Dr Sanele Mbambo, the first South African to graduate with a PhD in Town and Regional Planning in KZN. 
Dr Sphesihle Zuma graduated with a PhD in Education.
Dr Themba Mgwaba graduated with a PhD in Development Studies.The socially constructed meaning of ukujola casual relationships and how they fuel the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, were examined in research conducted by Dr Themba Mgwaba for his PhD in Development Studies from UKZN.
Mrs Nonhlanhla Kunene graduated with her Master of Commerce degree.
Dr Bongani Mkhize graduated with a PhD in Social Sciences.A 67-year-old UKZN lecturer and retired HR practitioner, Dr Bongani Mkhize, has graduated with a PhD in Social Sciences for research that analysed strike participation at Transnet port terminals in KwaZulu-Natal.
Dr Londeka Ngubane received a PhD in Criminology.Perceptions of corporal punishment by children - giving recognition to their voices as potential victims of such punishment despite it being banned in South African schools in 1996 - were evaluated by Dr Londeka Ngubane in her thesis for a PhD in Criminology.
UKZN Corporate Relations staff member, Dr Tasmeera Singh received her Doctorate in Education.
Masters in Social Sciences graduates, Ms Sarah Jane O’Connell and Ms Claire Mondlana.
Master’s in Population Studies graduate Mr Sthembiso Pollen Mkhize.Mr Sthembiso Pollen Mkhize graduated with a Master’s in Population Studies degree for his research, which provided insight into the use of sexual health services by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students in Durban.
PhD graduates, Dr Samuel Fikiri Cinini (left) and Dr Patrick Bashizi Bashige Murhula, with UKZN’s Professor Shanta Balgobind Singh.
Dr Mathodi Motsamayi received a PhD in Art history.
Professor Kathleen Pithouse-Morgan and Dr Mvuselelo Ngcoya received Distinguished Teachers’ Awards.Academics from the College of Humanities, Professor Kathleen Pithouse-Morgan (School of Education) and Dr Mvuselelo Ngcoya (School of Built Environment and Development Studies) have been recognised by UKZN for excellence in teaching.
Dr Sheeren Saloojee seen with College of Humanities Dean of Research, Professor Pholoho Morojele.
Mr Melusi Mntungwa received a Master of Arts degree cum laude.
Dr Aradhana Ramnund-Mansingh received a PhD in Social Sciences degree.Exploring the link between institutional culture and the career advancement of female academics in Higher Education was the focus of research conducted by Dr Aradhana Ramnund-Mansingh for her PhD in Social Sciences degree.
Ms Nokwanele Mhlongo graduated with a Master’s in Population Studies degree.An interest in family dynamics led to Ms Nokwanele Mhlongo doing research on the effect of absent fathers on families and childcare responsibilities. Mhlongo specifically focused on the perspectives and experiences of fathers aged between 18 and 24.
Ms Belinda Crawford received a degree in Theology.
PhD in Education graduate, Dr Ntombi Mxenge.A desire to experience and gain a better understanding of how teachers learn when they are together in education department clusters motivated Dr Ntombi Mxenge, who graduated with a PhD in Education degree, for her research into teacher development.
Dr Samuel Okunade received a PhD in Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies.Strategies used by the inhabitants of border communities in north-eastern Nigeria regarding their safety and well-being in the face of activities by Boko Haram Islamic insurgents was the focus of doctoral research by Dr Samuel Okunade who graduated with a PhD in Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies.
Ms Sandisiwe Macozoma graduated with a Master of Arts (Sociology).