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10 November

Skills Workshop Helps Empower UKZN Engineering Students

Highlights from the skills and training workshop. UKZN, in collaboration with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MerSETA), hosted a training workshop at the George Campbell School of Technology in Durban for Engineering students. The workshop aimed to help …

05 November

Innovation Challenge Ignites Entrepreneurial Spirit at UKZN

A gathering after the Innovation Challenge hosted by Enactus UKZN Howard College campus. Enactus UKZN Howard College campus branch hosted this year’s Innovation Challenge, a dynamic competition that introduces new members of the organisation to the essence of social entrepreneurship. …

05 November

UKZN Academic Co-edits Bantu Languages Guide

Professor Jochen Zeller. Professor Jochen Zeller of the Discipline of Linguistics within the School of Arts co-edited the recently released: The Oxford Guide to the Bantu Languages. Zeller’s co-editors were Professor Lutz Marten of the School of Oriental and African …

23 October

Bones, Bytes and Breakthroughs

Professor Lelika Lazarus. The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Discipline of Anatomy proudly celebrated the inauguration of Professor Lelika Lazarus as a Full Professor – a significant milestone in her 28-year journey of academic excellence, innovation, and mentorship. Hosted under the …

22 October

UKZN PhD Candidate Elected to Lead Role in PASA

Mr Siyamthanda Jordaan. PhD candidate in Population Studies within the School of Social Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Mr Siyamthanda Jordaan, has been elected as the Student Representative of the Population Association of Southern Africa (PASA) for a …

21 October

Inspiring Future Female Leaders

Attendees of the Women in Corporate event hosted by the ABASA UKZN Westville Student Chapter. The Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa (ABASA), UKZN Westville Student Chapter, hosted its annual “Women in Corporate” event in September. …

20 October

Audiology Deaf Awareness Campaign at UKZN

Highlights from the Deaf Awareness Campaign. ‘Beyond the Silence’ was the theme chosen by this year’s final-year Audiology students. On Deaf Awareness Day in September – commemorated globally as the International Month for Deaf People – they encouraged the UKZN …

20 October

UKZN Hosts Workshops to Combat Gender-Based Violence

UKZN is taking a zero-tolerance stance approach to GBV. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently hosted a series of university-wide workshops on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the lead-up to the global 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women …

10 October

Turning Challenges into Triumphs!

Ms Nonkazimulo Lembede. At just 26 years old, Ms Nonkazimulo Lembede has already proven that perseverance, resilience and determination to succeed can turn even the most difficult circumstances into stepping stones to great things. In a double achievement, Lembede graduated …

10 October

Busamed Cafeteria Opened at UKZN’s Medical School

Highlights from the launch. Staff and students at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine in Durban can now enjoy tasty and nutritious meals offered at an affordable rate to while relaxing and networking at a Busamed cafeteria launched on the ground …

07 October

Awards Promise Prosperous Future for Researcher

Ms Bonakele Langa. Ms Bonakele Langa, a Master’s graduate in Physiology, was congratulated by her supervisors, Dr Lindokuhle Mabuza-Mashaba and Professor Andile Khathi, for receiving awards at recent congresses. Langa investigated the effect of the ginger extract, Zingiber officinale, on …

06 October

Is Longevity Written in Our Genes?

UKZN researcher, Professor Veron Ramsuran. Is living to 100 all about luck with your DNA – or is it a question of lifestyle and environment? For decades, scientists have wrestled with this puzzle and the answers are proving to be …

29 September

Statistician Tackles Complexities of Cryptocurrency

Dr Stephanie Subramoney graduates with a PhD in Statistics. Following research into one of the world’s most dynamic financial arenas – cryptocurrency, Dr Stephanie Subramoney graduated from UKZN with a PhD in Statistics. Her groundbreaking thesis, titled: ‘Statistical Risk Modelling …

