UKZN medical students graduate summa cum laude: a journey of dedication

Cheers and ululations filled the hall when UKZN announced its 20 medical students, who graduated summa cum laude.

They are all no strangers to receiving Dean’s Commendations from their first year onwards, but in the end it was a three-way tie for top spot in the class of 2025 between Dr Ahmed Bassa, Dr Aneesah Haffejee and Dr Nishen Naidoo, who all scored an average of 85%, followed by Dr Priyanka Govender (83%).

Naidoo, of Amanzimtoti, said: "It is a truly humbling experience to graduate with this accolade from one of the most prestigious medical schools in our country. I am grateful and appreciative to everyone who has played a role in my journey. My family and friends were ecstatic and eagerly awaiting my graduation day." 

The former Kingsway High School head boy, is serving his medical internship at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi.

He said he enjoyed working with people and therefore always aimed to make a difference in the lives of everyone he interacted with.

"Practising medicine allows me to truly impact the lives of people on a community level by striving to improve the health of each patient I treat. The will to serve mankind is my greatest motivation. My late grandfather sustained several myocardial infarctions during my childhood and witnessing how his medical team improved his quality of life inspired me to pursue a career in medicine." 

Another of the top achiever, Dr Jaydon Govender, said: "It is honestly surreal and deeply gratifying. I never expected to graduate summa cum laude, so it came as a shock. It was all overwhelming, seeing the result of years of hard work and perseverance. This journey has been incredibly challenging, and achieving this milestone makes every single sacrifice and every late-night worth it." 

Govender, of Phoenix, is now a medical intern at Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial in KwaMashu, and the first in his family to become a doctor.

Dr Timira Dayanand, currently a medical intern at Harry Gwala Regional Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, always wanted to emulate her father.

"My dad is a medical doctor, who, from humble beginnings, grew to open a private hospital in our local community. Watching him dedicate his life to serving others motivated me and also gave me a huge platform to work with and navigate my own career. For that, I will forever be grateful to him," Dayanand said.

"I am overwhelmed with a mix of emotions - pride, gratitude and excitement. Graduating as a top medical student is a dream come true and I feel honoured to have worked tirelessly towards this goal. I am proud of my dedication, perseverance and passion for healing, which have driven me to excel in my studies." 

Dr Tayuri Naicker, who is doing her internship at Victoria Mxenge Hospital, added: "I think what really solidified my decision was seeing how deeply medicine can impact lives. I knew I wanted to be in a field where I could make a real difference.

"Medical school was so challenging. Sometimes I felt like I was drowning. However, keeping my faith in God and being disciplined in my studies helped," she said.

"I pushed myself even on the days I didn’t feel like doing the work. Another important thing that helped was surrounding myself with like-minded peers. My friends played a huge role in helping me with honours."

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