Award-winning jazz musician and UKZN academic, Dr Sibusiso Mashiloane’s PhD explored the complexities of music identity, uncovering its cultural roots and contemporary expressions.
Dr Andrew-John Bethke receives his Award in recognition of exceptional innovation in teaching and learning.Dr Andrew-John Bethke is the recipient of the University’s 2024 Distinguished Teachers’ Award (DTA), which recognises academics who demonstrate exceptional innovation in teaching, transformative learning outcomes, and sustained contributions to education.
Dr Luthando Ngema celebrated graduating with her PhD. 
Dr Helder Carlos highlighted the intersections between economics and sexualities.Dr Helder Carlos’ expansion of biblical knowledge and fostering inclusion of marginalised sectors of our society, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual and other sexually or gender diverse (LGBTIQA+) people, has earned him a PhD in the School of Religion, Philosophy, and Classics.
Ms Belinda Crawford, who graduated with a Master of Theology, explored the characterisation of Esther and Mordecai.
Cum laude masters pass for Ms Kayleigh Timmer.
Ms Phindile Mdluli is triumphant after completing her master’s degree at UKZN.“Exploring the Role of Social Support Among People Living with Cancer. A Case Study of the Natal Settlers Memorial Homes, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal” was the title of Ms Phindile Mdluli’s master’s research.
Master’s graduate, Ms Skhulile Mbatha looked at how NGOs uplift Chesterville through support and local initiatives.‘I’ve always wanted to start my own NGO,’ says Ms Skhulile Mbatha. Having earned her Master of Social Science in Development Studies, her dissertation, “Role of NGOs in Alleviating Poverty and Creating Sustainable Livelihoods: A Case of Chesterville Township, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal”, explores the real impact of non-governmental organisations on one of Durban’s most vulnerable communities.
Dr Beverly Vencatsamy’s thesis reimagines Religious Studies through student-centred, decolonised pedagogy.
Ms Thandeka Gumede’s thesis explores cultural nuance in isiZulu-English media translation.
Ms Hlengiwe Ngubane’s Masters in Architecture delves into Africanist perspectives.Motivated by a desire to honour her late mother, Ms Hlengiwe Ngubane’s Masters in Architecture explored Africanist thought by investigating how Nguni spiritual healing and biomedical practices can coexist in architectural design.
Ms Yoliswa Madondo achieved her Bachelor of Arts, Honours in English Studies.
Mr Minenhle Mbanjwa graduated with a master’s degree in Social Sciences.The rising prevalence of out-of-wedlock childbearing and declining marriage rates prompted Mr Minenhle Mbanjwa to investigate the attitudes of unmarried male students in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, toward marriage and parenthood for his Master’s degree in Social Sciences.
All smiles for masters graduate Ms Thembile Mthembu.
Mr Yeshlin Naidoo celebrates attaining his Master’s in Architecture.
Ms Nompumelelo Zuma’s master’s dissertation tackles urban decay in Durban’s Point Precinct.With sound experience spanning architecture, construction project management, and urban planning, Master of Town and Regional Planning graduate Ms Nompumelelo Zuma used her knowledge of Durban’s dynamic urban landscape to explore and confront the complex realities of the city’s decline.
PhD graduate, Dr Blessing Msomi investigated the silent suffering of male Intimate Partner Violence victims.
The cultural practice of ilobolo was explored in the master’s study by Mr Nicholas Tsiri, highlighting cultural shifts and economic pressures.Earning a Master of Social Science in Community Development was more than an academic achievement for Mr Nicholas Tsiri - it was a deeply personal journey rooted in his upbringing, faith and a cultural practice that has shaped many lives: ilobolo.
Mr Mkhuseli Myeni’s master’s dissertation explores African cosmology architecture.