18 September 2025
Volume: 13
Issue: 31
Dr Kiara Rampaul is driving change by designing inclusive public spaces that serve everyone.

PhD Study Investigates Inclusive Design and Use of Public Space

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Concern and curiosity about the nature of the infrastructure building process impacting certain groups in Cape Town and Durban led to Dr Kiara Rampaul embarking on a PhD study.

All smiles: Ms Amahle Khanyile, the youngest to graduate at this year’s Spring Graduations.

UKZN’s Youngest Graduate This Spring: Amahle Buhle Khanyile Earns Degree at 20

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At just 20 years old, Ms Amahle Buhle Khanyile is demonstrating that age is no barrier to success.

Dr Lindokuhle Ngcobo earns his PhD under the Discipline of Policy and Development Studies.

Policeman Stays ‘on the Beat’ while Studying for PhD

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Constable Lindokuhle Ngcobo took on the challenge of studying for a PhD while continuing with his job as a policeman…and succeeded. 

Architectural graduate, Ms Chloé Naidoo’s master’s research explores the intersection of gender and space.

Architecture, Gender, and Space: A Response Rooted in Lived Experience

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Architectural student Ms Chloé Naidoo’s master’s research examines the intersection of gender, race, class, and spatial hierarchy in relation to spatial experience.

Ms Sthembile Mabaso’s master’s study explores the lived experiences of teenage mothers in Pietermaritzburg.

Exploring the Lives of Teenage Mothers

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What is it like to grow up while raising a child? For many teenage mothers, the answer is layered with stigma, resilience and cultural realities which are often ignored. 

Master’s graduate, Ms Refilwe Mmopi, explores transgenerational trauma and its role in interventions.

Understanding the Concept of Transgenerational Trauma

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Master’s graduate in Clinical Psychology, Ms Refilwe Mmopi, has authored an impactful dissertation, titled: ‘Exploring the Concept of Transgenerational Trauma, its Impact on Subsequent Generations, and its Use in Intervention Programmes: A Scoping Review’. 

Dr Kasuzi C Mbaluko’s ground-breaking doctoral research uncovers the realities of sex tourism in Malawi.

Beyond the Surface: PhD Explores Sex Tourism in Malawi

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Ground-breaking research titled: ‘Unpacking the Social and Economic Dynamics of Sex Tourism in Malawi’, explores one of the most complex and under-researched topics in southern Africa - the realities of sex tourism in Malawi. 

Ms Clarisa Pillay explores the impact of parenting styles on emotional intelligence in adolescents through a scoping review.

Counselling Psychology Focus of Master’s Research

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Ms Clarisa Pillay was awarded a Master of Social Science in Counselling Psychology degree, adding impetus to her commitment to mental health advocacy.

Ms Celumusa Jele earns her Master’s degree in Cultural and Heritage Tourism.

Durban’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Investigated for Master’s Degree

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Ms Celumusa Jele has successfully completed her Master’s degree in Social Sciences, producing a study that critically examined the multiple pressures affecting the tourism and hospitality industry in Durban. 

Dr Celuzuze Mabaso-Zondi challenges the influence of cultural beliefs, social support, and motherhood in her ground-breaking research.

From Waiting Room to Red Gown: Graduate Earns PhD in Anthropology

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For Dr Celuzuze Mabaso-Zondi, earning a PhD in Anthropology wasn’t part of a grand life plan - it was an act of survival, resilience, and ultimately, self-discovery.

Ms Mandisa Thundzi, an aspiring social worker, celebrates graduating with her master’s degree from UKZN.

Informal Caregivers - the Unsung Heroes of Communities

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Ms Mandisa Thundzi received a Master of Social Science degree from UKZN for a study born out of personal history and professional exposure.

Fit to celebrate: Dr Candice Leith’s PhD in Human Sciences challenges gender norms in CrossFit.

PhD Study Challenges Gender Norms in CrossFit

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For Dr Candice Leith, achieving her PhD in Human Sciences represents far more than an academic milestone.

Dr Sean Beckett celebrates his PhD with (left to right) mom, Ms Wendy Schultz, partner, Ms Kathryn Watt and mother-in-law, Ms Linda Watt.

Doctorate Research Looks at National Health Insurance Reform

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Dr Sean Beckett, a Research Fellow at the Health Economics HIV/AIDS Research Division (HEARD), a research centre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, has graduated with his Doctorate in Psychology. 

PhD graduate, Dr Bongiwe Majola, investigated the factors contributing to violence in community protests.

PhD Graduate Explores the Underlying Causes of Protest Violence in eThekwini

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Frustrated by a lack of service delivery, communities often resort to protest action to express frustration and attract the attention of municipalities and political leaders.

Ms Palesa Pitso master’s study examines youth alcohol abuse in South Durban.

Confronting Youth Alcohol Abuse in the South Durban Basin

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In communities across the South Durban Basin, alcohol is more than just a social pastime - it is a coping mechanism for many young people facing unemployment, grief and daily struggles. Master’s graduate in Development Studies, Ms Palesa Pitso, witnessed this crisis up close and was motivated to investigate whether civil society interventions are truly making a difference.

An insightful study by Ms Thabisile Balarane maps evidence on mental health among survivors of domestic violence in SA.

The Hidden Scars of Domestic Violence

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Ms Thabisile Balarane’s master’s dissertation has shed light on the mental health challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence in South Africa.

Dr Reuben Kivuva’s study explores how social networks shape the success of Jua Kali entrepreneurs in Nairobi’s informal economy.

Under the Hot Sun: Kenya’s Jua Kali Artisans

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Sociology graduate Dr Reuben Kivuva’s PhD offers a pioneering analysis of Jua Kali artisans in Kenya, exploring how social networks shape entrepreneurial success in the informal economy. 

Dr Snothile Mkhize’s doctoral study explores disaster management on a national front.

PhD Research Reimagines Disaster Management in South Africa

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When the world shut down in 2020, Dr Snothile Mkhize saw more than just a health crisis - she saw a governance crisis.

Dr Zipho Snyman graduates with a PhD in Criminology and Forensic Studies, with a focus on the role of Community Police Forums.

PhD Study Explores Link Between Homelessness and Crime in KZN City Centres

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Dr Zipho Snyman researched the increase in crime involving homeless people in KwaZulu-Natal for her PhD. 

Ms Nolitha Duntsula graduates with her Master’s in Educational Psychology.

Master’s Research Explores Perceptions of Parents about ‘Intelligence Across Gender’

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Master’s graduate in Educational Psychology Ms Nolitha Duntsula investigated the perceptions parents have of ‘intelligence across gender’ in children. 

Master’s graduate, Ms Siyamkela Mlungwana, explores solid waste management strategies in informal settlements.

Solid Waste Management in Informal Settlements

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Growing up in Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal, master’s graduate Ms Siyamkela Mlungwana witnessed first-hand the deep contrasts between rural and suburban environments.