Pietermaritzburg Campus Rocks UKZN Open Day!

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Pietermaritzburg campus welcomed thousands of high school learners, parents and educators to the historic main campus for its annual Open Day, a showcase of its diverse academic offerings and career prospects.

The dynamic programme included interactive sessions such as sack races across the Library Lawn and science experiments, demonstrations, live music, and dance performances.

The Grade 10 to 12 learners who attended were provided with comprehensive information about life at UKZN, including entrance requirements and application processes. Engaging stands and practical displays from disciplines across the University’s four Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Law and Management Studies enabled learners to interact one on one with members of the academic staff, current students, and professional services staff from various divisions.

This provided insights into academic pathways and student life, including to programmes uniquely offered on the Pietermaritzburg campus such as a range of agricultural disciplines, the country’s only accredited Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Agricultural Engineering qualification, and dietetics and human nutrition programmes.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Professor Fhatuwani Mudau, welcomed visitors to the campus and said their presence demonstrated genuine commitment to their education and future success.

He emphasised UKZN’s status as a sought-after Higher Education Institution that attracts top matriculants from across the province.

UKZN is placed among the top 2.4% of universities globally, according to the Centre for World University Rankings, and is among the top four in South Africa and on the African continent.

Mudau spoke about employability of graduates from the University, its research prowess, clubs and societies, and the 26 sporting codes available to students. Open Day followed a vibrant FNB Varsity Shield rugby match held at the Peter Booysen Stadium the previous evening.

A presentation and question-and-answer session for parents and teachers featured contributions from Risk Management Services and Sports Administration. The session enabled parents and teachers to access information to assist with what programme director, Mr Njabulo Manyoni from the University Language Planning and Development Office, described as the daunting task of advising learners on their decisions.

Open Day forms a key student recruitment event and reinforces the University’s position as the premier University of African scholarship.

Words and photograph: Christine Cuénod