28 August 2026
Volume: 14
Issue: 27
Ms Antoinette Botha, Director of Professional Services at UKZN’s College of Humanities.

Leading Through Service, Resilience and the Power of People

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For Ms Antoinette Botha, Director of Professional Services at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) College of Humanities, leadership has never been simply about the position one holds.

UKZN’s Acting Investigations Officer, Mrs Zinhle Ngcobo.

Leading the Charge: How Zinhle Ngcobo is Building a Safer UKZN

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Ms Zinhle Ngcobo is making a meaningful difference at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) through her dedication to supporting survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and helping to create a safer, more inclusive university community.

Ms Shakila Thakurpersad.

Rising Above: Shakila’s Story of Survival

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In 2018, a routine mammogram abruptly shifted Ms Shakila Thakurpersad’s world from managing institutional logistics to navigating medical consultations, surgeries, and recovery.

UKZN’s Science and Technology Education Centre Officer, Ms Lexia Naidoo.

Making Science Visible and Inspiring the Next Generation

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For Ms Lexia Naidoo, science education is about more than sharing knowledge.

Ms Nokuthula Sithole, Senior Administrator at UKZN’s Teaching Practice Office.

Serving with Compassion: Mam’ Thula’s Legacy of Support and Dignity

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For Mrs Nokuthula Sithole, affectionately known as Mam’ Thula, supporting students is about much more than administrative responsibility.

Ms Karen Suter finds purpose in helping others, drawing strength from her family, colleagues and community while navigating life with multiple autoimmune conditions.

Finding Strength and Purpose Through Service

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Ms Karen Suter describes herself as “a ray of sunshine”, an optimism that has carried her through a long career at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the challenges of living with multiple autoimmune conditions.
Professor Tricia Naicker received the Distinguished Young Woman Researcher award at the 23rd South African Women in Science Awards.

Celebrating Excellence and Shattering Glass Ceilings

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This Women’s Month, South Africa not only celebrates the legacy of women’s strength, but the brilliant minds actively shaping our future.

UKZN student, Ms Sphesihle Fihlela, is making waves as a student-athlete on the South African rugby stage after her recent selection to the Springbok Women’s Sevens Training Camp.

From Soccer Newcomer to Springbok Women’s Sevens Hopeful

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Just over a year ago, Ms Sphesihle Fihlela was a soccer player who decided to try something new.

Ms Tina le Roux, Lighting Technician and Production Manager at UKZN’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, is helping light the way for women in technical theatre.

Tina le Roux Lights the Way for Women in Technical Theatre

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Lighting does more than illuminate a stage. For Ms Tina le Roux, it shapes emotion, focuses an audience’s attention and becomes a storyteller in its own right.

Senior Administrative Officer in the School of Medicine, Ms Khanyi Khuzwayo.

Lifelong Learning and Service Excellence Drive School of Medicine Administrator

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For Senior Administrative Officer in the School of Medicine, Ms Khanyi Khuzwayo, success is built through consistent effort, lifelong learning and a commitment to serving others.

Ms Zintwezinhle Ntshangase, Executive Personal Assistant to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of UKZN’s College of Law and Management Studies.

Respect and Empathy Shape a Quiet but Powerful Approach to Leadership

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For Ms Zintwezinhle Ntshangase, effective university administration goes beyond managing diaries, correspondence, and committee processes. It requires empathy, discretion, and a commitment to helping people access the support they need.

Staff and students of UKZN’s 2026 STEM MentHER programme.

Empowering the Next Generation: UKZN Marks Women’s Month with 2026 STEM MentHER Cohort

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As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month - a time dedicated to honouring female leadership and championing equality - the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).