29 September

PhD and a Bright Future Ahead for Top Mathematician

Top Mathematician, Dr Shimon Corcos. Following a stellar academic journey marked by exceptional achievement, original research and international recognition, Dr Shimon Corcos has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics. Supervised by Professor Dharmanand Baboolal and Dr Cerene Rathilal, …

24 September

Graduate Honours her Late Granddaughter on Stage

Dr Pinky Ntombizonke Zwane at her graduation ceremony, held at the UKZN Westville campus – September 2025. Holding back tears, Dr Pinky Ntombizonke Zwane felt emotional as she walked onto the graduation stage and held up a photograph of her …

09 September

Midlife, Menopause and Beyond

Ms Maureen Mbense, Dr Sibongile Mashaphu, Dr Nompumelelo Ntshangase-Mpanza, Dr Thev Gurayah and Professor Motshedisi Sebitloane (Head of Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology). The College of Health Sciences (CHS), led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head, Professor Busisiwe Ncama, hosted a landmark …

08 September

Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Relieves Debt Burden

From left: Ms Mahlohonolo Masiteng, Mr Monwabisi Cele, Ms Emily Wyatt-Minter, Ms Liska Wortmann, and Mr Mthokozisi Hlongwane. The 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship winners in the College of Humanities now have the potential to pursue their degrees without the burden of …

05 September

Crop Science Student Recipient of Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

Dr Timothy Obaje and Professor Alfred Odindo congratulate Mandela Rhodes Scholarship winner, Mr Emmanuel Valentine (middle). UKZN celebrated the exceptional achievement of postgraduate Crop Science student Mr Emmanuel Valentine who won the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship. This honour recognises academic excellence, …

29 August

UKZN Student Aims to Win EDHE Intervarsity National Trophy

Mr Luyanda Mchunu, owner of GrocieFy-SA. Winner of this year’s Existing Business/Tech category in the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Intervarsity Provincial contest, UKZN Medical student Mr Luyanda Mchunu, is now determined to win the national championships. The 22-year-old …

28 August

NIHSS Postdoctoral Fellowship Created

Uniting efforts to create an impactful and transformative postdoctoral fellowship programme. The National Institute of the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS), in collaboration with a UKZN working group, has established a comprehensive postdoctoral fellowship. The aim is to advance critical …

27 August

Top Honours for UKZN First-Year Experience Programme

Celebrating the award are (from left) UKZN’s Dr Sharmla Rama, Professor Ruth Hoskins, Ms Phindile Ngubane, and Ms Rakheeba Bux. UKZN’s First-Year Experience Programme (FYEP) received the Best Paper Award at the 2025 Siyaphumelela Network Student Success Conference in Johannesburg. …

12 August

Landmark Grassland Congress Held in Hilton

Delegates at the 60th Congress of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa at the ANEW Hotel in Hilton. The Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) held its 60th Congress in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal and online. This milestone celebrated the Society, which …

12 August

UKZN Hosts its 18th Golf Day

Highlights from UKZN’s annual Golf Day. Golfing enthusiasts took to the Zimbali Golf Course in July for a round of golf in support of academically deserving students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Funds were raised for eight students through …

11 August

UKZN’s First Clinical Trials Unit Launched

An exciting moment for the Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) team. The College of Health Sciences (CHS) is proud to announce the establishment of UKZN’s first Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), based at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine. Aspiring to …

04 August

UKZN Researchers Shine at Aquatic Sciences Conference

Delegates at the 2025 Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists Conference at the ANEW Hotel in Hilton. The Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS) Conference, hosted in Hilton by UKZN and the Institute of Natural Resources (INR), drew researchers …

04 August

Fourth Comrades Marathon Nailed by UKZN Runner

Ms Makhosazana Mdladla. Ms Makhosazana (Khosi) Mdladla, a research assistant at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), says she was overjoyed to have completed her fourth Comrades Marathon in a personal best time. No …

01 August

Law School Hosts Alternative Dispute Resolution Seminar

Alternate Dispute Resolution seminar delegates. Formalising online dispute resolution/alternative dispute resolution mechanisms within the African Regional Communities was the focus of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Seminar hosted by UKZN’s School of Law. The seminar, championed by Law academics Professor …

