UKZN Alumni Connect and Celebrate Shared Heritage
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Alumni Relations, together with the UKZN Foundation, recently hosted a successful afternoon high tea and dinner for alumni based in the Western Cape.
Held at the elegant Winchester Hotel, UKZN alumni reconnected, networked and conversed over dinner, drinks, and entertainment from talented musicians – saxophonist, Gilson Amaral, and Maya Spector, musical theatre specialist, singer and songwriter. The event also strengthened community ties and a reinforced a shared sense of pride and belonging.
Guests were welcomed by Head of UKZN Alumni Relations, Finn Christensen, who opened the programme before handing over to Convocation President Dr Qiniso Mlita who shared updates on the University’s recent activities and ongoing infrastructure developments, keeping alumni informed and connected to their alma mater.
A highlight of the evening was a special address by distinguished UKZN alumnus Andy Mason, also known as N D Mazin. A writer, artist, editor, cartoonist, publisher, and communications professional, Mason has built a respected career in the creative and publishing industries. He was recently honoured as a “South African Comics Legend” at Cape Town Comic Con 2025.
Mason’s career spans decades and includes underground comix, educational comics, and socially conscious cartoons produced during the Struggle period. His contributions include the comic zines PAX (Pre-Azanian Comix) and Mamba Comix. He also co-founded Durban’s first desktop publishing agency, Computer Artwork Services (Artworks), which continues to operate today and has been a longstanding service provider to the University.
He obtained an MA summa cum laude in Media and Cultural Studies from UKZN. He is also the author of What’s So Funny? Under the Skin of South African Cartooning, published in 2010. Now based in Prince Albert, Mason continues to work as a full-time writer and artist, currently expanding The AzaniaMania Trilogy and exploring future academic pursuits.
Words: Ayabulela Mbhele
Photographs: Calvin Govender
