Students encouraged togive back to the University

UKZN’s Alumni Relations office encouraged students to remain a part of the University even after they graduate, during the recent presentation facilitated in collaboration with the School of Law and Management Studies for the Accounting Student Chapter held at Westville campus.

The rationale behind such Student Chapter meetings is to assist students third and final year students who will join the prestigious accounting profession with networking opportunities; skills development; career prospects; provide a forum for discussion with UKZN graduates from the accounting and legal professions; provide a channel to express concerns about issues pertaining to their future plans; and encourage students upon graduation to maintain close links with the University and their Faculty.

Convocation Executive and University’s Council member, Mr Sammy Mashita gave the students a brief background of his life as a student and how he has managed to become an active member of the University donating funds annually.

Mashita’s company last year donated an amount of R100 000 towards bursaries and he said that the company will now donate the amount every quarter in 2014.

He urged students to join the University Convocation structure so they can also help create more bursaries and a form of financial injection into the University.

He added that the Accounting students were fortunate to be studying now because of the country’s crisis as there is a shortage of people in their field.

‘Take your studies seriously, study further and do your Postgrad and then specialise. Don’t be job seekers, own your own business,’ said Mashita.

Mashita cautioned the students to not destroy University property in the name of Freedom of Expression. As a former member of the SRC himself he said, ‘Respect the property of this institution. I was the most problematic member but I never demolished any property.’

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)’s Educational Manager, Ms Caretha Laubscher gave the student an overview of the purposes of CIMA. This included the courses that the students can take up after they have completed their undergraduate degrees.

‘Management accounting combines accounting, finance and management with the leading edge techniques needed to drive successful businesses. In addition to strong accounting fundamentals, CIMA teaches strategic business and management skills,’ she said.

She added after students have done a level with CIMA, they are ready to step into the world of work. It prepares students to work in all the aspect of the organisation and not just in Finance.