01 August

UKZN Helping Shape Africa’s Digital Future

Delegates at the TUTWA Conference. Advancing Africa’s Digital Transformation was the focus of a conference at the University of Mauritius at which UKZN played a prominent role. Professor Upasana Singh, Academic Leader and Associate Professor in the Discipline of Information …

01 August

UKZN Professor Shares Port Economics Research in Norway

Professor Mihalis Chasomeris aboard a ship touring the fjords of Bergen, Norway, during the 2025 International Association of Maritime Economists Conference. Professor Mihalis Chasomeris of the Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L) presented cutting-edge research at the International Association …

30 July

Street Law in Action

From left: Ms Buhle Dube, Ms Tulizo Tusime, Ms Veli Luthuli, Ms Asanda Mabaso, and Dr Janine Hicks at the Luthuli Museum Moot Court Competition. As part of the Street Law module, a team of 10 final-year KwaZulu-Natal Law students …

02 July

Durban City FC Grateful for UKZN Partnership

Durban City FC’s trophy for coming out on top and securing a promotion to the Betway Premiership. Newly-promoted Durban City Football Club has expressed its deep appreciation to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for the support and partnership that played …

02 July

Celebrating 60 Years of Cardiothoracic Surgery in KZN

A multidisciplinary team of Medical experts conducting open-heart surgery. UKZN’s Cardiothoracic Surgery Discipline celebrated its milestone 60th anniversary on 31 May! Based at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) in Durban, the discipline is the only public sector unit providing specialist …

30 June

UKZN Professor First Recipient of SAHUDA Award

Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize (left) and Professor Mogomme Alpheus Masoga. On Friday, 20 June 2025, UKZN’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize was awarded the first SAHUDA presidential special recognition medal for his exceptional contributions …

25 June

UKZN Students Rally Against GBV

UKZN students unite against GBV. Her Space, a newly formed women’s forum under UKZN’s Department of Student Residence Affairs (DSRA), held a march on the Howard College campus to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV). The event brought students together …

23 June

UKZN Students Celebrate Culture and Unity

Highlights from the Amatshiwelele Festival. Staff and students from UKZN’s Department of Student Residence Affairs (DSRA) attended the Amatshiwelele Festival, an event that celebrates and honours Zulu maidens known as Amatshitshi. Held at the Curries Fountain Sports Development Centre in …

23 June

UKZN Students Rally Against GBV

UKZN students unite against GBV. Her Space, a newly formed women’s forum under the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Student Residence Affairs (DSRA), held a march on the Howard College campus on 23 May to raise awareness about gender-based violence …

20 June

CIMA Inspires Future Management Accountants at UKZN

CIMA visits UKZN. Third-year Accounting students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently had the opportunity to engage with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) during a session aimed at deepening their understanding of the profession and expanding their …

19 June

Bees Take Center Stage at Science for Jazz Seminar

From left: Ms Deborah Ewing, Professor Michael Lattorff, Dr Gcina Mhlophe, Ms Thobekile Mbanda, and Professor Thomas Konrad. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared 2025 the year of Quantum Science and Technology. To mark the …

19 June

Uniting Forces to Combat Gender-Based Violence

Highlights from the GBV awareness event at Edgewood campus. UKZN Residence Life Officers – Ms Nobuhle Lushaba, Ms Naledi Khwela, Mr Sandile Ndawonde and Dr Sebastian Sanjigadu – led an intervention to reshape students’ understanding of masculinity, violence and gender-based …

18 June

UKZN Hosts Inaugural Topology Indaba Conference

UKZN hosts its first-ever Topology Indaba Conference. The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science hosted the first-ever Topology Indaba Conference (TIC2025) at the Science and Technology Education Centre (STEC) at UKZN. The two-day event brought together more than 40 …

