Cameron Chetty with this lecturer Felicia Jagdeo, left, Head of Computer Science at Emeris Durban, and his mum Myriam Chetty.
Image: Supplied
Cameron Chetty's graduation day recently took an unexpected turn, leaving him and his fellow students in awe. Nothing could have prepared the quiet Durban student for what happened when his name was called.
As he walked across the stage at Emeris Durban North’s graduation ceremony, the crowd erupted into cheers after it was announced that he had achieved a remarkable 99% average in his IIE Bachelor of computer and information sciences in application development degree, placing first nationally across all Emeris campuses.
“I was shocked to hear the cheers from the crowd as I walked across the stage. I didn’t know how to react, but I felt overjoyed,” he said.
Behind the near-perfect average were years of sacrifice, discipline and determination.
Chetty, who is currently studying towards his IIE postgraduate diploma in data analytics, balanced his studies while working part-time as a freelance junior developer and tutoring second-year students.
However, for him, success was never solely about marks.
During his studies, he discovered confidence in places he least expected, particularly while working on group projects that pushed him beyond his comfort zone.
“I never thought I was capable of leading a team, but I'm glad I tried because it taught me how to work with others and trust myself more,” he said.
One of the projects closest to his heart involved helping develop a clinical asset management application for Busamed Private Hospital, designed to help staff better track important medical equipment.
For Chetty, technology has always been about helping people.
“It wasn't just about coding. It was about creating solutions that matter,” he explained.
He credits much of his success to the unwavering support of his family, lecturers and classmates, who encouraged him through every late-night study session and difficult assignment.
Despite his demanding schedule, Chetty still finds comfort in spending time with his family, friends, and his two cats and three dogs.
Reflecting on his journey, he hopes other students understand that success is built through consistency and passion.
“When you love what you are learning, it becomes easier to keep going even when things get difficult,” he said.