For University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) student Ms Okeshia Moodley, a Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) bursary facilitated through the UKZN Foundation has been a turning point, allowing her to continue pursuing her dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant.
Moodley, from Chatsworth in Durban, is currently completing her Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) at UKZN, a key step towards qualifying as a Chartered Accountant through the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
Her passion for accounting began during her high school years.
“Pursuing tertiary education was always one of my main goals, and I knew I wanted a career in the accounting field,” she said. “Accounting was one of my strongest subjects and, as my interest in the subject grew, so did my commitment to making it my career.”
Moodley believes bursaries do more than cover tuition costs. “Bursaries remove one of the biggest obstacles many students face, being able to fund their studies. They allow students to focus on their studies instead of worrying about university fees.”
She added that bursaries also serve as a powerful vote of confidence. “They encourage academic excellence because they give students the assurance that someone believes in their potential and ability to succeed. Opportunities should be determined by a student’s potential and achievements, not their financial circumstances.”
The BANKSETA bursary was particularly significant for Moodley because it supports postgraduate studies, which often receive less funding than undergraduate programmes.
“This was especially important for me because the PGDA is a requirement for pursuing the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Chartered Accountant designation.”
Like many postgraduate students, Moodley faced the daunting challenge of balancing the rigorous demands of the PGDA programme while dealing with uncertainty around funding. The programme requires long hours of study, continuous preparation and a high level of commitment across advanced disciplines including Financial Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, and Managerial Accounting and Finance.
“The financial pressure of not knowing how I would secure funding added another layer of stress to an already challenging year,” she recalled.
Instead of focusing solely on her studies, she found herself searching for funding opportunities and financial assistance. “It was mentally and emotionally challenging, but I remained focused on my goal. My family’s constant encouragement reminded me not to lose hope and to keep pressing on.”
The bursary changed everything. “Receiving the BANKSETA funding has made an immense difference in my tertiary education. A significant financial burden has been lifted from both my family and me. I can now continue with my studies without the continuous stress of wondering how my fees will be paid.”
The support has allowed her to focus fully on her studies and move closer to achieving her professional ambitions.
Moodley credits much of her determination to the values instilled in her by her family. “I grew up in a family where education has always been treasured and seen as the key to creating a brighter future. Despite the financial setbacks my family faces, they have never allowed those obstacles to deter me from pursuing my dream. Instead, they constantly motivated me to stay focused, work hard and trust that a way forward would always be found.”
The sacrifices made by her family continue to inspire her. “Their unwavering belief in me motivates me to strive for excellence. I remain dedicated to achieving my goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant so that one day I can give back to my family and others.”
Outside her studies, Moodley enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies and series, and developing new skills.
Looking ahead, her ambitions extend beyond her own success. “My long-term goal is to qualify as a Chartered Accountant and build a successful career in that field,” she said. “In the future, I would also like to mentor aspiring students and help others access the educational opportunities that have helped me on my journey.”
For students facing financial or academic challenges, Moodley offers a message of encouragement. “There will be moments when the journey feels draining, but do not let your circumstances decide your future. Keep believing in yourself, you can achieve more than you think. Success is about showing up every day and refusing to give up,” she said.
