Top achiever awards

Forty eight students from the Faculties of Computer Science, Education, Finance and Accounting, Humanities, Management Studies and Law from the Durban North campus were recently celebrated as the campus’ 2024 Top Achievers. The undergraduate and postgraduate students who achieved an overall average of 75% were recognised for their dedication and hard work. Each received a certificate and a Takealot voucher.

Faculty Excellence Awards were also presented to students who excelled in areas which contribute to the holistic development of The IIE’s Varsity College graduates, preparing them to become valuable contributors in their future professions.

Third year IIE Bachelor of Computer and Information Science in Application Development student Cameron Chetty achieved an exceptional 99.13% average with distinctions across all eight modules of his second year. 

“When I first heard my name called out for the award, I felt a surge of pride knowing that the countless late nights and the discipline I maintained throughout the year was being recognised,” said Chetty. “It was a moment of validation mixed with humility. I also felt grateful – to the lecturers who challenged me, my classmates who pushed me to think differently and my family who supported every late night study session”. 

Chetty chose his degree because of his love for solving problems that genuinely help people. “During high school, I was drawn to how technology could transform the way we live and work, but it wasn’t just about coding. It was about building solutions that matter. Application development gives me the tools for tangible solutions and that possibility excites me every day”.

When asked how he stayed motivated throughout the year, especially during challenging times, Chetty said his motivation comes from loving what he’s learning. “When you’re excited about solving a complex problem or finally understanding a difficult concept studying doesn’t feel like a burden. During challenging times, I reminded myself why I started this journey - the projects I want to build, the problems I want to solve and the career I’m working towards”.

His most effective study habit is active learning. “Instead of passively reading notes, I built small projects to test what I’d learnt, explained concepts to classmates and regularly reviewed my work shortly after lectures. Teaching others forced me to understand material deeply”. 

Chetty’s advice to students aiming for excellence:

• Fall in love with learning
• Work consistently throughout the year
• Don’t study in isolation - collaborate and teach each other and
• Apply what you’ve learnt immediately

Second year IIE Bachelor of Laws student José Marcelino received the Moot Court Award for 2024. Moot Court is a co-curricular activity which introduces students to the legal profession through a simulated court experience. Students argue legal cases before a judge, practising key skills like legal research, legal writing, oral advocacy and legal reasoning.

Marcelino described the civil case first year students argued during the Moot Court competition. “It centred around whether an ex-wife could use the frozen embryos created during their marriage after the couple divorced. I represented the ex-wife in the initial round and the ex-husband during the regional round – which taught me to see both sides of a complex legal issue”.

He said the award was unexpected and deeply rewarding. “In high school, I was drawn to Psychology, Teaching and Law. I initially pursued a teaching qualification, but after job shadowing a family friend, an attorney, I realised that Law was my true passion. I completed an IIE Higher Certificate in Legal Studies before enrolling for the IIE Bachelor of Laws degree”.

His advice to fellow students: “Put in the effort, attend your lectures, make notes and pay attention. Many times, what’s said in lectures comes up in tests and exams”.

Durban North Campus Head Rajesh Chandarman said the event celebrated more than academic performance. “Excellence is not only measured in marks and medals, but forged in determination, resilience and purpose.

“Our Top Achievers have shown what’s possible when talent meets tenacity. They’ve turned challenges into stepping stones and proven that greatness begins with a single decision – to aim higher and never give up. This isn’t the finish line, but a milestone on their journey to making an impact in the world”.