17 June

KZN DDG Examines Governance Failures in Municipalities

KwaZulu-Natal Deputy Director-General, Dr Nkosenye Zulu receives his PhD. The Deputy Director-General (DDG) in the Office of the KwaZulu-Natal Government, Dr Nkosenye Zulu has been awarded a Doctorate in Administration for his study on local governance. The research, which breaks …

17 June

Remembering Pope Francis

I am in grief. I knew that Pope Francis was seriously sick and would not last forever. But I was hoping against hope that he would lead the church a bit longer. His appearance on the balcony of Saint Peter’s …

12 June

Eight Master of Medical Biochemistry High Flyers

From left: Mr Kwenzokusha Dumisa, Ms Asisipho Dlamini, Ms Queen Sikude, Mr Seluleko Gcaba, Ms Nosipho Phakathi and Mr Sashendren Govender. Top Master of Medical Biochemistry student at UKZN this autumn was Mr Selwyn Gounder who graduated summa cum laude …

10 June

New Dean on the Block

Professor Bongani Nkambule. The new Dean of Research at UKZN’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) is researcher and academic leader, Professor Bongani Nkambule. Nkambule, who has served as the Academic Leader of Research in the School of Laboratory Medicine and …

10 June

From the Olympic Stage to UKZN

Dr Phathokuhle Zondi at the 2024 Tokyo Olympic Games. Chief Medical Officer for Team South Africa at the 2024 Tokyo Olympic Games Dr Phathokuhle Zondi has joined UKZN’s School of Clinical Medicine. Zondi has been appointed to strengthen current focus …

02 June

Transforming TB Care through Public Health Research

Botswana-born, Dr Gablape Sejie, graduated with a PhD. Witnessing preventable diseases taking lives ignited a man’s determination to tackle the issue at a systemic level, leading to him securing a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health, a Master of Medical Science …

02 June

First Healthcare Professional “in the Family”

Top Human Physiology graduate, Ms Karina Maharaj The class of 2025’s top student in Human Physiology Ms Karina Maharaj (21) of Bonela, Durban, achieved her degree summa cum laude. Maharaj, who matriculated from Ridge Park College in Durban with four …

01 June

Ten Nursing Graduates Achieve Summa Cum Laude Honours

From left: Ms Phumelele Radebe, Ms Asithandile Ndlela, Ms Mayenziwe Mazamane and Ms Babalwa Mbongo. UKZN celebrated the exceptional achievement of 10 Bachelor of Nursing graduates who achieved summa cum laude honours. The top-performing graduates were Ms Sinenhlanhla Chonco, Ms Tyler Gabriel, …

29 May

Immune System the Focus of PhD Research

Elated at graduating with a doctoral degree is Dr Aviwe Ntsethe. Dr Aviwe Ntsethe’s curiosity in the Medical field deepened when he started exploring the complexities of human physiology and the crucial role of the immune system in cancer, leading …

29 May

Red Gown Dream Becomes Reality for Graduate

A dream come true for Dr Nomusa Mzimela (left) with Director of Professional Services, Professor Fanie Botha. Growing up in KwaDlangezwa, near Empangeni, Dr Nomusa Mzimela made a childhood vow, declaring in isiZulu: ‘Ngizofunda ngize ngibe udokotela ngigqoke ijazi elibomvu, …

28 May

Father and Son Graduates in Arms

Mr Armaan Jaganath with his mother, Ms Rekha Jaganath, and father, Mr Sean Jaganath. It was a doubly exciting and joyous celebration for the Jaganath family as father and son, Sean and Armaan Jaganath, were both capped during 2025’s Autumn …

27 May

Eight New Obstetrics and Gynaecology MMed Graduates

Celebrations all around for the eight new Obstetrics and Gynaecology MMed graduates. UKZN’s Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Professor Motshedisi Sebitloane saluted eight new Master of Medicine graduates in the Discipline, saying they had worked tirelessly to achieve …

27 May

MMed for Novel Dermatology Research in Durban

Dermatologist, Dr Haroon Saeed at his graduation ceremony. Investigating Durban’s prevalence of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) – a condition that causes painful, recurring boils in sweat gland areas of the human body – secured Dr Haroon Saeed a Master of Medicine …

