Intelligent? Above average? Genius? All these words fail to describe the abilities of Lot Magosha (21) of Nzhelele-Mamuhohi, the top student who scooped five awards during the recent graduation ceremony of the University of Venda.

The hardworking Magosha graduated with a bachelor of commerce degree and he received the following awards: Spar Thohoyandou Supermarket Award for the Best Student in Bachelor of Commerce, Glenrand MIB Award for the Best Student in Management Sciences, Do Light Transport Award for the Best Student in Accounting, Bobs Ri Rothe Construction Award for the Best Student in Accounting, and the School Medallion for the Best Student in the School of Management Sciences.

Apart from that, Magosha also obtained 15 distinctions during the three years of his study at Univen. In his first year of study, he obtained two distinctions, followed by five in his second year and he finally obtained eight distinctions in all eight his courses during his final year. He is presently studying for a two-year higher diploma in accountancy with the University of the Witwatersrand.

Magosha says after he completes his higher diploma, he will serve articles for three years and thereafter write a Qualifying Board Examination to become a chartered accountant.

"Being a deeply religious individual, I put my trust in God and I never do anything without asking for His strength. I also believe in myself and I never procrastinate in anything that I do. Hard work, dedication, a positive attitude and motivation are my daily bread and I strive to achieve perfection in all my educational chores. I have a goal in life and I told myself that I would never stop to be a slave of my goal until I achieve it," he said.

Magosha says he would never forget to thank his lecturer at Univen, Rother Mashamba, who has been a pillar of his strength throughout his study at Univen. "I learnt a lot of things from him and he taught me about hard work. I would also like to thank my family, who have been giving me support, and my fellow students, who have always been on my side whenever I needed them."