honours
Raaiqhah Akoo, a 22-year-old law graduate from Verulam, has achieved remarkable academic success, including 12 Certificates of Merit and the Anand Nepaul Prize. She shares her journey, the challenges of studying law, and her aspirations to become an international attorney. Top law achiever graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, Summa Cum Laude, after receiving 12 Certificates of Merit, eight Dean's Commendations, and the Anand Nepaul Prize for Best Criminal Law Student. Akoo was also awarded UKZN Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship in 2022, 2023 and 2024. The 22-year-old, from Verulam, said she always knew she was meant to study law. 'From a young age, something always drew me to law. I appreciate the kind of power that law has. It is found in every aspect of life, especially since it can be used as a way to make a real difference in people's lives. I used to be on the debate team in school, and I always loved arguing and debating issues. My parents always said I was their lawyer." Akoo is the first and only law graduate in her family. 'So far, I'm the only one in the law field. My brother and parents chose different paths, while I always knew my destiny was law.' She said studying a law degree was not easy but she loved gaining new knowledge. 'Academics have always been my passion. Even when I was in school, I always scored high and got As. It was no different when I entered university. The degree was highly stressful, especially waiting for the results to be released but sometimes, I miss it. I miss learning from my lecturers. I enjoyed studying for my degree. It brought me happiness." She is currently serving her articles at Norton Rose Fulbright and hopes to be an admitted attorney of the high court and pursue law on an international scale. 'I want to explore all areas of law. Right now, I am an admitted attorney but I also want to learn about other fields and one day go overseas.' Akoo said that she owed her success to her parents. 'My parents helped me throughout my degree, especially those late nights. My mother stayed up with me while I studied and even made snacks for me. They motivated me to do better and keep pushing, and for that I'm grateful,' said Akoo. THE POST
