12 March 2026
Volume: 14
Issue: 3
Clockwise from left: Professor Rozena Maart, Professor Anthony Collins, Ms Philile Langa, and Professor Sarah Gibson.

UKZN Research Chair Spearheads National Debate on GBV and Justice

BY: .

The South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) in The Study of the National Question - officially launched in September last year - began the academic year with a two-day programme titled: ‘Gender-Based Violence and the National Question: Teaching and Learning Initiatives for Critical Research in the Next Decade’.

.

Tough Love - Is it the Key to Financial Prosperity for SA?

BY: .

Tough love in the financial sense seems to be producing good outcomes for the South African economy and the Government will no doubt hope the approach continues to do so in 2026.

Dr Viloshin Govender (centre) with Architectural Studies students.

Designing Dignity: Student Innovation for Sustainable Urban Environments

BY: .

Click here for isiZulu version

Under the leadership of third year co-ordinator Dr Viloshin Govender, a University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) senior lecturer in the School of Architecture, a studio project was conceived to explore architecture’s role in social responsibility.

At the conference are (from left): Professor Katherine Malan (Unisa), Professor Patricia Makoni (UCT), Ms Nomfundo Mthembu (UKZN), Mr Davy Rammila (Unisa), and Professor Safia Mahomed (Unisa).

Medical Law Expert Delivers Keynote Address on Digital Innovation and Reproductive Justice

BY: .

A Medical Law expert from the School of Law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Ms Nomfundo Mthembu, was a keynote speaker at the Unisa College of Law (CLAW) Digital Technology Conference held at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria from 24 to 26 February this year.

Professor Shenuka Singh.

UKZN Professor Appointed to International Editorial Board

BY: .

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has welcomed the international recognition of one of its leading academics, Professor Shenuka Singh, following her appointment to the International Editorial Board of Brazilian Oral Research (BOR).

Professor Gerry Bokana.

DRC’s Institutional Fragility and Economic Underperformance the Subject of New Book

BY: .

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) academic Professor Gerry Bokana and colleague Dr John M Ulimwengu have authored a book titled: Rethinking the Democratic Republic of Congo: Anatomy of a State in Perpetual Reconstruction.

First-year students in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science attend the Academic Success Bootcamp.

First-Year Students Set on Early Path to Academic Success

BY: .

Click here for isiZulu version

The College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently hosted its 2026 Academic Success Bootcamp, welcoming more than 1 200 first-time entering students (FTENS) across the Westville and Pietermaritzburg campuses.

Leading Family Medicine specialists at the annual meeting.

UKZN Strengthens National Collaboration to Advance Family Medicine Training

BY: .

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has reaffirmed its leadership in postgraduate medical education following the successful EPA4FM-SA Annual Collaborative Planning and Evaluation Meeting in Johannesburg.

Professor David Silverman, world-renowned qualitative research scholar.

UKZN Webinar Features World-Renowned Qualitative Research Expert

BY: .

The Discipline of Psychology in the School of Social Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) hosted a webinar titled ‘Reimagining Qualitative Research’, with the highlight being an address by Professor David Silverman, a globally respected authority in qualitative methodology.

UKZN academics (from left) Professor Pragashnie Govender, Dr Nonjabulo Ndaba, Mr Luther Monareng, Professor Deshini Naidoo, and Dr December Mpanza.

UKZN Occupational Therapy Academics Shine at Global WFOT Congress in Bangkok

BY: .

Academics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal's (UKZN) Occupational Therapy Department made a significant impact at the 19th World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Congress, held from February 9-12 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
Many continue to mourn the tragic loss of student, Ms Zinhle Mchunu (left). Her memory was recently honoured at a University memorial, attended by her family, where Ms Nonzaliseko Madonsela (right) spoke on their behalf.

UKZN Honours Life and Memory of Zinhle Mchunu, Student Slain in GBV Tragedy

BY: .

Click here for isiZulu version

A sombre hall packed with family, friends, lecturers and others, mourned the loss of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) student, Ms Zinhle Mchunu. Her life was taken during a heinous act of gender-based violence.

Dr Sarisha Harrylal assisting with the preparation of a Phoenix rocket avionics payload before launch.

UKZN ASRI Engineer Appointed to SA Council for Space Affairs

BY: .

High-flying engineer, Dr Sarisha Harrylal of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI), has been appointed as a member of the SA Council for Space Affairs (SACSA).

Dr Nomonde Mvelase.

UKZN Appoints New Head of Discipline of Medical Microbiology

BY: .

Dr Nomonde Mvelase is the new Head of Discipline of Medical Microbiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), bringing with her more than 15 years of experience as a specialist pathologist, researcher and academic leader.

Professor Baiba Trinite (fifth from left) with UKZN Speech-Language Therapy students and lecturers.

International Voice Expert Shares Insights on Vocal Health with UKZN Students

BY: .

Speech-Language Therapy students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently gained valuable insights into vocal health and voice ergonomics during a guest lecture by internationally recognised voice researcher Professor Baiba Trinite from the Liepaja Academy at Riga Technical University in Latvia.

GSB&L and University of North Carolina representatives interact at a sustainability and social enterprise event.

UKZN Hosts University of North Carolina MBA Students and Academics

BY: .

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), through its Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L), recently welcomed 26 MBA students and three faculty members from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Kenan-Flagler Business School in the United States.

From left: Dr Nokukhanya Msomi, Dr Nqobile Jaca-Phakathi, Professor Sabiha Yusuf Essack, and Professor Yunus Moosa.

Zoonotic Spillover and Pandemic Preparedness

BY: .

A webinar panel of leading experts from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) examined the growing threat of diseases that spread from animals to humans and what the world must do to prepare.

Ms Luyolo Nqala.

UKZN Student Awarded Allan Gray Fellowship to Advance Entrepreneurial Leadership

BY: .

Click here for isiZulu version

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is celebrating the selection of second-year Bachelor of Commerce student Ms Luyolo Nqala into the highly competitive Allan Gray Fellowship Programme - a prestigious initiative aimed at cultivating entrepreneurial-minded leaders across South Africa.

Highlights from the activist week at UKZN’s Howard College campus.

Rethinking and Unthinking Social Movements and Activism in South Africa

BY: .

Activists from 17 South African civil society organisations were at the annual activist week themed: 'Rethinking and Unthinking Social Movements and Activism in South Africa' hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Centre for Civil Society (CCS).

Attendees at the launch of the 13th Champions Cohort and Young Researchers Programme at UKZN.

GSB&L Launches 13th Champions and Young Researchers Programmes

BY: .

The Regional and Local Economic Development Initiative (RLEDi) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's (UKZN) Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L) has launched the 13th cohort of its Champions and LED Young Researchers Programmes.

Dr Vino Paideya with her LearnSci Teaching Innovation Award.

Chemistry Lecturer’s Teaching Innovation Attracts Awards

BY: .

Dr Vino Paideya of the Discipline of Chemistry in the School of Agriculture and Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is receiving local and international accolades for her pre-lab interactive resources, developed to help first-year students overcome barriers, build confidence and improve their conceptual understanding in chemistry.