Master of Commerce in Marketing candidate, Ms Kelisha Pandaram and BCom Honours in Supply Chain Management (summa cum laude) graduate, Mr Jediael Benjamin Dhawraj were named amongst the Top 10 Finest GradStar Graduates across South Africa at an awards ceremony in Johannesburg.

The GradStar programme acknowledges the top 100 university students and top 10 finest graduates nationwide. Students and graduates are assessed based on their leadership qualities and preparedness for the professional arena. The selection process involves a rigorous four-phase judging process, culminating in a series of workshops facilitated by potential employers. The top 100 students are then paired with successful business mentors through the Rising Star Summit, providing them with guidance and networking opportunities.

Pandaram said, ‘A highlight of the GradStar Awards Solutions Summit was the Hackathon, representing TransUnion as I was able to collaborate with a dynamic team, facing challenges head-on and fostering innovative and cutting-edge business solutions in alignment with the fourth industrial revolution.’

Dhawraj who also won third place in the Allan Gray A+ Achievers Challenge 2023 said the Dalsey Hillblom Lynn (DHL) GradStar competition was very challenging; however, being part of the programme opened opportunities for him. It enabled him to network with like-minded people and to learn from their experiences.

‘They gave us world-class business problems to solve. I knew I had to represent the School of Management Information Technology and Governance and the Discipline of Marketing and Supply Chain at the highest level, and I think Kelisha and I achieved just that,’ he said.

Pandaram who is a Jakes Gerwel Fellow and actively involved with the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and its Endowment Teaching Initiatives said that it is an honour not only to be part of the Top 100 but also to be one of two UKZN students on the list.

‘This recognition fuels my commitment to contribute meaningfully to the professional landscape in South Africa and encourages me to continue believing in the infinite possibilities that lie ahead,’ she said.