Professor’s Enduring Impact on Peptide Chemistry Recognised - Again!

UKZN’s Professor Fernando Albericio receiving the Chemistry Today Lifetime Achievement Award from Ms Gayle de Maria, Editorial Director of Teknoscience.

Professor Fernando Albericio has added to his laurels with the first Chimica Oggi - Chemistry Today journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received during the International Oligonucleotides and Peptides Conference (IOPC) in Prague in the Czech Republic. 

The IOPC is a leading event for platforming innovation, research and novel developments in oligonucleotides and peptides. Its sessions focus on synthesis, delivery and formulation, preclinical and clinical studies, manufacturing, novel platforms and technologies and peptides in cosmetics. 

This recognition adds to a host of remarkable awards Albericio has received in recognition of his excellent contributions to the science of peptide synthesis that forms the foundation for advancing modern medicine and biotechnology, drug development, diagnostics and research tools that mimic or modulate biological processes. 

In 2024 alone, Albericio received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the European Peptide Synthesis Conference, the Josef Rudinger Memorial Lecture Award from the European Peptide Society, and the Johannes Meienhofer Lifetime Achievement Award from the Boulder Peptide Foundation in the United States. 

Albericio’s accomplishments during a career spanning 50 years include authorship of over 1 100 papers, co-authorship of four books, filing of over 65 patents and supervision or co-supervision of more than 85 PhD students and more than 100 master’s degree students. He is ranked third among the best chemistry scientists in South Africa by Research.com and holds an A-rating from the National Research Foundation. He regularly features among UKZN’s Top 30 Published Researchers, is editor-in-chief of several scientific journals and serves on the editorial boards of others. 

He joined UKZN in 2012 as a research professor to contribute his decades of expertise to the University’s mission to transfer knowledge and technology to society. Originally from Barcelona in Spain, where he studied chemistry at the University of Barcelona, Albericio’s fascination with peptides led him to complete his PhD on fragment condensation for peptide synthesis. He completed his postdoctoral studies at Tufts University, the Université d’Aix-Marseille, and the University of Minnesota, returning to the University of Barcelona as a lecturer. 

His career took him from academia to industrial research, working as the Director of Peptide Research at Milligen-Biosearch in the United States, helping develop the Milligen 9050 peptide synthesiser and key protecting groups and activation strategies. He returned to the University of Barcelona and served as Executive Director of the Barcelona Science Park, founded the ‘Emprendia’ Network-Santander Bank university, and held the office of founding Rector of Yachay Tech in Ecuador. 

Albericio was also a keynote speaker at the 2025 IOPC, presenting an address on solid-phase peptide synthesis, specifically integrating resins, protecting groups, and coupling reagents in an optimal solvent. Albericio homed in on the significant structural differences in modern peptides and spoke about how solid-phase peptide synthesis could help meet the growing demand for peptides with improved efficiency, scalability and sustainability. 

He ascribes the contributions of his Peptide Science Laboratory at UKZN to advancing peptide chemistry that aligns with principles of sustainability - his group has developed more than 30 commodities that have reached the market. Almost any peptide synthesised worldwide uses technology developed at the laboratory.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Supplied

author : .
author email : .

UKZN/eThekwini Municipality Project Wins International Award for Transdisciplinary Research

Mr Nkosinathi Mncwabe (left) and Professor Catherine Sutherland.

The Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities (EPIC)-Durban project - a partnership between UKZN’s School of Built Environment and Development Studies (SoBEDS) and eThekwini Municipality - has won a global award for transdisciplinary research. 

This project was selected as the EPIC-N global network’s Partnership of the Year. 

Through the EPIC-Durban Project, students undertake research on topics that address pressing municipal and community challenges. 

This project, led by Professor Catherine Sutherland and UKZN EPIC coordinator in SoBEDS, Mr Nkosinathi Mncwabe, is supported by Dr Sean O’Donoghue and Mr Smiso Bhengu of the Climate Change Adaptation Branch at eThekwini Municipality. 

The EPIC-Durban project falls under the Durban Research Action Partnership (DRAP), which is a long-standing research union focused on global environmental change between UKZN and eThekwini Municipality. 

Piloted in 2017, as part of the first three projects in the EPIC Africa network, the EPIC Durban project has yielded significant outcomes, including the planning and development of safe walkways along flood-damaged high-speed roads, food gardens, composting, community-based waste management systems, tree planting initiatives, the social acceptability of innovative sanitation systems and disaster response plans in informal settlements and peri-urban areas. 

The EPIC Africa network now has 12 active city-university partnerships across Africa, having been co-chaired by O’Donoghue since its inception. To date, he has led nine training workshops, helping cities to become familiar with the EPIC model and to begin implementing it with seed grants. 

Said O’Donoghue: “The EPIC model emerged from the USA, and with the help of organisations such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United Nations Global Adaptation Network, has developed an amazing community of practice in African partner cities which have adapted the model to their own regional challenges and contexts.” 

EPIC provides a platform for research that speaks directly to the needs of the communities involved and the local governments responsible for implementing the solutions. Since the EPIC Africa network was established, a further two regional partnerships have emerged in Southeast Asia and Latin America. Further information on the EPIC model and the regional networks can be found on the EPIC-N website. 

According to Mncwabe, EPIC-Durban embodies the strength of collaboration among Higher Education Institutions, local governments, and communities. This initiative harnesses the academic rigor and innovative energy of UKZN scholars and students, alongside the extensive scientific, local, indigenous and practical knowledge of eThekwini Municipality officials and communities. This creates tangible, co-produced and community-driven solutions to urban challenges. 

Mncwabe says that the focus has been primarily on Quarry Road West and Pholani informal settlements - which face persistent issues such as flooding and food insecurity - as well as in the peri-urban area of Mzinyathi. 

“Winning the Partnership of the Year Award is a profound achievement for the EPIC-Durban and EPIC Africa community, highlighting the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex development issues,” he said. “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of academics, students, municipal officials and communities committed to innovative solutions that address climate change, inequality and service delivery obstacles, particularly within informal settlements and peri-urban areas. 

“EPIC-Durban operates within a framework termed ‘A Classroom Without Walls’, where educational experiences are directly tied to real-world scenarios. Through immersive fieldwork, students engage closely with municipal officials and community leaders, fostering a collaborative environment that empowers community members and enhances research relevance,” said Mncwabe. 

Sutherland says the EPIC Durban project has built strong and long-standing relationships between academics, municipal officials, students and community members, supporting the development of innovative communities of practice in the city, which leads to knowledge sharing, and research for impact. 

“The collaborative and people-centred approach builds on past learnings but also serves as a call to action to further strengthen relationships and trust, which embodies the spirit of Ubuntu towards a more just, resilient and sustainable future for all,” she said. 

Epic Durban student Ms Alucy Sithole conducted interdisciplinary research on Menstrual Hygiene Management in Pholani informal settlement as part of the EPIC programme. “I was assessing challenges and solutions for women’s and girls’ sanitation access. My research established that women and girls from this settlement faced a challenge with managing their menstrual hygiene due to not having a proper disposal system, therefore they found themselves having to openly dispose of what is meant to be sacred.” 

Sithole stated that working on the research project as part of the Special Studies B: Internship EPIC-Durban module, which is part of her honours programme in Development Studies, was a truly enriching experience as it allowed her to engage with the community, understand their challenges, and contribute knowledge for impact in relation to sanitation innovation in the city. 

“Despite the challenges I faced, particularly with data collection, the support from my supervisor and coordinator made a significant difference,” said Sithole. “I learned valuable lessons about adaptability, community engagement, and the importance of innovative approaches in research.” 

Sithole added that she was grateful for the opportunity to have been part of EPIC Durban, given the value of being a member of a learning network. 

Transdisciplinary research is the globally recognised ‘gold standard’ whereby researchers, city officials, practitioners, civil society, communities (in this case Quarry Road West and Pholani informal settlements) and other stakeholders co-develop research challenges and questions in order to produce actionable outcomes that are best aligned with the needs of the stakeholders. It takes the ivory tower out of university research. 

Words : Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

author : .
author email : .

UKZN Hosts Winter School for Grade 11 Learners

Learners and stakeholders gather at a UKZN outreach event promoting education, empowerment, and community engagement.Click here for isiZulu version

Interactive sessions on mental health, technology, education and career readiness were features of a Winter School held by UKZN at its Westville campus in partnership with the Care Enough Youth Empowerment (CEYE) organisation.

Designed for Grade 11 learners from 10 high schools across eThekwini, the five-day programme empowered young minds through a powerful collaboration of purpose.

The youth-focused initiative was spearheaded by the founder and CEO of Care Enough, Ms Hlengiwe Ngwenya, whose vision continues to open doors for learners from underserved communities. Ngwenya’s dedication to long-term empowerment through education was evident across every aspect of the programme.

The success of the Winter School was largely driven by the dedicated efforts of Mr Msizi Innocent Dimba, a Schools Liaison Officer at UKZN, whose commitment ensured seamless co-ordination and engagement throughout the programme. Dimba’s leadership created a nurturing and professional space for learning and dialogue.

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) also played a central role, contributing knowledge, resources and recognition of learner achievement, particularly during the prize-giving ceremony on the final day.

Learners attended from a range of schools including Ohlange High School, Inanda Newtown Comprehensive, Nhlakanipho High School, Mzuvele Secondary, and Amandlethu Secondary School. Youngsters from these schools, many in historically disadvantaged areas, were given the opportunity to experience life on a university campus while engaging with academics, professionals, and sector experts.

Each day followed this dedicated learning routine:

Day 1: Mental Health, Self-Awareness and the Impact of Gender-Based Violence
Learners explored emotional intelligence, mental health services, and the impact of gender-based violence, with input from psychiatrists, social workers, and justice officials.

Day 2: Health and Nutrition

The Department of Health facilitated health screenings, while sessions focused on nutrition, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy. Now Minister of Higher Education, Mr Buti Manamela, delivered a motivational keynote address.

Day 3: Technology and Digitalisation

Learners were introduced to digital literacy, artificial intelligence, coding, and careers in the digital economy. The day included hands-on exposure in UKZN’s computer labs.

Day 4: Education Support and Career Expo

Prominent professionals - including attorneys, engineers, entrepreneurs, and aviation specialists - shared personal journeys. Learners explored career options through exhibitions hosted by the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), and municipal departments.

Day 5: Tertiary Education Guidance

Representatives from UKZN, the Durban University of Technology, University of South Africa, Mangosuthu University of Technology, and various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges guided learners through application processes and funding opportunities offered by organisations such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP). The week concluded with vibrant team-building activities, including a singing and dance competition between KwaMashu and Inanda learners.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Dr Siyabonga Nzimande, Chief Operations Officer of Care Enough and Programme Director, reflected on gains from the week: “This was not just about education - it was about showing learners that they matter, that they belong in these spaces, and that their dreams are valid.”

Ngwenya encouraged learners to carry the momentum forward. “You’ve been exposed to a world of possibilities. Now it’s your turn to take charge of your future.”

The Winter School proved to be a launchpad for transformation, a bridge between aspiration and achievement, and a powerful testament to what collaboration can achieve for South Africa’s youth.

Words: Nduduzo Duma

Photograph: Andile Ndlovu

author : .
author email : .

Virchow Prize 2025 for UKZN Global Health Leader

Recipients of the Virchow prize 2025 are Professors Quarraisha Abdool Karim and Zulfiqar Bhutt.Click here for isiZulu version

Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) has been awarded the prestigious Virchow Prize 2025. 

The prize recognises Abdool Karim’s pioneering, lifelong leadership in advancing maternal, newborn and child health equity through community-centred, evidence-based research, in particular her support for some of the world’s most vulnerable people. 

She shares the honour with Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta, a paediatrician and public health scientist based at Aga Khan University in Pakistan and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. 

The Virchow Prize 2025 laureates have shaped health policies and practice by closing critical gaps in care for vulnerable populations. Their leadership has ensured that life-saving services reach those in low-resource and crisis-affected settings, where health systems are often weakest and disparities most acute. 

Abdool Karim is internationally recognised for her leadership in HIV prevention among girls and young women, with far-reaching implications for maternal and adolescent health. Her ground-breaking CAPRISA 004 trial provided the first proof of concept that antiretroviral drugs could prevent HIV infection in women, a finding that has had a lasting impact on global HIV prevention efforts. She has also played a key role in building scientific capacity across Africa, mentoring a generation of women scientists. 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Busisiwe Ncama, congratulated Abdool Karim: “This recognition is not only a testament to your extraordinary scientific contributions but also to your unwavering commitment to equity and social justice in global health. Your pioneering work, particularly in advancing the health and rights of women and young people in underserved communities, has profoundly shaped the global health landscape and brought critical attention to those historically excluded from mainstream health systems and scientific discourse.” 

President of the Virchow Foundation Professor Christopher Markschies said: “This year’s laureates, epitomise the Virchow tradition of combining scientific rigour with deep social consciousness. Their work continues to be empirically grounded, equity-driven and politically transformative, setting a benchmark for all of us striving to build inclusive and just health systems.” 

Commented Ncama: “On behalf of countless colleagues inspired by your leadership and myself, I salute your vision, your resilience, and your dedication. May this well-deserved honour continue to amplify your impact and light the path for the next generation of global health leaders.” 

For more information, visit: www.virchowprize.org

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Image: Supplied

author : .
author email : .

Building Bridges of Hope: When Engineering Students Become Ambassadors of Ubuntu

.

“Imagine all the people, sharing all the world.” John Lennon’s words feel more urgent than ever in today’s fractured world. 

The Heartbeat of Youth Month

June pulses through South Africa as a collective heartbeat - Youth Month, when we honour the young people who sacrificed everything for democracy, dignity, and the dream of human rights. But this year, as unemployment grows and inequality deepens, commemoration alone is not enough. Young people deserve more than remembrance; they need empowerment, purpose and the tools to shape a future worthy of those who came before. 

When Continents Collide Through Compassion

At UKZN’s School of Engineering, Dr Justin Pringle, with support from Dr Rudi Kimmie of the Aerotropolis Institute Africa, launched the purpose-driven initiative - not just as an academic exercise, but as a deliberate act of human connection. 

Students in Durban, faces lit by laptop screens, came face-to-face with peers in Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine. Not through textbooks or headlines, but through the unfiltered reality of young voices sharing their worlds across 8 000km and an ocean of experience. 

The Sound of Resilience

What unfolded was more than cultural exchange - it was a masterclass in human resilience. UKZN students did not just learn about Ukraine; they saw the courage of peers studying calculus between air raid sirens, designing bridges while missiles altered their skylines, and choosing hope when despair might have been easier. 

These Ukrainian students shared their coping mechanisms with a candour, leaving their South African peers deeply moved. They showed that their greatest challenge lay not in their textbooks, but in the daily act of survival, and the determination to keep building their future despite adversity. 

Ubuntu Across Oceans

The choice of this Ukrainian university was intentional. It brought the philosophy of Ubuntu - “I am because we are” - into sharp focus. What was once abstract became personal, immediate and real. South African students reflected on their own experiences of violence and uncertainty. More importantly, they discovered their ability to offer solidarity across distance - to build bridges of empathy between continents.

Engineering the Future of Human Connection

This is education reimagined - not as the transfer of knowledge, but the development of global citizens who recognise that every equation, every structure, and every system exists within a network of human relationships. 

These UKZN students are learning that the most sophisticated technology means nothing without the wisdom to use it humanely. They’re discovering that the strongest foundations are built not just on concrete and steel, but on empathy, understanding, and the unwavering belief that we rise together or we fall together. 

A Call to Revolutionary Learning

The purpose-driven initiative embraces a powerful truth: we are not isolated achievers, but part of a global community. The pain of a student in Ukraine resonates in the heart of a student in South Africa. The dreams of young people in Kropyvnytskyi inspire hope in future engineers in Durban. 

This is not just education - it’s transformation. In a world divided by conflict and inequality, choosing connection over isolation is a revolutionary act. 

The Ripple Effect of Purpose

When Engineering students learn to see themselves as part of a global community, when they understand that their technical skills are tools for healing rather than just building, when they recognise that their greatest designs must account for the human heart - this is when education becomes liberation. 

These students are not just learning to build structures; they’re learning to build a world where the dreams of a Ukrainian student and the aspirations of a South African student can coexist, can strengthen each other, can create something more beautiful than either could achieve alone. 

Living the Ubuntu Imperative

As we stand at the crossroads of an uncertain future, the initiative offers a new direction. It reminds us that education is not only about knowledge, but about how we live and share in the world, a shared responsibility, a collective act of survival.

In the reflections of Ukrainian students mirrored in South African screens, we glimpse the future of education: connected, compassionate, and purpose-led. These students show us that the greatest engineering challenge is not just technological mastery, but building a world where all can thrive.

In the end, this initiative proves that imagination isn’t just the beginning of invention - it’s the foundation of transformation. When we imagine all the people sharing all the world, we don’t just dream of a better future; we begin to build it, one connection at a time, one conversation at a time, one act of Ubuntu at a time. 

The future belongs to those who dare to engineer it with both brilliant minds and boundless hearts.

These students are leading the way. 

Dr Justin Pringle is a NRF-Y rated researcher and professional engineer in the field of environmental fluid mechanics. He is passionate about developing a higher, more profound human existence, through engineering and science. He has attracted a young vibrant research group with an international profile in environmental fluid mechanics. There are no comparable research groups elsewhere in the country.

Dr Rudi Kimmie (PhD) is currently interim director of the Aerotropolis Institute Africa, a joint venture between the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He is passionate about human and organisational development and pursuant of this invests much of his time designing interventions to achieve sustainability.

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

author : .
author email : .

Top Appointment for UKZN Academic

Professor Vivian Ojong.

Professor Vivian Ojong takes on a significant role with her appointment as Chair of the Advisory Board of the Africa Science Frontiers Initiative (ASFI). 

The three-year assignment, with provision made for renewal, has the potential to put UKZN in the spotlight as a leader in research excellence. 

As Dean of Research at the College of Humanities and the former Dean and Head of the School of Social Sciences, Ojong’s leadership is expected to further the University’s ambitions of becoming the Premier University of African Scholarship. 

With her extensive experience as a dedicated educator, an accomplished researcher, and proven institutional leader, there is great excitement about the impact her work will have on advancing Africa’s development. 

This recognition of Ojong’s contributions is seen as just the beginning of what many believe will be a transformative journey for both her and UKZN. 

As the Chair of the ASFI, Ojong will oversee the generation of African scientists with suitable competencies to drive Africa’s developmental and transformational agenda through innovative scientific research. As part of its mission, the ASFI instils excellence in Africa’s science sector through competence acquisition, capacity building and career development, through which African scientists can play a more active role in the continent’s development. 

Since its establishment more than five years ago, the ASFI has trained over 4 000 African scientists and scholars in various research capacity-building courses from in excess of 45 African countries. It has also run close to 40 regular career development workshops.

It provides African scholars and professionals, home and abroad, with a community space to learn, mentor, collaborate, publish and be visible. Its research journal, the ASFI Research Journal, is an online open-access multidisciplinary publication aimed at advancing, impacting and communicating research undertaken from all disciplines, both basic and applied research, in Africa. 

Said Ojong: “I am honoured by this opportunity to serve the African academic community and to show leadership at an institution such as UKZN to further the interests of African scholars.” 

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Supplied

author : .
author email : .

Fourth Comrades Marathon Nailed by UKZN Runner

Ms Makhosazana Mdladla.Click here for isiZulu version

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 stranger to long-distance running with races such as Om Die Dam, Two Oceans and Sanlam Cape Town Marathon under her belt, Mdladla said after undergoing a difficult time in her life, running was the cheapest therapy for her. 

She loves the feeling of achieving new distances with time to reflect on life, and soon fell in love with running at a competitive level. 

Mdladla says running gives her the opportunity to travel to South Africa’s various provinces, where, with like-minded people, she ties her laces ready to contest. 

A widow, mother of four and born-again Christian, Mdladla recently joined CAPRISA’s Socio-behavioural Department where her work allows her to interact with people and understand why they behave in the manner they do, especially from a public health perspective. She is fascinated by the field of psychology, which she aspires to qualify in one day. 

Born in Richmond but living most of her life up to now in Pietermaritzburg, she believes if people can be taught to hate, then they most certainly can learn to love. 

Citing Nelson Mandela, Mdladla says her life’s motto is: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” 

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Supplied

author : .
author email : .

Plaudits for 46th Durban International Film Festival

Captivating cinema lovers.Click here for isiZulu version

UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts is continuing the 46th Durban International Film Festival, an 11-day programme featuring nearly 100 screenings at various venues across Durban from July 17 to July 27.

The Durban International Film Festival, established during the oppressive era of apartheid, stands as a powerful testament to South Africa’s Constitutional Democracy and the importance of freedom of expression and creativity. Despite facing significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival has unwaveringly persevered in its mission to celebrate cinema.

Centre for Creative Arts Director, Dr Ismail Mahomed praised his team for their vision and dedication, saying, “Organising an annual festival of this scale requires extensive planning and logistics. At the Centre for Creative Arts, we are proud to have created around 15-year-long opportunities for young graduates through our Emerging Arts Managers programme. Many of our interns gain valuable skills and successfully enter the industry or start their own businesses, often returning to work with us as service providers.”

The festival opened with the captivating film, LUCKY FISH which delves into the amusing tale of a businessman, Sanjay Pillay who is under huge pressure caused by his struggling pilchards canning factory as well as the looming threat created by his loan. Following a chance encounter, he has with aspiring beauty pageant contestants he gets the idea of staging Mr Pillay’s Pilchards Beauty Competition which he believes has the potential to draw a crowd and perhaps change his fortunes.

A stellar cast led by Zenobia Kloppers, renowned for her award-winning performance in the internationally acclaimed film Fiela Se Kind, featured celebrated actors such as Mayuri Naidu, Mehboob Bawaa, Jailoshni Naidu, Jack Devnarain, Carishma Basday, and Siyasanga Papu.

Young actors have also impressed, including Mekalia Mathys, Hermione Reddy and Kathleen Stephens, with Kiroshan Naidoo sharing his experience of returning to familiar settings as he films in eThekwini.

Young graduate Leah Mari, who was excited about her second filming experience in the city of her upbringing, praised the supportive ensemble and the enriching camaraderie that developed throughout the shoot. With themes centred around community, positive body image, and family, Mari believes the film is resonating with audiences.

The film, which encourages families to gather for a shared viewing experience, aims to convey that true beauty radiates from within. Producer Luke Rous affectionately describes it as a love letter to Durban, to quirky families and to those who have ever felt out of place.

The festival’s opening film Lucky Fish showcased the vibrant culture, immense talent, and unique stories within South Africa’s film industry, while the closing night’s show, PROMISED SKY will surpass expectations. Borrowing its title from the evocative song by the France-based band, Delgres, the film’s narrative thoughtfully explores the emotional chasm between dreams and reality faced by many migrants. Directed by the talented French Tunisian filmmaker, Ms Erige Sehiri, who has received significant acclaim for her prior works, this film will surely leave lasting impressions.

The festival’s Programming Head and DIFF Manager, Andrea Voges, was praised by Mahomed for her boldness, courage, and clear strategy in returning the festival to the live space - also congratulating her for being listed by Screen International as one of the top 25 young film programmers from around the world after last year’s DIFF. 

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Supplied

author : .
author email : .

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 of Maritime Economists (IAME) Conference in Bergen, Norway. 

The co-authored paper titled: ‘Rate of Return Regulation Used to Determine Price Adjustments of the National Ports Authority in South Africa: A Critique’, provided a timely analysis of the regulatory mechanisms that shape South Africa’s port tariffs. The study was co-authored by Stellenbosch University’s Ms Simóne Huskisson and Professor Stephan Krygsman, and Chasomeris, who delivered the presentation. 

The article draws from Huskisson’s master’s dissertation in Transport Economics, jointly supervised by Krygsman and Chasomeris. It critiques the current rate-of-return (RR) methodology applied by the Ports Regulator of South Africa (PRSA) in determining allowable revenue for the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). 

“Our research shows that by adjusting key variables in the RR model, port tariffs could be significantly reduced - by up to 22% in one scenario,” said Chasomeris. “This could improve port efficiency, global competitiveness and fairness for port users.” 

TNPA plays a vital role as the landlord and exclusive provider of port infrastructure and marine services across South Africa’s eight commercial ports. The findings of the study suggest that a more refined tariff methodology could deliver substantial economic benefits and enhance governance in the maritime sector. 

The conference provided more than just academic engagement. Delegates were treated to a breath-taking tour of Norway’s iconic fjords on the first day - an experience that reinforced the connection between maritime research and the environments it seeks to serve. 

Chasomeris, a seasoned port and maritime economist, has been a member of IAME since attending his first conference in Cyprus in 2005. That initial encounter, he recalls, was a defining moment in his career. 

“Meeting academics whose work I had cited in my PhD and forming global friendships inspired me to actively contribute to the maritime economics field.” 

Since then, Chasomeris and his postgraduate students have presented research at several IAME conferences across the globe. Many of these papers were outcomes of master’s dissertations and doctoral theses that he supervised at UKZN, some of which were completed through the PhD by publication route. 

Beyond research, Chasomeris engages directly with stakeholders in the South African port system. Through his involvement with the Durban Port Forum, a committee of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he remains well informed about both local developments and international best practices. He also teaches Port Economics and Port Governance and Regulation within UKZN’s postgraduate Maritime Studies programmes. 

With the next IAME conference in Singapore in 2026, Chasomeris encourages UKZN students and staff with an interest in port economics, maritime studies, and transport policy to consider joining the association and participating in its vibrant global academic community. 

“The IAME community provides a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. It’s a space where young scholars can grow, contribute, and connect with international thought leaders,” he said. 

For more information about IAME and the 2025 conference visit: https://www.iame.ac/ | https://iame2025.com/ 

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga

Photograph: Supplied

author : .
author email : .

Two-Week Workshop Focuses on Improving Civic Education

Highlights from the Civic Education workshop.

Enhancing education, civic education and teacher development was the goal of a two-week workshop series presented by the School of Education, in partnership with the United States Embassy. 

Led by UKZN’s Dr Lerato Sokhulu and Dr Mzwandile Zulu, and supported by a prominent United States civic education specialist, Dr Justin Coles of the University of Massachusetts, the programme aimed to empower Life Orientation and Social Sciences teachers from the Pinetown district. 

Participants had the opportunity to acquire essential skills, resources and best practices to effectively implement civic education within South African schools. 

The workshop planned to equip educators with the practical skills necessary for meaningful civic education, foster democratic values, stimulate active learner participation in school governance, and establish sustainable networks for continuous teacher development in civic education. 

Dean and Head of the School of Education Professor Vitallis Chikoko highlighted the critical importance of enhancing the understanding of civic education to enable learners to become proactive, critical participants in their communities. The discussions focused on civic education pedagogy and learner engagement, innovative teaching strategies, practical training for designing civic engagement campaigns within schools, and access to US-based civic education models and virtual learning exchanges. 

Coles emphasised the significance of community-based civic education initiatives, highlighting the necessity for collaboration, networking and long-term professional support as foundational civic elements. He covered topics including history, power and justice, civic literacy, youth voice, tools of civic engagement, community inquiry, curriculum design, dialogue, and policy. 

Ms Jaclyn Cole of the US Embassy said the programme would empower participants to explore new strategies, deepen their understanding of civic education and strengthen connections across communities. “The exchanges you engage in, the questions you ask, and the teaching methods you innovate, will all contribute to a richer learning environment for young people in South Africa and the United States.” 

Cole added: “I am excited to see this initiative rest in the capable hands of Dr Lerato Hlengiwe Sokhulu - an inspiring leader in curriculum development and community impact.” 

Said Sokhulu: “The programme goes beyond simply delivering a civic education curriculum; it is about cultivating a community of practice where practical, context-responsive strategies can be developed to bring civic learning to life in both schools and their surrounding communities. The programme seeks to foster ongoing collaboration among participants, enabling them to design civic initiatives that resonate with their unique educational environments and uplift communities in the spirit of Ubuntu. The programme is dedicated to equipping teachers with the skills and a mindset needed to become active, informed, and responsible citizens, which they can then transfer to the learners they teach.” 

Academic leader in community engagement, Professor Angela James, reinforced the School’s commitment to spearheading initiatives in teaching and research that confront ecological challenges and sustainability. The focus was on introducing students to the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) framework, promoting avenues for cultural and creative expression. 

“Our goal is to cultivate a dynamic interchange between the academic community and society at large, while forging robust connections between formal academic programmes and community-oriented activities,” she said. “The aim is to forge strong alliances with communities, schools, businesses, and organisations that will significantly enhance educational and societal outcomes.” 

Zulu made a reference to his background in mathematics education, expressing his unwavering passion for integrating ESD into classrooms. By leveraging mathematical modelling and ICT, he intends to tackle pressing real-world challenges such as inequality, environmental stewardship and social justice. 

Said Zulu: “ESD, as envisioned in the Sustainable Development Goals, compels us to dismantle the barriers between disciplines. By reinforcing civic education in Social Sciences and Life Orientation, we empower learners to critically engage with and respond to social justice issues that shape their communities.” 

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photographs: Supplied 

author : .
author email : .

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 Systems and Technology at UKZN, facilitated and chaired multiple sessions over the three-day conference, including high-level discussions on digital trade integration and the role of emerging technologies in economic development.

UKZN’s Dean of the School of Commerce Professor Stephen Mutula delivered remarks during the academic welcome, reinforcing the University’s strategic commitment to regional collaboration. 

The gathering - the TUTWA Empowering Africa’s Future Conference - focused on trade, technology and transformation attracting leading scholars, government officials, business leaders, and development practitioners from across Africa and beyond, all focused on advancing the continent’s digital transformation. 

The opening address was made by Junior Minister Hambyrajen Narsinghen of the Mauritian Ministry of Foreign Affairs who underscored the need for small island states like Mauritius to actively engage in the digital trade ecosystem. 

On the first day, Singh chaired a session titled: Digital Trade and Economic Integration, during which speakers explored the potential of digital systems to unite fragmented markets and drive economic growth. This highlighted that digital trade is not just a tool but a pathway to economic integration, efficiency, and inclusive participation across borders. 

The second session of the conference featured a panel discussion where Singh led a UKZN-hosted panel, on ‘Secure, Smart and Seamless - Harnessing Digital Technologies for Trade and Investment Growth’, which brought together international experts from Africa, India and the European Union to discuss AI, blockchain and cybersecurity. 

In these sessions Singh emphasised the need to reimagine Africa’s trade systems through a lens of trust, resilience, and innovation which drew widespread engagement from academics, policy-makers and industry leaders. 

Beyond her leadership on the programme, Singh also co-presented a research paper with Dr Julia Dahlvik of the University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna. Titled Bridging the Divide: Digital Transformation, Public Service Access, and Educational Equity in South Africa’s Digital Future, the paper formed part of a larger Austrian Science Fund-funded project running from 2023 to 2027. 

“The study shed light on how digital equity remains closely tied to spatial and socio-economic disparities in South Africa,” said Singh. “Among the findings was the staggering statistic that over 1 700 schools in Gauteng still lack classroom connectivity, the persistent mistrust in digital public services due to previous delivery failures and the essential role of hybrid models in education and service delivery,” Singh explained. 

The research also highlighted the need for hybrid education models and the urgent recognition of internet access as a human right. 

“The conference yielded tangible outcomes for future partnerships,” said Singh. “UKZN initiated exploratory talks to form a Digital Trade Policy and Research Network involving African and Asian institutions, received invitations to co-host knowledge-sharing events on digital public infrastructure, and sparked interest from development partners eager to work with the University on policy research and capacity building,” she added in her closing reflections.

Words: Ayanda Radebe

Photographs: Supplied 

author : .
author email : .

Accounting Students Interact with Top Learners at SAICA Winter Camp

BCom Accounting Students Ms Sinenhlanhla Ngema and Ms Resheen Ramsamy.

Two BCom Accounting students represented UKZN’s School of Commerce and the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) Student Chapter at the Southern African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Winter Camp. 

They were Ms Sinenhlanhla Ngema (third year) and Ms Resheen Ramsamy (second year). 

Hosted at the Anton Lembede Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy in La Mercy, the camp was attended by more than 400 top mathematics learners from 12 KwaZulu-Natal districts. 

Ms Sister Ntsele, SAICA Manager responsible for engagements with the high school communities, explained that the aim of the Winter Camp was to provide academic support programmes for Grade 12 learners. “These programmes have been very helpful in improving the academic performance of learners and in preparing them for careers in the high-demand accounting profession.”

Ngema is the Chairperson of UKZN’s AWCA while Ramsamy is the Deputy Chairperson of the Student Chapter. The visit to the SAICA Winter Camp formed part of their community engagement strategy. 

Addressing the learners, Ngema spoke about the mission and history of AWCA, highlighting its role in empowering African women in accounting. She also reflected on her journey from high school to becoming a third-year accounting student and how student societies such as the AWCA created meaningful opportunities not only to grow but to occupy big spaces at a young age. “Attending the camp was more than just a visit, it was a chance for me to inspire, inform and remind learners that their dreams are possible,” she said. 

Ramsamy shared insights into the realities of university life and how involvement in societies helps build both soft skills and confidence. “Student clubs and societies bridge the gap between the classroom and the corporate world,” she said. 

The duo was accompanied by Ms Hazel Langa, Public Relations Manager in the College of Law and Management Studies, who addressed applications-related queries and added a valuable institutional perspective, sharing information about the College’s offerings and providing words of encouragement rooted in wisdom and experience. 

Langa explained: “Participating in projects such as the SAICA Winter Camp is strategic to the College as such initiatives contribute to the meeting of enrolment targets. Through these initiatives we also assist in transforming the accounting profession and addressing the critical skills shortage in South Africa.” 

The high school learners were visibly inspired with many seeking guidance on academic paths, bursaries and University applications. 

The AWCA student chapter at UKZN Westville continues to be a powerful force in shaping confident, capable and career-ready African women in accounting. 

•    The SAICA Winter Camp was sponsored by the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET).

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Supplied

author : .
author email : .

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 Darren Subramanien, Dr Lindiwe Maqutu and Dr Clydenia Stevens, saw legal scholars and practitioners gather online and in person to critically analyse and debate the effectiveness of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)/ADR within the African legal and socio-economic context in resolving disputes. 

The seminar was divided into three sessions with the first chaired by Stevens and titled: ‘Online Dispute Resolution/Alternative Dispute Resolution Analysis of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement Protocol on Rules and Procedures on the Settlement of Disputes’. It explored the legal and institutional infrastructure needed to ensure cross border commercial justice and reflected on how ADR could support regional economic integration in Africa. 

The session featured a presentation by Dr Samuel Olugbenga Ojo of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti’s Department of Peace and Conflict Studies in Nigeria, who spoke on ‘Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), an Analysis of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area Protocol on Rules and Procedures on the Settlement of Disputes’.

There was also a presentation by Dr Victoria Banke Olagbegi-Oloba, a postdoctoral research fellow at Stellenbosch University, who spoke on: ‘Bridging Barriers: Fostering Alternative Dispute Resolution through Online Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Africa’. 

The second session was chaired by Maqutu and themed: ‘Online Dispute Resolution/Alternative Dispute Resolution within Divorce Proceedings and Family Mediation’, which considered the role of artificial intelligence in family law, the integration of ADR in customary court systems and mediation within the context of assisted reproductive technologies. 

UKZN Law academic Dr Juanita Easthorpe presented on: ‘An Examination of the Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence in Family Law Mediation’. 

Senior Legal Officer at Ola Dan Ola & Co, Ms Esther Abosede Aladetimethin, spoke on ‘Reimaging Family Justice in Africa: Integration ODR/ADR within Customary Court Systems for Divorce and Family-related Disputes’. 

UKZN Law academic Ms Nomfundo Mthembu’s address was on: ‘Navigating Conception and Conflict: Exploring Mediation in South Africa’s Assisted Reproductive Technologies’. 

The final session was chaired by Dr Bernard and themed: ‘Online Dispute Resolution/Alternative Dispute Resolution and delved into ADR’s growing impact in the consumer protection landscape and within the Companies Tribunal where legal compliance, accessibility and efficiency are essential for resolving disputes outside of the courtroom. 

It featured presentations from Mr Lee Soobrathi, Consumer Goods and Service Ombudsman, who spoke on the ‘Effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Consumer Protection’, followed by a presentation from Mr Mesuli Mpeta, Manager Legal Compliance and Secretarial at the Companies Tribunal who spoke about the Tribunal and its work within the ADR landscape. 

Commenting on the importance of the seminar, Subramanien said UKZN was proud to be at the forefront of such thought-provoking discussions which reflect the evolving legal terrain where dispute resolution is moving beyond traditional litigation into collaborative, flexible and increasingly digital spaces. “As legal academics and practitioners, it is incumbent upon us to integrate these developments and to consider how to best integrate them into legal education, legal policy and professional practice,” he said. 

“We hope that this seminar will not only spark critical insights but also encourage partnerships that will help shape the justice system so it becomes more inclusive, responsive and fit for the 21^st century.” 

The event attracted interest from across the globe and drew well over 100 online attendees from all over the world, further affirming the relevance and timeliness of the topics discussed. 

•    Watch the ADR Seminar here.

Words: Thandi Jumo

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

author : .
author email : .

UKZN Empowers Grade 12 Learners through Exam Preparation Workshop

Grade 12 learners at the Accounting Workshop.

The School of Commerce, in partnership with the Student Services Division, hosted an Accounting Exam Preparation Workshop on the Westville campus which attracted more than 450 Grade 12 learners all eager to sharpen their skills ahead of half-year accounting exams. 

Led by Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Services at UKZN Professor Msizi Mkhize, the workshop offered more than just revision - it was a masterclass in exam technique, efficient calculation strategies and study motivation. 

Drawing from his extensive expertise, Mkhize guided learners through complex topics in a clear, engaging, and memorable way. 

“Accounting is not just about numbers; it’s about understanding how they tell a story. Once learners grasp that, they can excel,” he said. 

Learners responded with enthusiasm, many calling the experience ‘life-changing’. 

Said Ms Ofentse Rakgakole of Grosvenor Girls’ High School in the Umlazi District: “I learned a lot of faster methods and tricks for calculating adjustments for the Statement of Comprehensive Income, Statement of Financial Position, and Statement of Cash Flows, as well as the repurchase of shares. Prof Mkhize’s method can be used for most of the calculations in accounting.” 

The excitement was echoed by Ms Sibusisiwe Ndwendwe of Thobigunya Secondary School in the Ugu District and Ms Asanda Mathibela from Ziphathele High School in the Pinetown District who described the event as a fantastic learning experience saying they will not hesitate to attend another similar workshop. 

Educators were equally impressed. Mr Thamsanqa Mncube, an accounting teacher from Gobindlovu Comprehensive High School in the Umgungundlovu District, remarked: “Learners benefitted a lot from this excellent workshop. For learners to be at a university and be workshopped by a professor is a powerful motivator.” 

The success of the event was not only measured in knowledge shared, but also in the connections made between learners’ educators, and the University. 

Dr Simiso Msomi, a lecturer in UKZN’s School of Commerce and part of the organising team, commented: “The event was received with overwhelming enthusiasm. I got to interact with some of the educators and learners, who were thankful for the effort we’ve put in. The common sentiment was that this event would sharpen their knowledge and also give learners the experience of being in a university setting.” 

Academic Leader for High Impact Community Engagement, Dr Sanele Gumede emphasised the broader value of the initiative: “We saw the need for the workshop with accounting still being one of the professions where there is a shortage of skills,” said Gumede. “We also found that most students do not perform well mid-year but improve towards year end. Hence, the revision classes aimed to bridge that gap and keep a consistent performance throughout the year, which helps students when they apply,” he said. 

With this initiative, UKZN continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence and meaningful community engagement - empowering learners, bridging knowledge gaps, and inspiring the next generation of professionals. 

Words: Ayanda Radebe

Photograph: Supplied

author : .
author email : .

Driving Sustainable and Inclusive Global Progress

Mr Luthando Molefe.Click here for isiZulu version

Mr Luthando Molefe, a PhD candidate at UKZN, has recently been appointed to the South Africa Working Group of the Group of 20 (G20) to participate in a summit scheduled for 18-22 August. 

The South African G20 Presidency runs from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, themed ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability’ it marks the first time an African country will preside over the G20. 

The G20 is an international forum that brings together the world’s major developed and developing economies to discuss global economic and financial issues. It does not have a permanent secretariat or staff, and the presidency rotates among its member countries. G20 members represent around 85% of the global gross domestic product, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population.

As part of South Africa’s hosting of various G20 engagement groups, Molefe has been appointed to serve in the Youth 20 (Y20) - the official youth engagement group of the G20. 

Y20 South Africa 2025, under the theme ‘Youth Building Bridges: Uniting for Solidarity, Championing Equality, and Driving Sustainability’, aims to empower young leaders to shape global policies that reflect youth priorities. As the official youth engagement group of the G20, Y20 South Africa serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and action - ensuring that young voices contribute meaningfully to global decision-making. The summit will focus on thematic areas aligned with South Africa’s G20 Presidency agenda, reinforcing the role of youth in driving sustainable and inclusive global progress. 

Molefe said: “It is a great honour to be appointed to such a significant role where I will be representing South Africa. This appointment affords me the opportunity to actively discuss some of the challenges young people face in accessing and being part and parcel in shaping dialogues and policies, including implementation to the challenges they experience first-hand. Moreover, to engage in critical debates on various routes that can be explored in re-engineering multilateralism and global institutions to better and equally address the needs of all involved, particularly those who have been left behind over the years. This will then ensure critical values such as inclusion, equality, trust and transparency. Further pushing for sustainable development.” 

To ensure the long-term impact of Y20 policy recommendations, Y20 South Africa 2025 will propose the establishment of the Y20 Sherpas Council - or alternatively, the Y20 International Advisory Council. This council would consist of experienced youth leaders, policymakers and experts from G20 nations, tasked with overseeing the implementation of agreed-upon recommendations. By offering strategic advice, facilitating intergovernmental co-operation and monitoring progress, the council will help ensure that youth voices remain integral to global policymaking. 

Molefe is no stranger to international engagement. In 2023, he represented South Africa at the 8th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Young Scientists Forum, following the 11th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting, led by then Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande.

In 2023 and 2024, he also participated in the BRICS South Africa-Brazil Bilateral Forum, South Africa-Russia Bilateral Forum, South Africa-India Bilateral Forum and the Africa-BRICS Youth Forum, under the South African BRICS Youth Association.

To date, Molefe has presented his research and served as a keynote or plenary speaker and guest lecturer at over 60 international and national conferences in more than 15 countries.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Supplied

author : .
author email : .

UKZN Law School Hosts Inaugural Junior Internal Moot Court Competition

Finalists of the inaugural Junior Internal Moot Court Competition with adjudicators.

The School of Law on the Howard College campus recently held its inaugural Junior Internal Moot Court Competition, an initiative designed to cultivate advocacy skills among second- and third-year Law students. 

Welcoming the participants, the Dean and Head of the School of Law, Professor Freddy Mnyongani, explained: “Mooting is more than a contest; it is a simulation of life’s real challenges. It demands that you think critically, speak persuasively, and stand confidently, even when you’re uncertain. Rising to this occasion, stepping up to the podium, and daring to try -- these are the very ingredients of success.” 

The competition, which took place over three rounds, began with the preliminary rounds which were presided over by senior Law students in their third and fourth years, offering a unique peer-learning opportunity that benefited both participants and adjudicators. 

The semi-finals were judged by academic members of the School of Law- Ms Devarasi Bellengere, Ms Nomfundo Mthembu, and Mr Siphesihle Mbatha - who commended the students for their clarity of argument and confident oral presentation. 

The final round was adjudicated by a distinguished panel comprising Dr Paul Swanepoel and Advocate Mr Lesala Mofokeng of the School of Law, and Advocate Zandile Qono of the KwaZulu-Natal Bar. The panel praised all finalists for their impressive legal reasoning and courtroom demeanour. 

The finalists were Mr Qiniso Luthuli, Mr Sandiso Mdletshe, Mr Nicholas Hodgson and Mr Leal Jensen. After a tightly contested final, the team of Hodgson and Jensen emerged as the winners.

Said organiser of the competition Mr Matthew Kimble: “The competition was a success and showcased the depth of legal talent at Howard College. We look forward to making this an annual fixture on the School of Law’s calendar.” 

Co-winner Hodgson reflected on the mooting process saying: “Being involved in the competition involved many late nights of research, preparation of oral arguments and attempting to answer judge’s questions that made you doubt everything. Yet, despite all of that, I’ll be back...as the experience and skills gained along the way, can’t be taught in a lecture hall.” 

Mdletshe also found the process to be beneficial: “Participating in the moot court competition was insightful, as it taught me that the true test of advocacy isn’t knowing all the answers, but thinking on your feet, listening closely, and standing firm in uncertainty.” 

Luthuli was pleased with his performance as a first-time mooter who made it to the finals. “I truly enjoyed the nerve-racking experience, it was incredibly rewarding,” he said. “It sharpened my legal research and drafting abilities, enhanced my oral advocacy and tested my ability to think quickly and critically under pressure, I would truly urge all second- and third-year LLB students to participate next year. I’ve never faced such tough, fast-paced questioning that demanded immediate, fact- and law-based responses.” 

The general assessment was that the initiative reflected the School’s ongoing commitment to practical legal training and the development of the next generation of legal professionals. The School runs a series of moots in order to prepare students for national and international mooting competitions. 

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Supplied

author : .
author email : .

Memorial Lecture in Honour of the Late Imam Muhsin Hendricks

Fostering awareness and confronting detrimental aspects of religious beliefs.

A memorial lecture in honour of the late Imam Muhsin Hendricks, who was slain for officiating a same-sex marriage, was held at the UKZN Ujamaa Centre. 

UKZN invited leaders from various religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and African Traditional Religions (ATR), to attend to help raise awareness and challenge the negative influence of religion. 

Plans have been put together to continue the legacy of Hendricks including launching collaborative religious projects that firmly promote inclusion and diversity within places of worship and public spaces. 

Dr Cherry Muslim of the School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics (SRPC) at UKZN said Hendricks had been the world’s first openly gay Imam. In her address, Cherry said Hendricks had dedicated his entire life to promoting gender and sexual diversity within Islam and other religions. 

“Imam Hendricks was vocal about how religion can perpetuate homophobia, contributing to hate crimes and ‘corrective rape’ in many communities in South Africa. His murder reflects the intolerance towards sexual diversity fostered by a homophobic religious extremists,” she said. 

Muslim said Hendricks’s need to be authentic outweighed the fear of death, adding that he had been a true activist who spoke truth to power, regardless of threats against his life. 

During her presentation, Dr Zama Dlamini spoke passionately about the troubling influence of religion in causing violence against the queer community. Her insights sparked thought-provoking discussions on how society could challenge such age-old narratives and work towards more inclusivity. 

A programme co-ordinator at Body Theology at UKZN Ms Noluthando Gasa described the gathering as an “informative space” that provided much-needed insight into how religion negatively influences gender and sexuality. 

She was encouraged by different religious denominations getting together to discuss pressing issues in the country, highlighting the valuable insight gained from the sharing that took place during the lecture. 

She said the event was part of the Eudy Simelane project, and further memorial lectures and engagements were planned for the second half of the year, including screenings of the lecture and discussions in different parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. 

Muslim encouraged all affected parties to challenge the dominant narrative of heteronormativity that some religious groups perpetuate during public discourse. 

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Supplied

author : .
author email : .

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 embarked on a 25-hour outreach programme, culminating in the Luthuli Museum Schools’ Moot Court Competition. 

The aim was to empower a selection of 14 Grade 11 learners from Parkhill Secondary School in Durban North with the legal knowledge and courtroom skills necessary to participate in a mock Constitutional Court case - a challenge that the Law students and learners embraced with passion and purpose. 

Over the course of several weeks, the Law students interacted with the learners through after-school sessions, teaching them the foundations of South African Law, the structure of the court system, how to write legal submissions and how to deliver oral arguments confidently. 

