15 May 2024
Volume: 12
Issue: 14
Dr Siyanda Cele earned himself a PhD in Social Justice Education.

Research Unpacks the Obstacles Confronting Black African Undergraduate Students

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Gaining university entrance is the aim of many South African students and ushers in an exciting time, signifying a bright future.

PhD graduate Melusi Dlamini explored masculinity and love in a South African township.

Young Black Men and Transformative Relationships

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Dr Melusi Dlamini’s PhD study considered the lives of young Black men navigating love and intimacy in South African townships; challenging reductive stereotypes, revealing the transformative power of romantic relationships in reshaping traditional masculinities.

Cheers to Dr Pierre Goldie who graduates at 74!

God and Ancestors in Catholicism

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Inspired by a deep sense of purpose and guided by the Holy Spirit, UKZN’s oldest graduate at the 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremonies at 74, Parish Priest Pierre Goldie’s academic journey culminated in an investigation into the evolving perception of sacred power among Black, urban, isiXhosa-speaking Catholics within the Catholic Archdiocese of Cape Town.

Exploring teachers experience of constructive alignment for his master’s, Mr Phelelani Maphalala.

Cum Laude Study on Improving Physical Science Teaching

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Mr Phelelani Maphalala was awarded his Master’s in Education cum laude for his study that investigated teachers’ experiences and the rationale for Constructive Alignment (CA) practices in poorly-performed subjects.

Cum laude master’s graduate Ms Zandile Mhlongo navigates gender and sexual double standards on social media.

Masters Cum Laude Study looks at Double Standards of Social Media

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Ms Zandile Mhlongo graduated cum laude with a Master of Education in Gender and Education. Her study, entitled: Teenage Girls Navigating Gender and Sexual Double Standards on Social Media Platforms: A Case Study of 14-18-Year-Old High School Girls in the South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, explored how teenage girls navigate the sexual double standards that results in them being blamed for their sexual victimisation on social media platforms.

Master’s graduate, Ms Silondiwe Mulaudzi.

Research Explores Pastors’ Personal Challenges During COVID-19

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Masters graduate, Ms Silondiwe Mulaudzi’s study focused on the personal challenges confronted by pastors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Dorah Mutula’s PhD study focused on the leadership experiences of female principals in rural schools.

Female Principals’ Leadership Experiences in Rural Schools Examined in PhD

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Dr Dorah Mutula achieved her PhD in Social Justice Education. Her thesis, Female Principals’ Leadership Experiences in Rural Schools in KwaZulu-Natal, employed intersectionality to uncover the multiple gendered challenges they face.

Doctor of Philosophy graduate, Dr Rabia Rizvi.

Challenging Gender Norms and Paving Pathways to Inclusion

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From 12 to 15: Girls, Boys, Gender and Sexuality at a High School in the North West Province, a thesis by Doctor of Philosophy graduate Dr Rabia Rizvi examines the complex landscape of school environments.

Ms Phumelele Basi graduated with a master’s for a study examining young women’s experiences on Instagram.

Summa Cum Laude Study on Social Media and Body Image

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Young Women’s Experiences of “Sexy Bodies” on Instagram: A Case Study by summa cum laude master’s graduate in Gender Studies Phumelele Basi investigated how female preservice teachers interpreted and experienced body images on Instagram and the impact on their own self-perceptions.

Master of Education in Social Justice Reform graduate, Ms Nomonde Cele.

Master’s Cum Laude Highlights Perpetuation of Gender Inequalities in IsiZulu Literature

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UKZN staffer, Ms Nomonde Cele graduated with a master’s cum laude for her study on Gender Representation in IsiZulu Literature and its Perpetuation of Gender Inequalities.

Celebrating her achievement cum laude master’s graduate Ms Sinethemba Ntshangase.

Cum Laude Pass for Novel Dissertation

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Ms Sinethemba Ntshangase, who graduated with her Master’s in Social Science cum laude, humbly describes herself as ‘just a girl from the dusty rural area of Nkandla.’ She credits her loving parents for her success.

Mr Xolisani Silolo graduated with a master’s degree.

Single and Pregnant in the Methodist Church

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Methodist Minister Mr Xolisani Silolo was awarded a Master’s in Gender and Religion for his exploration of gendered church discipline within the Methodist Church. The study was inspired by witnessing the unjust treatment of single, pregnant women.