27 May

Suleman Siblings Achieve Top Honours at UKZN

A winning team, Drs Naeema and Mohamed Hoosen Suleman. Siblings Dr Mohamed Hoosen Suleman and Dr Naeema Suleman have graduated together with high honours from UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine. Naeema earned her Medical degree summa cum laude …

26 May

Six New Paediatricians Graduate from UKZN

Hearty congratulations to our six new paediatricians. Distinguished paediatric pulmonologist Professor Refiloe Masekela congratulated six new paediatricians who graduated from her Discipline at UKZN. The Master of Medicine (MMed) graduates were Dr Lindokuhle Mahlase, Dr Lethokuhle Mkhize, Dr Pervashni Padayachee, …

26 May

20 MBChB Summa Cum Laude Graduates!

Cheers to the 20 MBChB summa cum laude graduates. Cheers and ululations filled the hall when UKZN announced its 20 Medical students who graduated summa cum laude this autumn. They were all no strangers to receiving Dean’s Commendations from their …

23 May

First Person from her School to Get a Doctorate

An elated Dr Zinhle Mlambo walks the graduation stage to be capped with a doctorate. Dr Zinhle Mlambo, a proud member of the student religious organisation, the Twelve Apostles Church in Trinity Students Organisation (TTACTSO) UKZN, and a passionate researcher …

23 May

Legal Researcher Awarded PhD in Law

Legal Researcher, Dr Helga Schultz. Dr Helga Schultz, a Legal Researcher in the Office of the Chief Justice at the Pietermaritzburg High Court, has graduated with a PhD in Law. ‘I always wanted to pursue a doctoral thesis, but it …

22 May

Celebrating CLMS Staff Graduating with PhDs

UKZN’s College of Law and Management Studies academics, clockwise from the top left: Dr Nomfundo Kakaza, Dr Mudaray Marimuthu, Dr Jenasha Tooray, and Dr Alastair Marais. The College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) congratulates Dr Nomfundo Kakaza from the …

22 May

Top Law Achievers Graduate Summa Cum Laude

Summa cum laude LLM graduates, Ms Raaiqhah Akoo (left) and Ms Alex Louter. Law graduates Ms Alex Louter and Ms Raaiqhah Akoo prove that hard work and dedication are the cornerstones of academic success, both graduating summa cum laude. For …

21 May

Law Student Sheds Legal Light on the Influencer Economy

Aspiring legal professional, Ms Gabrielle Naidoo, graduated with an LLM in Business Law. Aspiring legal professional Ms Gabrielle Naidoo, driven by an insatiable curiosity about the world – particularly where Law, technology, and society intersect – recently graduated with a …

19 May

UKZN Staff Lead from the Front

UKZN staffers, clockwise from top left: Ms Nosisekelo Gabela, Dr Andrisha Beharry, Mr Msizi Dimba, Ms Premila Chetty, Mr Nhlakanipho Muthwa, and Ms Kalaivani Naicker. The College of Law and Management Studies proudly celebrates the academic achievements of UKZN staff …

18 May

PhD Research Explores Organic Food Adoption in South Africa

Durban University of Technology Lecturer, Dr Sandile Mkhize. Dr Sandile Mkhize’s research, titled: “Factors Affecting the Organic Products Market in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal: A Diffusion of Innovation Perspective”, aims to provide strategic insights for marketers and policymakers seeking to promote sustainable …

18 May

Former KZN Premier Earns UKZN Doctoral Degree

Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube graduated with a Doctorate in Administration. Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, a trailblazing leader in South African politics and former KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier, has dedicated her life to public service and academic excellence, culminating in a Doctorate in Administration …

16 May

Discipline and Discrimination in Township Schools

Graduating cum laude, Ms Melicia Khasa’s study exposed gendered violence and discrimination in discipline at township schools. Graduating cum laude with a Master of Education degree, Ms Melicia Khasa has done more than just excel academically, she has sparked a …