The case in the spotlight focused on constitutional rights - particularly equality, discrimination, and language in education - providing a meaningful backdrop for critical discussion and legal reasoning. 

Said facilitator and Law student Ms Thulile Nzimande: “We introduced the high school learners to the basics of law through Luthuli Museum’s outreach programmes, and they were very interested. We taught them how to write moot court submissions clearly and correctly which helped them improve their thinking, speaking and research skills. At the same time, we as teachers learned new ways to explain law and gained experience in guiding learners. The learners’ progress was tangible. Many arrived shy and unsure of their abilities - but week by week they grew asking sharper questions, delivering stronger arguments…and stepped into the shoes of young advocates.” 

Said Law student Ms Mthabiseng Khwela: “Teaching Grade 11 students to moot in court was a rewarding experience that not only equipped them with valuable skills but also inspired a new generation of legal minds. We empowered them to become confident, critical thinkers well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the law and make a positive impact in their communities. The road wasn’t without challenges. Legal concepts can be tough to grasp, and translating them into accessible lessons took creativity and collaboration, but the learners were determined!” 

Ms Minenhle Mkamba added: “Though there were flaws and challenges along the way, the learners showed great enthusiasm and overcame them with determination. Watching them grow and gain confidence was truly inspiring.” She cited. 

Quoting the Bible verse Proverbs 22:6, she said: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” 

“Teaching learners how to moot and think like lawyers has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding,” said student Mr Lwazi Makube. “There is something special about seeing that moment when a learner finally nails a cross-examination or makes a flawless legal submission…their progress makes it worth it.” 

Outreach team co-ordinator Mr Aphelele Madlala said that that this experience - from ensuring the programme ran smoothly to facilitating team meetings, to liaising with the Luthuli Museum and school stakeholders - has taught him the value of professionalism, leadership and adaptability. 

“My confidence in managing formal processes has improved significantly and I leave this project with a renewed sense of purpose and pride,” said Madlala. 

“In the end, this programme was not just about legal education - it was about uplifting young voices, demystifying the law and building relationships rooted in learning and mutual respect. The Luthuli Museum offered us a platform to honour the legacy of justice and empowerment, and we are deeply grateful to them and the Parkhill Secondary learners for reminding us why we chose this path.” 

UKZN Street Law coordinator Dr Janine Hicks congratulated the finalists and confirmed that the School of Law had extended a bursary commitment of R20 000 to winning learner, Ms Thuliso Tusime, should she choose to study Law at UKZN. “I am so proud of what our Street Law students have achieved in preparing school learners to argue a complex constitutional matter before a magistrate,” added Hicks. 

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Supplied

author : .
author email : .

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 from a wide range of disciplines around the theme of aquatic science and practice, with several contributions by UKZN staff and students. 

Chair of the Local Organising Committee, honorary researcher Dr Matthew Burnett of the INR, welcomed more than 120 delegates to the event. 

“We are living in a time when our aquatic ecosystems and the people that rely on them are facing unprecedented pressures. The challenges are complex, which is why we are here, to bring our unique understanding and potential solutions to these challenges,” said SASAqS President, Professor Wynand Malherbe, while opening the event. 

Malherbe highlighted the blend of disciplines, experience and projects within SASAqS producing collaboration that inspires action to understand and conserve aquatic ecosystems. 

UKZN’s Professor Stefan Schmidt presented a keynote presentation on the status of and perspectives on the microbial pollution of local rivers, covering the historical phenomenon of river pollution, from invisible disease contamination to more visible signs of river death emanating from leadership and infrastructural challenges. Schmidt described a historical analysis of the Msunduzi River System, which he and his research group sampled over time, demonstrating decreasing water quality and increased waste, and pharmaceutical and microbial pollution in a system that more and more people rely on for domestic activities, recreation and irrigation for small-scale farming. 

Postdoctoral research fellow at UKZN, Dr Mahlatse Mashaphu, highlighted the importance of genetic tools for monitoring, managing, and restoring freshwater aquatic biodiversity in South Africa in her plenary presentation, while Dr Justin Pringle of UKZN’s Environmental Fluid Mechanics Lab delivered a keynote presentation on the importance of understanding how fluids move to better forecast critical environmental processes and inform evidence-based management strategies. 

In a plenary presentation, Mr Mark Horan of the Centre for Water Resources Research (CWRR) spoke about the Centre’s development of downscaled physical and climatological sub-catchment parameters for water resources management and biodiversity conservation in South Africa. 

Professor Carola Niesler and Dr Mlondi Shezi introduced UKZN’s Zebrafish Research Facility and the potential for zebrafish research, also hosting a post-conference field trip at the facility which breeds and maintains zebrafish under strict conditions that make them ideal biological models for research into human health and disease. 

Topics and sessions at the event focused on micro-plastics, microbiology, ecotoxicology, fisheries, and water resource management of aquatic systems, featuring interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary aquatic sciences research. Several UKZN students and researchers spoke on a range of topics, from machine learning models to predict fish activity to citizen science tools for monitoring wastewater treatment works and rivers. A workshop by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) explored partnership practices from source to tap. 

At the award ceremony on the final night of the conference, Burnett received an Early Career Researcher Award for his work on aquatic ecosystems, and Dr Mark Graham, a UKZN alumnus, CWRR associate and director of GroundTruth, received the SASAqS Gold Medal, a rarely-bestowed honour recognising exceptional, long-term contributions to aquatic science or the management and conservation of aquatic ecosystems. 

Conference sponsors included Inqaba Biotec, SANBI, the ENVASS group of companies, the National Research Foundation and its South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, the Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems - Southern Africa Programme, and the PEERJ Journal. 

Words and photograph: Christine Cuénod

author : .
author email : .

Postgraduate Open Days Inspire Aspirations Beyond the Degree

College of Law and Management Studies Postgraduate Open Days.

The College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) at UKZN hosted successful Postgraduate Open Days 2025 in Pietermaritzburg and Durban, drawing hundreds of students with an appetite for advanced study and career growth. 

The event showcased diverse and robust postgraduate offerings as well as a powerful exchange of stories, strategies and possibilities shared by accomplished alumni who have been part of the journey.

Designed in a dual-format, the Open Days featured an exhibition of postgraduate programmes in the School of Law and the newly merged School of Commerce, as well as programmes in the Graduate School of Business and Leadership. 

Participants had the opportunity to explore study options, interact with admissions personnel, and gain practical insights into postgraduate life - bridging the gap between academia and the working world. 

There were also opportunities to get involved in alumni-led panel discussions facilitated by dynamic UKZN alumnus Mr Skhulile Ndlovu, who is a real estate entrepreneur, business consultant and a former banker. His expertise in strategic innovation and in-depth understanding of Higher Education added thoughtful structure to the programme. 

Ndlovu opened proceedings with encouragement for those in attendance to look at a degree as not only a qualification, but a catalyst for personal reinvention. 

“You being here today is not just an academic pursuit, it is a decision to invest in yourself professionally, intellectually and personally,” he said. 

In Pietermaritzburg, panellists included Government official Dr Nkosenye Zulu, Deputy Director-General in the Office of the Premier, who holds a PhD in Public Administration. Zulu stressed the relevance of his academic journey in his leadership in governance.

“My postgraduate studies gave me the academic grounding and strategic lens which I now apply daily in my leadership role within Government,” he noted. 

Chartered accountant and Managing Director of Maitland and Associates Inc, Ms Caryn Maitland CA(SA), shared how advanced studies gave her a distinct edge in business leadership. 

“There is a discipline that comes with research and academic writing - it sharpens your thinking, and in the boardroom, that clarity is everything. My qualification gave me more than just technical knowledge - it transformed the way I solve problems and make decisions,” she said. 

UKZN’s Professor Debbie Vigar-Ellis of the Discipline of Marketing and Supply Chain Management and administrator Ms Nokukhanya Mthethwa gave insights by breaking down the application process, demystifying entry requirements and encouraging aspirants to prepare not only academically, but also mentally, for the rigor and rewards of postgraduate life. 

The Durban session offered equally valuable insights where Ms Sarah Njapha of the Applications Office guided prospective students on key deadlines, documentation, and funding support options. 

