Monash South Africa in Ruimsig held its annual graduation ceremony on 9 April. Students were elated as staff, fellow alumni and family joined in to celebrate the academic achievements of the class of 2016.
The programme was packed with remarkable speakers, most notably the four graduates who showed outstanding academic performance as well as phenomenal strides in extracurricular activities including community work. Zahra Kaba, Lisa Sidambe, Steve Velcev and Yamikani Katunga were given a platform to share their stories and academic journeys.
Yamikani Katunga, a business science graduate believes in the power of community work. Staff of Monash described him as a very positive person. He completed his degree with a double major in economics and management. He received his honours degree at the graduation ceremony. He is currently studying further and aims for a masters in international business. In 2015 Katunga attended the World Business Forum in New York on behalf of Monash. Katunga is also a very capable photographer.
“I believe in fulfilling my alumni duties by sharing my skills and knowledge with future MSA students,” said Katunga.
Lisa Sidambe graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Social Science degree majoring in philosophy and international studies. She received her honours at the graduation ceremony. “Monash South Africa taught me what it truly means to be a leader,” said Sidambe. She believes ongoing learning and academic study will ensure she will become involved with a governance structure or functionary in an environment where she can serve others with tenacity and agility.
Sidambe served as the Monash Debate Association president. In 2015 she was awarded the Sir John Monash Medal for extraordinary academic achievement.
Steve Velcev said that his role models include Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein. Valcev has set his academic goals high. He graduated with a Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences degree, majoring in applications development and networks and business systems. He said that Monash has taught him an immense amount about the IT field. He is the founder of the Monash IT society. Velcev has received the highest marks in most of his subjects.
Zahra Kaba, from Tanzania graduated with a Bachelors in Public Health degree. She is passionate about community development. Kaba experienced poor health care and wanted to make a change. She describes her time at MSA as an enlightening experience. She is currently pursuing an honours degree. Kaba’s goal is to become an epidemiologist. When asked where she sees herself in five years she replied, “The possibilities are endless.”
Details: Monash South Africa, 011 950 4000.
Related articles:
