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Graduation
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Finance graduate aims to inspire
ourage, discipline and determination are key elements in reaching the greatest day in a student’s life – Graduation Day – says Khumbudzo Ashley Daswa, who graduated with a Bachelors of Commerce from UWC in March. Daswa is now working on his honours studies in finance. Daswa finished his schooling at Fhatuwani Secondary School in Limpopo with top honours, and excelled in Business Studies, scoring 90% for the subject. “It was always my interest to study business,” he says. “Many people told me to study in various other fields, but business is my first love.” Daswa’s role model, he shares, is Richard Branson, the maverick founder and chairperson of the Virgin Group. “His way of doing business is what gets me going,” says the graduate. Daswa encourages all undergraduates to work hard during their studies, especially when things get tough. “It was not an easy task to get this far, but determination and courage is what gets you here.” Daswa mentions that without the help of his then tutor Roderick George, now a lecturer at the School of Business and Finance, his
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Ashley Daswa success would not have been possible. George gave him extra tutorials, and always had a few words of encouragement, he explains. “Without him I would not have graduated as well as I did.”(Although, he adds, “my Lord and Saviour is my first pillar of strength”.) Daswa is now helping other students realise
their dreams by serving as a tutor. “I enjoy being a tutor – it brings me joys to see others reach their goals and offering my skills helps me improve myself,” he says. “If telling my story helps to inspire even three out of a thousand students, I will be happy.”
Summa cum laude is in the reach of every student, says law graduate
rancis Chiparawasha graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree (specialising in law) summa cum laude in March. Few reach such academic heights, but Chiparawasha believes such passes can be achieved by anyone; if they with work hard. Chiparawasha is now well into his honours studies in economics, and aims to get there in the same fashion as he did his undergraduate degree. And few would bet against it: in his first year he scored an 88% average, followed by 84% (earning eight distinctions) in his second year, and an 86% average in his third. Chiparawasha hails from Zimbabwe, where he finished his Advanced Levels (commonly referred to as A levels) at Nygmuzune High School, located in a small town called
Francis Chiparawasha Mutoko, 143km from the capital, Harare. His school marks earned him a government scholarship to study at the UWC. “I thank God for the gift that I have,” he says. “However, you also need to do your
part and ensure that you study hard.” And elbow grease is his mantra. Pay attention in class, he advises, and make sure you understand things thoroughly when you’re prepping for exams. He has a few other tips for his fellow students. “Believe in yourself, prioritise, set academic goals for yourself, and lastly you should get study partners,” he advises. Once he completes his master’s studies, Chiparawasha hopes to become an economist. “This particular subject fascinates me, because it affects everyone. I would love to play an active role in aiding the growth of South Africa’s economy.” He is also a great fan of UWC. “I believe that it is one of the best institutions in the country, and I am proud to be a product of this very great institution.”