The panel featured Ms Thandiswa Ndawonde, who leveraged her Master of Commerce in Supply Chain Management to lead large-scale procurement processes, while Ms Reshmee Dinanath, with a Master of Laws in Business Law, Mr Kavesan Pillay and Ms Diana Ramouthar, both Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates, reflected on the balance of studying at the same time as managing demanding careers.

Beyond the formal sessions, the Open Day was a powerful networking sphere where participants mingled with alumni, academics, and each other - gaining advice and exploring postgraduate programmes with their future in mind from the CLMS. 

Words: Ayanda Radebe

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini

author : .
author email : .

Towards a Sustainable Digital Future: UKZN-Hosted SAICSIT 2025 Conference Illuminates the Way

Scenes from the conference.

The landmark 46th Annual Conference of the South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists (SAICSIT2025), was held in conjunction with the Foundational Digital Capabilities Research (FDCR2025) gathering.

Hosted by UKZN at the Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre, the themes were ‘Sustainable Digital Intelligent Frontiers’ (SAICSIT) and ‘Towards a Sustainable Digital Economy’ (FDCR), with the two-day event proving to be a melting pot of intellectual engagement, technological innovation and cultural celebration.

Supported by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the conference attracted academics, industry leaders, policymakers and students from across Africa and beyond. The event featured more than 80 paper presentations, four keynote addresses, and a high-level panel discussion occasion.

The guest of honour, Consul-General of India in Durban Dr Thelma John David, delivered an address that underscored the growing collaboration between India and South Africa in the fields of technology, innovation and Higher Education. David’s message highlighted the need for shared progress, ethical leadership and cultural diplomacy in shaping the future digital economy.

In her opening address, Conference Chair and UKZN Academic Leader in Information Systems and Technology Professor Upasana Singh, emphasised the importance of collaboration, digital transformation and inclusive innovation. Singh’s sentiment was echoed throughout the conference as speakers and delegates explored emerging technologies, from Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and cybersecurity to blockchain, digital twins and data analytics.

Address highlights included:

•    Professor Kiran Bhujun (Mauritius) on Leveraging AI for Higher Education Transformation

•    Professor Darelle van Greunen (South Africa) on Inclusive Digital Education and Bridging the Digital Divide

•    Professor Arthur Mutambara (Zimbabwe/South Africa) on AI as a Catalyst for Inclusive Development in the Global South

•    Dr Ntsako Baloyi (Accenture South Africa) on AI as an Enabler for Sustainable Digital Economies

The FDCR sessions, co-ordinated and chaired by Dr Karen Calteaux of the CSIR, showcased cutting-edge research in cloud computing, Internet of Things, cybersecurity and AI, reaffirming South Africa’s leading role in foundational digital capability building.

A standout feature was the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)-sponsored panel session on Digital Resilience in the Age of AI-Driven Threats, moderated by Ms Melissa Naidoo and led by Mr Kenneth Palliam – both from the South African Chapter of ISACA - and fellow cybersecurity experts. It highlighted the urgent need for robust digital governance in an era of AI proliferation.

Other sessions tackled topics including machine learning, cybersecurity in schools, natural language processing and the role of AI in promoting African languages. Young researchers and postgraduate students were especially visible, demonstrating the growing talent pipeline in African digital innovation.

True to its holistic approach, the conference incorporated a chair yoga session, hosted by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) of the Consulate-General of India, reminding delegates of the need for balance between digital intensity and personal wellness.

The festivities culminated in a spectacular gala dinner under the theme Rainbow Safari: Celebrating South African Diversity. Guests dazzled in attire inspired by South African, African and Indian aesthetics. Cultural performances by the SVCC’s Indo-African dance troupe and smooth jazz sounds created an atmosphere of unity and joy. Awards were presented to outstanding researchers, and comedian Aaron McIlroy brought laughter and levity to the evening.

In their closing remarks, Singh and Calteaux thanked participants, presenters, partners, and sponsors for their support, reaffirming the conference’s commitment to building inclusive, ethical, and sustainable digital futures. The spirit of ‘Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’ - I am because we are - resonated deeply throughout the event.

SAICSIT 2025 was more than a conference; it was a call to action for Africa’s digital scholars and innovators to lead the way in crafting intelligent, inclusive and sustainable technological solutions.

As delegates left the venue, the message was clear: The future is digital - and Africa is ready!

Words: Upasana Singh

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini

author : .
author email : .

Business Resilience, Continuity and Regeneration Focus of International Conference

Highlights of the Business Rescue Unit Conference.

The UKZN Business Rescue Unit (BRU) in the School of Commerce hosted the Third International Conference on Business Resilience, Continuity and Regeneration. 

The event was attended by established scholars, business leaders, policymakers and practitioners regarded as experts in areas of business resilience and financial market regeneration. 

Aptly themed: Flourishing in the VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity) World: Building Business and Financial Market Resilience, the conference focused on exploring and discussing ways to build resilience in businesses and financial markets in the face of the challenges presented by the VUCA world. 

In the opening address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Law and Management Studies, Professor Ernest Khalema, said the theme resonated strongly with the University Strategic Plan 2023-2032. 

“While businesses operate in turbulent times, the Higher Education sector has not been spared. Like traditional universities, we face fierce competition from private academic institutions. Rapid advancements in technology challenge us to rethink the way we conduct our business in order to remain relevant.”

The BRU, established during the COVID-19 pandemic to address financial challenges faced by businesses, aims to solve societal problems related to business resilience and turnaround.

A special tribute was paid to the founding members of the BRU, Professor Mabutho Sibanda, who was the Dean and Head of the former School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, and Professor Raj Rajaram – now based at the University of Johannesburg, for their bold vision to support businesses in distress. 

Over the past few years, the BRU has provided practical support to businesses through webinars and short courses to equip business owners with skills to avoid financial distress. The Unit has delivered training to business owners affiliated to the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the National Youth Development Agency; and Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA). 

The members of the Unit have actively conducted research on business turnaround strategies to inform policy and practice. Plans to develop a dedicated academic journal on business resilience topics are at an advanced stage. 

Conference keynote addresses were delivered by prominent industry champions and scholars including: Professor Gabriel Kabanda of the UKZN Graduate School of Business and Leadership; Mr Tidiane Kinda, Senior Resident Representative and Head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Office in South Africa; Ms Gugu Mkhize, Chief Executive Officer of INSETA; Professor Gordon Dash and Professor Nina Kajiji of the University of Rhode Island, USA; Dr Michael Sutcliffe, Partner at City Insight and Former eThekwini City Manager; and Professor Rizki Edmi Edison of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia.

Research papers presented at the conference empowered municipalities with tools to predict financial distress during macroeconomic downturns and strategies to mitigate financial risks and improve service delivery. Some research papers highlighted the role that could be played by institutions of Higher Education in cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship in South Africa through enhancing entrepreneurial education. 

Businesses were encouraged to embrace technological advancements in order to leverage AI in business turnaround and rehabilitation management. Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME) owners were shown how the Sustainable Development Goals could be used to enhance the resilience of their small businesses. 

The Founding Dean and Head of the new School of Commerce, Professor Stephen Mutula, delivered an address at the gala dinner and informed delegates about the developments which resulted in the formation of the new School through the merger of two previously distinct Schools – the School of Accounting Economics and Finance and the School of Management, Information Technology and Governance. 

Mutula explained that the School’s academic activities were linked to the broader University’s transformative strategic plan. 

Mutula commended the conference organisers for securing publication partnerships with accredited national and international journals in order to ensure that the deliberations were disseminated widely. Encouraging delegates, Mutula said: “It will be of no use to only keep the cutting-edge research on the niche areas of business rescue amongst us. As such, I urge you to convert your research into publications immediately after the conference.” 

Delivering their closing remarks, Conference Convenors, Professor Bomi Nomlala and Professor Paul Muzindutsi thanked the National Research Foundation (NRF); INSETA; and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority for the financial support which contributed to the success of the Third BRU Conference.

The week-long conference ended on a high note with a Gala Dinner as well as a boat cruise showcasing Durban.

Words: Hazel Langa

Photographs: Yola Ndzabe

author : .
author email : .